IL High School Football: November 2010

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.

IL High School Football

Friday, November 12, 2010

Quarterfinals

Monday, November 1, 2010

Regular Season Players-of-the-Week