THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk

Which Chicago Catholic League teams made the strongest championship statement in the first round of the 2026 IHSA football playoffs?

Joe and Dan Freveletti recap every CCL matchup from October 30–31, breaking down standout players, key performances, season-ending losses, and the road ahead, all through five categories:

🏈 ROAD WARRIORS
St. Laurence, Notre Dame, Nazareth Academy, and St. Francis deliver road playoff victories. We discuss Noah Taylor’s dual-threat performance, Eric Couper and the Dons’ expanding offensive weapons, Nazareth’s defensive resurgence, and St. Francis’ explosive attack.

💪 GROUND AND POUND
Broden Mackert powers Providence Catholic past Kankakee, Brandon Johnson Jr. leads St. Rita against Buffalo Grove, and Montini’s running game and two-way lineman Ralph Haralson help overcome Geneseo.

🚨 CHAMPIONSHIP-LEVEL STATEMENTS
Mount Carmel, Loyola Academy, IC Catholic Prep, Brother Rice, and Saint Ignatius deliver convincing wins. From Caleb Tucker’s disruption to IC’s defensive touchdowns and Brother Rice’s imposing offensive line, who looks ready for a state title run?

✅ HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS
Gavin Gardiner leads St. Patrick past Westinghouse, while Jake Thies and Fenwick’s supporting cast take care of Highland Park.

🏁 THE FINAL WHISTLE
We examine the final games and recognize the seasons of DePaul Prep, Joliet Catholic, Marmion, Leo, and Carmel Catholic. Marist’s season ending loss is covered in our Mount Carmel discussion.

Plus: IHSA playoff seeding versus MaxPreps rankings, the public-versus-private debate, CCL Blue Division strength, and the next round’s matchups.

Who made the biggest statement? Leave your pick in the comments.

Subscribe on YouTube or follow THE Varsity Voices wherever you listen. Find us on Substack for additional rankings and analysis, and join us for Prognosticus as we preview the next round.

THE Varsity Voices: Chicago Catholic League Sports Talk
Hosted by Joe and Dan Freveletti.

#IHSAFootball #ChicagoCatholicLeague #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #IHSAPlayoffs #CCLFootball #TheVarsityVoices

The Chicago Catholic League went 12–1 in the opening round. Can that success continue as the playoff matchups get tougher?

Joe and Dan Freveletti preview and predict all 19 first-round IHSA football playoff games involving 20 CCL teams on October 30–31, 2026, in this playoff edition of Prognosticus from THE Varsity Voices.

We break down key players, strength of schedule, matchup advantages, and our VV Factors, the players or situations that could decide each game.

And we don’t agree on everything. Joe and Dan take opposite sides in three of the weekend’s most intriguing matchups:
• St. Francis at Kaneland
• Providence Catholic at Kankakee
• Joliet Catholic at Wheaton Warrenville South

Also in this episode:
• Marist gets another shot at Mount Carmel after their regular-season meeting.
• Can Eric Couper and Peter Panagiotopoulos keep Notre Dame’s passing attack rolling against Grant?
• Is St. Laurence a dangerous playoff sleeper against Plainfield South?
• How far can IC Catholic, Montini, Brother Rice, Loyola, Fenwick, and Saint Ignatius go?
• Does an opening-round bye help teams get healthy or disrupt their rhythm?
• Why records and seeds don’t always tell the whole story.

From Class 3A through Class 8A, we cover every matchup involving a Chicago Catholic League team this round.

Make your picks with us: Which CCL team faces the toughest test, and where will the biggest upset happen?

Subscribe on YouTube, follow THE Varsity Voices on Spotify, and join us for our playoff recap, player interviews, and weekly Illinois high school football coverage.

Find our power rankings and more CCL coverage on Substack:
https://thevarsityvoices.substack.com

Get to know Notre Dame College Prep wide receiver Peter Panagiotopoulos in this CCL Player Spotlight from THE Varsity Voices.

Joe and Dan welcome the Dons’ record-setting receiver and Chicago Catholic League Purple Division Co-Player of the Year. Peter’s football story includes a standout career at Notre Dame and a longtime friendship with quarterback Eric Couper that helped shape their connection on the field.

Follow THE Varsity Voices for Chicago Catholic League football coverage, including Prognosticus previews and predictions, weekly recaps and conversations with the players and coaches behind the games.

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The Chicago Catholic League went 12–1 against public schools in the opening round of the 2026 IHSA football playoffs. What does that say about the league’s strength—and the ongoing public-versus-private debate?

Joe and Dan Freveletti recap all 13 games on THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk, covering standout players, key moments, and the storylines heading into the next round.

Highlights include:
• Dominant wins by St. Francis, Notre Dame and Joliet Catholic.
• Road victories for St. Laurence, Carmel Catholic and Nazareth Academy.
• DePaul Prep’s overtime escape against Hampshire.
• Marist’s response to Neuqua Valley’s comeback.
• Henry Miller’s return for Marmion.
• Wins for Leo, Saint Patrick and Providence Catholic.
• Benet’s heartbreaking 42–38 loss to Moline.

Which CCL team delivered the strongest statement? Can the teams that advanced carry this momentum into the next round?

Follow THE Varsity Voices on Spotify, share this episode, and leave your take in the episode comments. Watch on YouTube at @THEVarsityVoices, and join us for our next Prognosticus playoff preview!

Could the expanded IHSA football playoffs open the door for a Chicago Catholic League takeover?

Joe and Dan Freveletti preview all 13 CCL opening-round games on this playoff edition of Prognosticus, with key players, storylines, VV Factors and predictions.

We debate whether regular-season records tell the whole story, discuss the expanded playoff field and disagree on two intriguing matchups: DePaul Prep–Hampshire and St. Laurence–Belleville East.

Other storylines include Leo Catholic’s resurgence, Sean Rice’s return for St. Laurence, Benet’s challenge against Moline’s running game and Marist’s opportunity to earn a Mount Carmel rematch.

MATCHUPS COVERED
Marmion–North Lawndale
Leo–Marengo
St. Francis–Grayslake North
Providence–Mount Vernon
Notre Dame–Maine West
Carmel–Noble/Bulls
Nazareth–Shepard
Joliet Catholic–Bradley-Bourbonnais
St. Patrick–Collinsville
DePaul Prep–Hampshire
Benet–Moline
St. Laurence–Belleville East
Marist–Neuqua Valley

We also look ahead for CCL teams with opening-round byes—and make the case for bringing back Wednesday playoff football.

Follow THE Varsity Voices on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for Chicago Catholic League football previews, recaps and player interviews.

Who advances, where will the upsets happen and whose picks will hold up—Joe’s or Dan’s?

#IHSAFootball #ChicagoCatholicLeague #IHSAPlayoffs

Mount Carmel junior tight end Ty Kennedy joins Joe and Dan Freveletti for a conversation about finding his place in the Caravan offense, the win over Loyola Academy and what makes Mount Carmel football special.

In this CCL Player Spotlight, Ty discusses:

• Building chemistry with quarterback Brady Cloherty and playing alongside a talented receiving corps.
• Learning from Coach Jordan Lynch, senior leaders and his teammates.
• Balancing blocking and receiving and how basketball and lacrosse help his game.
• Growing up in Kansas City and modeling his play after Travis Kelce.
• College recruiting, his NIU and Northwestern visits, and the importance of academics.
• His faith, Mount Carmel’s traditions and the teammate he hopes to be remembered as.

Plus, Joe and Dan discover a surprising family connection with their guest!

Follow THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk for Chicago Catholic League football interviews, weekly recaps, Prognosticus previews and predictions, and power rankings.

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https://thevarsityvoices.substack.com

#TyKennedy #MountCarmelFootball #CCLFootball

Two Girls Catholic Athletic Conference teams reached the final eight of the 2026 IHSA Girls Flag Football State Tournament—and Marist brought home the program’s first state trophy.

In this episode of THE Varsity Voices, we recap the GCAC playoff action from October 12–18, including:

🏈 Marist defeating Homewood-Flossmoor to win its sectional
🏈 Saint Ignatius beating Kenwood for its first sectional championship and state-tournament berth
🏈 Marist winning an all-GCAC state quarterfinal against Saint Ignatius
🏈 St. Charles North ending Marist’s 10-game winning streak in the semifinals
🏈 Lyons edging Marist, 21–19, in the third-place game
🏈 Marist completing a historic 19–5 season with a fourth-place finish in Illinois

We highlight the players who helped fuel these postseason runs, including Alia Rowles, Bella Lacy, Rose Hart, Mary Withers, Lilli Lynch, Leah Rice, Rose Cummings, Josie Borkowski and more.

We also review the final Illinois statistical leaderboards and recognize GCAC standouts such as Giuliana Lee, Allie Sheldon, Madison Rathunde, McKenzie Saffold and Stella Cooney.

Congratulations to Marist on its first state trophy, Saint Ignatius on its historic postseason run and St. Charles North on completing an undefeated state-championship season.

Subscribe on YouTube and follow THE Varsity Voices on Spotify for more coverage of girls high school sports throughout Chicagoland.

#GirlsFlagFootball #IHSA #GCAC

Mount Carmel ends Loyola’s perfect season, Brother Rice rolls past Marist, and the Chicago Catholic League heads into the IHSA football playoffs with plenty to discuss.

Joe and Dan Freveletti recap all twelve Week 9 CCL football games, breaking down the standout players, decisive plays, division championships and postseason outlook across Illinois high school football.

In this episode:
🏈 Mount Carmel beats Loyola 38–21, creating a three-way share of the Blue Division championship with Loyola and Brother Rice.
🏈 Brother Rice overwhelms Marist 49–6 as freshman quarterback Sam Holcomb throws four touchdown passes.
🏈 IC Catholic Prep shuts out Joliet Catholic 6–0, with Will Schmidt and Jaden Penna delivering key interceptions.
🏈 Montini rallies past St. Francis 28–24 behind Luca Florio’s late touchdown.
🏈 St. Rita edges Nazareth 17–14 on a touchdown catch by Vinny Stubitsch with 46 seconds remaining.
🏈 St. Ignatius defeats Providence Catholic 53–33, combining a powerful rushing attack with a dominant second-half defensive effort.
🏈 Jake Thies scores all four Fenwick touchdowns in a 28–7 win over Carmel Catholic.
🏈 Saint Patrick holds off Benet, Notre Dame College Prep erupts against Marmion, and Leo captures the Red Division championship.
🏈 St. Laurence rallies past DePaul Prep, and Saint Viator closes its season with a victory over De La Salle.

Plus, we discuss playoff opponents, opening-round byes, potential postseason sleepers and which teams look ready for a deep run.

🐾 Dawg of the Week: Mount Carmel’s Tavares Harrington earns the honor for his outstanding defensive impact against Loyola. We also recognize this week’s Dawg Pound standouts.

Which CCL team is best positioned to make a deep playoff run—and which team could surprise people?

Subscribe on YouTube, follow THE Varsity Voices on Spotify, and share this episode with another high school football fan. Visit THE Varsity Voices on Substack for team and player power rankings and more analysis.

THE Varsity Voices: Chicago Catholic League Sports Talk
Hosted by Joe and Dan Freveletti

#ChicagoCatholicLeague #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #IHSAFootball #CCLFootball #THEVarsityVoices

Can Mount Carmel spoil Loyola’s perfect regular season? Joe and Dan disagree on the headliner as they preview and predict all 12 Chicago Catholic League Week 9 football games in this edition of PROGNOSTICUS from THE Varsity Voices.

The final weekend of the 2026 Illinois high school football regular season brings division championships, rivalry games, and playoff implications across the CCL.

Joe and Dan Freveletti break down the key players, matchups, and their “VV Factors”—the players or situations that could decide each game—before making their picks for Friday, October 16.

In this episode:
• Mount Carmel vs. Loyola: Explosive passing attack meets offensive balance as the Ramblers chase an undefeated regular season.
• Marist vs. Brother Rice: Can the RedHawks challenge the Crusaders in the Battle of Pulaski?
• St. Francis vs. Montini: Jadon Wilson and Israel Abrams headline an intriguing quarterback matchup.
• St. Rita vs. Nazareth: A surging Mustangs offense takes on a Roadrunners defense coming off a shutout.
• St. Ignatius vs. Providence: The Orange Division championship is on the line—and Joe and Dan split again.
• Joliet Catholic vs. IC Catholic Prep: Can Nate Lang and the Knights bounce back against JCA and capture the White Division title?
• Previews and predictions for the remaining six games, including Leo’s pursuit of the outright Red Division championship.

PLUS: Should two-win teams make the expanded IHSA football playoffs? We discuss strength of schedule, playoff points, potential Cinderella teams, and how much postseason seeding should influence Week 9 decisions.

Who gets your upset pick this week? Leave your predictions in the comments!

Subscribe to THE Varsity Voices on YouTube and follow us on Spotify for Chicago Catholic League football previews, recaps, player interviews, and postseason coverage.

Find more team and player power rankings on THE Varsity Voices Substack.

#ChicagoCatholicLeague #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #CCLFootball #IHSAFootball #THEVarsityVoices

21 touchdown passes. Zero interceptions. IC Catholic Prep senior quarterback Nate Lang joins THE Varsity Voices to discuss his standout 2026 season and the mindset behind his success.

Coming off a five-touchdown first half against Loyola Academy, Nate sits down with Joe and Dan Freveletti for a CCL Player Spotlight covering preparation, decision-making, and leading the Knights’ offense.

In this interview:
🏈 His five-touchdown first half against Loyola—and what changed after halftime
🏈 Protecting the football while trusting his receivers and coaches
🏈 His offseason work to become a better pocket passer
🏈 An offensive group featuring Grant Bowen, Jaden Penna, Anthony Carroccio, Will Schmidt, and Jakobe Baldwin
🏈 The offensive line that makes it all possible
🏈 IC Catholic’s “IC versus IC” mindset and competing against larger schools
🏈 Why he enjoys watching Baker Mayfield, his advice for young quarterbacks, and his favorite food spots

Get to know the quarterback behind one of the Chicago Catholic League’s most exciting offenses.

Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify for Illinois high school football coverage, CCL Player Spotlight interviews, Prognosticus previews and predictions, weekly recaps, and Zuko’s Dawg of the Week.

💬 What stands out most about Nate Lang’s game? Let us know in the comments!

Read our team and player power rankings on Substack:
https://thevarsityvoices.substack.com

The Girls Catholic Athletic Conference playoff field has been reduced from 13 teams to two.

In this episode of THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk, we recap every Girls Catholic Athletic Conference flag football playoff game played from October 5–11, 2026.

Marist delivered one of the most dominant playoff weeks imaginable, defeating Lincoln-Way Central, Sandburg and Mother McAuley by a combined score of 108–0. Saint Ignatius was nearly as impressive, outscoring Lincoln Park, Clark and Oak Park-River Forest 103–12 to reach its sectional championship game.

We also discuss:

• Benet Academy’s dramatic regional-final loss to Romeoville
• Mother McAuley’s regional championship run
• St. Francis’ one-point victory over Rosary
• Regional semifinal and championship results for every GCAC team
• The potential for an all-GCAC state quarterfinal between Marist and Saint Ignatius
• GCAC players appearing on the Illinois state leaderboards
• Allie Sheldon’s state-leading scoring total
• Giuliana Lee taking over the state lead in receiving yards
• Standout seasons from Madison Rathunde, McKenzie Saffold, Josie Borkowski, Stella Cooney and others
• Local playoff coverage from the Daily Herald, Shaw Local and NCTV17

Can Marist continue its postseason shutout streak? Can Saint Ignatius slow down Kenwood’s state-leading passing attack? And could the two remaining GCAC teams meet at the IHSA state tournament?

Subscribe to THE Varsity Voices Media Network on YouTube, follow the show on Spotify and join us as we continue covering Chicago-area high school sports.

#GirlsFlagFootball #IHSA #GCAC #IllinoisHighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFlagFootball

IC Catholic led Loyola 35–21 at halftime—but the Ramblers answered with 24 unanswered points to stay unbeaten. What changed, and what did this showdown reveal about both teams?

Joe and Dan Freveletti recap all 12 Chicago Catholic League football games from October 9, 2026, on THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk.

Ten winning teams scored at least 40 points in Week 8. We discuss the offensive explosion, teams finding their identities, defensive standouts and what it means heading into the final week of the Illinois high school football regular season.

Episode highlights:
• Loyola’s comeback behind Matthew Lee, Jordan McKinley and Melo Maldonado—and Nate Lang’s five-touchdown first half for IC Catholic.
• Brady Cloherty’s explosive passing performance as Mount Carmel defeats Joliet Catholic.
• Sam Holcomb’s return and Brother Rice’s shutout of DePaul Prep.
• Marist’s developing passing attack with Jake Fleming and JJ Nash.
• Israel Abrams’ four-touchdown first half and Daniel Sago’s return for Montini.
• Jadon Wilson’s continued growth and St. Francis’ defensive pressure against Notre Dame.
• John Fennell’s record-setting passing performance and T.J. Burgos’ three touchdown catches for St. Rita.
• Providence’s dominant first half, St. Ignatius’ balanced attack and Nazareth’s improving defense.
• Fenwick’s expanding offensive weapons and Carmel’s shutout victory.
• Our defensive Dawg Pound and Week 8 Dawg of the Week: St. Francis defensive lineman AJ Redmon.

All 12 games:
Loyola Academy vs. IC Catholic Prep
Mount Carmel vs. Joliet Catholic Academy
Brother Rice vs. DePaul College Prep
Marist vs. Saint Laurence
Montini Catholic vs. Marmion Academy
St. Francis vs. Notre Dame College Prep
Saint Rita vs. Benet Academy
Providence Catholic vs. Marian Catholic
Saint Ignatius vs. Leo
Nazareth Academy vs. Saint Patrick
Fenwick vs. Saint Viator
Carmel Catholic vs. De La Salle

Which team made the biggest statement in Week 8—and which CCL team would you least want to face in the playoffs? Tell us in the comments.

Subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Spotify for weekly CCL recaps, Prognosticus previews and predictions, and player spotlight interviews.

Find THE Varsity Voices on Substack for more from Joe and Dan, including our team and player power rankings.

#ChicagoCatholicLeague #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #THEVarsityVoices

Loyola vs. IC Catholic Prep: two unbeaten teams, one major Week 8 showdown. Can the Knights knock off the Ramblers—and where could an upset happen elsewhere in the Chicago Catholic League?

Joe and Dan Freveletti preview and predict all 12 Chicago Catholic League football games for October 9, 2026, in this edition of Prognosticus from THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk.

We break down key players, matchup advantages, playoff storylines and our VV Factor for every game—the player or point of emphasis that could swing the outcome.

This week’s matchups:
• Loyola Academy at IC Catholic Prep
• Mount Carmel at Joliet Catholic Academy
• Brother Rice at DePaul College Prep
• Notre Dame College Prep at St. Francis
• Saint Patrick at Nazareth Academy
• Marmion Academy at Montini Catholic
• Marist at Saint Laurence
• Benet Academy at Saint Rita
• Leo at Saint Ignatius
• Marian Catholic at Providence Catholic
• Saint Viator at Fenwick
• De La Salle at Carmel Catholic

Can Joliet Catholic slow Mount Carmel’s explosive offense? Will St. Francis keep its momentum against Notre Dame? And who gets the edge in Saint Patrick–Nazareth?

Make your picks alongside us, and tell us your biggest Week 8 upset prediction!

Subscribe to THE Varsity Voices on YouTube and follow us on Spotify for Illinois high school football previews, weekly CCL recaps, player spotlights and more.

For team and player power rankings and additional CCL coverage, visit our Substack:
https://thevarsityvoices.substack.com

#ChicagoCatholicLeague #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #CCLFootball #THEVarsityVoices #Prognosticus

Making an impact doesn’t always mean making the tackle. Providence Catholic linebacker Collin Shedwill explains how recognizing a play before the snap helped his teammates get the stop—and why understanding the game has been his biggest improvement this season.

Collin joins Joe and Dan Freveletti on THE Varsity Voices: High School Sports Talk for an in-season Player Spotlight covering Providence Catholic football, senior leadership, and life beyond the field.

In this interview:
• The Celtics’ 24-hour rule for moving on after a tough game.
• How Providence’s seniors have come together to keep the team focused.
• Film study, reading offenses, and making adjustments before the snap.
• The defensive linemen who help Collin make plays.
• Learning from NFL linebackers Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher.
• College football aspirations and staying in contact with coaches.
• Fishing, hunting, and renovating a jon boat with help from his dad.
• The legacy he wants to leave: a teammate others can rely on, both on and off the field.

Get to know the player behind the helmet during the 2026 Illinois high school football season.

Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify for more Player Spotlights, Chicago Catholic League/ESCC football coverage, weekly Prognosticus previews, and game recaps.

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https://thevarsityvoices.substack.com

The playoffs have arrived, and the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference delivered a dominant opening-round performance.

In our Week 6 GCAC Flag Football Recap, covering September 28 through October 4, we recap every conference team and break down the beginning of the 2026 IHSA girls flag football playoffs.

GCAC teams went 10–4 in the regional quarterfinals, recorded seven shutout victories and outscored their opponents 421–36 in those 10 wins. Including three first-round byes, 13 conference teams advanced to the regional semifinals.

We discuss Fenwick earning its first win at the perfect time, Benet’s 61-point performance, dominant shutouts by Loyola, St. Francis, Resurrection, Mother McAuley and DePaul Prep, plus the postseason paths facing Carmel, Marist, Saint Ignatius, St. Laurence, Saint Viator and the rest of the conference.

We also review the latest IHSA state leaderboards, including the one-point scoring race between St. Laurence’s McKenzie Saffold and St. Francis’ Allie Sheldon.

Follow THE Varsity Voices Media Network for weekly GCAC flag football recaps and continued coverage throughout the IHSA playoffs.

Seven touchdown passes. A 300-pound defensive lineman scoring twice on offense. Two unbeaten teams headed toward a showdown.

Joe and Dan Freveletti recap all twelve Chicago Catholic League football games from October 2–3, 2026, on THE Varsity Voices: Chicago Catholic League Sports Talk. Get the standout players, key stats, turning points and playoff storylines as the Illinois high school football regular season enters its final two weeks.

This episode includes:
• Mount Carmel’s explosive passing performance against Providence.
• Brother Rice’s victory over Fenwick and some unexpected scoring help.
• Loyola and IC Catholic Prep staying unbeaten ahead of their showdown.
• Defensive standouts and our Week 7 Dawg of the Week.
• What this weekend’s results mean for the stretch run.

All twelve matchups:
Mount Carmel vs. Providence Catholic
Brother Rice vs. Fenwick
Loyola Academy vs. Saint Ignatius
IC Catholic Prep vs. Benet Academy
St. Francis vs. Saint Viator
Montini Catholic vs. De La Salle
Joliet Catholic Academy vs. Saint Patrick
Marist vs. Carmel Catholic
St. Laurence vs. Marmion Academy
Notre Dame College Prep vs. DePaul College Prep
Nazareth Academy vs. Marian Catholic
St. Rita vs. Leo Catholic

Which team impressed you most in Week 7? Who deserves Dawg of the Week? Tell us in the comments.

Subscribe on YouTube, follow THE Varsity Voices on Spotify, and subscribe on Substack for our team and position power rankings. Stay with Joe and Dan through the playoffs for Chicago Catholic League football coverage.

Can Mount Carmel bounce back? Can Brother Rice keep its momentum going? And can St. Ignatius challenge Loyola?

Joe and Dan Freveletti preview all 12 Chicago Catholic League football matchups for October 2–3 in this Week 7 edition of Prognosticus from THE Varsity Voices.

We break down the biggest storylines, players and position groups to watch, our VV Factors, the matchups and moments that could decide each game and our winner predictions across the entire slate.

🏈 WEEK 7 MATCHUPS
• Fenwick vs. Brother Rice
• Providence Catholic vs. Mount Carmel
• St. Ignatius vs. Loyola Academy
• Joliet Catholic vs. St. Patrick
• IC Catholic Prep vs. Benet Academy
• Carmel Catholic vs. Marist
• DePaul Prep vs. Notre Dame College Prep
• St. Laurence vs. Marmion Academy
• St. Francis vs. Saint Viator
• Nazareth Academy vs. Marian Catholic
• Montini Catholic vs. De La Salle
• St. Rita vs. Leo Catholic

With the regular season entering its final three weeks, which teams are building momentum—and where could an upset be brewing?

Which pick do you disagree with? Leave your predictions in the comments!

Subscribe to THE Varsity Voices on YouTube or follow us on Spotify for weekly Chicago Catholic League football previews, recaps, player spotlights, and Illinois high school sports discussion.

Meet James McGrath, a defensive back for the St. Francis Spartans in Wheaton, Illinois and a Western Illinois commit.

James joins Joe and Dan Freveletti on THE Varsity Voices: Chicago Catholic League Sports Talk for an in-season player spotlight interview. With the 2026 high school football season underway, we get to know one of the top players competing in the Chicago Catholic League.

Go beyond the scores and highlights with a conversation that puts the player behind the helmet in the spotlight.

Follow THE Varsity Voices for Chicago Catholic League football coverage, weekly Prognosticus previews and predictions, game recaps, player interviews, and more from Illinois high school sports.

Subscribe on YouTube or follow on Spotify so you don’t miss our next episode.

Who should join us for a future player spotlight? Let us know!

The Girls Catholic Athletic Conference girls flag football season delivered another action-packed week across Chicagoland. In this Week 5 recap, covering September 21–27, 2026, we break down every game involving the 17 Girls Catholic Athletic Conference teams, highlight the biggest performances and examine the GCAC players climbing the Illinois statewide leaderboards.

Benet Academy leads the headlines after going 4–0 and scoring 156 points, while Marist earns a statement 20–18 victory over St. Laurence. Saint Ignatius wins four games in five days, Carmel Catholic rebounds with a season-high 46 points, and DePaul Prep responds to a one-point loss with two impressive victories.

We also discuss the conference’s leading players, including:

• McKenzie Saffold of St. Laurence—the new statewide scoring leader
• Allie Sheldon of St. Francis—second in Illinois in rushing and scoring
• Hannah Marusarz of St. Laurence—one of the state’s leading passers
• Madison Rathunde and Giuliana Lee of Resurrection
• Josie Borkowski of Saint Ignatius
• Stella Cooney, Ainsley Clark and Mackenzie Polley of St. Francis

Teams covered:

Aurora Central Catholic, Benet Academy, Carmel Catholic, De La Salle Institute, DePaul Prep, Fenwick, IC Catholic, Joliet Catholic, Loyola Academy, Marist, Mother McAuley, Resurrection College Prep, St. Francis, Saint Ignatius, St. Laurence, Saint Viator and Trinity.

Which GCAC team made the biggest statement this week? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Subscribe to THE Varsity Voices for continuing coverage of GCAC girls flag football, the Chicago Catholic League and Illinois high school sports.

#GirlsFlagFootball #GCAC #IllinoisHighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFlagFootball #IllinoisFlagFootball #GirlsSports #ChicagoHighSchoolSports #TheVarsityVoices #IHSA

Week 6 of Chicago Catholic League football delivered a major upset, two one-point thrillers, and a touchdown on the final play of a game.

Joe and Dan Freveletti recap all twelve CCL games, led by freshman quarterback Sam Holcomb and Brother Rice’s 35–24 win over Mount Carmel. We also break down Ryan Loria’s walk-off interception return for Marmion against Benet, St. Rita’s 39–38 win over Montini, and St. Patrick’s 35–34 victory over Notre Dame.

Plus: Loyola stays unbeaten, St. Francis edges Nazareth, Providence rebounds against Fenwick, IC Catholic moves to 6–0, and Joliet Catholic wins a defensive battle with DePaul Prep. We cover St. Ignatius–Carmel, Leo–De La Salle, and Saint Viator’s first win as well—and reveal our Week 6 Zuko’s Dawg of the Week.

Which result changed your view of the CCL most? Tell us in the comments, and follow THE Varsity Voices for weekly Chicago Catholic League football previews, predictions, recaps, and power rankings.