#1 in the state?
- Thread starter ODERTY1
- Start date
Nothing like the weekly Who is #1 thread. It will end with a endlesss battle between ESL fans getting mad at anyone who thinks MC is better and MC fans, myself included, claiming until you can actually beat us, then there is no discussion. These two excellent teams will not play this year. IF MC wins out this year they are the hands down #1 team in my opinion. I felt that ESL was the hands down #1, this year MC would be IMO, but they have to win out. Being named #1 though wins you nothing but a little hashtag and number by your schools name. It comes with no trophy or reward, just some journalist opinion. So until next week when this topic resurfaces again, I'm out!
*** This weeks topic was sparked by MC's young teenage announcers claiming they were #1 BTW. Classic.
*** This weeks topic was sparked by MC's young teenage announcers claiming they were #1 BTW. Classic.
I think there is an equal amount of success factor disdain for these programs. It is unfair and a stupid rule. My disdain for the SF rule is separate from my challenge to ESL's claim to #1.
I think I am starting to dislike ESL now only because they have made me defend MC so much.
I cant recall a single post from you, or any one else, that has called out those schools by name when discussing why publics arent also SF. I dont think the SF conversation comes up without someone name dropping ESL. Id have to strongly disagree the disdain is equal.
Your challenge and reason behind ESL not being number changes with the wind. I don't even know what your point is anymore with regards to that.
McCaravan, I find you to be one of the most logical of the group, so I say this in consideration of that. But, IMG and St. Francis, MD will travel to Chicago, if necessary.
Actually our conference don't allow you to petition at all. We were granted special permission to go 6a
I think the disdain for the SF is just disdain for the SF. It is not a team's fault the IHSA makes stupid rules. I've never said anything about the SF being stupid only because ESL isn't subject to it. Most of if not all of my anti SF remarks center around the fact it is a flawed rule because a team's freshman can literally go winless for 2 years and their varsity seasons be forced to play at a higher class based on kids who no longer go there.
My challenge and reason has not changed. It was and remains to be that ESL LOST 3 times and MC has lost ZERO. I have never seen any rankings in any sport where a 3 loss team is ranked higher than a zero loss team when the zero loss team faces a tougher week in and week out schedule and then has to play 2 classes above the other team in the playoffs. Why should a 3 loss SWC team be ranked over an undefeated catholic league team? The answer I am being given is "they lost to 3 nationally ranked teams and are going to win the 6a championship" My response is "MC lost to NOBODY and is going to win an 8A championship after playing in the catholic league"
For the record, it was not teenagers announcing, it was The U broadcast crew. An older gentlemen such as yourself repeating this.
if you're referring to Jack McInerney that's worse than it being 15 year old hs announcers.
Have you ever heard anything come out of his mouth that made sense?
"I like that teh refs here aren't influenced by the crowds at Marnt Carmel I hate the old saying just let them play"
like WHAT?!
Guy was still watching for the bunny to come back during the handshakes
5/4 Star Recruits Quinton Burrell, Marshon Thorton, Bonecrusher Tucker, Roman Igwebuike, and Tavares Harrington are all back along with starters RB Nathan Samuels, OL Chase Clark, DT Josh Harris DB's Isaac Saldana, Brandon Rogers, and Cullen Winters are also back.....so that's pretty good right?
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MOB claimed only that MC is the "the greatest team in Chicago history." Which no doubt steamed Loyola fans, who think that the Ramblers are a much better team. It also got our broadcast crew a little excited, and they went farther than the Sun-Times, pronouncing us the best team in the state of Illinois. Ever.
I wouldn't go that far. I will say this. Mount Carmel is the best team east of the longitudinal line that runs through the state's geographic center in Chestnut, Illinois. You guys west of the line can fight it out among yourselves.
I'll also say this. As good as they are, year in and year out, ESL will always be tainted by playing in 6A. That's just the way it is, an inescapable fact. But I also think that the Flyers, a team that loves challenges and is willing to play anyone, would jump to 8A if they could without hesitation.
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Thank you for the compliment. MC has opened up with ESL, Hun Academy from New Jersey and Cincinnati Moeller the past 3 seasons followed by their oldest rival in St. Rita so they havent been kicking Tomato Cans the first two weeks. I'm sure Jordan Lynch has acquired about IMG openings to come to Chicago. Maybe one of these years.
The disdain may be there. But only ESL is brought up when its discussed. I dont think anyone is going to argue thats not the case. Its just a general observation of the board as a whole.
Your reasoning as far as who can be number 1 has certainly changed throughout the years of you bringing this up. ESL having three losses and MC being undefeated was not the case last year yet you were still adamant that there was no way ESL could be number 1. New season, new teams, and you are still trying to find a way to discredit what they accomplish because you know whatever the crux of your stance is this year, wouldn't hold water last year when both Loyola and MC and 2 and 3 losses respectively.
My opinion is ESL is better than MC (Ie i think ESL would win in a h2h matchup) But I also have no problem with MC being #1 and wouldn't argue with anyone who felt they were. My issue was with regards to you saying ESL cant be top 5 this year and refusing to go beyond that and telling us who is better.
I also don't understand the high praise for the CCL/ESCC if you admittedly place very little value in wins below 7a/8a. Wins over JCA, Naz, Fenwick, etc shouldn't be used to defend your point if its simply bigger = better.
I said weeks ago when first asked that the season top 5 from the times/trib is currently "better" based on strength opponent playoff berths, records, etc. Then I said once ESL wins they will be in the Top 5 probably top 3. BECAUSE they would be the 6A champ with 3 losses to nationally ranked teams and would have dominated the rest of 6a. It would be hard for me to give them the nod over a team with few losses that played stiffer competition. If MC doesn't win I would give ESL #1 if MC wins though its just tough for me to not give it to an undefeated catholic league team that also traveled out of state to take on another state's best.
Naz and JCA have played in the past two state championships and beat fellow conference members that are at the 7 and 8a classification. Naz, JCA, Fenwick, Franny, IC and many more would have the same success ESL has in the Southwest. You cannot genuinely tell me that the CCL/ESCC isn't head and shoulder above everyone else.
They have 9 teams playing for a chance to play in 5 different classes.
If you take a second to actually read what I am typing you will see it's not just bigger = better its never been only bigger = better that was one piece of the puzzle but there was more to it.
Honestly, I don’t believe the class should matter when we deem teams the best in the state. We are all students of the game. We know who the big dogs are. We watch programs like ESL, JCA, Mt Carmel, Loyola, etc. year in and year out. Regardless of any class, the football junkies on this message board know that the flyers are always in the conversation for the best in the state. Not because of the class they play in but the talent that they put on the field, the stiff competition they seek and the winning tradition that they carry. The same goes for Mt Carmel. This year, in my opinion, only because we can’t prove it, I’d be ok with Mt Carmel being called the best. They have been battle tested this year and I’ve been impressed with their resilience.
Im not calling them the best though
we will never know. All gas no brakes!!
Im not calling them the best though
we will never know. All gas no brakes!!
If there was an actual #1 team prize I'd tend to understand the argument. But there isn't. This is a media/fan designation. We can use some nuance here. Of course they're in discussion. After two more weeks we should gain at least one more valuable cross reference games and can let the debate rage without barriers.
I’m going to shock some people and say that after a quick search in max preps from last year given the records and H2H id have no problem saying ESL was best in show last year.Honestly, I don’t believe the class should matter when we deem teams the best in the state. We are all students of the game. We know who the big dogs are. We watch programs like ESL, JCA, Mt Carmel, Loyola, etc. year in and year out. Regardless of any class, the football junkies on this message board know that the flyers are always in the conversation for the best in the state. Not because of the class they play in but the talent that they put on the field, the stiff competition they seek and the winning tradition that they carry. The same goes for Mt Carmel. This year, in my opinion, only because we can’t prove it, I’d be ok with Mt Carmel being called the best. They have been battle tested this year and I’ve been impressed with their resilience.
Im not calling them the best though
That being said, applying the same criteria and open mindedness to this season I am still hesitant to give them that designation if MC wins out. If MC loses then ESL has a genuine argument even with 3 losses. On the flip side what happens if Fenwick gets that miracle bounce in two weeks and beats ESL. How far does ESL drop?
They would drop far enough to not be considered the BEST in the state, which is the topic of this entire discussion. Captain Obvious……
fwiw, we saw as much if not more of rochester's name in the SF unfairness discussion, it's just died off in recent years. i can even find it discussed in news articles about a decade about that i won't link because of site rules but here is some of the text:
"And if a non-boundaried team makes four straight title games in football, they will be bumped three classes.
Raise your hand if that sounds fair. I didn’t think so.
As Rock Island Alleman athletic director Steve Smithers told the Moline Dispatch, “The so-called ‘playing field’ seems to change a lot for us.”
Alleman will be another impacted school. The Pioneers have thrice been victim to Rochester in the 4A playoffs, twice in state title games (2010 and 2012) and in last year’s semifinals. While Alleman hasn’t been able to beat Rochester, it’s Alleman moving up a class and not the Rockets.
Perhaps that might actually be a good thing for the Pioneers, not having to face Rochester. One can argue Rochester was the only thing between Alleman and three state titles."
from the state journal register in 2014. edgy would run out of toilets if those old Rochester and SHG guys that used to go at it found this board. the names change over the years but the arguments remain the same
What makes it a dumb question? Are you saying there is no way an ESL team we have been told all season is the #1 team and not lose? Because we’ve seen that episode plenty of times.
Better yet…Who becomes number 1 if by some crazy chance both MC and ESL lose next Saturday? Would you still expect ESL to be number 1 with 4 losses and no championship?
Better yet…Who becomes number 1 if by some crazy chance both MC and ESL lose next Saturday? Would you still expect ESL to be number 1 with 4 losses and no championship?
I’ll give you the nod on at least answering your own question this time. Every other poster here has displayed enough logic to chalk that as a rhetorical one.
ESL hasn’t claimed ANYTHING! Media outlets have made the claim. Because of that, you guys get on here and try to discredit the claim yearly. Last year all of you all were quiet and almost missing in action. ESL never bring up their out of state opponents in an argument however, several will point to the three loses with pride.
Here is what you can say about ESL, they are the only team that has petitioned since 2008. Some have followed which has also allowed some of MC success over the last three years. (Loyola petitioned to 8A). ESL will play anyone and is willing to come to you. Most of the schools you support RUN from competition. It is what it is.
Personally I can careless who is number one Iin the state! The ONLY focus is being the champ in 6A!
Good luck this weekend.
MOB in today's S-T:
There are certainly mixed feelings around the area about Mount Carmel’s football dominance and all the attention the team is receiving. The usual private school vs. public school factions are sounding off, but I’ve also heard from private school supporters who are annoyed with how much I’m writing about the Caravan.
I understand all the complaints. But I believe they are misguided. Mount Carmel, and all the talent and hype and attention it has, is wonderful for Illinois high school football. Great teams bring eyeballs to the entire sport. This year’s Caravan is the most popular football team I’ve ever written about, and it is helping to bring attention back to high school football as a whole.
Local television and radio stations are more interested in high school football this season. Casual Chicago sports fans are paying attention.
The uptick is especially obvious because high school basketball is suffering from the opposite problem. There hasn’t been a basketball “super team” since Glenbard West won the Class 4A state title in 2022. And there isn’t one this season.
So, enjoy this Mount Carmel run and all the talented players while you can. Many high school basketball fans complained about the great Simeon and Young teams for years. Those days are over, and now most of the best players transfer out of state.
Michael O'Brien
There are certainly mixed feelings around the area about Mount Carmel’s football dominance and all the attention the team is receiving. The usual private school vs. public school factions are sounding off, but I’ve also heard from private school supporters who are annoyed with how much I’m writing about the Caravan.
I understand all the complaints. But I believe they are misguided. Mount Carmel, and all the talent and hype and attention it has, is wonderful for Illinois high school football. Great teams bring eyeballs to the entire sport. This year’s Caravan is the most popular football team I’ve ever written about, and it is helping to bring attention back to high school football as a whole.
Local television and radio stations are more interested in high school football this season. Casual Chicago sports fans are paying attention.
The uptick is especially obvious because high school basketball is suffering from the opposite problem. There hasn’t been a basketball “super team” since Glenbard West won the Class 4A state title in 2022. And there isn’t one this season.
So, enjoy this Mount Carmel run and all the talented players while you can. Many high school basketball fans complained about the great Simeon and Young teams for years. Those days are over, and now most of the best players transfer out of state.
Michael O'Brien
Now see if only every other supporter would just feel the same way about only being the best in 6a. I could get behind that. I’d even agree you are the best in 6a by a country mile. No need to pound chests on losing 3 times and beating up southwest conference teams. Just own the fact you dominate 6a
I think it’d have to be Naz.
They played MC way closer than Bolingbrook recruit…I mean transfer and UsC commit led LWE.
They would not have lost to ESL and in a show of CCL brotherhood allowed Fenwick the opportunity at a championship.
So
1. Naz
2. Bartlett Freshman
3. Fenwick
4. MC
5. CG
6. ESL
Damned good!
How's this? Either way, they have to play next year!!!
| Jersey | Player Name | Class/Grad Year | Position | Height/Weight | Recruiting Stars | Notes/Stats (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #11 | Reece Shanklin | Jr. (2027) | QB | 6'1"/185 | Unrated/3★ offers | Starting QB, strong arm; threw multiple TDs vs Simeon (including to Rupert & Ware) |
| #6 | Myson Johnson-Cook | Jr. (2027) | RB/ATH | 6'2"/220 | 4-5★ (Top national RB transfer from DeSoto, TX) | Leading rusher (92+ ypg); nation's No. 2 RB recruit; rested in blowouts |
| #26 | Ahmad Coleman | Jr. (2027) | RB | 5'9"/182 | 3★ | No. 2 rusher (58 ypg); 2 rushing TDs vs Simeon |
| #5 | Amir Tillman | Jr. (2027) | RB | 5'8"/170 | 3★ | No. 3 rusher (52 ypg); TD run vs Simeon; rotational back |
| #1 | Laron Baker Jr. | Jr. (2027) | WR | 6'0"/170 | 3★ | Starter/slot threat |
| #2 | Ronnie Gomiller | Jr. (2027) | WR/DB | 5'11"/178-185 | 3★ | Starter, return specialist |
| #16 | Jahmori/Jahmoni Ware | So. (2028) | WR/RB | ~6'1"/195 | Rising prospect | TD catch vs Simeon; emerging playmaker |
The offense is run-heavy with 3-4 RB rotation (Johnson-Cook, Coleman, Tillman)
| Jersey | Player Name | Class/Grad Year | Position | Height/Weight | Recruiting Stars | Notes
#7 | Raheem Floyd | Jr. (2027) | CB | 6'1"/160-165 | 3★ | Lockdown corner
#9 | Jabarri Lofton | Jr. (2027) | S/FS | 6'3"/200 | 3★ rising | Ballhawk (matches MaxPreps #9 FS) |
#54 | Caleb Brown | Jr. (2027) | EDGE/DE | ~6'1"/255 | Prospect | Outstanding pass rusher |
Other DBs/LBs: #25 Jr. DB 6'2"/200, #42 Jr. OLB 6'3"/185, #40 Jr. LB 6'0"/200.
The Flyers are deep with juniors (Class of 2027 is loaded at skill positions) and rely on rotation — blowout wins mean backups like Ware (So.) get touches. No official depth chart is published.
This discussion often starts from none ESL posters. We only defend our turf. Now and forever.
I do post a lot of stuff here ... son of an Alum, but not in the district or a former player myself.
Next year, if push comes to shove, I see a heavy dose of MJC running behind a line averaging three bills, then counters with Tillman and Coleman, then stretching the field with Baker, Gomiller and Ware.
EasrSide Defense will remain dominant and nearly impossible to pass against consistently. Hell, IMG did not even try by air much.
EasrSide Defense will remain dominant and nearly impossible to pass against consistently. Hell, IMG did not even try by air much.
Im an Alum. Played or was on the team lol from 98-2002. Started under coach Terry Hill. Was a jr when Sunkett first came in with D Nash. Entire bloodline runs thick in the program way back from Shannon days..tons of family and friends... So the passion is there for sure. A Flyer loss usually ruins my entire weekend lol
To IMG credit, their stud receiver was out and the running back didn’t really need help..
If they can cover Burrell and Thorton next year tell them to bottle it and sell it
Geneva wr Corp was better and qb was equal. Stop it
