As we head into the state semifinals, Joliet Catholic makes its first appearance this year in the High School Football America Illinois Top 10 high school football rankings, powered by NFL Play Football. The Hilltoppers sit at No. 10 heading into their 5A semi against Morris.
The game that will have everyone’s attention this weekend will be in 8A where two-time defending champ Loyola Academy travels to No. 2 Lincoln-Way East. These two have met for the 8A the past two years with the Ramblers winning 26-15 last year and 13-3 in 2022.
Chicago’s Mt. Carmel’s run for a three-peat in 7A runs through No. 9 St. Rita this week. The Caravan is ranked No. 6. Back on September 6, MC beat St. Rita 28-0.
High School Football America Illinois Top 10
| Ranking/Team | Record | Last Week |
| No. 1 East St. Louis | (11-1) | 1 |
| No. 2 Lincoln-Way East | (12-0) | 2 |
| No. 3 Cary-Grove | (12-0) | 3 |
| No. 4 Loyola Academy | (10-2) | 4 |
| No. 5 St. Francis | (10-2) | 5 |
| No. 6 Mount Carmel (Chicago) | (9-3) | 6 |
| No. 7 Naperville Central | (11-1) | 7 |
| No. 8 Nazareth Academy | (10-2) | 8 |
| No. 9 St. Rita | (10-2) | 9 |
| No. 10 Joliet Catholic | (9-3) | NR |
Dropped-out: No. 10 Marist
Editor’s Note: The High School Football America national, regional and state rankings are developed using our proprietary algorithm.
