Five high school football semifinal games to watch
Fremd (11-1) at Mt. Carmel (12-0)
The best season in Fremd history continued last Saturday with a thrilling 34-33 win over Bolingbrook to send the Vikings to the semifinals for the first time. Trying for another first — a trip to the state title game — will be quite a challenge against the undefeated and heavy 8A favorite Caravan and their slew of future Division I players. Fremd counters with a couple game-changers of its own led by Northwestern-bound quarterback Johnny O’Brien who has thrown for over 2,600 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Downers Grove North (10-2) at Brother Rice (11-1)
Another area team with a future Big Ten quarterback takes its shot against a Catholic League power whose only loss is to Mt. Carmel. Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third in the Trojans’ win last week over Lincoln-Way West. Downers North is making its second semifinal appearance in three seasons. Brother Rice, who rolled past St. Charles North last week 42-18, has a dominating defense led by lineman King Liggins, an Illinois recruit.
St. Francis (9-3) at Belvidere North (12-0)
After losing in the semifinals the past three seasons, the Spartans will try to break through in this 5A matchup behind QB Brock Phillip, nose guard Jaylen Torres and Tanner Glock, one of several talented wide receivers. Belvidere North, in its first semifinal, runs the option — the Blue Thunder threw only one pass in last week’s win over Cary-Grove.
Batavia (10-2) at St. Rita (8-4)
Coach Dennis Piron’s Bulldogs find themselves in a familiar spot — their fourth straight semifinal and eighth since he took over in 2011. Batavia had played in one semifinal before that. QB Michael Vander Luitgaren is up to 32 total TDs and 2,413 passing yards after throwing three first-half touchdowns last week against Glenbard North. The defense continued to play well including a 67-yard pick-six by Andrew Culotta. Don’t be deceived by St. Rita’s record — all four of the teams it lost to are still alive in the playoffs.
Morris (11-1) at Montini (12-0)
Do you remember the last time Montini lost a football game? A gallon of gas cost $1.42, the first George Bush was in the White House … OK, it hasn’t been that long. But it does date back to Sept. 20, 2024 — a 14-10 loss to Fenwick in Week 4. The Broncos won their final 10 games to take last year’s 3A state title, and it’s now 12 in a row this year as they eye the 4A championship. They have won their three playoff games by an average of 36 points. Morris, undefeated against Illinois teams, won the Interstate 8.