Time for another round of IHSA football title game predictions

Let’s cut to the chase.

That could mean discussing our annual predictions for the IHSA championship football games. It’s a decades-long Daily Herald tradition taken over only recently by yours truly.

But we’re not cutting to that chase. At least not yet.

Right now we’re chasing the inevitable debate about the state’s best team. Can we just have East St. Louis and Mt. Carmel face off this weekend in Normal and decide once and for all?

Sure, we’re dreaming. But that’s the game everyone wants to see, regardless of classes.

One more random thought … after private schools won seven titles last year (only East St. Louis prevented an eight-game sweep), they have a chance to win five on Friday and Saturday.

Now it’s time to cut to the other chase of predictions for this weekend’s games.

Class 1A: Lena-Winslow (12-1) vs. Brown County (11-2)

Lena-Winslow’s Aiden Wild has been unstoppable with 2,026 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns while Alec Schlichting has added 1,459 rushing yards and 21 scores.

Only nine of the 22 starting positions for Brown County are manned by seniors.

Prediction: Lena-Winslow continues its dominance in 1A.

Class 2A: Maroa-Forsyth (11-2) vs. Wilmington (12-1)

There’s a lot to like about Maroa-Forsyth, especially its offensive balance. Ryne Sheppard has thrown for 3,191 yards while Sheppard and Jordan Watters power the ground game.

Wilmington’s defense, though, has been ridiculously strong led by Zach Ohlund and Declan Moran. The Wildcats lean on a bunch of runners who have combined for more than 5,300 rushing yards.

Prediction: Wilmington wins its fourth title.

Class 3A: Byron (13-0) vs. Unity (12-1)

After the way Byron handled IC Catholic Prep in the quarterfinals, it’s tough to imagine the Tigers losing this one.

The question is whether Byron can handle Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger, who’s thrown for 2,900 yards. The Tigers counter with a Caden Considine-led ground game that’s amassed nearly 4,300 rushing yards.

Prediction: Byron wins in a shootout.

Class 4A: Montini (13-0) vs. Rochester (12-1)

Talk about a clash of titans. These powerhouses have combined for 16 state titles.

The Broncos were tested in the regular season, setting them up for a bit of a romp in the playoffs. Quarterback Israel Abrams, who boasts several Power Four offers, is one of the top junior recruits in Illinois and has thrown for 3,647 yards and 36 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions.

The defense, led by linebacker Santino Tenuta and a stout line, is stacked. Can Montini contain the quarterback tandem of J.P. Leonard and Tanner Beal?

Prediction: Montini wins its second straight title.

Class 5A: St. Francis (10-3) vs. Providence (10-3)

This is a rematch from Week 5, a game won 47-35 by the Spartans.

St. Francis really got its act together for the playoffs. And Brock Phillip, who’s thrown for 2,500 yards, may be the most underrated quarterback in the field this weekend.

The Spartans have high-caliber talent like Michigan State recruit Zach Washington, as well as hard-nosed two-way players like Tanner Glock, Dario Milivojevic and many others.

Providence running backs Broden Mackert and Brayden McKay combined for more than 300 rushing yards in the semifinals. That’ll be the focus of the Spartans’ defense.

Prediction: St. Francis wins a squeaker.

Class 6A: Fenwick (10-3) vs. East St. Louis (10-3)

If anyone can knock off a juggernaut like East St. Louis, it just might be a hardened team from the Chicago Catholic League. Especially one that knocked out three-time defending state champion Nazareth in the semifinals.

That being said, it’ll take a monumental effort to beat the Flyers. Starting with junior running back Myson Johnson-Cook, who holds offers from just about every Power Four school, the amount of talent is incredible. Receiver Kortez Rupert is committed to Indiana, offensive lineman Terrell Berryhill to Purdue … the list is a long one.

Prediction: East St. Louis stays on its perennial roll.

Class 7A: Brother Rice (12-1) vs. St. Rita (9-4)

This has the makings of a classic rock ‘em, sock ‘em CCL showdown.

Brother Rice won the Week 3 meeting 28-10, but St. Rita was without quarterback Steven Armbruster due to injury. He’s thrown for 1,556 yards and 16 touchdowns, so he’ll certainly make a difference.

The key is whether St. Rita can handle the Crusaders’ defensive line headed by Illinois commit King Liggins, junior Brayden Parks — whose dozens of offers include Notre Dame, Texas, Ohio State and Ole Miss — and sophomore Kameron McGee, who already holds Power Four offers.

Prediction: Brother Rice outslugs the Mustangs.

Class 8A: Mt. Carmel (13-0) vs. Oswego (11-2)

Is Mt. Carmel the most talented team in the 50-plus years of IHSA title games?

Nine players have either committed to Power Four programs or will land at one. Senior offensive lineman Claude Mpouma (Nebraska) and senior defensive lineman Braeden Jones (USC) are the only two committed players (defensive lineman Joey Quinn decommitted from Vanderbilt), and several others are deciding among top programs.

Give Oswego credit for edging their way through a playoff gauntlet of Maine South and Lockport. The Panthers’ style of staying close late is obviously key in this one.

Prediction: Mt. Carmel nabs its fourth straight title and 17th overall.