Mount Carmel Clinches 17th State Title, Four-Peat Under Lynch's Guidance
The Chicago high school football powerhouse has cemented its reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the state of Illinois. The Caravan, boasting an impressive array of Power Five recruits, secured its 17th state title by defeating Oswego 20-3 in the Class 8A championship game at NIU's Huskie Stadium.
The Panthers' defense proved to be a thorn in Mount Carmel's side, limiting the high-flying aerial attack that had been so dominant throughout the season. The unit's ability to shut down the Caravan's signature home-run pass plays was a decisive factor in the match-up, as Oswego's stalwart defense prevented any major scoring opportunities.
Credit is due to both teams for their strong performances. "Credit goes to Oswego," said Coach Jordan Lynch. "They came out and played hard, played tough. They are well-coached. And credit to our guys too." The Caravan's offense struggled at times in the cold, windy weather, but ultimately found its rhythm as the game progressed.
Junior Cullen Winters' blocked punt and Gavin Conjar's subsequent 11-yard touchdown run gave Mount Carmel a lead it would not relinquish. Roman Igwebuike's interception with minutes remaining sealed the victory for the Caravan.
For senior quarterback Emmett Dowling, the win marked another milestone in his storied high school career. "Winning the state title is special," he said. "And it is all because of [Lynch]. He's the best coach in the country."
The four-peat under Lynch's guidance completes a remarkable stretch for Mount Carmel. The team has now won five state titles since 2019, with its previous championships coming in Class 7A competition.
"It's hard to win, and it's not common to do four in a row," Coach Lynch reflected on the achievement. "But it is the second time in Mount Carmel history we have done it. These guys put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice and they deserve it all."
The victory sends Mount Carmel into the record books as one of Illinois' most successful high school football programs, cementing its status as a perennial power in Chicago-area athletics.
The Chicago high school football powerhouse has cemented its reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the state of Illinois. The Caravan, boasting an impressive array of Power Five recruits, secured its 17th state title by defeating Oswego 20-3 in the Class 8A championship game at NIU's Huskie Stadium.
The Panthers' defense proved to be a thorn in Mount Carmel's side, limiting the high-flying aerial attack that had been so dominant throughout the season. The unit's ability to shut down the Caravan's signature home-run pass plays was a decisive factor in the match-up, as Oswego's stalwart defense prevented any major scoring opportunities.
Credit is due to both teams for their strong performances. "Credit goes to Oswego," said Coach Jordan Lynch. "They came out and played hard, played tough. They are well-coached. And credit to our guys too." The Caravan's offense struggled at times in the cold, windy weather, but ultimately found its rhythm as the game progressed.
Junior Cullen Winters' blocked punt and Gavin Conjar's subsequent 11-yard touchdown run gave Mount Carmel a lead it would not relinquish. Roman Igwebuike's interception with minutes remaining sealed the victory for the Caravan.
For senior quarterback Emmett Dowling, the win marked another milestone in his storied high school career. "Winning the state title is special," he said. "And it is all because of [Lynch]. He's the best coach in the country."
The four-peat under Lynch's guidance completes a remarkable stretch for Mount Carmel. The team has now won five state titles since 2019, with its previous championships coming in Class 7A competition.
"It's hard to win, and it's not common to do four in a row," Coach Lynch reflected on the achievement. "But it is the second time in Mount Carmel history we have done it. These guys put in a lot of hard work and sacrifice and they deserve it all."
The victory sends Mount Carmel into the record books as one of Illinois' most successful high school football programs, cementing its status as a perennial power in Chicago-area athletics.
Wow, Congrats to 
Mount Carmel Caravan on their 17th state title 
! They must be so proud of each other 
. Coach Jordan Lynch 
is doing an amazing job leading this team 
. It's incredible that they've won four in a row 
, and now five since 2019 
. The defense was 
on point, limiting the Caravan's scoring opportunities 
. Junior Cullen Winters' blocked punt was 
and Gavin Conjar's touchdown run sealed the win 
. Emmett Dowling is going out with a bang 
️! The history books are going to be filled with Mount Carmel's glory days 
. What an achievement 
!
I mean, the defense was on point today, shutting down that high-flying offense of Oswego. Junior Cullen Winters' blocked punt was clutch, and Roman Igwebuike's interception sealed the deal. 
Emmett Dowling's words about Lynch being the best coach in the country are pretty accurate too - that guy knows what he's doing! 
Can't even... four-peat? That's just not fair to other teams! 
I mean, don't get me wrong, Mount Carmel deserves all the credit for their hard work and dedication, but come on... it's like they're cheating or something 
. I guess it's hard to argue with five state titles since 2019? 
. What's more impressive is how they've adapted their strategy to overcome the tough conditions of the championship game, showcasing their ability to think on their feet 
. The Caravan's offense was stifled at times due to the wind and cold weather, but they ultimately found a way to capitalize on Oswego's mistakes 
but I gotta say, the Caravan's D was on point. They really shut down Oswego's air attack. And credit to Lynch for keeping his guys motivated, four-peat is no joke 
and that blocked punt by Cullen Winters was game changing 
.
coach lynch is giving too much credit to oswego, they were the ones who shut down monte carmel's offense 
not saying oswego didn't deserve a win or anything but i think we need more than just one side of the story 
their defense was on point but mount carmel's offense found a way to adapt and dominate 
it was like he knew exactly what to do 
. anyway, mount carmel's 4-peat is officially a thing of legend now