Which prep football teams have something to prove the last three weeks of the season?

For every prep football team, the last third of the season is pivotal.

Whether it’s maximizing a playoff seed, competing for a conference title or forging a path to the postseason, everyone has something on the line.

Let’s look at 10 area teams with a little extra motivation heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Carmel Catholic (4-2)

Last week’s epic 55-54 loss to Montini hurt in more ways than one. Considering how the Corsairs close the season, it would’ve been nice to notch that fifth win (and a likely playoff spot) sooner rather than later.

Now Carmel needs to find a win, and preferably two, against defending Class 4A champion DePaul Prep (2-4), three-time defending 8A champ Loyola (4-1) and Fenwick (5-1).

Elgin (4-2)

The Maroons don’t have a victory against a team with a winning record, but they may not need one to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Elgin would reach six wins with victories over Streamwood (2-4) and Bartlett (2-4). In between is South Elgin (4-2), which would open some eyes if the Maroons snagged that one.

Glenbard North (4-2)

Although the Panthers don’t have a signature win, they’ve done enough to lurk within a win of becoming playoff eligible for their first appearance since 2021.

Glenbard North must find a win or two among Geneva (3-3), St. Charles North (6-0) and Wheaton North (2-4), which won’t be easy.

Hersey (4-2)

The situation looked grim after losses to Warren and Barrington, but a four-game winning streak has the Huskies hunting for the playoffs.

With Prospect (5-1) and Rolling Meadows (5-1) awaiting the last two weeks, Hersey really wants that fifth win this week against Buffalo Grove (2-4).

Huntley (3-3)

The past three weeks haven’t been easy for the Red Raiders, who lost to Cary-Grove, Jacobs and unbeaten Prairie Ridge by a total of 16 points.

With Burlington Central (5-1) looming this week, the window to qualify may seem narrow. But even with a loss to the Rockets, it’s a winnable close to the season facing McHenry (2-4) and Hampshire (2-4).

IC Catholic Prep (4-2)

It’s tough to overestimate the importance of last week’s 35-28 win over St. Francis.

The Knights’ schedule was immensely front-loaded. But there was also a 29-28 Week 5 loss to Marist, which is experiencing a rare down season at 1-5.

By beating the Spartans, the Knights sit on the verge of the postseason after missing out last year. The Knights close with Marmion (3-3), St. Viator (1-5) and St. Rita (2-4).

Libertyville (3-3)

Two straight wins have the Wildcats feeling much better about their playoff chances.

Ideally, Libertyville earns its fourth and fifth wins the next two weeks against Zion-Benton (3-3) and Lake Forest (2-4). Accomplish that, and it relieves a bit of pressure from the finale against Warren (5-1).

Palatine (3-3)

It’s a credit to the Pirates they’re as close to qualifying as they are. It was a brutal first five weeks against teams that are all 5-1. Next they face Hoffman Estates (5-1) and Fremd (6-0) with little margin for error.

If Palatine manages one win in the next two games, a playoff berth may hinge on the finale against Conant (2-4).

Vernon Hills (2-4)

Is there a path to the Cougars’ first playoff berth since 2021?

They just purged a four-game losing streak with a 42-0 win over Maine East. Now Vernon Hills must run the table against what looks like a reasonable schedule.

But even if the Cougars beat Niles West (2-4), Maine West (2-4) and Niles North (2-4), would they have enough playoff points to qualify at 5-4?

Willowbrook (3-3)

Are the Warriors back on track after wins over Hinsdale South and Morton? Tough to say because those teams have only one win apiece.

The schedule lines up nicely for Willowbrook, which faces two more one-win teams in Proviso West and Proviso East. Five wins should be enough for the Warriors, who don’t want a playoff berth depending on the finale against rival Addison Trail (5-1).