The high school football season has passed the midway point of the regular season and the basketball season tips off in less than two months.
There are several schools enjoying a fun fall on the football field and will have big expectations this winter in the gym.
While there is a lot of football left to be played, we’re deep enough into the season to identify which schools have the best dual-sport programs in the area between football and basketball.
Mount Carmel
Football profile: A perennial state power, the Caravan are unbeaten, ranked No. 2 in the Sun-Times Super 25 rankings and a state-title contender once again.
Basketball prognosis: The school is clearly better known for its elite football program, but the hoops team should follow up a dream season from a year ago with another big one this winter. Mount Carmel basketball finished second in Class 3A last March. The trio of Grant Best, Noah Mister and Cameron Thomas will have coach Phil Segroves’ team challenging for another sectional title.
Marist
Football profile: Following a 4-5 season a year ago, first-year coach Mike Fitzgerald has revitalized Marist football. The Redhawks, ranked No. 13 in the most recent Super 25, have just one loss on the season — a 31-30 defeat to Joliet Catholic.
Basketball prognosis: With the return of 6-8 junior Stephen Brown, junior guards TJ Tate and Adoni Vassilakis, along with the addition of transfer Karson Thomas, the Redhawks have a chance to be better than last year’s 29-win team.
Barrington
Football profile: Last season the Broncos reached the Class 8A state semifinals. This season they’re off to a 5-0 start, averaging 50 points a game and are ranked No. 7 in this week’s Super 25.
Basketball prognosis: The Broncos will be shooting for their fourth consecutive 20-plus win season behind junior Oliver Gray and veteran guards Adam Baird and Nick Peipert, the quarterback of the football team. Coach Bryan Tucker’s team will be one of the favorites in the Mid-Suburban League.
Kankakee
Football profile: This program has gone 32-5 the past three seasons, including a state runner-up finish in 2021. The Kays are 4-1 and ranked No. 14 this season.
Basketball prognosis: With the state’s top-ranked junior prospect, 6-5 Lincoln Williams, coach Chris Pickett’s team has a chance to equal or better last season’s 27 wins.
St. Laurence
Football profile: A year after its best season in over 40 years, losing in the Class 4A state-championship game last November, St. Laurence football is 5-0 and ranked in the top 25.
Basketball prognosis: With star guard EJ Mosley transferring in and joining returning guards Jacob Rice and Zerrick Johnson, the Vikings are poised to be a preseason top 25 team and a legit threat in Class 3A.
Warren
Football profile: After reaching the quarterfinals in Class 8A a year ago, the Blue Devils are currently 3-2 and ranked No. 21.
Basketball prognosis: The basketball program burst back on the scene last season with 31 wins. Superstar sophomore Jaxson Davis is one of several key players returning, including multisport athlete Jack Wolf, the quarterback of the football team.
Hersey
Football profile: The 3-2 Huskies, who reached the state quarterfinals a year ago, are the ranked 20th in the Super 25.
Basketball prognosis: The Huskies may have gone just 16-15 a year ago, but there is an abundance of size, length and, most importantly, a ton of veteran experience returning, led by 6-7 senior Jackson Hupp.