RANK, TEAM, REC, MOMENTUM, LW
1. Mt. Carmel 9-0 EVEN 1
With Naperville North’s loss, the Caravan becomes the team to beat in the Class 8A playoffs. Finish with 56-6 rout of Hales Franciscan.
2. Wheaton Warrenville South 9-0 UP 3
8A champs win 23rd in a row when Mike Piatkowski scores on 2-point conversion in the third OT of a 42-41 victory over Naperville North.
3. Naperville North 8-1 DOWN 2
Jordan Tassio unstoppable, scoring the last four touchdowns — three in overtime — as the Huskies fall to Wheaton South 42-41.
4. Joliet Catholic 8-1 EVEN 4
So much for the Carmel challenge in the ESCC title game — Hilltoppers roll 45-8 and have outscored last eight opponents 402-67.
5. Downers Grove South 9-0 EVEN 5
Chandler Whitmer’s two TD passes and a pair of Nick Brown rushing TDs propel Mustangs to their first West Suburban Gold title since 2003.
6. Fremd 9-0 EVEN 6
No-name, underrated Vikings ease past Conant 35-13, run the table in the MSL West and now are looking for respect in the 8A playoffs.
7. Maine South 8-1 EVEN 7
In the Hawks’ final tuneup before the playoffs, junior QB Charlie Goro completes 10 of 12 for 187 yards and three TDs against Niles West.
8. Richards 9-0 EVEN 8
It’s the Tommie Thomas show once again as the game-breaking QB returns a kickoff and punt for TDs and passes for two more scores.
9. Loyola 7-2 EVEN 9
Ramblers finish up strong with a 49-8 shellacking of Gordon Tech and will be a team to watch in the 8A playoffs beginning Friday.
10. Lake Zurich 8-1 EVEN 1 0
The Bears have won eight in a row after opening the season with a loss to No. 6 Fremd and will be one of the favorites in the 7A playoff field.
11. Glenbrook South 8-1 UP 12
Justin Klise comes through just in time, scoring his third TD with 4:46 left to give the Titans a 24-20 victory over New Trier.
12. Morgan Park 8-1 UP 13
Big, fast and physical, these Mustangs are hoping to become the first Public League team since Robeson in 1982 to play in a state title game.
13. Bolingbrook 7-2 UP 14
Erik Smith rushes for 190 yards and one TD while Alfonzo Sylvester has two TD catches as the Raiders end Sandburg’s postseason aspirations.
14. Prairie Ridge 9-0 UP 15
Sam “Bam'” Campbell rushes for 232 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries as the Wolves blast Johnsburg for their first perfect season.
15. Geneva 9-0 UP 16
QB Michael Ratay leads the Vikings to their first unbeaten regular season since 1985, beating Batavia for the first time in last 12 showdowns.
16. Cary-Grove 8-1 UP 17
Matt Nelsen’s three interceptions, Eric Chandler’s two TDs and Alex Hembrey’s 96-yard kickoff-return TD are too much for Woodstock.
17. Rolling Meadows 8-1 UP 18
The Mustangs are back on track, rebounding from last week’s stunning loss to Buffalo Grove with a 38-0 triumph over Hersey.
18. Glenbrook North 8-1 UP 19
Spartans ready to make their move in the postseason after knocking off Niles North 55-12 behind Chris Collins TD runs of 50 and 12 yards.
19. Driscoll 9-0 UP 20
After Highlanders topple Montini — the team to beat in 5A — will anyone in 4A be able to prevent them from winning their 7th straight title?
20. Oak Forest 8- 1 UP NR
Bengals wrap up South Suburban Blue title with 35-9 victory over Shepard and are looking to advance deep into the state playoffs.
On the verge: Lincoln-Way East 7-2, De La Salle 7-2, Brother Rice 7-2, Lyons 8-1 and Montini 8-1.
