As the high school football regular season winds down, several teams are preparing to compete in the state playoffs.  Some playoff teams, such as the Mount Carmel Caravan, are looking for more than just playoff success.  The Caravan squares off against the number one ranked (MaxPreps) Loyola Ramblers this Saturday (10/24) in Wilmette, with a chance to be Chicago Catholic League (CCL) champions again.

The Caravan has achieved another successful year, going into Saturday’s matchup with a record of 7-1.  This game is a rematch from last season, when the Caravan were in a stickier situation.  The team was 4-4 going into the contest, but quarterback Anthony Thompson and company pulled off the 10-7 upset to keep Coach Frank Lenti’s playoff appearance streak intact.  The victory was the spark for the Caravan’s deep playoff run in 2014.

Although Lenti’s team defeated Loyola last season, the 2015 Ramblers’ record of 8-0 shows that they are even more dangerous than the 2014 team that the Caravan defeated.  However, the Caravan may benefit from last week’s bye.  Extra film sessions, scrimmaging, and even going to see Loyola play against St. Rita last weekend have all helped the Caravan prepare for their toughest opponent of the season.  Senior guard Matt McKay noted that the bye offered “a good week to get in extra practice and film.”

This season, the Caravan has been talented on both sides of the ball.  Key players on offense include several veterans who are looking to go even further in the playoffs this season:  NIU commit quarterback Anthony Thompson, running backs AJ Lewis and AJ Ries, wide receivers Jake Lenti and Avery Saffold, and nationally ranked long snapper Steven Wirtel.  On defense, most starters are returning seniors, but there is young talent in the starting rotation, such as junior defensive backs McCauley Kilbane and Phazione McClurge.

Regardless of the outcome of this weekend’s game both teams will be heading to the playoffs, as the seeding will be announced on Saturday night.