Catholic Blue preview

Catholic Blue

Outlook: This perennially tough conference had all five teams qualify for the playoffs last year and may do it again. Mount Carmel is the top team with three Division I recruits, including defensive end Anthony Battle. Brother Rice kicker Dan Orseske is the Midwest’s top-ranked punter.

Top Five Players (Ht., Wt., Yr.)

LB Dimitrius Carr, Mount Carmel 6-1, 206, Sr.

DL Chancellor Carter, Loyola, 6-3, 235, Jr.

LB Marty Hopkins, St. Rita, 6-2, 230, Sr.

QB Jordan Lynch, Mount Carmel,6-1, 205, Sr.

OL Patrick Ward, Providence, 6-7, 295, Sr.

Quote: ‘‘Everybody looks at Rita and Carmel, but all five teams are playoff-caliber teams. It always comes down to injuries and chemistry.’’—Brother Rice coach Steve Nye

Did you know? St. Rita was the top-ranked team in the area last season and finished last in the conference after a string of injuries.

Predicted finish: Mount Carmel, St. Rita, Brother Rice, Providence, Loyola.