Playoff Predictions

[DirtySixThirty]

In this thread, I'll offer my predictions for the championship games in classes 3A-8A (since I don't know enough about 1A and 2A to make educated predictions, I'll leave them to others).

3A: Immaculate Conception d. St
Joseph-Ogden
Don't get me wrong, the north bracket is stacked, but IC has talent that is not comparable to other 3A schools. The team that hung with Loyola for three quarters will win every game by at least three scores.

4A: Montini d. Rochester
Montini's likely week 11 matchup with Morris is going to be a must-see battle. Rochester will avenge its loss to Sacred Heart Griffin, but lose a great game to Montini in the final.

5A: Providence d. St. Francis
In perhaps the most difficult class to predict, I'll go with a rematch of last year's final, but this year going to Providence.

6A: Geneva d. Wheaton Warrenville South
This is probably the class that is most likely to be won by a public school. Interestingly, Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South are on opposite sides of the bracket. The divider this year must be right along Roosevelt Road somewhere.

7A: Brother Rice d. Hersey
Go ahead; fire away.

8A: Lincoln-Way East d. Loyola
This is the first time in a while that there hasn't truly been an impervious team in the Catholic League. The Griffins would likely need to defeat the entire Big Three this year to win it all (having defeated Brother Rice already), and they just might do it.

 

[Silver Rain]

Without Jonas, LWE is not a better team this year. On the other hand, Mount Carmel is.

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Without Jonas, LWE is not a better team this year. On the other hand, Mount Carmel is.

You really believe Mt. Carmel is better than they were last year?

 

[Silver Rain]

You really believe Mt. Carmel is better than they were last year?

Not only better, but better by several orders of magnitude. In his post-game comments, Holecek reflected on the Caravan's exceptional speed.

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Not only better, but better by several orders of magnitude. In his post-game reflections, Holecek mentioned Mt. Carmel's exceptional speed.

I don't understand where you're coming from on that one. Last year, they were undefeated, and this year they have two losses, and really should have three.

 

[Silver Rain]

I don't understand where you're coming from on that one. Last year, they were undefeated, and this year they have two losses, and really should have three.

Have you watched any games this year or last?

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Have you watched any games this year or last?

Last year, I attended their game at Benet and watched some of their finals game. This year, I have not.

 

[Silver Rain]

Last year, I attended their game at Benet.

Last year, they dominated Benet in the same way they demolished the Griffins. Other wins were closer and some people doubted them. The doubt was justifiable. This year, it is also fair to ask, "Will the real Mt. Carmel please stand up?" They lost to Rice and ESL in a most embarrassing manner. But at halftime against SJR, they finally remembered how to play and then went on to convincingly beat Marist, Naz, PC, and JCA.

They thoroughly outclassed the Ramblers, but that will be a different team when they face each other again in the finals. Holecek will have them prepared, and MC will need to be better prepared. Still, there is that talent differential. At some point, it comes down to physics: f=ma.

 

[Doctor_D]

CCL takes 3A thru 8A.

IC
Montini
St Fran
Naz
BR
MC

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

3A: Immaculate Conception d. St
Joseph-Ogden
Don't get me wrong, the north bracket is stacked, but IC has talent that is not comparable to other 3A schools. The team that hung with Loyola for three quarters will win every game by at least three scores.

You really think IC will beat Byron, Burton, and SJO all by at least three scores??

 

[4Afan]

Last year, they dominated Benet in the same way they demolished the Griffins. Other wins were closer and some people doubted them. The doubt was justifiable. This year, it is also fair to ask, "Will the real Mt. Carmel please stand up?" They lost to Rice and ESL in a most embarrassing manner. But at halftime against SJR, they finally remembered how to play and then went on to convincingly beat Marist, Naz, PC, and JCA.

They thoroughly outclassed the Ramblers, but that will be a different team when they face each other again in the finals. Holecek will have them prepared, and MC will need to be better prepared. Still, there is that talent differential. At some point, it comes down to physics: f=ma.

So your logic for why MC is better this year is that they convincingly beat Marist and three 5A schiols?

Based on consistency the arguement could also be made that LWE is indeed better this year.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Logic has been lacking over the last 48 hours...

 

[Skins99]

In this thread, I'll offer my predictions for the championship games in classes 3A-8A (since I don't know enough about 1A and 2A to make educated predictions, I'll leave them to others).

3A: Immaculate Conception d. St
Joseph-Ogden
Don't get me wrong, the north bracket is stacked, but IC has talent that is not comparable to other 3A schools. The team that hung with Loyola for three quarters will win every game by at least three scores.

4A: Montini d. Rochester
Montini's likely week 11 matchup with Morris is going to be a must-see battle. Rochester will avenge its loss to Sacred Heart Griffin, but lose a great game to Montini in the final.

5A: Providence d. St. Francis
In perhaps the most difficult class to predict, I'll go with a rematch of last year's final, but this year going to Providence.

6A: Geneva d. Wheaton Warrenville South
This is probably the class that is most likely to be won by a public school. Interestingly, Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South are on opposite sides of the bracket. The divider this year must be right along Roosevelt Road somewhere.

7A: Brother Rice d. Hersey
Go ahead; fire away.

8A: Lincoln-Way East d. Loyola
This is the first time in a while that there hasn't truly been an impervious team in the Catholic League. The Griffins would likely need to defeat the entire Big Three this year to win it all (having defeated Brother Rice already), and they just might do it

In this thread, I'll offer my predictions for the championship games in classes 3A-8A (since I don't know enough about 1A and 2A to make educated predictions, I'll leave them to others).

3A: Immaculate Conception d. St
Joseph-Ogden
Don't get me wrong, the north bracket is stacked, but IC has talent that is not comparable to other 3A schools. The team that hung with Loyola for three quarters will win every game by at least three scores.

4A: Montini d. Rochester
Montini's likely week 11 matchup with Morris is going to be a must-see battle. Rochester will avenge its loss to Sacred Heart Griffin, but lose a great game to Montini in the final.

5A: Providence d. St. Francis
In perhaps the most difficult class to predict, I'll go with a rematch of last year's final, but this year going to Providence.

6A: Geneva d. Wheaton Warrenville South
This is probably the class that is most likely to be won by a public school. Interestingly, Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South are on opposite sides of the bracket. The divider this year must be right along Roosevelt Road somewhere.

7A: Brother Rice d. Hersey
Go ahead; fire away.

8A: Lincoln-Way East d. Loyola
This is the first time in a while that there hasn't truly been an impervious team in the Catholic League. The Griffins would likely need to defeat the entire Big Three this year to win it all (having defeated Brother Rice already), and they just might do it.

The 4A week 11 matchup between Morris and Montini in Morris will be for the state championship. Everyone else will be playing for the runner-up after that

 

[JCHillmen10]

The 4A week 11 matchup between Morris and Montini in Morris will be for the state championship. Everyone else will be playing for the runner-up after that

I think Rochester is right in the mix as well. You could legitimately rank any of the three in any order (I suppose even SHG can be included in that mix as well by virtue of beating Rochester).

But I do agree that the Montini-Morris winner is the north rep in the final and has a very good chance to win it all.

From what I have seen, Morris may be more talented overall. I will be curious to see what impact Montini having played 6 competitive nailbiters compared to Morris having played maybe three halves of competitive football the whole season may have when the two meet.

 

[Skins99]

I don't disagree but Morris has been absolutely dominate at home and are that good. As to the last part of your comment, I've been advocating for years to bring back Morris/JCA week 1 or week 2 game!

 

[DirtySixThirty]

You really think IC will beat Byron, Burton, and SJO all by at least three scores??

Yes, I do. At one point, they led Loyola by three scores, and against other teams who have to play starters both ways, they won't tire-out like they did against Loyola.

 

[4Afan]

Yes, I do. At one point, they led Loyola by three scores, and against other teams who have to play starters both ways, they won't tire-out like they did against Loyola.

Then explain only 6 points against JCA.

 

[Cyclone630]

Logic has been lacking over the last 48 hours...

That's the norm among CCL posters. It's more surprising when they find logic for 48 hours.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

That's the norm among CCL posters. It's more surprising when they find logic for 48 hours.

I find the "who's Richard is bigger" talk humorous when it is obvious the programs being talked about are all elite and are arguing over minuscule details to prove some point.....

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Then explain only 6 points against JCA.

Joliet Catholic is better than any team in 3A other than IC.

 

[4Afan]

Joliet Catholic is better than any team in 3A other than IC.

Massey has Byron/JCA as a toss up (Byron is favored by 2)

 

[UIUC 17]

Then explain only 6 points against JCA.

Did you watch the game against JCA? Or Loyola?

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Massey has Byron/JCA as a toss up (Byron is favored by 2)

I don't put much stock in computer models. They're skewed by the fact that Byron wins every game by 50 against a pretty crumby schedule. I've said multiple times this year that IC's weakest opponent would beat Byron's best opponent, and with the possible overlap of Marian and Dixon, this probably applies to Joliet Catholic, as well.

 

[4Afan]

I don't put much stock in computer models. They're skewed by the fact that Byron wins every game by 50 against a pretty crumby schedule. I've said multiple times this year that IC's weakest opponent would beat Byron's best opponent, and with the possible overlap of Marian and Dixon, this probably applies to Joliet Catholic, as well.

Fair, but the projections have been quite accurate for both Byron and JCA.

Byron Football Schedule

View the 2026 Byron Football Schedule at on3.com. The Tigers Football schedule includes opponents, date, time, and results.

www.on3.com

Joliet Catholic Academy Football Schedule

View the 2026 Joliet Catholic Academy Football Schedule at on3.com. The Hilltoppers Football schedule includes opponents, date, time, and results.

www.on3.com

 

[OnlyTheBest]

Yes, I do. At one point, they led Loyola by three scores, and against other teams who have to play starters both ways, they won't tire-out like they did against Loyola.

Do you not remember IC playing with Naz last year and then getting beat pretty handily by Byron? I wouldn't put too much stock into those matchups.. Byron will be tough once again for IC.

 

[McCaravan]

CCL takes 3A thru 8A.

IC
Montini
St Fran
Naz
BR
MC

This will not make for a Merry Christmas on this board if this happens ! Good tidings will certainly not be extended to all!

 

[LHSTigers94]

This will not make for a Merry Christmas on this board if this happens ! Good tidings will certainly not be extended to all!

Didn't that happen last year?

 

[McCaravan]

You really believe Mt. Carmel is better than they were last year?

Offensively they had some question marks entering the season. Yes they had two amazing WRs in Burrell and Thorton and a solid RB in Samuels, but they had to replace 4 starters on the OLine and decide on a QB. The center position wasn't even decided on until a couple weeks before the season. I felt that with the new line, a new QB and ESL having a secondary that could cover our star WRs that this game was a toss up and nobody should be shocked. Our original starting QB got hurt in the first quarter and they had to toss the game plan snd go to option #2. Them losing to the Flyers should have shocked nobody.

St. Joe's game was a blessing and a curse. It was remarkable to see that comeback and show what the offense could do when firing on all cylinders but the curse was it seemed to give these teenagers swollen head syndrome, and some of them already were full of it due to the preseason noise. They went into BR and played undisciplined football, gave them break after break and if you do that to a good team, especially on the road, you're gonna lose and they did.

Losing that game came with some realization though. Some tough talks were had with players and coaches. Changes were made. Player meetings were had. Plantz was brought in and since then they have been outstanding. Harrington played out of his mind vs. LA, they've been getting to the QB, they've scored 134 points the last 3 games. They seem to have found their groove....now they have to keep it going.

2 players that I think deserve the most credit is that option 2 QB Brady Cloherty who has thrown for 35 TDs and TE Ty Kennedy who has been playing out of his mind since week 3 with numerous TD catches and big yard receptions as well as playing some 3rd down defense.

So 3 paragraphs later are they more talented then last year? Not at first. They were less talented and less disciplined. But it seems like they have figured it out and I don't think many teams will be looking forward to playing them when they are clicking on all cylinders.

 

[Doctor_D]

This will not make for a Merry Christmas on this board if this happens ! Good tidings will certainly not be extended to all!

I forgot to put down Aurora Christian for 2A although not CCL.

 

[DirtySixThirty]

The 4A week 11 matchup between Morris and Montini in Morris will be for the state championship. Everyone else will be playing for the runner-up after that

With Morris and Montini in the north and Rochester and Sacred Heart Griffin in the south, it might be the most intriguing class.

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Fair, but the projections have been quite accurate for both Byron and JCA.

Byron Football Schedule

View the 2026 Byron Football Schedule at on3.com. The Tigers Football schedule includes opponents, date, time, and results.

www.on3.com

Joliet Catholic Academy Football Schedule

View the 2026 Joliet Catholic Academy Football Schedule at on3.com. The Hilltoppers Football schedule includes opponents, date, time, and results.

www.on3.com

That's interesting. Is this the same model that is used in the Catholic League prediction thread?

 

[McCaravan]

I forgot to put down Aurora Christian for 2A although not CCL.

God's involved so it counts

 

[McCaravan]

Didn't that happen last year?

I don't think a private won 3A last year

 

[4Afan]

That's interesting. Is this the same model that is used in the Catholic League prediction thread?

Not sure, but I don't believe so

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Not sure, but I don't believe so

CCL prediction thread algorithm is a closely guarded secret only few know about.

 

[Anon744449]

Without Jonas, LWE is not a better team this year. On the other hand, Mount Carmel is.

Actually, LWE is all around a better team than last year, with the exception of QB

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

This will not make for a Merry Christmas on this board if this happens ! Good tidings will certainly not be extended to all!

Should it occur bank on massive playoff changes.... I've heard that if private schools dominate the playoffs again that their future landing spots, outside of an all Private school playoff, would be 6A and 8A only! NOT saying this will happen but enough of a push is starting to be listened to! This won't bother most private schools either way especially Might Mt Carmel!~

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Until Byron is defeated Im not giving IC anything.... JCA did a very good job against IC and holding them to 6 points was impressive...

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Until Byron is defeated Im not giving IC anything.... JCA did a very good job against IC and holding them to 6 points was impressive...

Joliet Catholic is better than any 3A team other than IC.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Joliet Catholic is better than any 3A team other than IC.

Byron is a machine... Those players from womb to high school are inundated with the Wing-T and those that fail to realize this are those whom get burned!~~~