Mount Carmel Caravan Clinch 17th State Championship with Dominating 8A Victory
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Mount Carmel High School secured its 17th Illinois High School Association state football championship – a state record – with a decisive 20-3 win over Oswego in the Class 8A title game on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. A pivotal special teams play by junior defensive back Cullen Winters ignited the Caravan’s victory, showcasing the team’s resilience and dedication.
Winters’ Redemption Fuels Championship Run
For Cullen Winters, a single play replayed in his mind throughout the game proved to be the catalyst for Mount Carmel’s success. “Earlier in the game, I faked the move outside and I went inside,” Winters explained. “I saw the chance at a block was there, so I did it again and I got it.” This second chance resulted in a blocked punt that set the tone for the Caravan’s dominant performance.
The blocked punt was recovered by Gavin Conjar, who returned it for a touchdown, extending Mount Carmel’s lead and effectively sealing the victory. The win caps off a perfect 14-0 season for the Caravan, marking their fourth consecutive state title and their first in the 8A classification.
Special Teams and Defensive Prowess Define Victory
Special teams played a crucial role in establishing Mount Carmel’s early advantage. Senior punter Dean Kemph strategically pinned Oswego deep within their own territory late in the second quarter, setting up a short field for the Caravan. This led to a 1-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Emmett Dowling, giving Mount Carmel a 6-3 halftime lead. “We practice special teams a ton during the week,” Kemph said. “We’re very diligent. We were just in the right place at the right time from going through so many reps and we got it down.”
Mount Carmel’s defense proved equally formidable, limiting Oswego to a mere 143 yards of offense and 2.8 yards per play. The Caravan allowed only three first downs throughout the entire game. Junior linebacker Roman Igwebuike contributed with an interception, further stifling Oswego’s offensive efforts.
Overcoming Adversity and Continuing a Legacy
Winters’ journey to this championship moment was marked by adversity. The first-year varsity player missed his entire sophomore season due to complications from a back injury. “Coming into the season, I wasn’t sure if I was going to play that much,” he admitted. “By the end, I was in all the time and making plays. I worked hard the whole offseason on my skills. I was ready to make something happen.”
His connection with safety Conjar proved vital, particularly in the third quarter when the duo forced four consecutive incomplete passes on Oswego’s first-and-goal attempt from the 6-yard line. Dowling later solidified the victory with a 4-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Marshaun Thornton in the fourth quarter.
Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch emphasized the program’s deep-rooted tradition. “We have a lot of legacy kids, players whose fathers played here or their brothers,” Lynch stated. Winters embodies this legacy, as his two older brothers were also part of previous championship-winning teams. “After having to watch all the guys last year, this is a great feeling being part of this legacy,” Winters said.
The Caravan’s victory on December 3rd not only adds another chapter to their storied history but also underscores the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
