Final On3 Composite Illinois High School Football Rankings - Dec. 17

The 2024 Illinois High School Football season ended with the crowning of state champions throughout eight classes. Some winners are among the top 25 teams in the Illinois On3 Composite Team Rankings. Here is the final classification of the best squads in ‘The Prairie State.’

The On3 Composite High School Football Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, Cal Preps, ESPN, and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.

1. East St. Louis

The Flyers cruised to their third Illinois High School Association Class 6A state championship in five years against Geneva 48-28. Kendrick Lyons threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns, with Ronnie GoMiller receiving both scoring throws. GoMiller finished with 128 receiving yards, while Larevious Woods added 113 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Phillip White, Leon Howard Jr., and Carnell Mcintosh each had a sack on defense. Meanwhile, Quincy Minor and Raheem Floyd picked off Geneva quarterback Anthony Chahino. The Flyers finish their season at 12-1, with their only loss coming against IMG Academy (14-13).

2. Loyola Academy

The Ramblers finished the season at 12-2. After dropping two of their first three games, Loyola Academy embarked on an 11-game winning streak, capped off by their 35-14 victory over York Comm. Loyola Academy shut down the Dukes in the second half to capture their third consecutive IHSA Class 8A state championship.

Ryan Fitzgerald had 160 yards and three touchdowns, while Drew McPherson contributed 150 rushing yards and two scores. After delivering another championship for the Ramblers, both players will compete for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

3. Mount Carmel

The Caravan earned their third consecutive Illinois high school football Class 7A state championship after dominating Batavia 55-34. Mount Carmel established a 42-21 halftime lead and never looked back. Jack Elliott was unstoppable, finishing with 301 passing yards, 115 rushing yards, and seven touchdowns (six passing).

Meanwhile, Cooper Lehman contributed 114 receiving yards and a touchdown for the Caravan. Mount Carmel finished their season at 11-3, which includes a five-game winning streak to complete their title defense.

4. Lincoln-Way East

The Griffons lost only one game throughout the 2024 season. Unfortunately, it came at a bad time: They fell short against Loyola Academy in the Class 8A state semifinals. Despite that result, Lincoln-Way East dominated its opponents, limiting six to single digits.

Their loss to the Ramblers marked the first time they’ve allowed an opponent to score above 22 points. Likewise, with the season over, the Griffons bid farewell to college-bound players Caden O’Rourke (Northwestern), Trey Zvonar (Miami, Ohio), and Zion Gist (Michigan State).

5. Nazareth Academy

The Roadrunners won their third consecutive IHSA Class 5A state championship after edging Joliet Catholic 29-27. Nazareth Academy held on to victory despite the Hilltoppers’ 13 unanswered points in the final quarter.

Quarterback Logan Malachuk paced the Roadrunners’ offense with 336 passing yards and four touchdowns. Likewise, Trenton Walker finished with 122 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Nazareth Academy ended their season with a 12-2 record, including a four-game winning streak after losing to St. Francis.

6. Marist

The Redhawks had a 9-1 record before entering the IHSA Class 8A state championship. However, after defeating Glenbrook South in the first round, they lost to Loyola Academy in the following round. Despite that loss, they remain among Illinois’ top ten teams due to impressive victories over Brother Rice, Montini Catholic, and St. Ignatius.

7. Batavia

The Bulldogs lost to Mount Carmel in the Class 7A state championship game. Despite the 55-34 loss, Batavia quarterback Michael Vander deserves credit for tallying 390 passing yards and three touchdowns. Brett Berggren caught Vander’s scoring throws and finished with 191 receiving yards. However, they’ve lost to Mount Carmel in two of the last three seasons. Batavia finishes the season at 12-2, with the other loss against Geneva Community.

8. Joliet Catholic Academy

The Hilltoppers have suffered back-to-back losses to Nazareth Academy in the Class 5A state championship game. While last year’s loss was a blowout, they came close to defeating the Roadrunners this year. A successful two-point conversion would have tied the game with seconds left in regulation.

Sadly, Joliet Catholic fell short, 29-27. However, Larry Stringham (152 rushing yards) and Nate Magrini (126 yards, one touchdown) deserve commendation for their effort. The Hilltoppers finished the season at 10-4 and earned some solid victories against Marist and Fenwick.

9. Downers Grove North

The Trojans reached the quarterfinals of the Illinois high school football Class 7A state tournament. Unfortunately, their season ended with a 17-7 loss to Batavia. It was their lowest output throughout the year, which is disappointing for a team averaging 35.7 points per game. Despite that loss, Downers Grove North finished the season with a strong 10-2 record.

10. St. Rita

The Mustangs found a way to reach the IHSA Class 7A state semifinals. Sadly, their journey ended in defeat against Mount Carmel. While St. Rita shut down the Caravan’s offense in the second half, their 24 points weren’t enough to send them to the state championship game. Nick Herman had 88 receiving yards and a touchdown in the loss that settled St. Rita’s record to 10-3.

Teams 11-25 in the Final Illinois On3 Composite Team Rankings

11. Fenwick
12. Geneva Community
13. Naperville Central
14. Lyons
15. Montini Catholic
16. Brother Rice
17. St. Francis
18. Maine South
19. St. Charles North
20. York Comm
21. Cary-Grove
22. Naperville North
23. Oswego
24. Barrington
25. Fremd