Mt. Carmel Caravan football

Mt. Carmel practices for an October game with Catholic League Blue rival St. Rita. The IHSA recently put limits on preseason practices.

First day of IHSAA baseball

Hebron baseball players stretch as practice begins Monday around the state.

First day of IHSAA baseball

Hebron coach John Steinhilber talks to players during the first baseball practice of the season Monday at Hebron Middle School.

First day of IHSAA baseball

Hebron senior Jon Moneta, rear, and Kyle Joyce, front, practice leading off and stealing bases Monday as baseball practice begins around the state.

First day of IHSAA baseball

Hebron High School senior pitcher Kyle Joyce holds a baseball Monday during the opening of baseball practice at Hebron Middle School.

First day of IHSAA baseball

Hebron baseball players work through throwing drills Monday during the first practice of the season. The Hawks went to semistate last year under the leadership of coach John Steinhilber, who was the District coach of the year.

First day of IHSAA baseball

Hebron players practice leading off and stealing bases Monday during the first baseball practice of the season in the gymnasium at Hebron Middle School.

First day of IHSAA baseball

Hebron coach John Steinhilber talks to players during the first baseball practice of the season Monday at Hebron Middle School. Steinhilber was the District coach of the year last season after taking the Hawks to the semistate.

Mt. Carmel Caravan football

Mount Carmel practices for a game against St. Rita. A bad second day of practice was an early wakeup call for the Caravan, who play Glenbard North for the Class 8A state title today.

Mt. Carmel Caravan football

Mount Carmel's Steve Richardson hopes to help lead the Caravan to victory today against Brother Rice.

Mt. Carmel Caravan football

Mount Carmel's Steve Richardson, middle, has 30 tackles, including 14 for negative yardage. The Caravan's defense brings a string of three straight shutouts into today's game against Brother Rice.

Mt. Carmel's Dominic Villa

Mount Carmel's Dominic Villa has caught nine passes for 129 yards and two TDs.

Mount Carmel's Steve Richardson and the defense prepare

Mount Carmel's Steve Richardson and the defense prepare for today's Catholic League Blue showdown with St. Rita at Gately Stadium, St. has won the last four meetings, but the Caravan lead the overall series 57-30-2.

Mt. Carmel Caravan football

Mount Carmel prepares for its Catholic League Blue game against St. Rita in one of the state oldest and most storied rivalries.

Mt. Carmel's Frank Lenti

Mount Carmel football coach Frank Lenti watches his team practice on Monday for their game against St. Rita. The Caravan have not beat St. Rita in four years.

Mount Carmel's Joe Pavlik punts during a Monday practice

Mount Carmel's Joe Pavlik punts during practice Monday at Carey Field. Special teams play have been a gig part in the outscomes of past games between the Caravan and Catholic League Blue rival St. Rita.

Mt. Carmel Caravan football

Mount Carmel junior defensive tackle Steve Richardson has 14 tackles for loss, for a total of minus-74 yards. He also has blocked a punt for the 8-1 Caravan.