Defending state champions Mount Carmel and Loyola will collide for a second time after the Caravan defeated the Ramblers 35-24 in Week 9. St. Rita's rushing attack sparked a win over IC Catholic Prep, while Marist fell just short of the playoffs despite beating Niles Notre Dame.

Five new teams broke into the Friday Night Drive Power Rankings based on strong performances in Week 1.

Nazareth, St. Francis and Fenwick are three notable Week 2 winners primed for big matchups in the CCL/ESCC this coming weekend.

St. Rita quarterback Steven Armbruster became the program's all-time career touchdown pass record-holder, and running back Brandon Johnson Jr. scored with less than 18 seconds remaining to help the Mustangs beat Marist 28-21.

The declaration most expected would be coming came on Thursday as East St. Louis officially declared that they would be playing up to Class 6A. By its natural enrollment, East St. Louis would have been classified in Class 5A.

Both Richards and St. Rita announced their intent to join Batavia among schools that are electing to "play up" from 6A to 7A for a two-year period of postseason play.

Team breakdowns, five players to watch, five can't miss games and Steve Soucie's predictions for the CCL/ESCC Green.

After several teams easily captured state titles after utilizing a multiplier waiver that allowed them to compete at lower classifications, the IHSA announced changes to both its multiplier waiver and success formula equations for the 2025-2026 athletic seasons.

Here is a list of CCL/ESCC football players who have committed to colleges at various levels and can sign their financial aid agreement or letters of intent starting on Wednesday.