Emmett Dowling watched older brother Blainey quarterback Mount Carmel to a state championship in 2022. He heard plenty of stories about their father, Jim, winning back-to-back state titles with the Caravan in 1989 and 1990.
Emmett always imagined himself in those shoes, continuing the family legacy and becoming a state champion. In the end, the reality was even better than he could have ever envisioned.
“It’s special,” Emmett said. “It’s amazing going undefeated with these guys. I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a little kid. It’s definitely going to be unforgettable.”
In his first season as the starting quarterback, Dowling — a senior — helped Mount Carmel win its fourth straight state title, this time in Class 8A after winning 7A the last three seasons.
Dowling dealt with the expectations that surround his last name, the weight of leading a team considered by many to be one of the most talented in school history and taking over the position from Jack Elliott, who put up huge numbers last season before heading off to Vanderbilt.
None of that rattled Dowling, the 2025 Daily Southtown Football Player of the Year.
Mount Carmel’s Emmett Dowling (7) scrambles past Oswego’s Conor Tully (40) during the Class 8A state championship game at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“There was a lot of pressure,” he said. “Going for four in a row and making history. But I was never overwhelmed by it. I knew I was built for it and this team was built for it.”
Before Mount Carmel’s 20-3 victory over Oswego in the Class 8A state championship game, Emmett talked to Blainey, who gave him some good advice.
“He just said, ‘Play your game. It’s not going to take a superhuman effort. Just your best,’” Dowling said. “So, I listened to that.”
Dowling’s best was certainly enough all season long. And while Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch spoke often in the preseason and the early going about how Dowling didn’t have to be Jack Elliott or put up huge stats, Dowling did anyway.
Mount Carmel’s Emmett Dowling (7) tries to elude Lincoln-Way East’s Justin Titus (0) and Chance Turner (93) during a Class 8A state quarterfinal game in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
The 6-foot, 190-pound Dowling completed 260 of 430 passes for 3,697 yards and 45 touchdowns. He ran 107 times for 491 yards and 11 more TDs.
His passing numbers ended up surpassing Elliott’s gaudy stats.
“Prove everyone wrong, that was my goal,” Dowling said. “At the end of the day, that means nothing. If you win, you win and if you lose, you’re a loser.
“We got the ring and that’s all that matters. People can’t really say anything now.”
Mount Carmel quarterback Emmett Dowling (7) throws the ball downfield against Loyola during a CCL/ESCC Blue game in Wilmette on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Talia Sprague / Daily Southtown)
Dowling is certainly grateful to have played for coach Lynch, a former star quarterback at Mount Carmel and Northern Illinois who has consistently coached prolific offenses and successful quarterbacks.
“He’s the best coach in the country,” Dowling said of Lynch. “Me and him have been watching a lot of film. Morning lifts at 4:30 a.m., throwing it around on the field. It’s all because of him.”
That respect is certainly mutual. Lynch beams with pride when talking about his latest quarterback protege.
“Emmett has been unbelievable,” Lynch said. “He’s never rattled. He’s always composed. He had all this pressure on him and he’s handled it so smoothly.
Mount Carmel quarterback Emmett Dowling (7) hands the ball off to Nathan Samuels (8) during a CCL/ESCC Blue game in Wilmette on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Talia Sprague / Daily Southtown)
“He’s come so far and he’s ended up putting up some numbers that are really mind-blowing.”
Dowling is certainly blessed with a wealth of talent around him. But he still had to make the throws. Junior receiver Quentin Burrell saw him be ready to make every play the Caravan needed.
“He’s a great player,” Burrell said of Dowling. “He’s gritty. Coming in after a three-peat, all the pressure’s on you. That’s hard. I think he stepped into the role and filled those shoes.
“Honestly, we played better this year than last year, so I’d say he definitely stepped up.”
Mount Carmel’s Emmett Dowling (7) scrambles out of the pocket and away from pressure against Brother Rice during a CCL/ESCC Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Dowling plans to play college football but does not know where yet. He has an offer from NCAA Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater.
As for his legacy at Mount Carmel, Dowling hopes people will think of him as “a tough kid.”
But that’s not the most important thing.
“I want to be remembered for how good our team was — 14-0,” he said. “We’re definitely in that conversation for the best team in Mount Carmel history.”
