Friday nights in Chicago aren't just about the wind chill coming off the lake. If you’ve ever stood on the metal bleachers at Gately Stadium or felt the energy at a night game in Beverly, you know the stakes. High school football here is a religion, and honestly, keeping track of chicago hs football scores can feel like a full-time job with how fast things move.
The 2025 season just wrapped up, and it was a wild ride. We saw legendary programs cement their status and a few underdogs basically tear up the script. If you missed the final championship pushes or just want to see how your local South Side or North Side favorites finished, here is the breakdown of what actually went down on the turf.
The Dominance of Mount Carmel and the 8A Crown
Look, everyone expected Mount Carmel to be good, but 14-0? That is some next-level dominance. The Caravan didn't just win; they looked untouchable for most of the stretch. When they faced Oswego in the Class 8A State Championship, people thought it might be a defensive grind.
It was.
The final score was 20-3. Mount Carmel's defense was basically a brick wall, suffocating Oswego’s offense for four straight quarters. They started the playoffs by narrowly escaping a massive scare against Loyola Academy—winning that one 21-17 in the first round—and then they just shifted into another gear. By the time they hit the quarterfinals and smoked Lincoln-Way East 48-7, the writing was on the wall.
Oswego deserves a ton of credit, though. They fought through a brutal bracket, edging out Lockport 10-7 in the semifinals just to get to the big stage. But in the end, the Caravan was too much.
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The 7A Civil War: Brother Rice vs. St. Rita
If you live on the South Side, this was the game of the century. Or at least the game of the year. Having two Chicago powerhouses like Brother Rice and St. Rita meet in the Class 7A State Championship is the kind of thing local fans dream about.
The atmosphere was electric. Kinda tense, too.
Brother Rice took the title with a 16-0 shutout. Think about that—a shutout in a state final against a rival like Rita. It’s almost unheard of. The Crusaders finished their season at 13-1, with their only blemish being a regular-season loss. Their path through the playoffs was a clinic:
- A 57-0 demolition of Rockford Jefferson.
- A 46-0 win over Jacobs.
- Taking down St. Charles North 42-18.
- Handling Downers Grove North 45-17 in the semis.
St. Rita had a gutsy run, especially that 54-34 shootout win over Batavia in the semifinals. But when they ran into the Brother Rice defense in the final, they just couldn't find the end zone.
Chicago Public League: The Battle for City Supremacy
Away from the IHSA state brackets, the Chicago Public League (CPL) had its own drama. The City Championship game featured Morgan Park and Kenwood. These two had already met in October, where Kenwood pulled off a tight 29-22 victory.
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Morgan Park wanted revenge. And they got it.
In the title game, the Mustangs jumped out early and held off a late surge from the Broncos to win 30-19. It wasn't easy. Kenwood’s quarterback Kenyonte Louis led a 98-yard scoring drive in the third quarter that made it a 22-19 game, making everyone in the stands sweat. But Morgan Park’s Reggie Gray Jr. was a beast on the ground, and a late touchdown pass to Lathan Barnes iced it.
It’s worth noting that Whitney Young also made some noise this year. They’ve been climbing the ranks and actually snagged a 41-0 win over Carver earlier in the season, showing that the "basketball school" label is starting to fade away.
Why Keeping Up With Chicago HS Football Scores is Such a Hassle
Honestly, finding reliable live scores for these games can be a headache. Since many Public League games happen at various city stadiums like Rockne, Gately, or Lane Stadium, the reporting isn't always instant.
Most fans rely on a mix of sources. The IHSA website is the gold standard for playoff brackets, but for regular-season CPL action, you’re often scrolling through "X" (formerly Twitter) or checking the CPS Athletics portal.
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There’s also the Prep Bowl. This is a Chicago tradition that’s been running for 95 years. This year, Morgan Park capped off their incredible run by facing St. Ignatius in the Prep Bowl at Hanson Stadium. It’s that weird, wonderful post-Thanksgiving tradition that keeps the season alive just a little bit longer for the city schools.
The Surprises and the Heartbreaks
Not every powerhouse had a fairy tale ending. Loyola Academy, usually a lock for a deep November run, got bounced in that first-round thriller against Mount Carmel. A 4-5 record isn't what Rambler fans are used to, but their strength of schedule was arguably the toughest in the state.
Then you have Fenwick. Out in Oak Park, the Friars had a stellar year, finishing 11-3 and actually winning the Class 6A State Championship. They beat East St. Louis 38-28 in the final. If you know anything about Illinois football, you know East St. Louis is a juggernaut, so Fenwick pulling that off was a massive statement for the Chicago Catholic League.
Quick Look at Key Playoff Scores:
- Class 8A Final: Mt. Carmel 20, Oswego 3
- Class 7A Final: Brother Rice 16, St. Rita 0
- Class 6A Final: Fenwick 38, East St. Louis 28
- CPL City Championship: Morgan Park 30, Kenwood 19
- 8A Semifinal: Mt. Carmel 42, Fremd 21
How to Track Scores Next Season
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season, don't just wait for the Saturday morning papers. Most of the real-time action happens on apps like MaxPreps or through the NFHS Network if you're streaming.
But here’s a pro tip: follow the local beat reporters on social media. People like Mike Clark or the folks at Friday Night Drive usually have the score before the scoreboard even flips.
Chicago high school football is about more than just the numbers on a screen. It’s about the community, the rivalries that date back 50 years, and the kids laying it all on the line. Whether it’s a Class 8A showdown or a CPL crossover, the passion is exactly the same.
To get the most out of next season, start by following the IHSA's official schedule releases in the summer and keep an eye on the preseason rankings from the Sun-Times and Tribune. They usually give a good indication of who the "teams to beat" will be. Also, make sure to check the CPS Athletics calendar early, as city game times can be fluid due to stadium sharing.