Just about every high school football player dreams of going out a winner, winning a state championship as a senior.

Northwestern commit Devin O’Rourke got to live that dream.

The four-star defensive end capped an undefeated season as his Frankfort (Ill.) Lincoln Way East Griffins captured the Illinois Class 8A state title on Saturday with a thrilling 23-14 win over Wilmette Loyola Academy.

“All the hard work over the last four years came together and we accomplished the goal we’ve been working toward,” said O’Rourke, who is ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the state and No. 197 in the country. “But it was sad, too. It will be the last time I play with all of those guys again.”

Find out what O’Rourke had to say about winning the championship and what his future holds in this WildcatReport premium story.