The story of St. Francis High School’s football team reveals more than first meets the eye. While St. Francis is known as a football powerhouse, the reality for this and similar private schools is on a smaller scale. Last weekend, St. Francis fielded around 30 players during their trip to suburban Indianapolis. Their opponent, New Palestine, an Indiana state champion, brought double the number of players.
This scenario is familiar for the Spartans. Before claiming the Class 5A state title last fall, their notable victory came in 2024. They defeated Loyola, the largest private school in the Chicago area. Senior linebacker and receiver Peyton Shipley remembers that game vividly. “I remember warm-ups the most,” Shipley said. “We were warming up with like 35 dudes. They had, I don’t even know. They had like 130. It was crazy, seeing them and then us.” Despite the odds, the Spartans won 35-21 on the road. Later, Loyola secured the 8A state title.
St. Francis’ journey has been intriguing. When coach Bob McMillen, a former Arena Football League player, took over in 2017, the team experienced back-to-back 1-8 seasons. At the time, they were part of the Metro Suburban Conference. McMillen credits success to talented coaches and fitting players for the program.
“I’ve just been very fortunate,” McMillen said. “I have some really good coaches, but also getting the right type of kid that fits our program.”
McMillen, who attended IC Catholic in Elmhurst, another successful small private school, seems well-suited for St. Francis. Among larger western suburb schools, St. Francis has an enrollment of 684 according to the Illinois High School Association. Comparable schools Montini and IC Catholic have 551 and 277 students, respectively. All three are strong contenders for state titles this year.
Senior kicker Evan Kolinski appreciates life in a small school. “I feel like I created a deeper bond with these guys, because they’re in every single one of my classes,” Kolinski said.
St. Francis, which has claimed 14 state titles in girls volleyball, boasts some unique traits. Their black-and-blue turf field is visually striking. The team is also sponsored by Battle Sports, allowing varied uniform combinations and three helmet styles. “We’re like the Oregon of high school football,” McMillen said, highlighting the excitement it brings to the students.
Quarterback development is crucial to St. Francis’ success. Recent alumni include Tommy Rittenhouse and Alessio Milivojevic, who play for Illinois State and Michigan State, respectively.
During a recent game in New Palestine, Jadon Wilson, a junior quarterback, was sidelined due to injury. St. Francis, leading 17-7, struggled to maintain its advantage. Senior running back Tivias Caldwell Jr., a standout from last year’s champion team, scored an 80-yard touchdown just before halftime for a ten-point lead. Caldwell, from Bolingbrook, chose St. Francis early.
“This was my youth team’s home field, so I had a lot of chemistry with this team,” Caldwell said. “I think it was the right choice, because it was just a brotherhood, and then the tenacity we all have.”
The lack of large numbers might not seem advantageous but has hardly hindered success. Perhaps St. Francis should remember, “It only takes 11.”