In the summer of 1989, when Jim Flanigan and his teammates at Southern Door High School began their football workouts, the team’s goals were modest. After all, the high school located in Brussels, Wis., had never so much as reached the Wisconsin state playoffs.

“State never crossed our minds,” quarterback Paul Renard recalls. “At that time, even winning the (Packerland) conference was a long shot. We were hoping to have a winning record.”

Yes, the Eagles (5-4 in 1988) had one true Division I prospect. Flanigan, son of former Green Bay Packers linebacker Jim Flanigan Sr., stood out as an All-State caliber running back, linebacker and kicker. But there was youth around him. Renard, for instance, had never taken a varsity snap at quarterback.

After three early victories, the Southern Door Eagles faced nemesis Luxemburg-Casco and in a terrific defensive battle, the Spartans eked out a 10-7 victory. Another loss would surely doom the Eagles’ playoff prospects.

Against perennial powerhouse Kewaunee, Southern Door fell behind, 15-6, at the half. Then, with Tom LeCaptain and Darren Larkin lined up in the backfield in front of Flanigan, the Eagles exploded for 27 unanswered points during the second half, as Flanigan rushed for 232 yards and three scores on 37 carries. Flanigan was described as playing like a “raging bull” in the second half, lifting up the performance of his teammates at the same time.

Southern Door closed out the regular season with wins to go 8-1, then romped in the first rounds of the playoffs. Against Howards Grove, the Eagles tied it late, then won in overtime on Flangan’s halfback pass to quarterback Renard. Game after game, SDHS found a way to win.

In the state championship game at Camp Randall Stadium, the Eagles faced the three-time state champion Westly Norsemen. Flanigan had a hand in every part of the 17-7 victory, finishing with 215 yards on 42 carries, a running touchdown, a passing touchdown, a field goal, two extra points and a pile of tackles. 

“The 1989 season was a special season with a group of special players and coaches,” head coach Jesse Harness said. “Such a combination and such an opportunity doesn’t come around very often. It takes a lot of folks with a lot of heart who are willing to work hard enough to have a chance to beat the odds. And it takes a little luck at times as well.”  

“It was never about him,” noted one of Flanigan’s teammates. “He was an athletic freak for that time, but it was his attitude and character that made him great.”

And those traits helped Jim earn a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame under Head Coach Lou Holtz. He spent two seasons at backup linebacker, then rose to starting defensive tackle alongside Bryant Young in 1992 and 1993. They anchored a ferocious Fighting Irish defense that contributed to a combined record of 21-2-1, finishing No. 4 and No. 2 in the nation.

Flanigan’s 10-year NFL career included seven years with the Chicago Bears (1994-2000) and 2001 with his father’s team, the Green Bay Packers. In 2000, he was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his work with the James Flanigan Foundation, which promotes child literacy.

Important all along have been the bonds forged at Southern Door High School.