The Girls Catholic Athletic Conference girls flag football season delivered another action-packed week across Chicagoland. In this Week 5 recap, covering September 21–27, 2026, we break down every game involving the 17 Girls Catholic Athletic Conference teams, highlight the biggest performances and examine the GCAC players climbing the Illinois statewide leaderboards. Benet Academy leads the headlines after going 4–0 and scoring 156 points, while Marist earns a statement 20–18 victory over St. Laurence. Saint Ignatius wins four games in five days, Carmel Catholic rebounds with a season-high 46 points, and DePaul Prep responds to a one-point loss with two impressive victories. We also discuss the conference’s leading players, including: • McKenzie Saffold of St. Laurence—the new statewide scoring leader• Allie Sheldon of St. Francis—second in Illinois in rushing and scoring• Hannah Marusarz of St. Laurence—one of the state’s leading passers• Madison Rathunde and Giuliana Lee of Resurrection• Josie Borkowski of Saint Ignatius• Stella Cooney, Ainsley Clark and Mackenzie Polley of St. Francis Teams covered: Aurora Central Catholic, Benet Academy, Carmel Catholic, De La Salle Institute, DePaul Prep, Fenwick, IC Catholic, Joliet Catholic, Loyola Academy, Marist, Mother McAuley, Resurrection College Prep, St. Francis, Saint Ignatius, St. Laurence, Saint Viator and Trinity. Which GCAC team made the biggest statement this week? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to THE Varsity Voices for continuing coverage of GCAC girls flag football, the Chicago Catholic League and Illinois high school sports. #GirlsFlagFootball #GCAC #IllinoisHighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFlagFootball #IllinoisFlagFootball #GirlsSports #ChicagoHighSchoolSports #TheVarsityVoices #IHSA
