When Jack Sherlock walks down the halls of Mt. Carmel, he is literally walking in the footsteps of not only his older brother Jim, but four generations of Sherlocks who attended the South Side Catholic school.

In a school that is steeped in tradition, Sherlock is just one of many legacies who are part of Mt. Carmel lore. Jack, a senior wide receiver/defensive back, said he is proud to be part of that tradition.

"Every time I walk down the halls, I think about my great-grandfather (Jim Sr.), my grandpa (Jim Jr.), my dad (Jim III) and brother (Jim IV) all went here, and I am proud of that," Jack said. "To be a part of this is special. I think I have been coming to Mt. Carmel games since I was -- well since before I could remember."

Jack's great-grandfather (Class of 1934) was a running back for the Caravan. Grandfather Jim ('59) was an All-Catholic League selection and played for Notre Dame. Dad Jim III was also an All-Catholic League pick and was part of the Caravan's 1980 Class 5A state championship team. He played at Purdue.

"It is great the athleticism my dad, grandpa have and to be a part of Mt. Carmel is special," Jack said. "I always ask them about what was Carmel like and you know what? It really hasn't changed much.

"They still teach the same things."

Another common factor is the Sherlocks have all been Chicago police officers -- and Jack is considering the same career. His brother Jim is a police officer and his dad is a detective. His grandfather was on the force for a short time before entering private business. Jim Jr. served as a Big Ten football and basketball official for several years.

Mt. Carmel coach Frank Lenti knows how special it is to have a son attend the same school. His son Frank, who is now an assistant football coach at Illinois, played for his dad and was on the 2002 state championship team.

"That is a special opportunity and his dad even coached my son when he helped with the freshmen," Lenti said. "Jack is just a hard worker. He has contributed to us on both sides of the ball."

The Caravan face Class 6A No. 1 Providence tonight.

"We have really been coming together as a team," Sherlock said. "I just go out and do whatever the team needs me to do."

All the Sherlocks also participated in Mt. Carmel's famed spring "Fight Night." Jack has won his weight division two of his three times in the event. He practices on a punching bag in the family's garage. While there might be pressure being a legacy, Jack said he never felt it.

"My dad always tells me how proud he is of me and my brother," Jack said. "it is a privilege and honor to go to school and play for Mt. Carmel."

His dad said he is fortunate to have his sons keep the family tradition alive. Jim IV was a captain on the Kennedy Cup champion hockey team.

"I am proud of the fact Jack is a great kid ," Jim III said. "It sure is great to have your sons go to the same school and to be a part of Mt. Carmel."

Mt. Carmel vs. Providence

Mt. Carmel leads series 8-5

2008 -- Providence 6, Mt. Carmel 3

2007 -- Mt. Carmel 35, Providence 14

2006 -- Mt. Carmel 30, Providence 8

2005 -- Mt. Carmel 46, Providence 27

2004 -- Providence 16, Mt. Carmel 15 (2 OT)-*

2004 -- Providence 42, Mt. Carmel 16

2003 -- Providence 24, Mt. Carmel 10

2001 -- Providence 10, Mt. Carmel 7

2000 -- Mt. Carmel 38, Providence 12

1999 -- Mt. Carmel 17, Providence 12

1998 -- Mt. Carmel 28, Providence 3-*

1998 -- Mt. Carmel 21, Providence 14 (OT)

* -- IHSA playoffs