10 Reasons Why Providence Catholic Football's 2025 Season Was The Most Dramatic In School History
The Providence Catholic High School Celtics football program has always been synonymous with Illinois high school football excellence, but the 2025 season proved to be one of the most compelling and dramatic chapters in the school’s storied history. As of December 22, 2025, the dust has settled on a campaign that saw the Celtics reach the pinnacle of the state playoffs, ultimately falling in a heart-breaking, controversial finish that has fans and analysts still talking.
The 2025 Celtics, under the leadership of Head Coach Tyler Plantz, battled their way to an impressive 10-4 overall record, securing a spot in the IHSA Class 5A State Championship game. The season was a testament to the program's enduring legacy, showcasing a relentless team spirit and a powerful offense that captivated the New Lenox community and the entire Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference (CCL/ESCC).
Head Coach Tyler Plantz: Biography and Vision
The resurgence of the Celtics football program is inextricably linked to the return of one of their own: Head Coach Tyler Plantz. His tenure has been marked by a blend of deep personal connection to the school and a modern coaching philosophy, driving a new era of success at Providence Catholic High School.
- Full Name: Tyler Plantz
- Role: Head Football Coach, Providence Catholic High School
- Providence Catholic Alumnus: Class of 2010
- Hiring Date: Named Head Coach for the 2022 Season
- Coaching Career Start: Began his coaching career in 2015, notably spending seven seasons as an assistant coach at Notre Dame High School before returning to his alma mater.
- Coaching Philosophy: Plantz emphasizes discipline, faith, and a high-energy, physical style of play, drawing heavily on the traditional values of the Celtics program while incorporating modern offensive and defensive schemes.
- Personal Motivation: His return to Providence Catholic was deeply personal, motivated in part by the loss of his brother in 2020, which drew him back to the familiar and supportive environment of his high school alma mater.
- Notable Achievements: Guided the Celtics to the IHSA Class 5A State Finals in the 2025 season.
The 2025 State Final: A Controversial, Heart-Stopping Finish
The culmination of the 2025 season was a dramatic showdown at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University. The IHSA Class 5A State Championship game on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, pitted the Providence Catholic Celtics against the Wheaton St. Francis Spartans in a battle that will be remembered for its thrilling score and controversial ending.
The Celtics fought valiantly, but ultimately fell to St. Francis with a final score of 39-35.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing the high-level talent on both sides. However, the contest was marred by a pivotal, late-game intentional grounding penalty that became the focal point of post-game discussion and a source of significant frustration for the Celtics faithful.
Despite the difficult loss, the team’s journey to the final—culminating in a 10-4 final record—was a monumental achievement, solidifying the Celtics' return to the elite tier of Illinois high school football. The performance proved that the program, under Coach Plantz, is back to being a perennial state contender.
A Legacy of Dominance: 10 State Championships and Storied Rivalries
Providence Catholic’s football history is one of the richest in the state of Illinois, providing a strong foundation of topical authority that fuels the program's modern success. The Celtics boast an impressive total of 10 state football championships, a benchmark of sustained excellence.
One of the most memorable recent titles was the Class 7A State Championship win, where the Celtics defeated Cary-Grove with a final score of 31-28.
The Holy War: The Joliet Catholic Rivalry
No discussion of Providence Catholic football is complete without mentioning the "Holy War" rivalry against the Joliet Catholic Hilltoppers (JCA). This annual clash is one of the most intense and respected rivalries in the state, often drawing massive crowds to Bishop Kaffer Stadium.
The intense competition between the two Catholic powerhouses is a highlight of the regular season, often having significant implications for the CCL/ESCC Orange Conference standings and playoff seeding. The rivalry with the Brother Rice Crusaders is also a fierce annual matchup that consistently tests the Celtics' mettle.
Future Talent: Key Players and Recruiting News
The 2025 State Final run was propelled by a talented roster, and the program continues to be a hotbed for college football recruiting. The Celtics consistently produce high-level talent, drawing attention from major NCAA programs.
Key players from the 2025 squad included standout safety Gavin Hagan, who was ranked as a top recruit in Illinois for the 2025 class and has committed to play college football at Indiana State.
Other vital contributors to the Celtics' success in the 2025 season included athletes like Blake Garrigan, Xavier Coleman, Trevor Martino, and Dominic Vita, who were instrumental in the team's deep playoff run.
Celtics Who Went Pro: Notable Alumni
The ultimate measure of a high school program's strength is its ability to develop talent for the next level. Providence Catholic has a distinguished list of football alumni who have gone on to play in the NFL and major college programs, adding significant depth to the program's legacy.
- Pete Bercich: A former NFL Linebacker, Bercich (Class of 1990) was an All-State player for the Celtics who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1994 NFL Draft.
- Miles Boykin: A top-ranked wide receiver recruit from the Class of 2015 who went on to play for Notre Dame and was drafted into the NFL.
- Jameson Geers: A college football tight end for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, representing the Class of 2021.
- Patrick Ward & Ryan Ward: Both highly-regarded offensive line prospects who have continued their football careers at the collegiate level.
The combination of a passionate, alumni-led coaching staff, a deep well of historical success, and a constant stream of high-level recruits ensures that Providence Catholic football will remain a central figure in Illinois high school sports for years to come. The dramatic 2025 season, despite its painful ending, served as a powerful reminder of the program's championship potential.
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