The Journal Star each week spotlights the top-performing teams and players from weekend playoff games. This week, we take a look around the state with the top performers from the Class 5A-8A Illinois state championship games.

Players from state champions make up our list of MVPs in the large-school championship games of the IHSA football postseason in Normal, Illinois and DeKalb, Illinois. Championship roundup: 2025 IHSA football state championship recap

Emmett Dowling, Chicago Mount Carmel

The 6-foot quarterback made just enough plays — and got a huge assist from his special teams and defense — to boost unbetaten Mount Carmel to a 20-3 victory over upset-minded Oswego in the Class 8A championship game in DeKalb. Dowling scored on a 1-yard keeper in the first half and then added a 4-

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