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🚨 Episode 10 now available 🚨
The regular season is over, and the playoffs are here! In this week’s show, powered by @ConniesPizza, we talk about the best #CCL games of Week 9 and look back at our preseason picks — the good and the bad. And of course, we close the show with a quick preview of the opening round of the #IHSA playoffs. Check it out and subscribe to Holy Crossbars on YouTube!
youtu.be/zgXPuXBYECM?si…
The regular season is over, and the playoffs are here! In this week’s show, powered by @ConniesPizza, we talk about the best #CCL games of Week 9 and look back at our preseason picks — the good and the bad. And of course, we close the show with a quick preview of the opening round of the #IHSA playoffs. Check it out and subscribe to Holy Crossbars on YouTube!
youtu.be/zgXPuXBYECM?si…
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The second round (round of 16) is almost here, and we'll kick off our #CCL previews with the Wolfpack 🐺
🔴St. Ignatius (8-2) had no trouble with West Aurora in their playoff opener Friday night, overwhelming the Blackhawks 55-7. In a game where most of the starters took a seat halftime lead, Reid Hites ran for two scores and threw for two more. Charlie Klaas had two total TDs, and Connor Hites had 4 tackles for loss. The Wolfpack’s second round game should be more compelling. They’ll head to Park Ridge for a much-anticipated battle of high-scoring but very different offenses. With a win, we could see a CCL rematch in the quarterfinals.
🔴Next Game: At Maine South (9-1), 2:00 Saturday
Few programs around the state can match the consistent excellence of Dave Inserra’s Hawks. Maine South has failed to reach the state quarterfinals only once in the last 10 years - a first round loss to Loyola in 2019. (Though their wins in 2022 were later vacated, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals that year.) The Wolfpack will be the Hawks’ biggest test since a Week 1 loss at Batavia. Indiana commit Jameson Purcell leads the offense. The senior QB threw for 5 TD in the Hawks’ 49-14 first round rout of O’Fallon. Two of those went to speedster Devin Paxson, who had 8 catches for 151 yards.
☑️Illinois Media poll: #7 in 8A
🗓️Schedule: About average - 39 opponents’ wins, 2 ranked teams
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 46.7 / Defense 19.4
🏆Best regular season win: Week 4 at New Trier, 35-28
👀One player to watch: LB Matthew Schlenhardt, a Syracuse commit, will lead the efforts to stop the St. Ignatius ground game. He also ran for two scores on four carries last weekend.
@IgnatiusFB @SIWolfpack @Hites_Reid @hites_connor @CapuanoNino @SamuelAsiaa @Chin3duMadu_ @Connor_Wanzung @jayden_logan2 @Michael_L1nehan @EvanSteigleder @tcilella09
@IvanTatum19 @henryredgateftb @TimmyKarnezis
@Quinn_Wiedelman @RJ_Goodwin9 @ConniesPizza
🔴St. Ignatius (8-2) had no trouble with West Aurora in their playoff opener Friday night, overwhelming the Blackhawks 55-7. In a game where most of the starters took a seat halftime lead, Reid Hites ran for two scores and threw for two more. Charlie Klaas had two total TDs, and Connor Hites had 4 tackles for loss. The Wolfpack’s second round game should be more compelling. They’ll head to Park Ridge for a much-anticipated battle of high-scoring but very different offenses. With a win, we could see a CCL rematch in the quarterfinals.
🔴Next Game: At Maine South (9-1), 2:00 Saturday
Few programs around the state can match the consistent excellence of Dave Inserra’s Hawks. Maine South has failed to reach the state quarterfinals only once in the last 10 years - a first round loss to Loyola in 2019. (Though their wins in 2022 were later vacated, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals that year.) The Wolfpack will be the Hawks’ biggest test since a Week 1 loss at Batavia. Indiana commit Jameson Purcell leads the offense. The senior QB threw for 5 TD in the Hawks’ 49-14 first round rout of O’Fallon. Two of those went to speedster Devin Paxson, who had 8 catches for 151 yards.
☑️Illinois Media poll: #7 in 8A
🗓️Schedule: About average - 39 opponents’ wins, 2 ranked teams
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 46.7 / Defense 19.4
🏆Best regular season win: Week 4 at New Trier, 35-28
👀One player to watch: LB Matthew Schlenhardt, a Syracuse commit, will lead the efforts to stop the St. Ignatius ground game. He also ran for two scores on four carries last weekend.
@IgnatiusFB @SIWolfpack @Hites_Reid @hites_connor @CapuanoNino @SamuelAsiaa @Chin3duMadu_ @Connor_Wanzung @jayden_logan2 @Michael_L1nehan @EvanSteigleder @tcilella09
@IvanTatum19 @henryredgateftb @TimmyKarnezis
@Quinn_Wiedelman @RJ_Goodwin9 @ConniesPizza
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Holy Crossbars retweeted
SATURDAY FINAL SCORES, powered by @ConniesPizza 🍕
Congrats to @MontiniFootball @CelticsFootball @FootballNaz @STLVikingFB @BrotherRiceFB on advancing!
The #CCL will have 14 teams playing next week in the second round (the round of 16).
Congrats to @MontiniFootball @CelticsFootball @FootballNaz @STLVikingFB @BrotherRiceFB on advancing!
The #CCL will have 14 teams playing next week in the second round (the round of 16).
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SATURDAY FINAL SCORES, powered by @ConniesPizza 🍕
Congrats to @MontiniFootball @CelticsFootball @FootballNaz @STLVikingFB @BrotherRiceFB on advancing!
The #CCL will have 14 teams playing next week in the second round (the round of 16).
Congrats to @MontiniFootball @CelticsFootball @FootballNaz @STLVikingFB @BrotherRiceFB on advancing!
The #CCL will have 14 teams playing next week in the second round (the round of 16).
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Holy Crossbars retweeted
FRIDAY FINAL SCORES, powered by @ConniesPizza 🍕
@ICCPFootball @SFHSFBWheaton @FenwickFB @NDCP_Football @StRitaFootball @StPatrickFB @IgnatiusFB @CaravanFootball @Loyola_FB advance to the round of 16!
@ICCPFootball @SFHSFBWheaton @FenwickFB @NDCP_Football @StRitaFootball @StPatrickFB @IgnatiusFB @CaravanFootball @Loyola_FB advance to the round of 16!
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FRIDAY FINAL SCORES, powered by @ConniesPizza 🍕
@ICCPFootball @SFHSFBWheaton @FenwickFB @NDCP_Football @StRitaFootball @StPatrickFB @IgnatiusFB @CaravanFootball @Loyola_FB advance to the round of 16!
@ICCPFootball @SFHSFBWheaton @FenwickFB @NDCP_Football @StRitaFootball @StPatrickFB @IgnatiusFB @CaravanFootball @Loyola_FB advance to the round of 16!
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Wrapping up our Round of 32 previews with one of this weekend's most anticipated games...
🟢Providence Catholic (7-3) cruised to a 49-13 win over Mt. Vernon on Saturday. Brayden McKay ran for two scores and added a third on a fumble recovery. Back on the field again, Broden D and receiving TD. In a familiar sight, Dominic Vita threw for 156 yards and 3 scores in the first half and then got to watch his teammates polish off the victory. With the win, Providence earned a bye directly into the state semifinal against Kankakee…well, not quite, but this game will have that type of atmosphere. You won’t want to miss it.
🔵Next Game: At Kankakee (7-2), 1:00 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #2 in 5A
🗓️Schedule: Average - 42 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 35.9 / Defense 7.9
🏆Best win: Week 8 at Crete-Monee, 34-14
👀One player to watch: Sophomore edge rusher Kendrick Crite leads a very tough defensive line
➡️Note: The Kays’ only loss on the field was in Week 2, when they fell 22-14 to Lincoln-Way East. They forfeited their Week 5 game at Lincoln-Way West after self-reporting the use of an ineligible player.
@CelticsFootball @ProviAthletics @actionjaxsonh
@dominicvita26 @BrodenMackert @braydenmckay27
@BenjaminCo38637 @CoatesGelo @Kashmoney_77
@Isaacpatton103 @jon_59osborne @HunterLong2009
@route_runner1 @Jordan_puckett6 @ConniesPizza
🟢Providence Catholic (7-3) cruised to a 49-13 win over Mt. Vernon on Saturday. Brayden McKay ran for two scores and added a third on a fumble recovery. Back on the field again, Broden D and receiving TD. In a familiar sight, Dominic Vita threw for 156 yards and 3 scores in the first half and then got to watch his teammates polish off the victory. With the win, Providence earned a bye directly into the state semifinal against Kankakee…well, not quite, but this game will have that type of atmosphere. You won’t want to miss it.
🔵Next Game: At Kankakee (7-2), 1:00 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #2 in 5A
🗓️Schedule: Average - 42 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 35.9 / Defense 7.9
🏆Best win: Week 8 at Crete-Monee, 34-14
👀One player to watch: Sophomore edge rusher Kendrick Crite leads a very tough defensive line
➡️Note: The Kays’ only loss on the field was in Week 2, when they fell 22-14 to Lincoln-Way East. They forfeited their Week 5 game at Lincoln-Way West after self-reporting the use of an ineligible player.
@CelticsFootball @ProviAthletics @actionjaxsonh
@dominicvita26 @BrodenMackert @braydenmckay27
@BenjaminCo38637 @CoatesGelo @Kashmoney_77
@Isaacpatton103 @jon_59osborne @HunterLong2009
@route_runner1 @Jordan_puckett6 @ConniesPizza
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🔵Nazareth (5-5) won 44-14 at Shepard in the opening round. The Roadrunners opened up a 24-7 lead by halftime, and the RB committee–led by Dylan Wellner, filling in for the injured Charles Calhoun–took it from there. Wellner also had two tackles for loss. Jayden Ruth returned a rt, and Cash Coleman had 67 receiving yards and a score. Nazareth has multiple playoff wins in eight consecutive seasons, and they’ll look to make it nine on Saturday afternoon.
🔴Next Game: At Dunlap (8-1), 1:30 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: T-4 in 6A
🗓️Schedule: Top-heavy - 33 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 39.7 / Defense 19.1
🏆Best win: Week 3 vs. Metamora, 30-26
👀One player to watch: Junior Bo Sutter started at LB for the first time this season, but could probably play five different positions well. He’s a red zone threat at tight end, too.
@FootballNaz @jjchapman_2 @Dylanwellner21 @Cash___coleman1 @RuthJayden5 @ConniesPizza @gavin_hartigan @jack_parisi44 @CarithersC36012
🔴Next Game: At Dunlap (8-1), 1:30 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: T-4 in 6A
🗓️Schedule: Top-heavy - 33 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 39.7 / Defense 19.1
🏆Best win: Week 3 vs. Metamora, 30-26
👀One player to watch: Junior Bo Sutter started at LB for the first time this season, but could probably play five different positions well. He’s a red zone threat at tight end, too.
@FootballNaz @jjchapman_2 @Dylanwellner21 @Cash___coleman1 @RuthJayden5 @ConniesPizza @gavin_hartigan @jack_parisi44 @CarithersC36012
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🟤Carmel (4-6) beat Bulls Prep 38-20 in Chicago last weekend. Kyron Hart, who had 843 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season, starred again for the Corsairs. Jaquel Edmonds and Jorden Moore will need to be at their best tomorrow, running behind a high-quality by Wyatt VanBoening and Trey Foster. The longer Carmel can hold onto the ball, the better chance their defensive playmakers will have to shut down the Geneva offense.
🔵Next Game: At Geneva (8-1), 6:30 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #1 in 6A
🗓️Schedule: Extremely tough - 47 opponents’ wins, 4 ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 43.3 / Defense 26.1
🏆Best win: Week 6 at Batavia, 56-49
👀One player to watch: Some of the best defensive backs in the area have gone all out to stop WR Bennett Konkey this year, and it still hasn’t really mattered. The Champaign-bound senior has almost 1400 receiving yards and 19 TD.
@CorsairsFB @KyronHart2 @Reeddangel9 @JameerMiles13 @WyattVanBoening @JordenRb21 @JaquelEdmonds @Treyfoster3575 @KristianChadick @ConniesPizza
🔵Next Game: At Geneva (8-1), 6:30 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #1 in 6A
🗓️Schedule: Extremely tough - 47 opponents’ wins, 4 ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 43.3 / Defense 26.1
🏆Best win: Week 6 at Batavia, 56-49
👀One player to watch: Some of the best defensive backs in the area have gone all out to stop WR Bennett Konkey this year, and it still hasn’t really mattered. The Champaign-bound senior has almost 1400 receiving yards and 19 TD.
@CorsairsFB @KyronHart2 @Reeddangel9 @JameerMiles13 @WyattVanBoening @JordenRb21 @JaquelEdmonds @Treyfoster3575 @KristianChadick @ConniesPizza
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🟡St. Laurence (4-6) needed a late-season rally to be assured of a playoff berth, and they were up to the challenge. The Vikings have now won three of their last four games, all on the road. Their 25-16 victory at Belleville East was one of the closest opening round CCL games. fter three quarters, but Noah Taylor ran for a touchdown right after the break to put the Vikings on top for good. The defense made a crucial stop in the red zone in the last five minutes to thwart the Lancers’ comeback attempt. St. Laurence takes a much shorter road trip to Plainfield tomorrow as they look to win multiple playoff games for the 4th straight year.
🔵Next Game: At Plainfield South (8-1), 1:00 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Receiving votes in 7A (11th)
🗓️Schedule: Easier than average - 35 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 34.6 / Defense 19.8
🏆Best win: Week 1 at Pekin, 27-26
👀One player to watch: Sophomore QB Armani Ford was named the Southwest Prairie East’s Offensive MVP after throwing for 2,429 yards with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions
@STLVikingFB @STL_Athletics @SeanR_11 @Keynan_Morgan8 @NoahTaylor20183 @jhalen_c
@evan_malone4 @AySmith28 @Karai_Simmons
@mylestravis00 @ConniesPizza
🔵Next Game: At Plainfield South (8-1), 1:00 Saturday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Receiving votes in 7A (11th)
🗓️Schedule: Easier than average - 35 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 34.6 / Defense 19.8
🏆Best win: Week 1 at Pekin, 27-26
👀One player to watch: Sophomore QB Armani Ford was named the Southwest Prairie East’s Offensive MVP after throwing for 2,429 yards with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions
@STLVikingFB @STL_Athletics @SeanR_11 @Keynan_Morgan8 @NoahTaylor20183 @jhalen_c
@evan_malone4 @AySmith28 @Karai_Simmons
@mylestravis00 @ConniesPizza
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🔵St. Francis (5-5) thumped Grayslake North 61-6 in the opening round. The game was over so early that Luke Rentmeester had as many TD passes as Jadon Wilson (3 each), which is a nice perk for the Spartans in two ways–not just resting some starters, but getting a sophomore backup ience in a road playoff game. Ty’Ree Dickson had the best performance of his young career, hauling in three touchdown receptions. Tivias Caldwell Jr., Blayke Lohmann, Greg Bess-Henning II, Mason Fort, and Dom Campobasso all found the end zone. Even Dickson’s freshman classmate Donovan Humphrey, who was an All-CCL safety this year, got in on the action at QB, throwing for the final TD of the day.
⚫️Next Game: At Kaneland (8-1), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #8 in 5A
🗓️Schedule: Fairly weak - 34 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 37.7 / Defense 14.8
🏆Best win: Week 2 at Lemont, 17-10
👀One player to watch: Junior QB Brody Guthrie hasn’t had to throw a lot in some recent blowouts, but he’s a good passer, and the Knights will need him to be on his game to keep up with the Spartans’ offense
@SFHSFBWheaton @TiviasCaldwell @Jadonwilson02 @LukeRentmeester @donovan_humph2 @GBessHenningII @dom_campobasso @BlaykeLohmann1 @Ty_Dickson17 @James_McGrath07
⚫️Next Game: At Kaneland (8-1), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #8 in 5A
🗓️Schedule: Fairly weak - 34 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 37.7 / Defense 14.8
🏆Best win: Week 2 at Lemont, 17-10
👀One player to watch: Junior QB Brody Guthrie hasn’t had to throw a lot in some recent blowouts, but he’s a good passer, and the Knights will need him to be on his game to keep up with the Spartans’ offense
@SFHSFBWheaton @TiviasCaldwell @Jadonwilson02 @LukeRentmeester @donovan_humph2 @GBessHenningII @dom_campobasso @BlaykeLohmann1 @Ty_Dickson17 @James_McGrath07
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🟢Notre Dame (6-4) had a good week on and off the field, taking home a lot of CCL Purple hardware (co-Lawless POY Peter Panagiotopoulos, OPOY Eric Couper, and DPOY Konrad Hozian). More importantly, they emphatically defended their home turf with a 44-0 shutout of Maine West. Five tions went for touchdowns, and the game was out of hand early. Tonight’s trip to Fox Lake will be the third time in the Dons’ last five playoff games that they’ve faced a Northern Lake County team. They beat Antioch and Wauconda in 2022 on their way to the quarterfinals.
🔴Next Game: At Grant (7-2), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Received 1 vote in 6A
🗓️Schedule: A bit easier than average - 39 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 29.1 / Defense 20.2
🏆Best win: Week 8 at Wauconda, 27-25
👀One player to watch: Senior MLB Wyatt Cornell is a run-stuffer who can also create pressure on QBs
@NDCP_Football @ndcp_athletics @KonradHozian @Peterrrr_13 @Ericcouper18 @nowak_nate7187 @ShayBoyle_NDCP @RaymondHookfin2 @GavinNinni @Jp5Look @d1_lovx @ConniesPizza
🔴Next Game: At Grant (7-2), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Received 1 vote in 6A
🗓️Schedule: A bit easier than average - 39 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 29.1 / Defense 20.2
🏆Best win: Week 8 at Wauconda, 27-25
👀One player to watch: Senior MLB Wyatt Cornell is a run-stuffer who can also create pressure on QBs
@NDCP_Football @ndcp_athletics @KonradHozian @Peterrrr_13 @Ericcouper18 @nowak_nate7187 @ShayBoyle_NDCP @RaymondHookfin2 @GavinNinni @Jp5Look @d1_lovx @ConniesPizza
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🔵DePaul Prep (4-6) won 37-34 at Hampshire in the wildest finish of the week. The Whip-Purs tied the game in the final minute, but Halsted Bell blocked the extra point to keep the Rams alive. After the defense got a 4th down stop in OT, senior Emmett McCue nailed a game-winning ake of the day. Fellow senior George Farrell, who had three interceptions in the season opener, had a pick-6 in this one for the Rams. Bell made a season’s worth of splash plays in a single game, recording 2.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in addition to that key block.
🔵Next Game: At Prospect (8-1), 7:00 Friday
Illinois Media poll: #6 in 7A
🗓️Schedule: A bit easier than average - 39 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 44.3 / Defense 15.0
🏆Best win: Week 4 vs. Fremd, 35-21
↔️Common opponent: St. Laurence. Prospect beat St. Laurence 44-7 in Week 2. The Rams fell to the Vikings 10-7 in the regular season finale.
👀One player to watch: QB Jackson Cacini threw for 2,127 yards and 20 touchdowns, and he rushed for 9 more. He’ll head to Eastern Illinois next year.
@DePaulPrepFB @DePaulPrepAD @gfarr35 @HalstedB3ll @AndrewQB15 @TysonHooks2028 @EmmettMccue @ConniesPizza
🔵Next Game: At Prospect (8-1), 7:00 Friday
Illinois Media poll: #6 in 7A
🗓️Schedule: A bit easier than average - 39 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 44.3 / Defense 15.0
🏆Best win: Week 4 vs. Fremd, 35-21
↔️Common opponent: St. Laurence. Prospect beat St. Laurence 44-7 in Week 2. The Rams fell to the Vikings 10-7 in the regular season finale.
👀One player to watch: QB Jackson Cacini threw for 2,127 yards and 20 touchdowns, and he rushed for 9 more. He’ll head to Eastern Illinois next year.
@DePaulPrepFB @DePaulPrepAD @gfarr35 @HalstedB3ll @AndrewQB15 @TysonHooks2028 @EmmettMccue @ConniesPizza
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🔵Marmion (4-6) shut out North Lawndale 40-0. Henry Miller returned from injury to rush for 122 yards and three scores. The Cadets played their best game of the year on defense, earning their first playoff win since 2021 in decisive fashion. They’ll head west on 88 to face ound.
🟡Next Game: At Sterling (7-2), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Received 1 vote in 4A
🗓️Schedule: Solid - 44 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 34.6 / Defense 21.4
🏆Best win: Week 7 vs. Geneseo, 34-31
👀Two players to watch: Senior speedster Quincy Maas set a Sterling record with 792 receiving yards this season. OL AJ Coleman is committed to Eastern Michigan.
@MarmionAD @MarmionFB @henrym_2027 @colinmceniry13 @Ryanloria_5 @aidanmillerr8
🟡Next Game: At Sterling (7-2), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Received 1 vote in 4A
🗓️Schedule: Solid - 44 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 34.6 / Defense 21.4
🏆Best win: Week 7 vs. Geneseo, 34-31
👀Two players to watch: Senior speedster Quincy Maas set a Sterling record with 792 receiving yards this season. OL AJ Coleman is committed to Eastern Michigan.
@MarmionAD @MarmionFB @henrym_2027 @colinmceniry13 @Ryanloria_5 @aidanmillerr8
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🟤Joliet Catholic (6-4) dispatched Bradley-Bourbonnais 44-3. Da’Sani Smart ran for 3 touchdowns. Derrick Pomatto did some early damage on the ground and could then turn his attention to his linebacker duties. He and Caleb Smith spearheaded a great defensive effort, shutting down dmon. This matchup with the Tigers should be one of the most intense games of the week.
🟠Next Game: At Wheaton Warrenville South (6-3), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #10 in 6A
🗓️Schedule: Tough - 45 opponents’ wins, 2 ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 25.3 / Defense 14.3
🏆Best win: Week 6 vs. Wheaton North, 21-16 (WWS lost to Batavia & Geneva by a combined 5 points)
👀One player to watch: Sophomore kicker Drew Maletich has a monster right leg
@HilltoppersFB @JcaAthletics @derrick_pomatto @cfk_nuk @CalebSmithCB6
🟠Next Game: At Wheaton Warrenville South (6-3), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #10 in 6A
🗓️Schedule: Tough - 45 opponents’ wins, 2 ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 25.3 / Defense 14.3
🏆Best win: Week 6 vs. Wheaton North, 21-16 (WWS lost to Batavia & Geneva by a combined 5 points)
👀One player to watch: Sophomore kicker Drew Maletich has a monster right leg
@HilltoppersFB @JcaAthletics @derrick_pomatto @cfk_nuk @CalebSmithCB6
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☘️St. Patrick (7-3) won an opening round shootout 54-37 and was never seriously threatened by Collinsville. Kierre Wilson turned in a dominant effort for the Shamrocks, passing for 4 TD and rushing for another. Jayden Miranda, co-recipient of the Lawless Player of the Year Award 166 yards and 2 touchdowns. AJ Henning and Rocco Mertens each scored twice. The Shamrocks are rewarded with a rare walkable road trip, as they have to go all the way to Hanson Stadium.
🟢Next Game: At Westinghouse (7-2), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Unranked
🗓️Schedule: Weaker than average - 35 opponents’ wins, no ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 39.2 / Defense 13.4
🏆Best win: Week 5 at Prosser, 42-0
↔️Common opponent: Notre Dame. St. Patrick beat ND 35-34; ND beat Westinghouse 50-6
👀One player to watch: 6’5”/350 senior OL Perry Foster Jr.
@StPatrickFB @KierreWilson @ajhenning6 @roccomertens5 @JaydenM39076846
🟢Next Game: At Westinghouse (7-2), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: Unranked
🗓️Schedule: Weaker than average - 35 opponents’ wins, no ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 39.2 / Defense 13.4
🏆Best win: Week 5 at Prosser, 42-0
↔️Common opponent: Notre Dame. St. Patrick beat ND 35-34; ND beat Westinghouse 50-6
👀One player to watch: 6’5”/350 senior OL Perry Foster Jr.
@StPatrickFB @KierreWilson @ajhenning6 @roccomertens5 @JaydenM39076846
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Tonight and tomorrow, Holy Crossbars and @ConniesPizza will bring you bracket updates and brief previews for all the #CCL teams who play their second playoff game this weekend 🍕
🟠Leo (6-4) pulled away in the second half to beat Marengo 26-7 on Saturday afternoon. Terrence total TD, and Jubril Kannike ran for 101 yards and a score. Qwan’Nel Smith had 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries to lead the Lions’ defense.
🟢Next Game: At Coal City (8-1), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #6 in 4A
🗓️Schedule: Solid - 43 opponents’ wins, 2 ranked, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 42.2 / Defense 9.8
🏆Best win: Week 9 vs. Wilmington, 14-0
👀One player to watch: Western Illinois commit Emmett Easton is an impact player on both lines
@LeoLionsHSFB @terrence6wilson @jckannike @Qwannel27
🟠Leo (6-4) pulled away in the second half to beat Marengo 26-7 on Saturday afternoon. Terrence total TD, and Jubril Kannike ran for 101 yards and a score. Qwan’Nel Smith had 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries to lead the Lions’ defense.
🟢Next Game: At Coal City (8-1), 7:00 Friday
☑️Illinois Media poll: #6 in 4A
🗓️Schedule: Solid - 43 opponents’ wins, 2 ranked, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 42.2 / Defense 9.8
🏆Best win: Week 9 vs. Wilmington, 14-0
👀One player to watch: Western Illinois commit Emmett Easton is an impact player on both lines
@LeoLionsHSFB @terrence6wilson @jckannike @Qwannel27
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Holy Crossbars retweeted
Read more: Here are the 2026 CCL All-Conference football award winners mrf.lu/2X4J5
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We wrap up our playoff previews with the lone #CCL team competing in Class 3A...
🔵IC Catholic (8-1) won at least eight regular season games for the 8th time under Bill Krefft. The Knights boast the No. 1 scoring defense in the CCL, and they’ve allowed more than 15 points only zareth and a loss to Loyola. The defense’s athleticism is enough to overwhelm most 3A offenses. They would be a heavy favorite to make it to Hancock Stadium, but their biggest challenge may come earlier, as defending champion Byron awaits in the quarterfinals. The Knights match up well against anyone they’ll face, though, as the offense moves the ball effectively on the ground and through the air. Senior QB Nate Lang’s combination of accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making is hard to beat. Sophomore RB Jakobe Baldwin was the CCL White Offensive POY in his first full varsity season.
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 31.4 / Defense 14.1
👀One player to watch: White Division Player of the Year Grant Bowen is the best athlete on the field in most games
🟠Behind Enemy Lines: Genoa-Kingston
The Cogs (6-4) picked up their first playoff win in four years with a 25-20 victory over North Boone, satisfactory revenge after losing to their conference foe 20-14 in Week 6. Their last matchup against a CCL school came in the opening week of the 2024 season, when they beat Leo. The Cogs have made a habit of winning nail-biters this year, as four of their six wins have come by one score.
🗓️Schedule: Average - 40 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 26.6 / Defense 23.6
🏆Best regular season win: Week 4 vs. Winnebago, 28-21
👀One player to watch: DL/TE Aiden Rich is smaller than average for his position, but he’s an athletic pass rusher who will need to win some battles against the Knights’ tough offensive line
@ICCPFootball @ICCPKnights @NateLang1513 @JakobeBaldwin12 @gabriellisowiec @granttbowen @Acarroccio08 @m1chaelsilveyra @landonwestt @Stevon_Sims_63 @anthonyseb2027 @WSchmidt_09 @JadenPenna @jump0utjalen @JoshShawJr @ConniesPizza
🔵IC Catholic (8-1) won at least eight regular season games for the 8th time under Bill Krefft. The Knights boast the No. 1 scoring defense in the CCL, and they’ve allowed more than 15 points only zareth and a loss to Loyola. The defense’s athleticism is enough to overwhelm most 3A offenses. They would be a heavy favorite to make it to Hancock Stadium, but their biggest challenge may come earlier, as defending champion Byron awaits in the quarterfinals. The Knights match up well against anyone they’ll face, though, as the offense moves the ball effectively on the ground and through the air. Senior QB Nate Lang’s combination of accuracy, arm strength, and decision-making is hard to beat. Sophomore RB Jakobe Baldwin was the CCL White Offensive POY in his first full varsity season.
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 31.4 / Defense 14.1
👀One player to watch: White Division Player of the Year Grant Bowen is the best athlete on the field in most games
🟠Behind Enemy Lines: Genoa-Kingston
The Cogs (6-4) picked up their first playoff win in four years with a 25-20 victory over North Boone, satisfactory revenge after losing to their conference foe 20-14 in Week 6. Their last matchup against a CCL school came in the opening week of the 2024 season, when they beat Leo. The Cogs have made a habit of winning nail-biters this year, as four of their six wins have come by one score.
🗓️Schedule: Average - 40 opponents’ wins, 1 ranked team, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 26.6 / Defense 23.6
🏆Best regular season win: Week 4 vs. Winnebago, 28-21
👀One player to watch: DL/TE Aiden Rich is smaller than average for his position, but he’s an athletic pass rusher who will need to win some battles against the Knights’ tough offensive line
@ICCPFootball @ICCPKnights @NateLang1513 @JakobeBaldwin12 @gabriellisowiec @granttbowen @Acarroccio08 @m1chaelsilveyra @landonwestt @Stevon_Sims_63 @anthonyseb2027 @WSchmidt_09 @JadenPenna @jump0utjalen @JoshShawJr @ConniesPizza
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🟡Montini (7-2) is on the hunt for their third straight state title after winning 3A in 2024 and 4A in 2025. For the second time in those three years, the Broncos have an early-round game that gives plenty of ammo to the arguments for playoff seeding changes. They’re likely to econd round to face undefeated Morris. But first, the Broncos host Geneseo, who typically control the clock with their run-first offense. That shouldn’t matter against Montini, as they don’t need much time to put up a lot of points. Miami commit Israel Abrams leads a dominant air attack. His incredible WR corps makes him look even better than he is, which is hard to believe.
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 41.2 / Defense 24.1
👀A duo to watch: Senior LB Ben Evenson and sophomore DE Blake Pohlman will be busy against the run
🟢Behind Enemy Lines: Geneseo
The Maple Leafs (7-3) made it to the 4A quarterfinals last year, losing a tight game to Morris, 28-26. They led by four touchdowns in the first quarter last weekend and rolled to a 42-14 win over North Chicago. The Green Machine has a rich history of football success. They last faced a CCL team in 2024, when they were eliminated by DePaul Prep in the second round.
🗓️Schedule: A bit below average - 39 opponents’ wins, no ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 34.0 / Defense 21.2
🏆Best regular season win: Week 9 vs. Quincy, 46-22
👀One player to watch: Senior kicker Carson Peters hit a 50-yard field goal earlier this fall
@MontiniFootball @MontiniCatholic @israelabramsqb7 @BenEvenson868 @damacioortegon4 @PohlmanBlake @Orlando_Greco20 @GavinEricson59 @DonovanEvans_ @JulianFigu1073 @DanielSago4 @Kowalczyk_Eddie @mikelombardo28 @mancione_hunter
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 41.2 / Defense 24.1
👀A duo to watch: Senior LB Ben Evenson and sophomore DE Blake Pohlman will be busy against the run
🟢Behind Enemy Lines: Geneseo
The Maple Leafs (7-3) made it to the 4A quarterfinals last year, losing a tight game to Morris, 28-26. They led by four touchdowns in the first quarter last weekend and rolled to a 42-14 win over North Chicago. The Green Machine has a rich history of football success. They last faced a CCL team in 2024, when they were eliminated by DePaul Prep in the second round.
🗓️Schedule: A bit below average - 39 opponents’ wins, no ranked teams, 1 RV
🏈Scoring averages: Offense 34.0 / Defense 21.2
🏆Best regular season win: Week 9 vs. Quincy, 46-22
👀One player to watch: Senior kicker Carson Peters hit a 50-yard field goal earlier this fall
@MontiniFootball @MontiniCatholic @israelabramsqb7 @BenEvenson868 @damacioortegon4 @PohlmanBlake @Orlando_Greco20 @GavinEricson59 @DonovanEvans_ @JulianFigu1073 @DanielSago4 @Kowalczyk_Eddie @mikelombardo28 @mancione_hunter
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🏈The backbone, not the spotlight. 🔥Celebrating the CCL players who keep everything running behind the scenes. 💼 ➡️SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel ‼️@HolyCrossBars @cclfootball #holycrossbars #fridaynightnigthlights
@HalstedB3ll @FootballNaz @ConniesPizza @DePaulPrepAD
@HalstedB3ll @FootballNaz @ConniesPizza @DePaulPrepAD
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