# Morgan Park Wins City Championship

> Morgan Park beats Kenwood to claim Chicago's city championship in Public League Red.
- Title: Morgan Park Wins City Championship · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Morgan Park beats Kenwood to claim Chicago's city championship in Public League Red. Morgan Park's Darrell Mattison interception and Ronald Smith Jr.'s…
- Keywords: morgan park, kenwood, public league red, darrell mattison, ronald smith jr, jaxon bland, lane stadium, chicago public schools, high school football, public league, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-football/2026/10/17/morgan-park-football-city-championship-kenwood-cps
- Published: 2026-10-17T22:09:27.686+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: morgan park, kenwood, public league red, darrell mattison, ronald smith jr, jaxon bland, lane stadium, chicago public schools, high school football, public league, news, local
## Morgan Park beats Kenwood
Morgan Park's Darrell Mattison interception in the third quarter secured a 24-14 victory over Kenwood in the Public League Red championship game.

> It wasn't easy. Some interceptions can be made by just about any football player, or at least a receiver or defensive back.
## Mattison's key play
Mattison, a 6-2 safety committed to Mississippi, leaped high to grab the interception, slamming down on his back before getting back on his feet.

> I just had to go up and get the ball and be a ball hawk and get an interception and make a play for my team.
## Morgan Park's lead
Morgan Park trailed Kenwood at halftime but Mattison's play sparked a 24-14 win with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Ronald Smith Jr. to Travezz Jones.

> That was surreal. They called my number, and it was go time.
## Smith's performance
Ronald Smith Jr. completed 15 of 22 passes for 178 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, including a two-point conversion.

> That first drive was kind of relieving for us all.
## Bland's final score
Jaxon Bland scored the winning touchdown with 2:42 left in the game after Smith connected with him on a seven-yard pass.

> They called my number, and it was go time.
## Kenwood's first drive
Kenwood scored on their first play from scrimmage with a 78-yard touchdown pass from Malachi Henegan to Lawrence Carr.

> They do a lot of play action that we saw on film.
## Public League structure
This was the Public League's first Red Conference championship game, pitting the Shield division winner against the Star division winner.

> This is the city championship.
## City championship status
Morgan Park coach Chris James called the win the city championship, noting the Prep Bowl has historically been the city's top team.

> They are tagging it as the conference championship because of the history and tradition of the Prep Bowl.
## CPS officials' concerns
CPS officials are nervous about calling Morgan Park the city champion due to the Prep Bowl's historical significance.

> CPS officials are just nervous about calling it the city championship because of the tradition of the league.
## Players' perspective
Morgan Park players are focused on the win, with Ronald Smith saying it means they are the best team in Chicago.

> This means so much. It means we are the best. Morgan Park is one of a kind.
## Public League history
The Public League's Prep Bowl has traditionally been considered the city champion but has been less relevant since joining state playoffs.

> The Prep Bowl is essentially a consolation tournament now.
## Morgan Park's record
Morgan Park finished the season 8-1, while Kenwood was 6-3.

> William Smith Jr. had 19 carries for 92 yards for the Mustangs.
## Kenwood's running game
Kenwood's running game was strong with Jamarius Andrus gaining 111 yards on 13 carries.

> We run the ball well all the time.
## Morgan Park's victory
Morgan Park won the Public League Red championship by defeating Kenwood 24-14 in the city championship game.

> Morgan Park beats Kenwood, claims the city championship by winning the Public League Red.
## Key takeaway

Morgan Park's Darrell Mattison interception and Ronald Smith Jr.'s touchdown passes secured a 24-14 victory over Kenwood in the Public League Red championship game.