Blainey Dowling, senior quarterback for St. Xavier, played his first Chicago football game in four years, enduring a harsh 42-point loss amid pouring rain. Surprisingly, he described the experience as a blessing. Dowling, a Mount Carmel alum, faced significant challenges in his football career, including two elbow surgeries and recommendations for medical retirement during his time at Eastern Illinois.
“Retirement seemed like the best option initially,” Dowling admitted. “But I chose to come here, and every day has been a blessing.” Despite the loss, he threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars fell 59-17 to Indiana Wesleyan, a sixth-ranked team, in a Mid-States Football Association crossover game in Chicago.
Freshman wide receiver Coen Demack contributed with five catches for 81 yards, one being a 56-yard touchdown that gave St. Xavier a temporary 17-7 lead. Senior defensive back Owen Schickel added 14 tackles, including 10 solo stops, and forced two fumbles.
Indiana Wesleyan’s Arjun Lothe secured 278 passing yards and three touchdowns. Ryan Whitwell from Batavia excelled with 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Blake Brumbaugh, though catching only three passes, recorded 170 yards and three touchdowns.
Dowling’s comeback was in front of family and friends for the first time since 2022. That year, he was part of the Caravan’s journey to a state championship and earned the title of Daily Southtown’s player of the year. “I thank the Lord for this opportunity,” Dowling reflected. “My siblings were thrilled to watch me play.”
Despite the setback, Dowling previously impressed by throwing for 449 yards and four touchdowns in an earlier game against Taylor in Indiana. He received the MSFA Midwest League Offensive Player of the Week award.
“He has already made a significant impact,” said St. Xavier coach Mike Feminis. “He can make plays.” Feminis advises patience, acknowledging Dowling’s long break from play. “You can’t expect him to be at state championship level right away,” he explained.
Demack, a Bishop McNamara graduate, has become one of Dowling’s preferred targets with 27 catches for 352 yards and four touchdowns. “He’s a winner,” Demack said. “His intent to win is evident.”
Coach Feminis appreciates tough competition ahead of the MSFA Midwest season, expressing no regret despite the Cougars’ challenging schedule. Among the teams faced, Taylor is receiving votes in the NAIA poll, and Wisconsin-Whitewater ranks 12th in NCAA Division III—a testament to their rigorous preparation.
“Great teams aren’t an excuse,” Dowling insisted. “We need to improve.” Aspiring to open a training facility, Dowling is motivated to give back to the community. “I want to teach younger kids,” he shared. “I hope they learn perseverance and resilience from my journey.”
Jeff Vorva reports for the Daily Southtown.