🟢Providence Catholic (6-3) earned the #11 seed in 5A South and hosts Mt. Vernon on Saturday. Last year’s 5A runner-up has looked like a title contender for much of the season. They’ll be a heavy favorite this weekend, but their early-round draw is brutal – only one of Illinois Media’s #2, #3, and #4 teams can make it to the quarterfinals. Star RB Broden Mackert’s health is one key to a deep run. If he’s limited, talented juniors Dominic Vita and DeAngelo Coates can lead a more pass-heavy attack, and describing Brayden McKay as Mackert’s backup is deceiving. McKay has been brilliant, averaging 9.6 yards per carry with 8 scores. 🏈Scoring averages: Offense 29.2 / Defense 22.9 👀One player to watch: Those skill players above benefit greatly from one of the best offensive lines around, anchored by junior tackle Ben Coleman 🟠Behind Enemy Lines: Mt. Vernon The Rams (3-6) are back in the playoffs for the first time in three years, and they’re looking for their first win since 2013. Few will give them a chance to walk into New Lenox and pick up that win, but Dan Mings has an experienced team that can use a nothing-to-lose mindset to its advantage. The Rams can put up some points, but the defense has taken a beating over the last month, surrendering 61 points per game to four of southern Illinois’ better offenses. 🗓️Schedule: Fairly strong - 44 opponents’ wins, 2 ranked teams, 2 RV 🏈Scoring averages: Offense 24.1 / Defense 39.4 🗓️Best win: Week 3 vs. Collinsville, 45-34 👀One player to watch: Senior QB CJ Hughes-Disroe is an explosive runner, and it’ll be up to Jaxson Hutton and the Celtics’ defensive front to contain him @CelticsFootball @PCHS_Celtics @ProviAthletics @actionjaxsonh @dominicvita26 @BrodenMackert @braydenmckay27 @BenjaminCo38637 @CoatesGelo @Kashmoney_77 @Isaacpatton103 @jon_59osborne @HunterLong2009 @route_runner1 @Jordan_puckett6

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