Other than Marist, which defeated Nazareth Academy a 34-13 during the regular season, the Roadrunners’ toughest opponent this season was Simeon.
Nazareth edged the Wolverines 34-27 in the IHSA Class 7A quarterfinals at Gately Stadium on Nov. 10. In the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, Nazareth stuffed Simeon on two runs inside the 3-yard line in the closing seconds of the game to secure the victory. The Wolverines tried to get off one more play but the clock expired.
The Roadrunners (12-1), who also beat Batavia 48-27 in the 7A semifinals, will take on St. Charles North in the state finals on Saturday, Nov. 24, in Champaign.
However, the Simeon Alumni Association and parents of players filed a lawsuit Nov. 16 against the IHSA in Cook County Circuit Court.
The attorney for the Simeon Alumni Association, Shay Allen, did not respond to a phone call from the Landmark seeking more information.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the lawsuit asks a judge to force the IHSA to declare no winner from the Nazareth-Simeon game. Additionally, the lawsuit asks that Richard Mercado and the game officials from the quarterfinal not be allowed to officiate any IHSA games.
Per the suit, Mercado, who the Sun-Times says was identified as a Nazareth football parent and also is a referee employed by the IHSA, acted improperly by violating several IHSA rules during the game.
Although Mercado was not working the game, he was dressed in a referee’s uniform and was seen interacting with the game officials before and during the same, according to Simeon alumni and parents.
After the game, the Sun-Times reported, Mercado allegedly posted the following on social media: “I did what was needed to make sure Naz won.”
The IHSA, which is the state’s governing athletic body, has not responded to the lawsuit yet.
The Nazareth Academy administrsation is not making a statement at this time per email reponses from Nazareth prinicipal Therese Hawkins and head football coach Tim Racki to the Landmark.
