Raiders Land Three on All-State First Team
The Bolingbrook High School state champion football team continued its slew of postseason awards by landing three on the Chicago Tribune's all-state team.
You don't become Illinois state champions without having a few studs on your team.
And the Bolingbrook Raiders were no different this season.
Just a week removed from Bolingbrook High School's first-ever state championship—a 21-17 win against top-ranked Loyola Academy on Nov. 26—three of its work horses were honored with first-team all-state status by the Chicago Tribune.
Bolingbrook's junior quarterback Aaron Bailey, and senior linebacker Antonio Morrison and senior offensive guard Robbie Bain were each selected by the Tribune as best in the state.
Bailey, who was also a finalist for the Gatorade Player of the Year award, shined this season while rushing for 1,983 yards, passing for 1,039 yards while scoring 40 touchdowns. Bailey was easily one of the most important pieces to the championship puzzle as opposing defense's had a hard time keeping up with his ability pass or run for a score on any play.
Bailey undoubtedly boosted his recruiting status with a standout season. He's already been scouted by some of the top college football programs in the country.
The junior, who also highlights the Bolingbrook baseball team, will remain a top threat for the Bolingbrook Raiders when they begin defending their state title in 2012.
Morrison and Bain, meanwhile, helped anchor a defense that gave up just 191 points all season (13.6 points per game) and allowed an IHSA 8A state-record 182 yards of total offense to Loyola in the state title game.
Downers Grove South senior quarterback A.J. Simoncelli, who knows first-hand the wrath of the Raider defense—he was held to 7-of-16 passing for 111 yards and a touchdown, was sacked three times and lost a fumble in the Raiders' 47-19 win in the quartfinals of the IHSA 8A playoffs—said Bolingbrook's defense is top-notch, in large part due to Morrison and Bain.
“They have a great linebacking core, defensive line and defensive backs,” Simoncelli said. “Aaron Bailey is a great quarterback and they have a great offense, but their defense is very tough. They are fast, too strong and can shutout teams.”
Both Morrison, who is also a finalist for the Butkus Award, and Bain have committed to play for Division I NCAA schools next season—Morrison for Florida and Bain for Illinois.
For more on the Tribune's all-state selections, CLICK HERE.
Or click on these links for individual player profiles:
