Welcome to Rockne Stadium, where the Simeon Wolverines will host the traveling Morgan Park Mustangs. In a historic rivalry that began in 1978, this Illinois matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series.
Currently, Morgan Park has been in control of the series as they’ve won 4 out of the last 5 matchups against Simeon. Last season marked the Mustangs third straight win in the rivalry thanks to a dominant showing on both sides of the ball. Up until the third quarter, Morgan Park scored the game’s first 18 points before Simeon finally got on the board with their only touchdown of the game to make it 18-6. However, The Mustangs would respond with a rushing touchdown of their own followed by a successful 2-point conversion that gave them a 26-6 win over the Wolverines.
Mark your calendar for Saturday September 26th, as 10,000 fans will be on hand to see if Simeon can overcome their three-game losing streak to Morgan Park in “The Battle of Vincennes.”
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MVP
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
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Simeon Career Academy
Morgan Park
GAME SUMMARY
The Chicago high school football rivalry between Simeon Career Academy and Morgan Park brought another competitive matchup as the Wolverines and Mustangs faced off in a battle between two familiar city rivals. Simeon came out strong to open the game, striking first with a touchdown in the opening quarter to take an early 6–0 lead. Although the Wolverines were unable to convert the extra point, their early score gave them the advantage as both teams settled into what quickly became a defensive battle. Morgan Park looked to answer after falling behind early, but Simeon’s defense continued to make things difficult for the Mustangs throughout the opening quarter. The Wolverines were able to hold onto their 6–0 advantage through the end of the first, putting Morgan Park in a position where they would have to respond. That response came in the second quarter. Morgan Park began to find its rhythm offensively, eventually breaking through when Will Smith found the end zone for the Mustangs’ first touchdown of the afternoon, tying the game at 6–6. With the score even, the matchup began to shift into a back-and-forth battle as both defenses worked to keep the opposing offense from gaining control. Simeon continued to battle and put together several promising possessions, moving the football and coming close to extending drives that could have put the Wolverines back in front. Morgan Park’s defense, however, continued to come up with stops when it needed them, keeping Simeon from adding to its six first-quarter points. As the game moved into the second half, Morgan Park began to take control of the momentum. After a tightly contested opening half, the Mustangs were able to create more opportunities offensively while their defense continued to shut the door on Simeon’s attempts to regain the lead. The Wolverines remained within striking distance and continued to fight on both sides of the ball, but Morgan Park gradually began to separate itself on the scoreboard. With Morgan Park holding the advantage late in the game, the Mustangs looked to finish the job and put the rivalry matchup away. Travez Jones delivered the final blow, finding the end zone for Morgan Park’s last touchdown of the afternoon and helping extend the Mustangs’ lead to 20–6. Simeon continued to battle until the final whistle, but Morgan Park’s defense completed an impressive performance by holding the Wolverines scoreless after their opening quarter touchdown. By the end of the afternoon, Morgan Park had turned an early 6–0 deficit into a 20–6 victory over Simeon Career Academy. No. 8 Raymond Gilbert was named the Game MVP after helping lead the Mustangs to the rivalry victory. In a matchup that started as a close defensive battle, Morgan Park’s ability to respond after falling behind early, make key stops, and take control as the game progressed ultimately proved to be the difference.
