Glenbrook South's Andrew Bonvechio and Parker Ward lead their team to a thrilling victory over Minooka in the IHSA Class 8A state playoffs, thanks in large part to the unbreakable bond between the quarterback and his receiver. The duo has been inseparable since third grade, and it shows on the field.
"We don't have three or four-star guys," Ward said about their recruiting profiles. "But our chemistry is off the charts. That's what leads to our success." Bonvechio added, "It's been great playing with him every year all the way to this level. What we are doing now feels amazing."
Their partnership proved to be the game-changer in the Titans' 27-14 win over Minooka. Bonvechio completed 13 of his 21 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown, while Ward hauled in six catches for 122 yards, including a 37-yard score that put Glenbrook South ahead for good.
But what made this game truly special was the Titans' defense, led by Rowan Lindsay, who snagged a tipped interception in the fourth quarter to quash Minooka's momentum. "That was huge," Lindsay said of the play. "We were in zone coverage and I dropped back...I just hustled down and had to make the play."
The victory marked another step forward for Glenbrook South, which has become a regular contender for the Super 25 rankings. For Bonvechio and Ward, it's about more than just winning games – they're building a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the program.
"We don't just want to win now," Bonvechio said. "We want to leave a legacy. Everything we do is to build the program's culture year by year. What we are doing now is going to get this program to the next level in ten years." And with their partnership at the heart of it all, Glenbrook South is ready to take on the best that Class 8A has to offer.
The Titans will face Barrington in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday. Despite being the underdog, Minooka coach Matt Harding praised his team's resilience. "Our kids have fought all year...It's an honor to be able to coach them."
Glenbrook South's David Schoenwetter credited his team's defense for keeping the Titans ahead in the second half, saying, "The offense didn't put them in the best situations...but they just kept fighting and they didn’t give up big plays." For Bonvechio and Ward, this victory is more than just a win – it's a testament to their friendship and teamwork.
				
			"We don't have three or four-star guys," Ward said about their recruiting profiles. "But our chemistry is off the charts. That's what leads to our success." Bonvechio added, "It's been great playing with him every year all the way to this level. What we are doing now feels amazing."
Their partnership proved to be the game-changer in the Titans' 27-14 win over Minooka. Bonvechio completed 13 of his 21 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown, while Ward hauled in six catches for 122 yards, including a 37-yard score that put Glenbrook South ahead for good.
But what made this game truly special was the Titans' defense, led by Rowan Lindsay, who snagged a tipped interception in the fourth quarter to quash Minooka's momentum. "That was huge," Lindsay said of the play. "We were in zone coverage and I dropped back...I just hustled down and had to make the play."
The victory marked another step forward for Glenbrook South, which has become a regular contender for the Super 25 rankings. For Bonvechio and Ward, it's about more than just winning games – they're building a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the program.
"We don't just want to win now," Bonvechio said. "We want to leave a legacy. Everything we do is to build the program's culture year by year. What we are doing now is going to get this program to the next level in ten years." And with their partnership at the heart of it all, Glenbrook South is ready to take on the best that Class 8A has to offer.
The Titans will face Barrington in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday. Despite being the underdog, Minooka coach Matt Harding praised his team's resilience. "Our kids have fought all year...It's an honor to be able to coach them."
Glenbrook South's David Schoenwetter credited his team's defense for keeping the Titans ahead in the second half, saying, "The offense didn't put them in the best situations...but they just kept fighting and they didn’t give up big plays." For Bonvechio and Ward, this victory is more than just a win – it's a testament to their friendship and teamwork.