High-Stakes Showdowns Loom in IHSA State Football Quarterfinals
The Illinois High School Association playoffs are heating up, with several high-profile matchups set to take place this weekend. Here's a rundown of the top games that will be decided on Saturday.
One of the most highly anticipated contests is between No. 1 Mount Carmel and No. 3 Lincoln-Way East in Class 8A. The Golden Eagles have been the preseason favorites, boasting Power Four talent across their roster. Senior quarterback Emmett Dowling has been outstanding in his first season as a starter, leading an offense that features elite targets like Quentin Burrell and Marshaun Thornton.
In contrast, Lincoln-Way East has struggled without injured quarterback Jonas Williams, but he's back now. With the IHSA career record for passing TDs on the line, Williams is sure to lead his team into battle against Mount Carmel's formidable defense.
Another key matchup takes place in Class 8A between No. 7 Fremd and No. 17 Bolingbrook. Northwestern commit Johnny O'Brien has been one of the top quarterbacks in the state, completing 68% of his passes for 2,448 yards and 30 touchdowns. Western Illinois commit Marquan Brewster has emerged as a major threat on offense for Fremd.
Bolingbrook, meanwhile, has defied expectations to make it this far with its impressive lineup, featuring just five seniors. Junior running back TJ Lewis is leading the charge, backed by offers from Indiana and Kansas State among others.
In Class 7A, No. 2 Brother Rice faces off against No. 10 St. Charles North in a battle of the state's top teams. The Crusaders boast one of the state's elite defensive lines, led by senior Illinois commit King Liggins and five-star sophomore Kameron McGee.
Meanwhile, St. Charles North has experience on its side, with 41 seniors leading the charge. Quarterback JT Padron and Northwestern-bound receiver Keaton Reinke form a potent pass-and-throw combo that could pose a challenge to Brother Rice's defense.
The final game of the day features No. 9 Downers Grove North against No. 22 Lincoln-Way West in Class 7A. With Minnesota-bound quarterback Owen Lansu back from injury, the Trojans have regained their footing, thanks in part to the dual-threat abilities of Illinois commit Will Vala and Oliver Thulin.
Lincoln-Way West, meanwhile, has a balanced offense led by South Dakota commit Jahan Abubakar at running back and dual-threat quarterback Grant Tustin. The matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.
The Illinois High School Association playoffs are heating up, with several high-profile matchups set to take place this weekend. Here's a rundown of the top games that will be decided on Saturday.
One of the most highly anticipated contests is between No. 1 Mount Carmel and No. 3 Lincoln-Way East in Class 8A. The Golden Eagles have been the preseason favorites, boasting Power Four talent across their roster. Senior quarterback Emmett Dowling has been outstanding in his first season as a starter, leading an offense that features elite targets like Quentin Burrell and Marshaun Thornton.
In contrast, Lincoln-Way East has struggled without injured quarterback Jonas Williams, but he's back now. With the IHSA career record for passing TDs on the line, Williams is sure to lead his team into battle against Mount Carmel's formidable defense.
Another key matchup takes place in Class 8A between No. 7 Fremd and No. 17 Bolingbrook. Northwestern commit Johnny O'Brien has been one of the top quarterbacks in the state, completing 68% of his passes for 2,448 yards and 30 touchdowns. Western Illinois commit Marquan Brewster has emerged as a major threat on offense for Fremd.
Bolingbrook, meanwhile, has defied expectations to make it this far with its impressive lineup, featuring just five seniors. Junior running back TJ Lewis is leading the charge, backed by offers from Indiana and Kansas State among others.
In Class 7A, No. 2 Brother Rice faces off against No. 10 St. Charles North in a battle of the state's top teams. The Crusaders boast one of the state's elite defensive lines, led by senior Illinois commit King Liggins and five-star sophomore Kameron McGee.
Meanwhile, St. Charles North has experience on its side, with 41 seniors leading the charge. Quarterback JT Padron and Northwestern-bound receiver Keaton Reinke form a potent pass-and-throw combo that could pose a challenge to Brother Rice's defense.
The final game of the day features No. 9 Downers Grove North against No. 22 Lincoln-Way West in Class 7A. With Minnesota-bound quarterback Owen Lansu back from injury, the Trojans have regained their footing, thanks in part to the dual-threat abilities of Illinois commit Will Vala and Oliver Thulin.
Lincoln-Way West, meanwhile, has a balanced offense led by South Dakota commit Jahan Abubakar at running back and dual-threat quarterback Grant Tustin. The matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.
So many high-stakes games this weekend 
! 
. Mount Carmel's Golden Eagles are like the pride lions, strong and powerful 
, while Lincoln-Way East is more like a sneaky lioness, waiting to pounce 
.
. O'Brien's got the magic touch 
, but Lewis and his crew are hot on his heels 
️!
! The Crusaders' defense is impenetrable 
, but Padron and Keaton Reinke's combo might just find a way through 
.
. With Owen Lansu back in the game, they've got a chance to upset Lincoln-Way West 
, Northwestern's gonna be happy to have him on board.
so these high school football teams are really bringing their A-game this weekend! 
does jonas williams' return from injury give lincoln-way east an edge over mount carmel? 
can't wait for these high-stakes showdowns on Sat! Mount Carmel & Lincoln-Way East are gonna put on a show 
! Lincoln-Way West vs Downers Grove North though... that's gonna be SO close 
. And in Class 7A, Brother Rice's defense is gonna be put to the test against St Charles North's experience-packed squad 
!
️ these high school football playoffs are heating up 
fremd is looking solid with o'brien at qb, but bolingbrook's depth will keep them in it 
. And lastly, Downers Grove North might just pull off the upset against Lincoln-Way West with Owen Lansu leading the charge 
. Some schools have bigger budgets, more experienced coaches, and better facilities - it's like they're running a well-oiled machine 
. Meanwhile, others are like the underdog in a presidential debate, having to overcome obstacles and doubts to make their case 
. So, who will come out on top? Will it be the powerhouse teams or the dark horses that shock us all? The suspense is killing me! 
! Mount Carmel vs Lincoln-Way East is gonna be insane! Who's gonna win? 
! Northwestern commit Johnny O'Brien is so clutch, but TJ Lewis is on fire with all those Indiana and Kansas State offers 
! The Crusaders' defense is like a brick wall, but St. Charles North has all that experience on their side 
. Keaton Reinke and JT Padron are like a dynamic duo - they're gonna cause some major chaos!
! Owen Lansu is back from injury and he's ready to lead his team, but Jahan Abubakar at running back and Grant Tustin as dual-threat QB? Game on 
!
and bolingbrook's all-in lineup