2026 IHSA football playoff pairings: Quarterfinal previews for all CCL teams

Class 8ANo. 8 Mount Carmel (9-2) at No. 1 Lincoln-Way East (11-0)When: 1 p.m. SaturdayAbout the Caravan: Brady Cloherty became Mount Carmel’s single-season passing touchdowns record holder last weekend, throwing six and increasing his season total to 46 as the Caravan beat Barrington 56-0 in the second round. Mount Carmel has won five straight since a Week 6 loss to Brother Rice. The Caravan routed Lincoln-Way East in the Class 8A playoffs last year, winning 48-7 and holding USC quarterback recruit Jonas Williams to 176 yards passing.About the Griffins: Lincoln-Way East, which defeated Brother Rice 22-21 in the first week of the season, is one of only two unbeaten teams remaining in the Class 8A playoff field. The Griffins took down Hinsdale Central 24-7 last week. Jayden Cawthon, who scored on a 70-yard touchdown run against the Red Devils, has eight NCAA Division-I offers. Tyler Spychalski added a 77-yard touchdown to Jack Murphy.No. 3 Loyola (10-1) at No. 11 St. Ignatius (9-2)When: