75 Days to Kickoff: Carmel

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NBCSportsChicago.com preps reporter "Edgy" Tim O’Halloran spotlights 100 high school football teams in 100 days. The first 75 team profiles will focus on teams making strides across Chicagoland and elsewhere in the state. Starting July 30, we’ll unveil the @NBCSPrepsTop 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 24.

School: Carmel

Head coach: Blake Annen

How they fared in 2017: 1-8 (1-6 East Suburban Catholic Conference). Carmel failed to qualify for the 2017 IHSA state football playoff field. 

2018 Regular Season Schedule:

Aug. 24 @ Oak Creek (WI)

Aug. 31 vs. St. Charles East

Sept. 7 vs. Marian Catholic

Sept. 14 @ Joliet Catholic

Sept. 21 @ St. Viator

Sept. 28 vs. Nazareth

Oct. 5 @ Marian Central Catholic

Oct. 12 vs. (Niles) Notre Dame

Oct. 19 at St. Patrick

[MORE: 78 Days to Kickoff - St. Patrick]

Biggest storyline: The head coach. Can the Corsairs rebuild under Blake Annen and survive its rugged schedule?

Names to watch this season: RB Sean Lynch Jr. and DL Jalen Snell 

Biggest holes to fill: The Corsairs will welcome back 10 returning starters (five offense, five defense) but will need to fill some key spots including quarterback, linebacker and along the offensive/defensive lines this summer.

EDGY's Early Take: First year head coach Blake Annen, originally an Ohio native who also played for the Chicago Bears (2014), brings a new energy to the Corsairs football program. Former head coach Andy Bitto will remain as Carmel's athletic director. Look for Annen to dip into a vast playbook on both sides of the football. Fans should see a new look in various facets of their game come August. The schedule in the ESCC is always rough. Opening up against non-conference foes Richards and then DeKalb adds to a slate that's already pretty strong. 

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