OUTLOOK
The East Suburban Catholic Conference is widely regarded as one of the top conferences in the state of Illinois. Considering schools like Joliet Catholic and Carmel have state championships on its resumes, it’s hard to argue with that. Lately, though, it seems that parity is becoming a word that could be associated with the ESCC.

Two years ago, Nazareth beat Carmel, which broke up a perfect season for the Corsairs. Last year, the Roadrunners made the playoffs. A few years ago, St. Patrick and Marist were powers, while lately both have fallen in the ranks. Every year, at least four of the 10 ESCC schools qualify for the playoffs. Usually, schools like Carmel and Joliet Catholic are locks. Others, like St. Viator, Notre Dame, Marian Catholic, Benet and Nazareth are right on the cusp. Finally, St. Patrick, Marist and St. Joseph were on the outside looking in, but are all in positions to improve.

This year’s race looks to be once again between Joliet Catholic and Carmel. Another to watch includes Notre Dame, which was 6-3 overall last year and 5-3 in the league. Nine of the 10 teams in the ESCC recorded at least three wins last year, as well, with half making the playoffs.

Nazareth could have the best player in the league in running back La Steven McKinney, which could help Nazareth make a repeat trip to the Class 5A playoffs. Schools like Marian Catholic (5-4), St. Viator (4-5), Benet (3-6) and Marist (4-5) have all reloaded and rebuilt and could give Nazareth (6-3) and Notre Dame (6-3) a run for its money to finish in the top half of the conference.

Benet
NICKNAME Redwings
COLORS Red, white and black
STADIUM Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle
ENROLLMENT 1,324
CLASS 7A
COACH Gary Goforth
2007 RECORD 3-6
CONFERENCE RECORD 3-4 (T-5th)

Carmel
NICKNAME Corsairs
COLORS Brown, gold and white
STADIUM Carmel Stadium, 1 Corsair Way, Mundelein
ENROLLMENT 1,437
CLASS 7A
COACH Andy Bitto
2007 RECORD 10-3
CONFERENCE RECORD 6-1 (2nd)

Joliet Catholic
NICKNAME Hilltoppers
COLORS Brown, blue and white
STADIUM Joliet Statium, 500 Jefferson St., Joliet
ENROLLMENT 857
CLASS 6A
COACH Dan Sharp
2007 RECORD 13-1
CONFERENCE RECORD 7-0 (1st)

Marian Catholic
NICKNAME Spartans
COLORS Black and gold
STADIUM Spartan Stadium, 700 Ashland Ave., Chicago Heights
ENROLLMENT 1,532
CLASS 8A
COACH Dave Mattio
2007 RECORD 5-5
CONFERENCE RECORD 3-4 (T-5)

Marist
NICKNAME Red Hawks
COLORS Red and white
STADIUM Red Hawk Stadium, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago
ENROLLMENT 1,809
CLASS 8A
COACH Pat Dunne
2007 RECORD 4-5
CONFERENCE RECORD 3-4 (T-5th)

Nazareth
NICKNAME Roadrunners
COLORS Blue and white
STADIUM Spirit Field, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park
ENROLLMENT 770
CLASS 5A
COACH Tim Racki
2007 RECORD 8-4
CONFERENCE RECORD 5-2 (3rd)

Notre Dame
NICKNAME Dons
COLORS Green, gold and white
STADIUM Notre Dame Stadium, 7655 W. Dempster, Niles
ENROLLMENT 1,568
CLASS 7A
COACH Michael Hennessey
2007 RECORD 6-4
CONFERENCE RECORD 5-3 (4th)

St. Joseph
NICKNAME Chargers
COLORS Red, black and white
STADIUM St. Joseph Field, 10900 W. Cermak Road, Westchester
ENROLLMENT 813
CLASS 5A
COACH Mark Zavagnin
2007 RECORD 0-9
CONFERENCE RECORD 0-7 (10th)

St. Patrick
NICKNAME Shamrocks
COLORS Green, gold and white
STADIUM Hanson Stadium, 5500 W. Fullerton, Chicago
ENROLLMENT 1,922
CLASS 8A
COACH Dan Galante
2007 RECORD 3-6
CONFERENCE RECORD 2-6 (9th)

St. Viator
NICKNAME Lions
COLORS Red, white and blue
STADIUM Forest View School, 2200 Goebbert Rd., Arlington Heights
ENROLLMENT 1,089
CLASS 6A
COACH Chris Kirkpatrick
2007 RECORD 4-5
CONFERENCE RECORD 2-5 (8th)

3 GAMES TO WATCH
Aug. 29 Joliet Catholic at Carmel It’s disappointing that the game of the season will be played in Week 1, but this matchup could determine the conference champ
Sept. 19 Joliet Catholic at St. Viator Two years ago, St. Viator pulled an upset over Carmel. Now, the Lions look to do the same to Joliet Catholic
Sept. 26 Nazareth at Benet This game could determine which of these two teams qualifies for the playoffs and which one’s season ends after Week 9