The Mount Carmel Caravan picked up three must-win games to get into the Illinois High School Association playoffs. They finished their season beating Leo Lions by a score of 63-20, Hales Franciscan Spartans 42-16 , and Loyola Ramblers 10-7 to go above a .500 winning percentage for first time this season. The Caravan entered the playoffs with a four game win streak.

Mount Carmel entered the game versus Belleville looking to put together a solid all-around effort.  In its first round matchup versus Batavia, the Caravan came away with a 21-16 victory despite eight penalties and one turnover.  A key blocked punt, by Foster Williams, helped set up the go-ahead score by A.J. Lewis to put the game away. Lewis had 20 carries for 88 yards (chicagotribune.com).

Then, on Saturday, November 8, the Mount Carmel Caravan lived up to its name, drawing upon a five hour bus ride to Central Illinois as motivation to beat Belleville West 24-6. Anthony Ries had 22 carries for 239 yards with two touchdowns and A.J. Lewis had 20 carries for 124 yards (bnd.com). The defense limited Belleville to just two field goals overall, and held the opposition on the goal-line to keep the score at 10-6 in the 3rd quarter.

With the win, Mount Carmel advances to the quarterfinals and plays Lincoln-Way East on Saturday Nov. 15.