Author Archives: Mike Walsh

It wasn’t that Mount Carmel defeated St. Rita in the Class 7A state semifinal between the two teams that was so surprising. After all, in nine postseason meetings, the Caravan have won eight times. Rather, it’s the dominant way in which Mount Carmel won that was striking. St. Rita – which shut out Quincy in […]

1. MOUNT CARMEL (10-3) Last week: 7A, Beat St. Rita 43-24 This week: vs. Batavia Comment: Mount Carmel defeated Batavia in the state title game in 2022 and the semifinals last season. Caravan looking for 16th state championship. 2. ST. RITA (10-3) Last week: 7A, Lost to Mount Carmel 43-24 This week: Season over Comment: In nine playoff matchups all-time, […]

Nazareth’s offense has been delivering big plays all season. On Nov. 16, it was the Roadrunner defense’s turn to step up in a 42-8 road win over Rochelle in the Class 5A quarterfinals. Nazareth (10-2) continues its quest for a third straight Class 5A title when it hosts St. Francis (10-2) in the state semifinals […]

Not every halftime speech works as well as the one St. Rita’s coaches delivered on Nov. 16. Tied at 14 at the break, the Mustangs outscored the visiting Blue Devils 35-0 in the second half for a 49-14 Class 7A quarterfinal win. St. Rita (10-2) will host Mount Carmel (9-3) in Saturday’s state semifinals at […]

St. Laurence’s surprise run to the Class 4A state finals last season was one of the area’s most compelling stories. But there will be no encore this year. The Vikings fell to host DePaul Prep 26-14 on Nov. 16 in a Class 4A quarterfinal. The Rams (9-3) advance to the state semifinals against Coal City, […]

1. MOUNT CARMEL (9-3) Last week: 7A, Beat Normal 49-42 This week: at St. Rita Comment: This will be the ninth IHSA playoff meeting between the Caravan and Mustangs. Mount Carmel has won seven of the first eight.  2. ST. RITA (10-2) Last week: 7A, Beat Quincy 49-14 This week: vs. Mount Carmel Comment: Mustangs […]

While at times bumpy, Mount Carmel’s path to winning a third consecutive Class 7A title remains intact. The Caravan defeated visiting Normal 49-42 on Nov. 16 to advance to Saturday’s semifinal contest against Catholic League rival St. Rita on the Mustangs’ home field. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. In eight matchups in the IHSA […]

When Lyons players gathered for their final postgame huddle of the season on Nov. 15, it was fitting that Travis Stamm and Shane Harris were side by side, arms draped around each other’s shoulders. The two played pivotal roles for the Lions (11-1), who set a program record for wins and achieved their first unbeaten […]

What stands out about St. Rita quarterback Steven Armbruster to Mustangs coach Martin Hopkins?  “Steven works hard,” Hopkins said. “And he prepares very hard. When you work hard like he does in practice, the more comfortable you are on game day and that makes things easier for us. “Steven puts the team in good positions […]

Three snaps. That’s how long it took Richards running back Myles Mitchell to have a positive impact in a 42-14 victory over downstate Washington on Nov. 8 in the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs in Oak Lawn. On the third play from scrimmage, Mitchell took the handoff from quarterback Noah Escobedo, got […]