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“The resiliency they’ve shown all year makes this so special,” Saban said. “Winning the game as we did last week, playing a game today to a level that most people probably didn’t expect, I’m really proud of this bunch. They’ve shown tremendous ability to overcome adversity all year long.”

“Why not?” said former DePaul forward Tom Kleinschmidt, who is coach at DePaul Prep. “The ‘L’ series, I don’t know why (it stopped). It would great to see them play every year, home-and-home. The atmosphere is great here. This is the best it’s been in a while — loud, exciting, and it’s a great place to play. If we keep getting wins, it’ll be fun.”

Hagel, who’s 5-foot-11 and 174 pounds, said, “It was one of those things that I’ve always been the slim kid that needs to put on weight, but I’m pretty strong in certain areas that I need to be, especially in the corners. I’m not afraid to go in there.

“I think there was some hope and some optimism that we passed this going into this season. That certainly hasn’t happened,” Donovan said. “There’s a lot of inconveniences. Things can get frustrating and annoying. You worry about, you know, are you infected? Are you healthy? We’ve got a couple (of) teammates and guys on the team that have tested positive, so sure some of that stuff goes to those guys minds.”

Workers put the finishing touches on the new entrance to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Des Plaines. The concrete structure includes a quote in three languages (Spanish, Nahuatl, and English) and a stone floor from the holy land in Jerusalem. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)

Loyola Ramblers forward Aher Uguak (30), left, and guard Braden Norris (4) grab teammate forward Chris Knight (23) after a play as DePaul Blue Demons guard Javon Freeman-Liberty (4) looks up at the official in the second half at Wintrust Arena on Dec. 4, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

On the first floor, a man said that he and his four children — ages 2, 9, 10 and 13 — were home at the time of the crash, which caused a wooden “load bearing structure beam” to plunge into their living room, causing structural damage” and debris to scatter but no physical injuries.

Prior to the start of the game, a moment of silence was observed in memory of the killing of four students earlier this week at Oxford High School, located about 30 miles north of Detroit. Black ribbons were tied to each goal post in support of the school and community, and students from Oxford High School were hosted at the game and recognized during the first half.

The suspect who was shot by police, Adonis Covington, 21, of the 8100 block of South Hermitage Avenue, was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of armed habitual criminal and receiving/possessing a stolen vehicle, according to Chicago police.

“At the end of the day, we’re all humans, right?” Caruso said. “We all like to be rewarded for things we do well, specifically doing jobs that are hard to do. But it’s a long season. I’ve played 25% of the season. I’ve got to do it for another 75%. So maybe talk about it a little more in depth when that time comes, but for now, if I start thinking about that then, you know, I get away from what brings me so much success.”