Mt. Carmel fb future

[olderbytheminute]

I am old enough to remember when St. Laurence was the undisputed powerhouse in the Chicago Catholic League in an era when there were no IHSA playoffs.
I guess you could say what goes around, comes around (Ha!).
Anyway, because of youtube game coverage, I have become a bit familiar in recent years with Mt. Carmel football, and this is what I am wondering about....
When the Caravan won state in 2022, they had a great high school-level QB in Blainey Dowling.
When they repeated as state champs in 2023, they had a D-1 calibre running back in Dupree and an emerging high-quality high-school level QB in Jack Elliot and an O-line that protected him and made all types of pass plays doable.
This year, the team certainly could "3-peat" and if it does, it will likely be carried to the title by Elliott who seems to be counted on pretty much to do it all as the top rusher and effective passer.
What I wonder about is the 2025 season. For the current Mt. Carmel team, Elliot is pretty much a do-it-all offensive weapon. But what I don't see is any emerging underclass offensive weapons which the program will need to stay at the top of its game. ... especially true if it winds up playing 8A ball next November.
Other than the "they'll hit the transfer portal hard" response which I am not interested in hearing about, are there current Mt. Carmel players that are "hiding" so to speak ... being well hidden because of the enormous shadow that Elliot casts as the team's QB?
I have seen this year's backup QB play some fourth-quarter snaps but, of course, plays at that point in a game that's been decided don't tell me anything, and I have simply not seen anybody so far this fall at the offensive skill positions that gets me to say, "This kid is going to be the focal point of a high-scoring offense next fall."

 

[McCaravan]

I am old enough to remember when St. Laurence was the undisputed powerhouse in the Chicago Catholic League in an era when there were no IHSA playoffs.
I guess you could say what goes around, comes around (Ha!).
Anyway, because of youtube game coverage, I have become a bit familiar in recent years with Mt. Carmel football, and this is what I am wondering about....
When the Caravan won state in 2022, they had a great high school-level QB in Blainey Dowling.
When they repeated as state champs in 2023, they had a D-1 calibre running back in Dupree and an emerging high-quality high-school level QB in Jack Elliot and an O-line that protected him and made all types of pass plays doable.
This year, the team certainly could "3-peat" and if it does, it will likely be carried to the title by Elliott who seems to be counted on pretty much to do it all as the top rusher and effective passer.
What I wonder about is the 2025 season. For the current Mt. Carmel team, Elliot is pretty much a do-it-all offensive weapon. But what I don't see is any emerging underclass offensive weapons which the program will need to stay at the top of its game. ... especially true if it winds up playing 8A ball next November.
Other than the "they'll hit the transfer portal hard" response which I am not interested in hearing about, are there current Mt. Carmel players that are "hiding" so to speak ... being well hidden because of the enormous shadow that Elliot casts as the team's QB?
I have seen this year's backup QB play some fourth-quarter snaps but, of course, plays at that point in a game that's been decided don't tell me anything, and I have simply not seen anybody so far this fall at the offensive skill positions that gets me to say, "This kid is going to be the focal point of a high-scoring offense next fall."

Have you seen #4 play? Quinton Burrell? He’s a Sophmore with 6TD receptions so far. 4 of the 5 offensive linemen are juniors. The defense has 3 Sophomore starters and 1 Freshman. The Freshman team this year is undefeated and haven’t been challenged really. They have an outstanding QB and a WR getting D1 notice already. And Jack Elliott had a little brother in the 8th grade so…. They will be fine for years to come.

 

[Wittymoniker1]

I am old enough to remember when St. Laurence was the undisputed powerhouse in the Chicago Catholic League in an era when there were no IHSA playoffs.
I guess you could say what goes around, comes around (Ha!).
Anyway, because of youtube game coverage, I have become a bit familiar in recent years with Mt. Carmel football, and this is what I am wondering about....
When the Caravan won state in 2022, they had a great high school-level QB in Blainey Dowling.
When they repeated as state champs in 2023, they had a D-1 calibre running back in Dupree and an emerging high-quality high-school level QB in Jack Elliot and an O-line that protected him and made all types of pass plays doable.
This year, the team certainly could "3-peat" and if it does, it will likely be carried to the title by Elliott who seems to be counted on pretty much to do it all as the top rusher and effective passer.
What I wonder about is the 2025 season. For the current Mt. Carmel team, Elliot is pretty much a do-it-all offensive weapon. But what I don't see is any emerging underclass offensive weapons which the program will need to stay at the top of its game. ... especially true if it winds up playing 8A ball next November.
Other than the "they'll hit the transfer portal hard" response which I am not interested in hearing about, are there current Mt. Carmel players that are "hiding" so to speak ... being well hidden because of the enormous shadow that Elliot casts as the team's QB?
I have seen this year's backup QB play some fourth-quarter snaps but, of course, plays at that point in a game that's been decided don't tell me anything, and I have simply not seen anybody so far this fall at the offensive skill positions that gets me to say, "This kid is going to be the focal point of a high-scoring offense next fall."

Just relax. Everything will be fine. They might not be as dominant as the last few years, but still be 7/8A contenders every year--that's what MC football does.

 

[olderbytheminute]

Have you seen #4 play? Quinton Burrell? He’s a Sophmore with 6TD receptions so far. 4 of the 5 offensive linemen are juniors. The defense has 3 Sophomore starters and 1 Freshman. The Freshman team this year is undefeated and haven’t been challenged really. They have an outstanding QB and a WR getting D1 notice already. And Jack Elliott had a little brother in the 8th grade so…. They will be fine for years to come.

Having four soph/frosh starters on defense does explain why that side of the ball started the season slowly.
I give the defense credit for its play vs. St. Iggy two games ago. Iggy runs that offense that Army and Navy use that always gives teams trouble because they aren't used to seeing it and defending against it throughout the season.
I think it's what Cary-Grove ran to stymie East St. Louis in the playoffs twice in the past three years.
The Caravan defense did shut down Iggy's run game in the final 25 minutes of their game and because the game score flipped way in favor of MtC, Iggy was forced to pass and the team is not built to do that.
Anyway, I am thinking this might be Downers Grove North's year in 7A. Last year, they were a team on the rise and MtC was the veteran super-power. DGN hasn't played its two tough games yet so it's hard to say, but I am thinking this year, it is DGN that's the veteran super-power.
We shall find out in 9 weeks.

 

[k1867]

I am old enough to remember when St. Laurence was the undisputed powerhouse in the Chicago Catholic League in an era when there were no IHSA playoffs.
I guess you could say what goes around, comes around (Ha!).
Anyway, because of youtube game coverage, I have become a bit familiar in recent years with Mt. Carmel football, and this is what I am wondering about....
When the Caravan won state in 2022, they had a great high school-level QB in Blainey Dowling.
When they repeated as state champs in 2023, they had a D-1 calibre running back in Dupree and an emerging high-quality high-school level QB in Jack Elliot and an O-line that protected him and made all types of pass plays doable.
This year, the team certainly could "3-peat" and if it does, it will likely be carried to the title by Elliott who seems to be counted on pretty much to do it all as the top rusher and effective passer.
What I wonder about is the 2025 season. For the current Mt. Carmel team, Elliot is pretty much a do-it-all offensive weapon. But what I don't see is any emerging underclass offensive weapons which the program will need to stay at the top of its game. ... especially true if it winds up playing 8A ball next November.
Other than the "they'll hit the transfer portal hard" response which I am not interested in hearing about, are there current Mt. Carmel players that are "hiding" so to speak ... being well hidden because of the enormous shadow that Elliot casts as the team's QB?
I have seen this year's backup QB play some fourth-quarter snaps but, of course, plays at that point in a game that's been decided don't tell me anything, and I have simply not seen anybody so far this fall at the offensive skill positions that gets me to say, "This kid is going to be the focal point of a high-scoring offense next fall."

What are you talking about. They're young as it is and their lower levels are great.

 

[eireog]

Have you seen #4 play? Quinton Burrell? He’s a Sophmore with 6TD receptions so far. 4 of the 5 offensive linemen are juniors. The defense has 3 Sophomore starters and 1 Freshman. The Freshman team this year is undefeated and haven’t been challenged really. They have an outstanding QB and a WR getting D1 notice already. And Jack Elliott had a little brother in the 8th grade so…. They will be fine for years to come.

Did I not see another Dowling play last night? He looked very much like his brother to me.

 

[Connorstallions]

Having four soph/frosh starters on defense does explain why that side of the ball started the season slowly.
I give the defense credit for its play vs. St. Iggy two games ago. Iggy runs that offense that Army and Navy use that always gives teams trouble because they aren't used to seeing it and defending against it throughout the season.
I think it's what Cary-Grove ran to stymie East St. Louis in the playoffs twice in the past three years.
The Caravan defense did shut down Iggy's run game in the final 25 minutes of their game and because the game score flipped way in favor of MtC, Iggy was forced to pass and the team is not built to do that.
Anyway, I am thinking this might be Downers Grove North's year in 7A. Last year, they were a team on the rise and MtC was the veteran super-power. DGN hasn't played its two tough games yet so it's hard to say, but I am thinking this year, it is DGN that's the veteran super-power.
We shall find out in 9 weeks.

What hard games does dgn have left to play.

 

[MMA_Det]

IMO
DGN might be the #1 team in the state outside of ESL

 

[Jenny27]

Thread 'Week 3: The Underclassmen Report'
https://edgytim.forums.rivals.com/threads/week-3-the-underclassmen-report.27420/

 

[PowerI66]

What hard games does dgn have left to play.

LT and York

 

[olderbytheminute]

What hard games does dgn have left to play.

York and Lyons are both 4-0. I know very little about that league, but it seems like there's been a lot of positive comment about both those teams this fall, but I clearly could be wrong about those two squads.

 

[MMA_Det]

I just hope that MC and DGN are on opposite sides of the bracket… you never know with the IHSA

 

[pjjp]

In recent years, it was LA and MC at the top of the CCL. Seems as if LA is starting to slide a bit. MC is now the clear top program. Given the strength and talent of their lower levels, the only thing that might derail them in the near future would be Jordan Lynch leaving for another job.

 

[Wittymoniker1]

I just hope that MC and DGN are on opposite sides of the bracket… you never know with the IHSA

It's 1-32 seeding so the IHSA has no control over that. If DGN can go undefeated, then I wouldn't be surprised if they or Batavia (assuming they beat Geneva) could be potentially the 1 & 2 seeds, respectively in 7A.

 

[corey90]

I just hope that MC and DGN are on opposite sides of the bracket… you never know with the IHSA

Not the first time I’ve seen you post this nonsense. DGN the #1 team in the State besides maybe ESL. Your afraid of MC? You’re lucky you don’t play LWE.
Give me a break #1 team. Stop it. I doubt they would beat CC. Put the sauce down and be happy your team is playing well.

 

[Connorstallions]

York and Lyons are both 4-0. I know very little about that league, but it seems like there's been a lot of positive comment about both those teams this fall, but I clearly could be wrong about those two squads.

York is solid but they aren’t as good as they were the last couple years

 

[crusader_of_90]

Did I not see another Dowling play last night? He looked very much like his brother to me.

That boy got a couple snaps last year against ESL when Elliot went out for a short stint, yes?

 

[Jenny27]

That boy got a couple snaps last year against ESL when Elliot went out for a short stint, yes?

This year against Hun. And last night in the second half.

 

[Silver Rain]

a great high school-level QB in Blainey Dowling.

Before Blainey Dowling and Jack Elliott, there was Justin Lynch in 2019. And now Emmett Dowling is waiting in the wings. What they all have in common is Coach Jordan Lynch, who is an exceptional groomer of young quarterbacks. He also plugged TE Danyil Taylor into the running back position, an experiment that is working pretty well. To replace Taylor next year--or to augment him this year--he has three or four options to choose from--players who may not be RBs now but who, under his tutelege, could develop into stars. For example, sophomore linebacker Roman Igwebuike, who has the instincts to play almost any position, could soon remind us of another LB/RB hybrid, Kenenna Odeluga.

 

[OldSICA]

Have you seen #4 play? Quinton Burrell? He’s a Sophmore with 6TD receptions so far. 4 of the 5 offensive linemen are juniors. The defense has 3 Sophomore starters and 1 Freshman. The Freshman team this year is undefeated and haven’t been challenged really. They have an outstanding QB and a WR getting D1 notice already. And Jack Elliott had a little brother in the 8th grade so…. They will be fine for years to come.

I thought his brother was in 8th grade last year? Did he stay back on purpose? Or held back? I could be wrong

 

[McCaravan]

I thought his brother was in 8th grade last year? Did he stay back on purpose? Or held back? I could be wrong

No clue, don’t know the family personally

 

[gobears25]

Lynch is planning on using next season to execute his fifth year option, he'll be on the roster as a player-coach

 

[Connorstallions]

I thought his brother was in 8th grade last year? Did he stay back on purpose? Or held back? I could be wrong

No clue on this situation at all. But it is common now for quarterbacks to “redshirt”. One of the top instate 2027 repeated 8th grade.

 

[Lion4Life01]

With Lynch as the coach I don't see MC being anything worse than a top contender for the state championship.

 

[MC-Grunge-1991]

After seeing those MC freshman tonight, I am not worried.

 

[olderbytheminute]

After seeing those MC freshman tonight, I am

 

[olderbytheminute]

We are kind of splitting hairs here in opinion or f Mt. Carmel in 2025.
Depending on schedule obviously this is a 7/2 8/1 9/0 program.
What I am saying is that what I have seen, most recently in the loss to Brother Rice and the win over Joliet Catholic is a team that this season is completely qb driven and the qb if 100 percent healthy is good enough to get the Caravan to ISU.
What I don’t see is superior talent that will return next fall that will morph into a dominant defense and/or explosive offense. The running game works because the senior qb is such a dual threat that teams have to focus so much on him that the running backs gain yardage. The rb unit however is not explosive.
The receiving corps could not save the Caravan vs. Rice. Remember the potential game-winning drive was boosted by two Pass int. Calls. I get the qb was in his first varsity game vs Rice but he exhibited none of the running ability that Elliot possesses. I am just thinking that the Caravan without Elliot at 100 pct. Remind me of 8A Warren. Excellent program. Good enough to beat almost anybody on any given day but susceptible to struggling big-time vs. a very good program on any given Friday and that’s not a recipe for winning five straight postseason games.

 

[gobears25]

We are kind of splitting hairs here in opinion or f Mt. Carmel in 2025.
Depending on schedule obviously this is a 7/2 8/1 9/0 program.
What I am saying is that what I have seen, most recently in the loss to Brother Rice and the win over Joliet Catholic is a team that this season is completely qb driven and the qb if 100 percent healthy is good enough to get the Caravan to ISU.
What I don’t see is superior talent that will return next fall that will morph into a dominant defense and/or explosive offense. The running game works because the senior qb is such a dual threat that teams have to focus so much on him that the running backs gain yardage. The rb unit however is not explosive.
The receiving corps could not save the Caravan vs. Rice. Remember the potential game-winning drive was boosted by two Pass int. Calls. I get the qb was in his first varsity game vs Rice but he exhibited none of the running ability that Elliot possesses. I am just thinking that the Caravan without Elliot at 100 pct. Remind me of 8A Warren. Excellent program. Good enough to beat almost anybody on any given day but susceptible to struggling big-time vs. a very good program on any given Friday and that’s not a recipe for winning five straight postseason games.

So the hair you're splitting is "the offense might not be as good without our SEC commit QB next year and while it should be an 8-1 or 9-0 team I don't know if they can win what possibly will be a fourth straight state championship" ok buddy thanks for the analysis

 

[McCaravan]

I don't get the thought behind this post....you have been given several players that are currently at MC that have extremely bright futures. MC is losing Jack Elliott next season but we have a former QB Heisman Finalist Head Coach who is an expert on developing QBs as he has with Justin Lynch, then Blainey Dowling, then Jack Elliott. We have a lot of options for 2025 and beyond. Emmett Dowling made his first Varsity start and threw for 2 TDs and no picks with 4 days practice and a fraction of the playbook to work with. How good do you think he will be with Jordan Lynch focusing on him for the whole off season? Just look at how he developed his brother Blainey. It's really doesn't make much sense to question the future of a program that for the last 4 decades has arguably been the most consistent winning, and many year dominant, programs in IL. They are loaded and when needed they will reload and be fine.

 

[Silver Rain]

It wasn't too long ago that the professional critics here were saying that MC had lost all of its receivers, both of its running backs, and most of its defense. Now, we can see that the receiving corps has been fortified by a freshman, a sophomore, and a transfer; that transplant D. Taylor is starting to find his legs at the running back position; and that the defense, as expected, is getting the seasoning it needed as the season progresses. Most impressive of all last night, this young, maturing defense made two goal-line stands against a team known for its running game.

Good players are flocking to Carmel because of its history of winning, because Jordan Lynch is probably the best coach in the game, and because, 50 years after they graduate, they will know that going to Carmel was one of the best decisions they ever made.

 

[PowerI66]

I don't get the thought behind this post....you have been given several players that are currently at MC that have extremely bright futures. MC is losing Jack Elliott next season but we have a former QB Heisman Finalist Head Coach who is an expert on developing QBs as he has with Justin Lynch, then Blainey Dowling, then Jack Elliott. We have a lot of options for 2025 and beyond. Emmett Dowling made his first Varsity start and threw for 2 TDs and no picks with 4 days practice and a fraction of the playbook to work with. How good do you think he will be with Jordan Lynch focusing on him for the whole off season? Just look at how he developed his brother Blainey. It's really doesn't make much sense to question the future of a program that for the last 4 decades has arguably been the most consistent winning, and many year dominant, programs in IL. They are loaded and when needed they will reload and be fine.

Jordan Lynch is coaching him in the off-season? Thought that was a no no

 

[BornNRazed]

Too funny. These are program problems MC will be just fine. Some parody this year in Illinois football which is great.

 

[gobears25]

Too funny. These are program problems MC will be just fine. Some parody this year in Illinois football which is great.

I love a good parody

 

[McCaravan]

Jordan Lynch is coaching him in the off-season? Thought that was a no no

Never said coaching him.

 

[PowerI66]

Never said coaching him.

Fair enough. What did you mean by "focus on"?

 

[Connorstallions]

Fair enough. What did you mean by "focus on"?

He could be implying that they will build the offense around his skill sets.

 

[McCaravan]

Fair enough. What did you mean by "focus on"?

Come up with an off season workout and drills, having meetings, make sure he is watching film, numerous things they can do. Helps when your Head Coach played and excelled at the same position and knows what to do in the off season to prepare for the season.

 

[Jenny27]

Freshman QB, D’Andrea is pretty good too!

 

[DeanOfSelection]

MC has a solid QB at each level. That position is in phenomenal shape for the foreseeable future.

 

[MS4EVER]

This thread is hilarious! 5 championships in 10 years!!! Now if Dean or McCaravan were to start it I’d have second thoughts. But come on! 😂. MC was, is and will be great for years to come. Too funny!