You can feel it the second you pull into the lot at 1800 West Lincoln Highway. There’s this specific, heavy energy that only comes with a program that has ten state championship trophies sitting in the lobby. Honestly, New Lenox Providence football isn’t just a high school team; it’s a machine that’s been humming since the late 60s.
It’s different here.
While other schools talk about building a culture, Providence Catholic already lives in one that was forged during that legendary 50-game win streak in the 90s. If you grew up in Will County, you know the names. You know the "Celtic Pride" mantra isn't some marketing slogan—it’s a demand. But what’s actually happening with the program right now? Because, let’s be real, the landscape of Illinois high school football has shifted a lot since the Matt Senffner era.
The Plantz Era and the Return to Form
If you haven't been keeping tabs, Tyler Plantz is the man in charge now. And look, hiring an alum can be hit or miss, but Plantz is basically Providence personified. He was a walk-on at Notre Dame—the "leader of WOPU nation"—and he brought that "nobody will out-tough us" mentality back to New Lenox.
The 2024 season was a wild ride. The Celtics finished with a 10-4 record, and if you weren't at that 5A state championship game against St. Francis, you missed a classic. It was a 35-39 heartbreaker. It stung. But it also sent a loud message to the rest of the CCL/ESCC: Providence is a problem again.
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They aren't just winning games; they're winning them the "Providence Way." That means physical, nasty defense and an offense that finds ways to exploit you just when you think you’ve got them pinned.
Players You Need to Know (The 2025-2026 Core)
Basically, the roster is loaded with kids who could play at the next level. Usually, you see one or two standouts, but this group has depth.
- Dominic Vita (QB): Keep an eye on this kid. He’s been taking snaps since he was a sophomore and he’s got that rare poise. He isn't just a pocket passer; he can tuck it and run when the play breaks down.
- Xavier Coleman (RB/WR): Absolute lightning. You’ve got to account for him on every single snap because he’s a threat to take it 80 yards whether he’s taking a handoff or catching a screen.
- Dominic Infelise (DL): He’s a big, physical presence on the line. He signed recently and is a massive part of why their defensive front is so difficult to run against.
The crazy thing is the youth. You look at the roster and see a bunch of sophomores and juniors getting meaningful playoff snaps. That bodes well for the next two years.
The CCL/ESCC Gauntlet
Let’s talk about the schedule for a second. It’s brutal. Playing in the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference is basically like playing a college schedule every week. You’ve got Joliet Catholic, Mount Carmel, and Loyola Academy. There are no "off" weeks.
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Most people get wrong that a 6-3 or 7-2 record for New Lenox Providence football is "down." It’s not. A six-win team in this conference is often better than a nine-win team in a weaker public school league. They are battle-tested by the time October rolls around.
In 2024, they had that mid-season stretch where they beat Marist and then knocked off Loyola Academy 21-20. That Loyola win? That was the moment everyone realized this team was for real. Beating the Ramblers is the ultimate litmus test in Illinois, and the Celtics passed it.
Why the Tradition Actually Matters
You'll hear people say tradition doesn't score touchdowns. Fair enough. But tradition does keep the stands full at Bishop Kaffer Stadium. It keeps the alumni—guys like Pete Bercich or Miles Boykin—coming back to talk to the kids.
There’s a "shared respect" that Tyler Plantz talks about, something he learned at Notre Dame and brought back home. It's about the "Celtic Football Alumni Club" and the guys from the 70s showing up to games. When you put on that green helmet, you aren't just playing for your buddies on the sideline; you’re playing for fifty years of expectations.
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What to Expect Next Season
If you're a fan or a scout, here is the reality: the window is wide open.
With Vita returning with more experience and a defense that seems to reload rather than rebuild, Providence is going to be a top-tier contender in Class 5A or 6A (depending on the IHSA multipliers and enrollment shifts). They've proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best in the state.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Parents
- Check the IHSA Classifications Early: Providence often teeters between 5A and 6A. This changes their playoff path significantly, so keep an eye on the official IHSA site in late August.
- Get to the Rivalry Games: The Joliet Catholic game is a religious experience in this part of the state. Buy your tickets early; it’s almost always a sellout.
- Follow the Recruiting Trail: Watch the camps this summer. Guys like Curtis Stubbs II and the younger underclassmen are starting to pick up serious D1 interest.
- Support the Boosters: The program relies heavily on the Celtic Kick Off and other alumni events to fund the high-end equipment and facilities that keep them competitive with the big 8A schools.
New Lenox Providence football isn't trying to relive the 90s. They are trying to build something that rivals it. Under Plantz, the "toughness" is back, the wins are piling up, and the green and white are once again a nightmare for anyone standing in their way on a Friday night.