Marist Defeated Carmel in Defensive Gridiron Clash
Marist secured a 12-7 victory over Carmel as Conor Fleming recorded two touchdown receptions.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Football
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Marist overcame Carmel with a 12-7 final score in a defensive football game played on October 2, 2026. The win allowed Marist to tie its total win count from the previous season.
Why it matters
The result significantly impacts the postseason trajectories for both programs as they head into the final stretch of their respective schedules. Marist maintains its momentum while Carmel looks to secure playoff eligibility in its next matchup.
Jake Fleming threw for 226 passing yards, while Conor Fleming hauled in 91 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Carmel's Reed Dangel tallied 115 passing yards, and teammate Jaquel Edmonds added a 5-yard rushing touchdown.
The players
Conor Fleming
He is a primary receiver for Marist who recorded 91 yards and two touchdown receptions in the win.
Jake Fleming
He serves as the starting quarterback for Marist and threw for 226 passing yards.
Reed Dangel
He is the quarterback for Carmel who directed the team's offense for 115 passing yards.
Jaquel Edmonds
He is a running back for Carmel who accounted for the team's only touchdown of the night.
The details
Conor Fleming provided the offensive spark with a 43-yard touchdown catch in the first half and a 14-yard scoring reception in the third quarter. Marist’s defense sealed the game late, helped by interceptions from Brendan Killen and Michael Herman.
Timeline
The football game took place on October 2, 2026.
Carmel scored its only touchdown at the 4:32 mark in the fourth quarter.
Marist secured a critical first down on an offside penalty with 29 seconds remaining.
Carmel plays De La Salle next week.
Marist travels to St. Laurence next week.
Season Trajectory
This result keeps Marist on pace with its output from the 2025 IHSA football season while forcing Carmel into a must-win scenario for postseason qualification. The outcome redefines the competitive balance for these teams as they push toward the final playoff bracket.
Marist is now positioned to enter its road game against St. Laurence with an equaled win total from last year. Carmel faces a definitive playoff-clinching scenario when it hosts De La Salle next week.
The takeaway
Tight defensive struggles often hinge on late-game discipline and turnover margins as demonstrated by the crucial interceptions. Teams in similar positions should focus on minimizing late-game penalties to avoid conceding momentum in close contests.
Further reading
For more local analysis, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shaw Local.
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