Gridiron Club Dinner Kicks Off 2025 Season

Mount Carmel Caravan Gears Up for Another

Championship Run

After clinching their record-setting 16th IHSA State Championship last November, the most in the history of Illinois high school football, Mount Carmel High School is once again preparing to hit the field with sights set on continued dominance.

To kick off the highly anticipated 2025 football season, Head Coach Jordan Lynch will host the Second Annual Gridiron Club Dinner this week at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse on Rush Street. The event brings together alumni, parents, and supporters of the Caravan football program for a night of celebration, camaraderie, and exclusive access to the team’s inner circle.

All photos by Shots By Rocco, Rocco Lopez

Coach Lynch, now entering his seventh season at the helm, has built an impressive legacy both on and off the field. As a player, Lynch was a Heisman Trophy finalist at Northern Illinois University, led the Huskies to a historic Orange Bowl appearance, and was inducted into the Mid-American Conference Hall of Fame in 2024 alongside coaching legend Nick Saban. Currently, Lynch is on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame, further cementing his impact on the sport.

Since returning to lead his alma mater, Lynch has guided the Caravan to a remarkable 75-12 record, including four state titles. His leadership has elevated the program into one of the most respected in the country.

The Gridiron Club Dinner is designed to celebrate that culture of excellence while building support for the year ahead. Attendees will enjoy a first-class dinner, receive exclusive Gridiron Club gear, and gain VIP access to the 2025 season. Membership includes season tickets, VIP parking, and entry to a special pre-game reception during Week 2, when Mount Carmel faces off against longtime rival St. Rita.

The Caravan will open their 2025 campaign on the road in Ironton, Ohio, where they’ll face national powerhouse Archbishop Moeller on August 30th. The two programs last met in 2002, when Mount Carmel came out on top with a 35–21 victory. Moeller, one of Ohio’s most decorated programs, will offer a strong early test for the Caravan.

As Mount Carmel sets its sights on a fifth (and fourth consecutive) state title under Coach Lynch, the Gridiron Club Dinner is a chance to be part of something bigger than football. It's about pride, tradition, and supporting the young men who wear the Caravan jersey.

To learn more or join the Gridiron Club, visit mchs.org/athletics/gridiron.