Illinois High School Football Top 25 Rankings - September 8

by: Lawrence Fernandez09/08/25lawandfern

mount carmel — The Mount Carmel Golden Aces celebrate their 61-20 Homecoming victory over the Washington Hatchets at Riverview Stadium. (SAM OWENS/ COURIER & PRESS)

The high school football season continued in Illinois last week, as many of the top programs in the Prairie State were in action. Plenty of interesting results followed.

Another jam-packed slate is on deck as teams continue their quests for a state title. Below are the top 25 Illinois high school football teams, according to the Massey Ratings, as of Sept. 7.

1. Mount Carmel Caravan

Illinois high school football’s top team improves to 2-0 after a 35-14 win over St. Rita. Mount Carmel scored the game’s first 21 points and never looked back. After earning their first victory against an Illinois-based opponent in 2025, the Caravan will visit Nazareth Academy on September 12.

2. Lincoln-Way East Griffins

The Griffins haven’t allowed a point in their first two games this season. Their latest triumph was a 41-0 demolition of Kankakee, their second 40-point total in 2025. Lincoln-Way East will host Neuqua Valley on September 12.

3. Loyola Academy Ramblers

After defeating Indiana’s Merrillville during their season opener, the Ramblers will face St. Francis on September 12. The Spartans have a 2-0 record after defeating Kenwood and Mt. Zion Prep. Last season, St. Francis defeated Loyola Academy on the road, 35-21.

4. East St. Louis Flyers

The Flyers were supposed to play against Gadsden County last week. However, the team from Florida cancelled the game due to the issues they’re facing, including eight players suspended this year. Hence, after a heartbreaking defeat against Bergen Catholic, East St. Louis will continue the 2025 Illinois high school football season versus powerhouse Bishop Gorman, Nevada’s top-ranked team, on September 12.

5. Brother Rice Crusaders

In the so-called “Pulaski Road Super Bowl,” the Crusaders blanked Marist 35-0. Quarterback CJ Gray’s versatility led to 134 passing yards, 49 rushing yards, and three touchdowns (two passing). Meanwhile, lineman King Liggins anchored the Brother Rice defense. The Crusaders can improve to 3-0 by defeating St. Rita on September 12.

6. Glenbard West Hilltoppers

The Hilltoppers remained perfect after defeating Joliet Catholic 27-21. From a 14-14 halftime deadlock, Glenbard West outscored Joliet Catholic in the fourth quarter to improve to 2-0. After playing at home last week, the Hilltoppers will visit Oak Park-River Forest on September 12.

7. Lyons Lions

The Lions edged Wheaton Warrenville South, 31-28, improving their standing to 2-0. Lyons survived the Tigers’ 14-point fourth-quarter surge to remain perfect in the 2025 Illinois high school football season. The Lions will play their second road game this year, facing Berwyn/Cicero Morton on September 12.

8. Oswego Panthers

The Panthers allowed only six points in their victory against Geneva Community. More importantly, this result improved Oswego’s standing to 2-0 and won 12 of their last 13 games. The Panthers will play again at home versus Bolingbrook on September 12.

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9. Nazareth Academy Roadrunners

The Roadrunners started their defense of the Class 5A state championship with victories against Kankakee and Morgan Park. Nazareth Academy’s win streak stands at seven games dating back to last season, and they can add more by pulling off an upset against Mount Carmel on September 12.

10. St. Rita Mustangs

The Mustangs remain as Illinois high school football’s tenth-best team despite their recent loss to Mount Carmel. Though St. Rita fell to 1-1, they can build on the fact that they scored as many points (14) as the Caravan in their last game. The Mustangs can bounce back by defeating Brother Rice on September 12.

11. Downers Grove North
12. Fenwick
13. St. Charles North
14. Hinsdale Central
15. Lincoln-Way Central

16. Lincoln Way West
17. Carl Sandburg
18. Prairie Ridge
19. Maine South
20. Batavia

21. Montini Catholic
22. Glenbrook South
23. York
24. Barrington
25. Fremd

How to Follow Illinois High School Football

For Illinois high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Prairie State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across Illinois.