Who will be No. 1 at the end of the season? Mount Carmel, Lincoln-Way East, Joliet Catholic and St. Laurence remain in the running, playing for state championships on Saturday at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium.
With records through Sunday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Mount Carmel 12-1 (1)
Alonzo Manning, Caravan look to win back-to-back state titles for first time since 2012-13.
2. Lincoln-Way East 13-0 (2)
Kade Fatland, Griffins want to end two-year playoff losing streak against Loyola.
3. Joliet Catholic 10-3 (3)
He didn’t score a touchdown, but HJ Grigsby is Hilltoppers’ workhorse against Providence.
4. St. Laurence 10-3 (4)
Senior running back Aaron Ball makes verbal commitment to Illinois, now seeks state title.
5. Providence 8-5 (5)
Sophomore quarterback Leo Slepski gets Celtics to semifinals, gains valuable experience.
6. Morgan Park 10-2 (6)
Season over. Junior quarterback Marcus Thaxton threw for 2,066 yards and 26 TDs.
7. Lincoln-Way West 9-3 (7)
Season over. Josh Velmdan named SouthWest Suburban Red’s defensive player of the year.
8. Richards 8-3 (8)
Season over. Bulldogs announce 2024 regular-season opener Aug. 30 at Crete-Monee.
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9. Eisenhower 7-4 (9)
Season over. Senior quarterback Nick Mayfield, however, is collecting Division I offers.
10. Lincoln-Way Central 9-2 (10)
Season over. Senior kicker Drew Schiller picks up offer from Eastern Illinois.
Senior running back/receiver Darrion Dupree catches two TD passes and runs for two more TDs as Mount Carmel rolls to 64-26 victory over Batavia in Class 7A state semifinals.
Senior defensive end Cesar Chavez makes seven tackles and also blocks an extra point in the second overtime as St. Laurence slips past Wheaton Academy 31-30 in Class 4A state semifinals.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.