Phillips Makes Football History, Despite Challenges
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago Public School on the South Side made history on the football field over the Thanksgiving weekend, winning a state title -- the first ever by a Public League team.
CBS 2's Vince Gerasole caught up with some of the members of the Phillips Academy Wildcats, along with their family and fans, after the team buried Belleville-Altoff 51-7 in DeKalb.
"We did what we had to do," quarterback Quayvon Skanes said. "It wasn't easy."
When Skanes says that, he's also talking about a team staying determined in spite of challenges just outside their front door.
"We just have to stay focused due to all the violence that's going on," he said. "People living in bogus neighborhoods and having to come to school."
Quayvon's father, Quincy, was cheering his son on from the stands, watching his son achieve a dream of a lifetime.
"That's the ultimate thing you can ask as a parent," he said. "Especially what's going on in the city, you need something positive. It's a blessing to have a child like that."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is also sending a shoutout to the team.
In a statement, he said the Phillips Wildcats "have proven to be the true definition of determination. We celebrate them as the pride of Bronzeville and all of Chicago."