Willowbrook quarterback sets state record

Willowbrook senior Brian Johnson, the quarterback of Willowbrook's football team, threw for a state-record 675 yards during the Sept. 6 game against Lyons Township High School.

Johnson also sits fifth on the national all-time list, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. Since the game, Johnson has received several honors for his accomplishment, including being named Comcast SportsNet Chicago Allstate High School Athlete Of The Week and receiving the Bears High School All-Star award for Week 2 of the high school football season. With that award, Johnson will be recognized on the scoreboard during the Sept. 15 Bears game and also will be invited to be recognized during a game later in the season.

“It’s something special to make that many yards, but I give the credit to all my (teammates),” Johnson said. “They’re the ones putting me in the position to make those throws. We’re going to continue to play hard this season.”

Johnson plans to continue playing football in college, and Willowbrook Football Head Coach Nick Hildreth said any college that recruits Johnson will be getting “a steal.”

“It’s an honor for the whole group,” Hildreth said of Johnson’s state record. “That’s why football is the greatest game in the world. There are 11 players on the field at all times, and everyone has to do their job.”

Hildreth and Johnson said they were unaware during the game of how many yards Johnson had thrown, and they remain focused on the rest of the season.

“I’m just focused on playing the game,” Johnson said. “And I couldn’t ask for a better team out on the field with me.”

To see a Comcast SportsNet interview with Johnson and Hildreth, tune into "High School Lites" at 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 21. A written profile can be found at www.csnchicago.com.