Mount Carmel Crushes Lincoln-Way East 48-7 in 8A Quarterfinals
UPDATE: In a stunning display of dominance, Mount Carmel has overwhelmed Lincoln-Way East with a decisive 48-7 victory in the Class 8A state quarterfinals on October 28, 2023. This high-stakes matchup, eagerly awaited by high school football fans, showcased the Caravan’s formidable defensive line against the Griffins’ star quarterback, Jonas Williams.
The game, held on Chicago’s South Side, pitted the preseason No. 1 and No. 2 teams against each other. Mount Carmel, boasting a roster filled with future college stars, proved their mettle as they dismantled Lincoln-Way East, leaving the Griffins unable to mount any significant offense.
Williams, a USC recruit and the state’s all-time leader in touchdown passes and passing yards, struggled throughout the game. He completed 12 of 26 passes for 185 yards but was intercepted twice, including a pivotal moment when Mount Carmel’s defensive lineman, Joey Quinn, made a critical tackle that led to an interception by linebacker Roman Igwebuike.
“We were completely in the offensive line’s head,” Quinn stated. “When you take care of that, they can’t stop us.”
Mount Carmel’s defense was relentless, with Quinn notching two sacks and sophomore Caleb “Bonecrusher” Tucker adding another. The intensity of their defense was palpable, as Tucker remarked, “There was just too much talking on Instagram. We had to handle business.”
On the offensive end, Mount Carmel was equally impressive. Junior Nathan Samuels rushed for three touchdowns and finished with 91 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Emmett Dowling shone with a completion rate of 21 of 32 for 321 yards, tossing two touchdown passes to Quentin Burrell and one each to Marshaun Thornton and Jamari Brown.
The running clock was activated with 10:57 remaining in the fourth quarter, signaling the game’s outcome and allowing both teams to bring in their backups. This victory marks Mount Carmel’s record at 12-0 as they advance to the semifinals.
“Bottom line, it was a good old-school, take you out to the woodshed butt whupping,” admitted Lincoln-Way East coach Rob Zvonar. “Hats off to Mount Carmel, and we wish them luck.”
Mount Carmel’s head coach, Jordan Lynch, praised his team’s performance, noting that this was their first complete game of the season. “It’s scary when that happens,” he said. “We are still learning, still growing. You still haven’t seen the finished product.”
Looking ahead, Mount Carmel will face the winner of the Fremd vs. Bolingbrook matchup in the semifinals next weekend. Football fans are advised to stay tuned for updates as this thrilling postseason unfolds.
