We are back with our first Prognosticus episode of the 2025 season! The wait is over—CCL football is back, and it’s time to put some predictions on the line. We break down the biggest matchups, spotlight the teams with the most to prove, and give you our take on who’s primed to make a statement in Week One. Some picks may feel bold, others may seem obvious—but that’s the beauty of Prognosticus. The only certainty? Once kickoff happens, the game has a way of writing its own script. We dive in and set the stage for an unforgettable opening week of Chicago Catholic League football!

THE Varsity Voices shines the spotlight on the Chicago Catholic League football, kicking off our season preview in a different way. Instead of just running through each division team by team, we’re diving into the big questions and storylines that will define this year in the CCL. From new head coaches trying to make their mark, to teams with the most to prove, bold non-conference schedules, and even who might shock us—for better or worse. We’ll talk division favorites, potential undefeated runs, national recognition, and of course, who might be our very first Zuko's Dawg of the Week. If you love CCL football, this is the conversation that sets the stage for the season ahead.

In this CCL Player Shoutout episode, we’re spotlighting one of the Chicago Catholic League’s standouts, Tommy Thies from Fenwick High School. Tune in as we talk about his journey, his impact on the field, and what drives him as a student-athlete. Don’t miss this inside look at one of the league’s top talents!

Ian Campbell, Joliet Catholic football DE/TE and Navy commit, joins us in this episode to talk about the history and aura of being a Hilltopper as well as the demands of playing in the Chicago Catholic League and the drive for winning State Championships!

We sit down with Trae Taylor, the dynamic quarterback for Carmel Catholic High School and Nebraska commit, to talk football, leadership, and what it takes to command an offense under Friday night lights. Trae shares insights on his offseason grind, how he prepares mentally and physically for each game, and the mindset that fuels his success on the field.

THE Varsity Voices, heads into the trenches with St. Francis High School OL/DL, Brady Hill. Known for his relentless work ethic and physical dominance up front, Brady has been a key force in protecting his quarterback and opening lanes for the ground game. We’ll talk about his journey in football, the mindset it takes to win in the trenches, and what drives him to keep pushing for excellence on and off the field.

THE Varsity Voices, sits down with one of the Chicago Catholic League’s most exciting talents—Brother Rice quarterback CJ Gray. From leading clutch drives under Friday night lights to committing to play for the Army Black Knights, CJ shares the mindset, preparation, and leadership it takes to succeed on and off the field. We break down his biggest moments, his recruiting journey, and what’s ahead for the 2025 season and the next steps in his football career.

In this episode, we welcome one of the Chicago Catholic League’s premier quarterbacks — Steven Armbruster from St. Rita High School who has been lighting up the stat sheet and showing leadership week after week. In this conversation, we go beyond the numbers and talk about what it really takes to lead a football program, how he prepares for the big moments, and what’s ahead in his journey — both on and off the field.

In this episode, Coach Mike Passarella reflects on the DePaul Prep Rams' journey to winning the state championship and discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead for the upcoming season. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus amidst external distractions, building a strong team culture, and the invaluable lessons learned from a special senior class. Coach Passarella also shares insights on innovative practice strategies, the significance of accountability, and the goal of establishing DePaul Prep as a prominent name in Illinois high school football.

We sit down with Chicago Catholic League powerhouse program St. Rita head football coach Martin Hopkins. He talks about the tradition of the storied program at St. Rita and the goals for the football program in 2025.