Conference: CCL/ESCC Blue
Head coach: Jordan Lynch
2024 record: 11-3 (Defeated Batavia 55-34 in Class 7A state championship)
2025 outlook:
Mount Carmel, which moves up to Class 8A after winning the past three Class 7A titles, has the most high-end talent in the state with eight players committed to Power Four schools or holding multiple Power Four offers.
That group includes senior offensive lineman Claude Mpouma (6-5, 320), a Phillips transfer and Nebraska commit; senior defensive lineman Braeden Jones (6-5, 265), a USC commit; senior defensive lineman Joey Quinn (6-6, 255), a Vanderbilt commit; junior receiver Quentin Burrell (6-3, 200); junior defensive back Tavares Harrington (6-3, 180); junior linebacker Roman Igwebuike (6-3, 220); sophomore receiver Marshaun Thornton (6-2, 185) and sophomore defensive lineman Caleb Tucker (6-4, 360).
One star who isn’t back is 2024 Southwest Regional Player of the Year Jack Elliott, who left for Vanderbilt after setting career records for passing yards (6,707), attempts (695) and completions (448).
The new quarterback is senior Emmett Dowling (6-0, 190), who will be playing behind an experienced offensive line. Joining Mpouma are four senior returning starters: Zion Elliott (6-1, 250), Lamont Miller (6-3, 305), Tim Harkins (6-0, 275) and Declan Gill (6-4, 280).
“On paper, it’s really good,” coach Jordan Lynch said of his team’s talent level. “But we’ve got to go out and perform. … There’s so much stuff that goes into a football game other than talent. You’ve got to be a good teammate. You have to buy into the system. You have to all work together. That’s where we’re at right now. We’re working together and jelling.”
Schedule
Aug. 30 Cincinnati Moeller (Ohio) at Ironton, Ohio, noon CT
Sept 5 St. Rita, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 at Nazareth, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 at St. Ignatius, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 at Benet, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 at Joliet Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 Fenwick, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Loyola, 6:30 p.m.