SUFRB GAME OF THE WEEK: MOUNT CARMEL’S TRENCHES POWER 56–26 VICTORY OVER MARIST

The Battle Was Won Up Front

The Starts Up Front National Recruiting Board™ Game of the Week placed the spotlight exactly where it belongs—on the offensive and defensive lines.

Mount Carmel defeated Marist 56–26 on September 11, 2026, securing a 30-point victory in a Chicago Catholic League Blue matchup. The teams combined for 82 points, with Mount Carmel accounting for 68.3% of the game’s scoring.

Mount Carmel Offensive Line Controls the Game

Producing 56 points requires consistent execution at the line of scrimmage. Mount Carmel’s offensive front established the foundation for the Caravan’s success through protection, physical movement at the point of attack and sustained execution.

The Caravan’s offensive linemen include:

• Jake Soto — Center — Senior — 5-foot-10, 250 pounds
• Kevin O’Connor — Tackle/Guard — Senior — 6-foot-3
• Emmett Breakey — Guard — Senior
• Matthew McCool — Guard — Senior — 6-foot-2, 240 pounds
• Chase Clark — Guard/Tackle — Senior — 6-foot-4
• Jeremy Harris — Guard/Defensive Tackle — Senior — 6-foot-1

Mount Carmel finished with 56 points, won by 30 and produced more than twice Marist’s final total. The scoreboard reflected the offensive front’s ability to establish control and consistently provide the foundation for scoring opportunities.

Mount Carmel Defensive Front Applies Pressure

Mount Carmel’s defensive front complemented the offensive line by helping limit Marist to 26 points.

The Caravan’s defensive linemen include:

• Brandon Ward — Defensive End — Senior — 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
• Emmanuel McMoore — Defensive Tackle — Junior — 6-foot-4, 230 pounds
• Sam Ogeto — Defensive Tackle — Junior — 6-foot-3, 230 pounds
• Yashua Bullock — Nose Guard/Defensive Tackle — Senior — 6-foot-3
• Jeremy Harris — Defensive Tackle/Guard — Senior — 6-foot-1
• Caleb Tucker — Defensive Tackle — Junior — 6-foot-4
• Damian Gutierrez — Defensive Tackle — Senior — 5-foot-10, 215 pounds
• Darin Graham — Defensive End — Senior — 6-foot-5, 220 pounds

Mount Carmel’s defensive-line unit features length on the edges, size across the interior and multiple linemen capable of contributing on both sides of the football.

Marist Offensive Line Continues Competing

Marist’s offensive line faced one of Illinois’ deepest defensive fronts and helped the RedHawks produce 26 points. The offensive line continued competing against Mount Carmel’s rotation of defensive tackles, nose guards and edge defenders.

Marist’s identified offensive linemen include:

• Scott Kulekowskis — Offensive Line — Senior — 6-foot-2, 295 pounds
• Peter Vrdolyak — Offensive Line — Senior — 6-foot-4, 240 pounds
• Ray Boyd — Offensive Line — Junior — 6-foot-2, 300 pounds

Kulekowskis and Vrdolyak entered the season as returning starters, bringing valuable experience to the Marist offensive front. Boyd adds significant size and additional strength to the RedHawks’ interior line.

Through four games, Marist’s offensive production includes:

• 141 total points
• 35.3 points per game
• 26 points against Mount Carmel
• A 2–2 overall record

Marist Defensive Line Accepts the Challenge

Marist’s defensive front encountered a Mount Carmel offense that generated 56 points. The RedHawks’ defensive linemen battled throughout the matchup against a physical and deep Caravan offensive line.

Marist’s identified defensive linemen include:

• Bradley Hoff — Defensive Line — Senior — 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
• Brandon Brown — Defensive Line — Senior — 6-foot-3, 235 pounds

Hoff and Brown provide Marist with size, senior leadership and experience along the defensive front.

Through four games, Marist’s team defensive results include:

• 126 total points allowed
• 31.5 points allowed per game
• 56 points allowed against Mount Carmel
• A positive 15-point overall scoring differential

SUFRB Final Trench Assessment

The final numbers present a clear trench story:

• Mount Carmel points: 56
• Marist points: 26
• Combined points: 82
• Mount Carmel scoring advantage: 30
• Mount Carmel share of scoring: 68.3%
• Marist share of scoring: 31.7%
• Final score: Mount Carmel 56, Marist 26

Official individual pancake, sack, tackle-for-loss, quarterback-pressure and quarterback-hit totals were not available. The Starts Up Front National Recruiting Board™ maintains the integrity of its coverage by publishing verified information and refusing to manufacture individual statistics.

Based on the final result, roster size and overall performance at the line of scrimmage, Mount Carmel controlled the trench battle and earned the SUFRB Game of the Week victory.

SUFRB remains committed to giving offensive and defensive linemen the recognition, evaluation and national recruiting exposure they deserve. These athletes may not always receive the headlines, but their execution determines how games are controlled and championships are won.

The battle was won in the trenches.

It All Starts Up Front.