The semifinals of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) football playoffs feature several exciting matchups this Saturday. Here is an overview of the top games to watch.
Class 8A Matchups
No. 5 Fremd vs. No. 1 Mount Carmel
Fremd (11-1) is making its first semifinal appearance in program history. Their only loss came against Barrington when quarterback Johnny O’Brien was sidelined by injury. O’Brien, a Northwestern commit, has excelled this season, completing 66% of his passes for 2,721 yards and 32 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. He is supported by Marquan Brewster, who has recorded 78 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Mount Carmel (12-0) has a powerful presence on both sides of the ball. The Caravan boasts an elite quarterback in Emmett Dowling and Power Four talent in receivers Quentin Burrell and Marshaun Thornton. The defense is anchored by prospects Braeden Jones (USC), Joey Quinn, and Caleb Tucker.
No. 8 Lockport vs. No. 9 Oswego
This semifinal matchup is a surprise for many. Lockport (9-3) started the season 1-3 but quickly turned things around, winning eight consecutive games. Their standout performance came in last week’s 35-0 victory over Barrington. Quarterback Brandon Mecher and running back Chris Miller combined for 221 rushing yards and four touchdowns in that game.
Oswego (10-2) has also shown strong defensive prowess, holding eight opponents to ten points or fewer this season. Last week, they battled back from a 14-0 deficit to defeat Maine South 24-21, led by Mariano Velasco, who made two touchdown catches and recorded a pick-six.
Class 7A Showdowns
No. 6 Batavia vs. No. 16 St. Rita
Batavia (10-2) is appearing in its fourth consecutive semifinal. They fell to Mount Carmel in last year’s 7A final. Junior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren has completed 67% of his passes, totaling 2,413 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. His top receivers, Brett Berggren and Darin Ashiru, have combined for over 1,500 yards.
St. Rita (8-4) experienced a rocky start at 2-4 but has since rallied with six consecutive wins. Quarterback Steven Armbruster had a significant game last week, throwing for 272 yards and four touchdowns against Hersey in a high-scoring victory.
No. 7 Downers Grove North vs. No. 2 Brother Rice
Downers Grove North (10-2) seeks its second final appearance in three years. Quarterback Owen Lansu, heading to Minnesota, returns from injury and had a strong outing last week with three touchdowns. His connection with tight end Will Vala is pivotal for their attack.
Brother Rice (11-1) features an impressive defensive line with three Power Four prospects: King Liggins (Illinois), Brayden Parks, and Kameron McGee. Their balanced offense is led by Army-bound quarterback CJ Gray and standout running backs Jaylin Green and Jameson Davis.
Class 6A Encounter
No. 13 Fenwick vs. No. 3 Nazareth
Fenwick (9-3) brings a high-caliber quarterback in Jamen Williams, who has thrown for 2,154 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. Brothers Jake and Tommy Thies are key contributors on both sides of the ball for the Friars.
Nazareth (11-1) comes off an impressive comeback against Lake Zurich, winning 24-21 with late touchdowns from quarterback Jackson Failla. Their offense features capable receivers like Trenton Walker and Jake Cestone (Illinois State).
Summary of Semifinal Matches
- Class 8A:
- No. 5 Fremd vs. No. 1 Mount Carmel
- No. 8 Lockport vs. No. 9 Oswego
- Class 7A:
- No. 6 Batavia vs. No. 16 St. Rita
- No. 7 Downers Grove North vs. No. 2 Brother Rice
- Class 6A:
- No. 13 Fenwick vs. No. 3 Nazareth
These promising matchups in the IHSA playoffs highlight the skills and talents of high school football players across Illinois. Fans can look forward to an exciting Saturday of thrilling gridiron action.
