IHSA Fball Quarter Finals Preview: Mt. Carmel vs Brother Rice
This weekend marks the beginning of the Quarter finals for Illinois highschool football. As expected, and seen throughout the season, there have been upsets that have taken place each week. Due to that, it has been an exciting postseason where…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend marks the beginning of the Quarter finals for Illinois highschool football. As expected, and seen throughout the season, there have been upsets that have taken place each week. Due to that, it has been an exciting postseason where teams are making sure to give their all in preparation. Today and tomorrow have a lot of exciting games from 1A, all the way through 8A. Of all the games, I have the game of the week happening in Chicago between #17 seed Mt. Carmel vs #9 seed Brother Rice. Both teams are conference rivals that faced off to start October and was decided by one possession. It was a high scoring game where Brother Rice ran an up tempo offense that seemed to wear on the Caravan, and the Caravan would come back with explosive plays down the field. Also the weather was much warmer. This time around, both teams are familiar with each other, stadiums are flipped, and the elements will play a factor in the game. Mt. Carmel is coming off an emotional game where they knocked off #1 seed Batavia, while Brother Rice is entering off of a dominant 45-7 game against Yorkville. Saturday afternoon is sure to have fireworks at Tom Mitchell Field, and below are some impact players that are likely to contribute.
Impact players to keep an eye out for:
Jake Lausch – QB
Jake Lausch served as the general for the Crusaders offense this fall. He ended the regular season winning the Tony Lawless player of the year award in theCCL blue conference. He has posted over 1700 passing yards, a ~68% completion rate and 28 total touchdowns. In his last meeting against Mt. Carmel in October, Jake navigated the hurry up offense perfectly to 43 points being up on the board. The Notre Dame baseball/football commit will look to impact the game with his arm and his legs. Last time he got the job done @ Mt. Carmel, this time around he’ll look for a similar result in his backyard.
Aaron Vaughn Jr. – RB
The running back for the Crusaders had a great season. Although he missed the first two games of the regular season due to covid/injury, he went into the postseason putting together 11 total touchdowns, along with 800+ all purpose yards. Aaron seems to make a big play everytime his team needs a spark. Whether it be breaking a run, decleating a defender, or lowering his shoulder along the sideline, Aaron does his job at a high level. Playing in November, it would be no surprise to me if they call his number for the offense to lean on.
Dennis (Denny) Furlong – WR
Dennis Furlong has been the big play receiver for Mt. Carmel the second half of the season. He has stepped up in big moments whenever he is called on. This comes off of converting on the game winning touchdown last week against the #1 seed Batavia. Being a junior, he will be a player who will impact the game, because he has illustrated this postseason that he is not fazed by pressure. As someone who will truly shine next year, Denny could have a complete breakout game on Saturday.
Damarion Arrington – DB
Damarion is a player that I noticed in Mt. Carmel’s first meeting against the Crusaders. He lined up at safety in the middle of the field, and would sometimes come down into the box. As a junior, he was the play caller for the secondary and would double check to make sure everything was set up. I have him as an impact player for this game to watch, because he’ll be crucial in helping slow down this hot Crusader offense. Any defense that has 3 down lineman relies heavily on the players in the middle of the field. Damarion’s services will be needed in the run and in the pass down field. If the crusaders come out with an up tempo offense again, Damarion will need to use his main strengths of quickness and physicality to slow the game down.
Other incredible playoff games to watch in Illinois:
5A: Fenwick (9) @ Nazareth Academy (25)
7A: Hononegah (2) @ St. Rita (10)
8A: Lincoln Way East (11) @ Loyola Academy (1)
6A: East St. Louis (4) @ Lemont (1)
8A: Main South (4) @ Nequa Valley (7)
4A: Richmond Burton (2) @ Phillips (6)
8A: Lockport (12) @ Glenbard North (14)
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