Quarterfinals

Predictions for the IHSA Quarterfinals are hard to come by as each bracket gets better match ups.  The best of the best are starting to show themselves as each rounds passes in the playoffs.  Here are my predictions for class 5A-8A:

Class 5A
Kaneland (11-0) at Vernon Hills (10-1)
Vernon Hill's defense was human last week giving up 22 points to Tinley Park in their 37-22 victory.  Expect the Cougars to have to tighten up.  Kaneland has scored at least 30 points in every game.  I give the slight edge to Kaneland, despite playing on the road.

Woodstock (Marian) (8-3) at Montini (9-2)
This is a Suburban Christian Blue rematch.  Montini won 35-6 earlier in the season.   I expect no different as the Broncos host.  Edge to Montini.

Joliet Catholic Academy (10-1) at Peoria Richwoods (11-0)
Richwoods hasn't quite the schedule as JCA. The Hilltoppers have left no mercy in the first two rounds of the 5A playoffs.  JCA should be a bit too much for Richwoods.

Class 6A
Prairie Ridge (10-1) at Crystal Lake South (11-0)
Rematch of week 4 for the Crystal Lake rivals.  Tough to pick a winner in this game as it's been two months since their last meeting.  Great defense for Prairie Ridge while the Gators of CLS are in their season ever.  Pick goes to Crystal Lake South.

Rockford Boylan (11-0) at #11 Cary-Grove (8-3)
Defending 6A champs playing strong after starting the year 0-2.  Boylan unblemished so far hasn't quite had the schedule as has Cary-Grove.  Since Cary grove is playing at home, I'll give the ever so slight edge to the Trojans.

Lemont (11-0) at Marmion Academy (10-1)
Marmion's only loss came against Montini in the Suburban Christian Blue conference title game in week 9.  Strength of schedule is rather equal and presents a great match-up, which many games are at this point of the year.  I'd have to go with the Cadets as they are the home team, despite Lemont being undefeated.

Crete-Monee (8-3) at Danville (11-0)
Danville has scored at 40 points against every team not from Normal.  Expect the high-octane offense to continue and the Vikings to roll past the Warriors at home.

Class 7A
Chicago Simeon (11-0) vs. Lake Zurich (10-1) at Gately Stadium
The pride of the Public League take on the Bears, of Lake Zurich.  Lake Zurich's only blemish came in a one-point loss to undefeated Stevenson. Lake Zurich reached the semifinals last year, but will come just short this year.  Simeon's offense is too much, and will be playing at home at Gately.

Carmel (10-1) at St. Rita (10-1)
St. Rita out of the Catholic Blue will take on a tough Carmel team, who only lost to Cincinnati Elder in the regular season finale.  Despite playing on the road I believe Carmel will  be able to play a bit faster than the Mustangs and win a close one.

Glenbard West (10-1) at Wheaton-Warrenville South (11-0)
This game was thought to be circled in a semifinal or championship game, but it comes in the quarters.  This game might determine the 7A champ.  Wheaton has not allowed more than 2 touchdowns in a game yet this season.  Glenbard West has put up their best scoring output in the two playoff games.   Edge has to go to WWS, but don't be surprised if GW gives them problems.

Belleville East (9-2) at Minooka (10-1)
Belleville is tough to compare with northern IL teams, but have played solid football thus far.  Minooka only fell to Plainfield North at the end of the regular season.  I'll give the edge to Minooka, who is at home while Belleville has to make the long trek.

Class 8A
Maine South (9-2) at Stevenson (11-0)
Maine South has won 9 straight since falling to Schaumburg and WWS.   I would go with the undefeated Patriots of Stevenson, but I believe Maine South is rolling as will continue to do so.

Loyola Academy (10-1) at Palatine (7-4)
Palatine is playing some goood football at the end of the year with a big upset win against Glenbard North in the opening round.  Loyola will present an challenge to the Pirates, despite playing at home.  Loyola's Catholic Blue schedule has made them playoff ready.  I'll take Loyola on the road.

Homewood-Flossmoor (9-2) at Naperville North (8-3)
These teams have a playoff history and will without a doubt be bringing their A-gamne Friday night.  Naperville North is coming off an upset win against York and is playing very well, a Dupage Valley standard.  I'll give the Huskies the edge playing at home for the second straight week.

Lyons Township (10-1) vs. Mt. Carmel (9-2) at Gately Stadium
Lyons has been rolling since their regular season finale victory over Glenbard West, but face Mt. Carmel, a staple of high school football.  Expect the Caravan to protect Gately and end LT's best season.  

Regular Season Players-of-the-Week

Week 1
Robert Gregory, QB  Simeon, Chicago Public League Illini (Red Bird)
19-26 282 passing yards 3TD
18 carries 246 yards 3TDs
(6 overall TDs)

Week 2
Reece Butler, QB  Wheaton North, Dupage Valley
25-32 315 passing yards 4TDs

Week 3
Trent Snyder, RB  Neuqua Valley, Upstate 8 (Valley)
26 carries 226 yards 3TDs.

Week 4
Nick Meyer, QB Elk Grove Village, Mid-Suburban (East) Conference
22-33 233 passing yards 3TDs
24 carries 141 yards 2TDs
(5 overall TDs

Week 5
Jacob Brinlee, RB Lake Zurich, North Suburban (Lake) Conference
14 carries 281 yards 3TDs
274 yards in first half
New school record

Week 6
Kapri Bibbs, RB Plainfield North, Southwest Prairie Conference
39 carries 520 yards 7 TDs
New state record for rushing yards in a game

Week 7
Damien Bell, RB Thornton, Southwest Suburban Red Conference
27 carries 250 yards 2 TDs

Week 8
Josh Ferguson, RB Joliet Catholic, East Suburban Catholic Conference
17 carries 257 yards 3TDs
1 recpection 18 yards 1TD
1-1 passing 8 yards 1TD
283 yards and 5 TDs overall

Week 9
Steve Dazzo, QB Prospect, Mid-Suburban (East) Conference
24 carries 200 yards 3TDs
11-21 passing 201 yards 1TD
401 yards and 4TDs overall

AP Polls before Week 8

Class 8A
1. Glenbard North (7-0)  Plays WWS in state's top game of the weekend
2. Stevenson (7-0)  Already NSL conference champs 
3. Simeon (7-0)  Class of the Public League and Illini Red Bird Champs
4. Loyola (6-1)  Catholic probably to be decided week 9 @ St. Rita
5. Barrington (7-0)  Play Palatine schools next two weeks who are hungry to get into playoffs
6. Mt. Carmel (5-2)  Caravan looking run through Catholic crossover at St. Laurence
7. Schaumburg (5-2)  Two losses by a combined four points
8. Naperville North (5-2)  Tough conference foe in Wheaton North this week
9. York (6-1)  Took hit against Glenbard West.  Still in good postion to go 8-1
10. South Elgin (6-2)  Two tough 5-2 teams in Geneva and Waubonsie to end season

Class 7A
1. East St. Louis (7-0)  Look to keep on rolling through Southwestern Conference
2. Wheaton-Warrenville South (7-0)  Victory against Glenbard North puts them at top of 7A?
3. St. Rita (7-0)  Mustangs with most playoff points in 7A
4. Glenbard West (7-0)  Beat York despite injuries
5. Carmel (7-0)  Wrap up East Suburban Catholic vs. Notre Dame
6. Crystal Lake South (7-0)  7A and 6A tweener has Fox Valley (Valley) Conference title on the line vs. Cary Grove
7. Rockford Boylan (7-0)  Another 7A and 6A tweener looking to week 9 battle with Hononegah for NIC10 supremacy
8. Lincoln-Way East (6-1)  At the top of Southwest Suburban Blue
9. Lake Zurich (6-1)  More dangerous than a number 9 ranking
10. Elk Grove (6-1)  Mid-Suburban East title on line against Mt. Prospect this week

Class 6A
1. Danville (7-0)  Big 12 Conference on the line vs. Normal Community week 9.
2. Lemont (7-0)  No walk in the park against TF North Friday night
3. Morgan Park  (6-1)  Playing for number Illini Prairie State Conference crown vs. Hubbard
4. Marmion (7-0)  Cadets face Montini for Suburban Christian Blue title in week 9
5. Prairie Ridge (6-1)  In line to take Fox Valley (Fox) Conference
6. Rock Island (6-1) Want to finish strong against two 5-2 opponents
7. Hubbard (7-0)  Looking to be second to Simeon of Public League with showdown vs. Morgan Park
8. Cary-Grove (5-2)  Survived OT scare at McHenry
9. Normal Community (6-1) Big game at 7-0 Danville week 9
10. Crystal Lake Central (5-2)  Potential 6A sleeper

Class 5A
1. Joliet Catholic (6-1)  Hilltoppers try to get into 2nd in East Suburban Catholic vs. Marist
2. Vernon Hills (7-0)  Lake Forest a threat to score on the Cougars
3. Richwoods (7-0)  Tough matchup against 4A Quincy Norte Dame
4. Metamora (6-1)  A win vs. Washington secures the Mid-Illini title
5. Sacred Heart-Griffin (6-1)  Up agsinst 7-0 Breese power in 4A
6. Montini (5-2)  Two tough games against St. Francis and Loyola last two weeks.
7. Sycamore (7-0) Northern IL Big 12 East title on line at Kaneland
8. Kaneland (7-0) Hosts Sycamore.  Win and close to top 5A seed
9. Marion (7-0) Looking to continue rolling through South 7
10. Sterling (6-1) Only loss to Sycamore.  Should take Northern IL Big 12 West

Record for Ages

In another fun-filled week of high school football nobody took more of the spotlight than Kapri Biggs of Plainfield North.  Biggs rushed for a new state record 520 yards on 39 carries, and do not forget the 7 touchdowns either.  The Tiger running back also was awarded the Chicago Tribune Athlete of the Month award for September, and for good reason, as he totaled 1,689 yards, and 26 touchdowns in five games (he did not play in the opener). 

York defeated Lyons Township 26-16 to go 6-0 for the first time in school history.  Week 7 doesn't get any easier as they host Glenbard West, which will probably decide the West Suburban Silver.

St. Rita won a big Catholic Blue matchup against Mt. Carmel 35-14, as the Mustangs remain undefeated on the season. 

The big upset of the week was Bartlett knocking off South Elgin 42-23 in the Upstate Eight.  Look for the Hawks to possibly make some more noise as the season rolls along.

In arguably the best game, if not best matchup of the week of undefeateds, the Patriots of Stevenson beat the Lake Zurich Bears 24-23 on a 1-yard touchdown run with only 6 seconds remaining in the game. 

The top-ranked Tigers from Wheaton-Warrenville took care of their Dupage Valley rivals Wheaton North 42-14, and continue to roll through the season.

Halfway Through

With the regular season halfway over in the IHSA, teams are beginning to fight for a playoff berth, or better their seeding for the playoffs.  October approaches and did not make it easy last year as it rained every weekend in month in 2009.  Will Simeon continue to run through the Public League?  Will Wheaton-Warrenville be the class of the Dupage Valley once more?  And will Vernon Hills give up a point by season's end?

To remind those on who makes the playoffs, all conference champions and  6-win teams are in.  The 5-win (at-large bid) teams are based on playoff points, which are the total number of wins of their opponents for the regular season.  The IHSA will select the teams that have most playoff points of the 5-win teams, no matter what class they are in.  Once they have the 256-team field, the IHSA will divide them into 8 classes. 

TOP 5 in Chicagoland
1. Wheaton-Warrenville South rolled over Naperville North 41-13

2. Glenbard West pounded Proviso West 41-15 in Hillside

3. St. Rita took care of business against Bishop McNamara 41-21 for homecoming

4. Lake Zurich defeated Libertyville 44-22 led by sportstownchicago.com player-of-the-week Jacob Brinlee and his 274 in the first half.

5. Simeon powers past Curie 42-0.

Week 6 Top Matchups
Loyola (4-1) @ Brother Rice (4-1)

Mt. Carmel (4-1) @ St. Rita (5-0)

Stevenson (5-0) @ Lake Zurich (5-0)

Wheaton North (4-1) @ Wheaton-Warrenville South (5-0)

Week 4 Recap/Week 5's Top Games

In one of the top games of the week, Joliet Catholic Academy and Carmel combined for 42 points in the first quarter ending the period all knotted at 21.  No points were scored in the second quarter and Carmel prevailed in the second half, winning 31-28.

Wheaton North fell to Glenbard North 17-14 in a bruising Dupage Valley contest that could put an undefeated week 8 match-up between the Panthers and Wheaton-Warrenville South.

St. Rita escaped with a 14-13 victory over Fenwick, who were unable to convert a 2-point attempt in the final minute of the 4th quarter.

Marist lost to Mishawaka, IN, who could not upend the unbeaten Indiana power.

In a Fox Valley crossover, Crystal Lake South defeated Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge 24-20.  The Gators have a shot to run the table, but Cary Grove in week 8 might think otherwise.

Elk Grove handed Schaumburg their first loss of the year, winning 36-34.  The Grenadiers were led by sportstownchicago.com player-of-the-week Nick Meyer, who accounted for 5 touchdowns and 374 total yards of offense.

Top Games for Week 5

Naperville North (3-1) @ Wheaton-Warrenville South (4-0) - Dupage Valley
Carmel (4-0) @ Marist (3-1) - East Suburban Catholic
St. Patrick (3-1) vs. St. Viator (3-1) @ Hansen Stadium - East Suburban Catholic
Lake Forest H.S. (4-0) @ Stevenson (4-0) - North Suburban Lake
Thornton-Fractional South (4-0) @ Lemont (4-0) - South Suburban Blue
Minooka (4-0) @ Plainfield South (4-0) - Southwest Prairie
Neuqua Valley (3-1) @ South Elgin (4-0) Upstate Eight Valley

Quick Week 3 recap

Glenbard North won a big defensive struggle against Naperville North, 10-3, but took a big toll with a lot of injuries.  

In the sportstownchicago.com game-of-the-week Marist took care of Notre Dame despite losing running back Mike Skalitzky on their first offensive play, the Redhawks quarterback duo of Luke Oosterbaan and Ryan Meyer controlled the offensive in a 27-15 win, and moved to 3-0 in the East Suburban Catholic opener.

Simeon defeated Morgan Park for early season Public League supremacy in a convincing 48-16 victory.  The Wolverines look to be for real as they climb up the rankings and are 3-0 as well. 

Loyola, another 3-0 team, defeated Providence 21-7, as the Celtics now have a lot of work ahead of them to get into the playoffs. 

Joliet Catholic, another team to play out-of-state competition, took care of Muskegon Heights, MI. 28-22. Other tops teams, Wheaton-Warrenville South, Glenbard West, and St. Rita, all took care of business in their conference openers.