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Defense has been the bedrock that led Oswego to the Class 8A state championship game, but junior cornerback Quinten Jackson Jr. knew Mount Carmel posed a different challenge.

Quentin Burrell and Marshaun Thornton are both highly sought-after receivers by college coaches, putting up massive numbers this season for the powerhouse Caravan.

Jackson, however, wasn’t intimidated.

“A lot of doubt was on us,” Jackson said of the Panthers. “It got us into a better mindset. The recruiting part, all the Division I players on the team, it didn’t stop us from doing our thing.”

Oswego got down to business defensively Wednesday night, allowing only 113 yards of offense by the 10:04 mark of the fourth quarter. Mount Carmel then added a touchdown and p

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