Our 12th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, made its way to
East St. Louis (Ill.). The Flyers of East St. Louis finished an undefeated season with a 26-13 win over Plainfield North in the 7A state championship.
The title was their first since 2008 and their eighth overall. East St. Louis football, who finished their season ranked No. 70 in the nation according to the MaxPreps computer poll, was also one of only 50 football teams to receive the Army National Guard national ranking trophy for being highly ranked out of 15,000 schools nationwide.
On Friday Feb. 3, at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game, the trophy ceremony commenced. The stands were absolutely packed with students, faculty, parents, and siblings as the football team took the court accompanied by MaxPreps and the Illinois Army National Guard.
After a brief introduction, MaxPreps representative Will Arens took the microphone. He spoke on East St. Louis phenomenal season, which ended undefeated and hoisting the 7A Illinois State Championship trophy.
Sergeant First Class William Ingles of the Illinois Army National Guard continued the ceremony. Sergeant Ingles explained how the work ethic, passion, and intangibles put forth from this team throughout their season are very similar to those of the Army National Guard.
Photo By Precision Sports Entertainment
As the crowd rose to their feet in applause, Coach Darren Sunkett was presented with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy what will always be a reminder of the supreme sacrifice and effort it took to win the state championship. With this award and the Flyers high ranking, it became evident that East St. Louis football was not only one of the best teams in Illinois, but in the entire country.
Congratulations East St. Louis football on finishing the season ranked No. 70 nationally by MaxPreps and your State Championship!
Click here to view the East St. Luois TOC photo gallery and for more information about the Football TOC, please visit the MaxPreps Tour of Champions site.
Photo By Precision Sports Entertainment
