Leo boasts one of the most storied high school football programs in Chicago,
having competed in eight Prep Bowls back in the day when the city championship game was a major attraction on the city’s sports calendar. The 1937 Prep Bowl, pitting undefeated Catholic League champion Leo against undefeated Public League titlist Austin, drew a crowd estimated at 120,000 to Soldier Field.
The Lions have experienced a revival under Coach Mike Holmes ‘76, reaching the semifinals of the state playoffs in 2013. At one time there were six Leo alumni playing pro ball, as many as any other U.S. high school could claim.
Highlights from the 2017 season included a victory over Lane Tech in the Lions’ first Soldier Field appearance since 1974 and an advance to the second round of the Catholic League playoffs. With CCL Red Division Defensive Player of the year Gabril Spruell returning, along with quarterback Darryl Ousley-Parr and running back Tobias Sample, more good things are expected in 2018.