Mount Carmel Clinches 17th State Title with Stellar Defense

Mount Carmel secured its 17th state championship by defeating Oswego 20-3 in the Class 8A title game held at Huskie Stadium on December 3, 2025. The victory marked a significant milestone for the Caravan, as it was their fourth consecutive state title and their first in the 8A category during this impressive streak.

Key to Mount Carmel’s success was junior defensive back Cullen Winters, who made a game-changing play in the third quarter by blocking a punt that was subsequently returned for a touchdown by Gavin Conjar. Winters had previously attempted to execute a similar block earlier in the game, demonstrating his persistence and focus. “I saw the chance at a block was there, so I did it again and I got it,” Winters said.

The special teams played a crucial role in the game, setting up the Caravan’s first two scores. Despite facing freezing temperatures and a strong defensive effort from Oswego, Mount Carmel managed to capitalize on their opportunities. Senior punter Dean Kemph pinned Oswego deep in their own territory, leading to a short field that allowed quarterback Emmett Dowling to score on a 1-yard touchdown run, giving Mount Carmel a 6-3 lead at halftime.

Winters’ block energized the Caravan after a solid defensive stand against Oswego’s initial possession of the second half. “Cullen and I are on the same side of the field defensively most of the time,” Conjar noted. “We have a great connection. After the block, the ball bounced and it came right to me. There’s no greater feeling.”

Winters, who missed his entire sophomore season due to a back injury, expressed his determination to make an impact this season. “Coming into the season, I wasn’t sure if I was going to play that much. By the end, I was in all the time and making plays,” he said, highlighting his dedication to strengthening his skills during the offseason.

The Caravan defense was formidable throughout the game, allowing Oswego a mere three first downs and limiting their total offense to just 143 yards. Junior linebacker Roman Igwebuike contributed with an interception, further showcasing the defensive prowess of Mount Carmel. “Early in the game, we completely stopped their run, so we knew they had to look to pass,” Winters explained.

As the game progressed, Mount Carmel’s defense continued to stifle Oswego, particularly during a critical moment when the latter faced first-and-goal from the 6-yard line. Winters and Conjar combined to force four straight incomplete passes, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Dowling eventually sealed the victory with a 4-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Marshaun Thornton in the fourth quarter.

The championship victory holds special significance for Mount Carmel, as it reinforces the legacy of the program, which boasts the most state titles in Illinois High School Association history. Coach Jordan Lynch emphasized the importance of family connections within the team. “We have a lot of legacy kids, players whose fathers played here or their brothers,” he remarked.

Winters embodies this legacy, with two brothers who also played for the Caravan during their title runs. “After having to watch all the guys last year, this is a great feeling being part of this legacy,” he reflected.

Mount Carmel’s victory not only adds to their impressive record but also highlights the resilience and dedication of their players, both past and present. The Caravan’s commitment to excellence continues to shine bright, setting a standard for future teams to aspire to.