With spirit week in full swing and anticipation building across campus, this year’s Homecoming game is shaping up to be more than just a football tradition – it’s a statement of strength, resilience, and new beginnings.
After the departure of former head coach Troy McAllister to Homewood-Flossmoor High School last spring, the team found itself facing major uncertainty. But since stepping into the role, Coach Seamus Murphy has wasted no time reshaping the team – and the results are already showing on the scoreboard.
Murphy explained that preparing for Homecoming hasn’t looked much different from any other game week, which is exactly the point.
“It looks the same as it does any other week,” Murphy said. “There can be many distractions, but the same routines.”
Under Murphy’s leadership, the team has seen a shift in attitude, performance, and team chemistry. With a record of 4-0 (as of September 19), they’ve exceeded early expectations and have brought a renewed sense of pride to the school.
Murphy and his coaching staff have emphasized a balance between enjoying the festivities of Homecoming week and staying locked in on Friday night’s matchup. “Have fun, enjoy Homecoming week,” Murphy said, “but don’t lose sight of the task at hand.”
Adding even more intrigue to the game, this year’s opponent is none other than the team now coached by CSHS’s former head coach. “The game is always a special game, right?” Murphy said. “The previous coach here went over to HF. Now he will be on the other sideline.”
Sandburg kicker Drew Drzonek stated, “I don’t think that there’s any added pressure playing against McAllister, but rather more hunger to win. This coaching switch motivated us through the off season, and we have been looking forward to playing HF all year. Coach Murphy asked us to have his back against Richards, and we came through for him. He said that against HF, he would have ours since both games were personal to both of us, so this game means so much to not only the team but the school. And we’re going to do what we have to to get the job done.”
Murphy highlights the challenge of facing HF’s skill and endurance as the biggest struggle with this matchup. “HF is gonna come with a lot of athleticism that we will have to combat and limit the play,” he explains.
Still, Murphy insists the focus remains inward. For Murphy, who is in his first season as head coach, the night will hold personal meaning as well.
“To be back at CS Football as the Head Coach is really cool,” said Murphy.
When asked about what he expected from the fans, he stated “The student body should keep the energy up – good, bad and ugly,” he said. “Superfans should bring the energy.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday night, and the stands are expected to be packed. Between the team’s momentum and the energy of the student section, this homecoming game promises to be one to remember. Whether you’re there for the game or just to soak in the school spirit, one thing is clear: this team has already won something bigger than a game – the hearts of their school.
