1972 MacArthur Football Team

Undefeated Season

Head Coach Bob Matheson

Inducted September 2022

One of only two undefeated football teams in DPS history, the 8-0-1 Generals finished off their season with a come-from-behind win against crosstown rival Eisenhower in one of the most memorable games in city history.
The 1972 Generals, coached by DPS Hall of Famer Bob Mathieson, was led by its offensive line, which wasn’t big but was effective behind tackles Bob Whitten and Ed Kensil, guards Steve Meinhold and Gary Cook, and center Mike Reynolds.
The line blocked for a stable of running backs: Tony Stepney, Tim Helm, Pat Curtis and Mark Muerlot, all with over 200 yards rushing. Quarterback Bruce Blaylock threw for 500 yards, with Tom Taylor pitching in 300 yards receiving and four TDs, and Jerry Muse a big-play option at receiver. Curts, Taylor, Cook, Reynolds and Helm were all-conference picks.
Going into the final game against Eisenhower, the only game MacArthur hadn't won was a 14-14 tie with Springfield Griffin. But facing their rival Panthers, the Generals trailed 20-7 in the fourth quarter. They cut the lead to 5 on an 8-yard TD run by Curtis, with Helm running in the conversion, then took the lead minutes later on a 68-yard punt return from Muse with 7:34 left, causing the stands at Pigott Field to shake with excitement.
MacArthur held on for the win and, with the playoffs format in the IHSA for football still two years away, finished undefeated.