BREAKING: Mount Carmel High School secured its 17th state title in a thrilling 20-3 victory over Oswego during the Class 8A championship at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb on December 3, 2025. Junior defensive back Cullen Winters made a game-changing play, blocking a punt that was returned for a touchdown by teammate Gavin Conjar in the pivotal third quarter.
Winters, a standout on special teams, executed a strategy he had practiced earlier in the game. “I saw the chance at a block was there, so I did it again and I got it,” he explained. This crucial moment propelled Mount Carmel to a commanding lead, marking their first championship in 8A during a historic run of four consecutive titles.
The Caravan, now boasting an undefeated record of 14-0, faced challenging conditions with freezing temperatures and a formidable defense from Oswego (11-3). Special teams played a critical role in the game. Senior punter Dean Kemph set the tone by pinning Oswego deep in their territory, leading to a short field that resulted in a touchdown run by quarterback Emmett Dowling, giving Mount Carmel a 6-3 lead at halftime.
Winters’ block not only energized the team but also showcased the Caravan’s defensive dominance. Mount Carmel held Oswego to just 143 yards of offense and limited them to a mere 2.8 yards per play. “We completely stopped their run, so we knew they had to look to pass,” Winters noted.
In a critical defensive stand, Winters and Conjar thwarted Oswego’s attempts at the end zone, forcing four consecutive incomplete passes during a first-and-goal situation. Dowling then sealed the game with a 4-yard TD pass to sophomore Marshaun Thornton in the fourth quarter.
Mount Carmel’s coach, Jordan Lynch, expressed pride in the team’s legacy, highlighting the familial ties many players have to the program. “We have a lot of legacy kids, players whose fathers played here or their brothers,” he stated. For Winters, whose brothers previously played for Mount Carmel, the win was particularly meaningful. “After having to watch all the guys last year, this is a great feeling being part of this legacy,” he shared.
As the players lifted the championship trophy, the emotional weight of the victory resonated throughout the stadium. This win not only solidifies Mount Carmel’s position at the pinnacle of Illinois high school football but also encapsulates the spirit of resilience and dedication that defines the program.
As Mount Carmel celebrates this historic achievement, fans and players alike are left buzzing with excitement for what the future holds. With their eyes set on continuing this legacy, the Caravan is poised to remain a dominant force in high school football.
