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Cary-Grove 18 Praire Ridge 12 FINAL

Not sure what the motivation for the Fox Valley teams would be to split into two five-team divisions.
First of all, the math listed on this forum is wrong: If the plan is non-conference games Weeks 1-2, crossover games Weeks 3-4, then each week 5-9, there will be one crossover game each week, so the actual alignment would be four division games, three crossover games and two nonconference games.
Now, for the "weak" division, there is real danger here. If a team goes 3-1 and wins its division title, goes 0-3 which obviously is very likely against the powerhouse division, and splits its two season-opening nonconference games, it is a division champion with a 4-5 record and does not qualify for the playoffs.
That's a bad situation. Right now, you have teams in the league finishing 4-5 and missing the playoffs. But to finish first in a league and. not qualify for the postseason is just not good.
But here's the other thing. What is the motivation for playing nonconfernce games weeks 1-2. Right now, the schools have rivalry games out the rear-end. And short travel which saves money. And easy travel for the team's fans, which parents surely like.
And there is absolutely no legit argument for saying the Fox Valley Conference top teams would benefit from playing top competition weeks 1-2 as a replacement for two weak conference teams.
How do they benefit? In the last SEVEN years of playoffs, the Fox Valley has had a team playing for the state championship. Not many conferences in the state have that standard of excellence. So clearly, conference play already is preparing the best team for a legit state-championship run.
I am just not seeing a benefit for the top schools to dump conference rivalries in exchange for games that will better prepare a team for the playoffs that doesn't need to be better prepared, based on playoff results.
I just like non-conference play.

Also not exactly balance in the conference. It's PR and CG with occasional success by a CL or Huntley.
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Naz @ Rita

I think Rita has to be favored in this one. Naz has not proven itself against the traditional Blue Teams like MC and Rita.

I'm not sure how well Rita's pass defense matches up with Naz's offense. I think they have a great run defense. On the flip side Rita can run the ball so Naz will need to be solid on the defensive side of the ball especially against the run. I would feel a bit better if this game were in LGP but should be a fun one no doubt
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CS8 Predictions-Week 6

Also really interested in the Massey pick for Lincoln/Mac. I personally wouldn't have expected Mac to be favored by 3 scores. Mac is way down compared to recent years from what I've seen and gathered. I saw Lincoln once this year, granted it was against Southeast. A game where they put up 41, which was enough, but SE really moved the ball on them in the 2nd half that day. Lincoln's offense though was pretty solid the day I saw them. Granted, Rochester and U-High both held Linoln's offense to a stand still.

Mac holding SHS to 21 is where I get a bit perplexed. SHS is a pretty darn good football team this year. Not sure if circumstances dictated a slower pace for SHS or if they just had an off night offensively that led to the 14 pt spread. Regardless, I see what you're saying about playoff implications with this one. Both teams' schedule down the stretch is pretty brutal. Mac has Rochester, Jax, QND and Lincoln's remaining schedule is currently 12-3 overall (Glenwood, QND, Jax).
This could be my opinion only but there is no CS8 team that plays more differently on the road than at home than Mac. Mac is the only conference school with wins over Rochester, SHG, and Chatham. All those wins came at home or at Stephen Decatur. They also have some narrow home losses to both Rochester and Chatham. On the road, it's another story. Rochester running clocked the Generals at home one year when they had the talented Brummett twins at QB and WR and some big hitters on defense.

It looks like Mac's defense has been pretty good this year (except for the road game with U High) but that the offense has struggled. Who wouldn't miss Myson Johnson Cook? I agree that a 3-score margin seems too much.
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CPL PICK 'EM October Edition!

I need an Ag/Kennedy Preview
Since I'm all about giving the people what they want....

Ag Science vs Kennedy - 4pm Thursday at Gately
If I'm being honest, this has all the makings of everything I love about CPL football. Great nicknames...Farmers vs Missile Pigs. Early Thursday start time. Gately Dogs.... The memories of those dudes that would tailgate all day on the other side of the north end zone fence at Gately. Having to wait in line to get in while the red coat security wands the band and checks the instruments for contraband. That Gately announcer who is always yelling at the fans to stay away from the fence, or stop standing up while the game is going on. That's before you even get to the teams. Both 4-1 for the first time in awhile. Tied at the top of the conference standings. Winner of this one has the inside track on a conference championship and a good seed in the state playoffs. Ag is averaging 36 points a game. Kennedy has 3 one score wins...clearly battle tested... With that said, less than a block north of Kennedy High is a classic Southside bar called Pap's. On the occasion that I have been there a bit too long, I can always walk across the street to the old school bakery and buy my wife some pastries to smooth things over...
I pick Convenience !
Missile Pigs!
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ICE Week 6

Reed-Custer vs. Coal City - the Coalers were able to squeak by Peotone last week. I saw it was a tight game until the end, but the Coalers prevail. RC took a typical pounding from Wilmington. Coal City 47 RC 6

Wilmington vs. Herscher - the Tigers win a wild one last week on a last second field goal over Streator. Herscher will need an upset over one of the Big 3 to get in and it won't happen this week. Wilmington 42 Herscher 6

Streator vs. Lisle - the battle for 2nd to last place. Both teams are struggling but Streator has looked improved each week this season. Lisle has played a gauntlet the past 3 weeks and hopefully they see some positives the next few weeks with an easier schedule. Streator 32 Lisle 18

Peotone vs. Manteno - the question is how good is Manteno? Weak schedule thus far and Peotone has been battle tested the last 2 weeks. Records mean nothing in this game and the winner solidifies their standing at the top 3 in the conference and a potential good playoff draw. Contrasting styles of play, run vs. spread, heated rivalry, and 2 teams wanting to prove them they belong. Peotone 29 Manteno 27

Bears

What I am saying is, you can't assume or hope teams will regress. You have to play as if they will improve too. Who said the Vikings are going 17-0?

If Detroit is the same team as last year then I expect them to sweep the Bears. Because the 2023 version of the Lions is better than the 2024 version of the Bears. You do realize the Lions went to the NFC Championship game and came very close to winning that game, don't you? I am sure everyone in Detroit would love to see that "sameness" again this year.

For all you know, the Bears may regress. There are no certainties. But to just say the Bears are improving and that should get them 10 wins and not say the rest of the teams on their schedule may improve too isn't seeing the whole picture.

Washington has played some good football. But they haven't beaten a good team either. They will get more of a test in Cleveland and Baltimore. All I am saying is, don't look past that game. And it is in Washington.

I am not sure why you worry about the game in London. Both teams have to travel and adjust to the time change. So, blaming the travel or venue will have nothing to do with a loss, should the Bears suffer one.

I get what he is saying regarding the London game. Those games tend to be weird and travel/etc seem to level the playing field over the years, similar to the Thursday games....they are not normal. But yes, they both have to travel, Bears are the better team, they should win but it wouldn't shock or surprise me if they did not.

He wasn't implying anyone said MN is going 17-0, he was saying they will not and so they have Ls coming.

We will see on Wash, I must have missed where people are overlooking that game.

Bears gave DET issues last year. That happens especially with DIV opponents no matter talent level. Don't think it is unrealistic to think Bears get one of those games.

CPL PICK 'EM October Edition!

Can you believe it is already October? Pumpkin Spice Season! Saturday Morning Fleece and Lululemon tights season! Thursday 3:30 Starts Season! I love the CPL! On to the picks!

Bowen vs Fenger
I know Bowen is a Co-op team now. I also don't care. Bowen was always a team that would roll off the bus with 18 guys in different uniforms. Of course, that bus would be late arriving and they would get 10 minutes of warmup before kickoff. Then, they would play like crazy for the first half, only to be overwhelmed by the numbers of the other team. Those Bowen teams were a perfect illustration of why I love CPL football. Kids playing because they love football, not because of the fancy jerseys, the Hudl highlights, or the huge crowds. Those Bowen Boilermaker teams will always have a place in my heart... UNLESS THEY ARE PLAYING THE FENGER FINGERS! NO ONE BETS AGAINST THE FINGERS!!!
FINGERS!!

Senn vs Crane
Did I ever tell you y'all about the time I "allegedly" pooped my pants at that White Castle right by Senn at the corner of Clark and Ridge? Probably a story best left for another time. For the record, it doesn't involve eating any White Castle, but it does involve a wild ride on the 84 Bus and a balloon vendor.
DAWGS!

Lane Tech vs Morgan Park
If this game is at the new Morgan Park field next to the high school, I'm in. One thing you can bet on is me stopping at Home of the Hoagy on 111th just east of MP over the Interstate. They've been on vacation since the beginning of September and I am dying for a Large Steak Hoagy and a small Chili...fall is in the air after all... As far as the game goes, Lane went into overtime last week tied 0-0. They keep that up, I'll be back at Home of the Hoagy during halftime for a tamale...
Pumpkin Heads!

Noble Johnson vs Lincoln Park
Ha! My White Castle memory reminded me of the time I met some out of town friends at River Shannon at Lincoln and Armitage in LP. Spent a good amount of the afternoon...and evening... enjoying the Irish hospitality. Heading back to the place they were staying took us through Oz Park where we came across a gentlemen using the "facilities" right in the middle of the sidewalk, who proceeded to engage us in polite conversation about the weather while he was doing so. These friends haven't been back to the city in awhile...
Johnson!

Bears

And you act like no one will regress. Vikings aren't going 17-0, Detroit is about the same as last year, Washington is hot right now but Daniels is still a rookie and will make mistakes.

It's never a guarantee, but I think anything less than 10 wins is a let down.
What I am saying is, you can't assume or hope teams will regress. You have to play as if they will improve too. Who said the Vikings are going 17-0?

If Detroit is the same team as last year then I expect them to sweep the Bears. Because the 2023 version of the Lions is better than the 2024 version of the Bears. You do realize the Lions went to the NFC Championship game and came very close to winning that game, don't you? I am sure everyone in Detroit would love to see that "sameness" again this year.

For all you know, the Bears may regress. There are no certainties. But to just say the Bears are improving and that should get them 10 wins and not say the rest of the teams on their schedule may improve too isn't seeing the whole picture.

Washington has played some good football. But they haven't beaten a good team either. They will get more of a test in Cleveland and Baltimore. All I am saying is, don't look past that game. And it is in Washington.

I am not sure why you worry about the game in London. Both teams have to travel and adjust to the time change. So, blaming the travel or venue will have nothing to do with a loss, should the Bears suffer one.

WB6 Week 6 preview

A big rivalry game, but the rest could be duds. Also, have a pair of Thursday games in the mix!

Geneseo (3-2) @ Sterling (3-2): Last season, Sterling won 13-3. Ohhh baby is this a huge one for both teams! Not just a rivalry game, but a game to get to that 4th win and make the post season a very real possibility. Sterling probably needs this one a little more than Geneseo does as two of their remaining three games are Quincy and Moline. For Geneseo, they are still trying to get the Sterling bear off their back as they haven’t beaten the Golden Warriors since 2014. For Sterling, can they find consistency on offense? For Geneseo, can they finish a second half without let down?

Prediction: Sterling by 1


Quincy (5-0) @ Galesburg (1-4): Last season, Quincy won 56-19. Quincy has been on a tear, scoring 40 plus points in every game and only giving up 20+ points once. They have played fast and physical, but have been a little loose with the ball at times as Bradyn Little threw multiple interceptions last week. For Galesburg, it’s been a rough season but one bright spot has been their running game where twice, they have rushed for over 400 yards. If Galesburg wants a chance in this one, they need to be able to run the ball and keep Quincy’s offense on the sidelines. Quincy just has to keep doing Quincy things. This is a Thursday game.

Prediction: Quincy by running clock


Thornton (0-5) @ Moline (3-2): Who ever got this game schedules should be beaten with a pool noodle. Coming off a big rivalry win over Rocky, Moline gets to home game against a Thornton team who is not very good. Moline should look to get up big early and let the young kids take it home in the second half. This is also a Thursday game.

Prediction: Moline by running clock


Rock Island (0-5) @ United Township (2-3): Last season, Rocky won 24-14. Oddly enough, last season, Rock Island was 0-5 going into this game and got the win. Can they do it again? Rocky would have to put together a full game to get that first win. UT has shown the potential to be a solid team who can make the postseason and they must get this one to keep that hope alive. I think UT has the team to keep Rocky in check.

Prediction: UT by 10.
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CS8 Predictions-Week 5

First, grandpa, I could care less which class Rochester* resides in. I simply asked why they don't challenge themselves in the post-season, when it matters. "They" said they'll do it in the regular season, where they can only benefit from the seeding for having a less than perfect record. Seemed a fair thing to ask since the other "dominant" public in the state gladly chooses to play up. Not really sure why some many of you are pressed by others simply asking why... but do you.

Next, grandpa, we get it, you're on the bandwagon. You dislike privates. Blah, blah, blah. Thanks for chiming in. I'm not sure how you're the victim when it's literally downstate private's like QND paying the price for Montini, Driscoll, BR, MC, etc... I can name on one hand the number of kids QND's football team has had with addresses outside of Quincy over the past 30 years. I can name more than one handful of transfers to a certain 4A public school that were allowed to contribute day one without penalty. I guess you've decided which seems more fair... do you.

I did take a deep breath though, just now. I'm not seeing the results, doc. What's next on your chart?
Would you like to explain how parents purchased homes within a certain school district in order to have their children in a certain school? Interesting how you would find offense to that given the fact the parents who send children to your school, not only pay taxes and buy homes in certain school district, but also tuition To attend your school. Albeit, significantly fewer are doing so over the past several years due to the lack of culture and academic achievement from your halls.

But yes, please explain how buying a home within a school district with high tax rates is offensive. Or is it just offensive because you had to move out because you couldn’t afford it?
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CS8 Predictions-Week 5

First, grandpa, I could care less which class Rochester* resides in. I simply asked why they don't challenge themselves in the post-season, when it matters. "They" said they'll do it in the regular season, where they can only benefit from the seeding for having a less than perfect record. Seemed a fair thing to ask since the other "dominant" public in the state gladly chooses to play up. Not really sure why some many of you are pressed by others simply asking why... but do you.

Next, grandpa, we get it, you're on the bandwagon. You dislike privates. Blah, blah, blah. Thanks for chiming in. I'm not sure how you're the victim when it's literally downstate private's like QND paying the price for Montini, Driscoll, BR, MC, etc... I can name on one hand the number of kids QND's football team has had with addresses outside of Quincy over the past 30 years. I can name more than one handful of transfers to a certain 4A public school that were allowed to contribute day one without penalty. I guess you've decided which seems more fair... do you.

I did take a deep breath though, just now. I'm not seeing the results, doc. What's next on your chart?
Would you put your children into Lanphier or Southeast when you could send them to Chatham or Rochester? Simple question right?!!! That should end that debate about anyone wanting to move into Chatham or Rochester to have their kids get a quality indoctrination... I mean, education AND good athletic teams to play on.
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CS8 Predictions-Week 5

Relevance? CIMRY got none.

But hey! At least we know you aren't a member of that High Horse (Loser's) Supper Club Cigaros and his buddies pay dues towards. That's a plus!

Should also be noted, the only disgraceful thing I've witnessed yet, is a grown man trying to insult other grown men using abbreviated slang like "u" instead of the really difficult and tough to type out "you" most commonly used. Which you used prior to that point. How embarrassing.
I don't see how you can hate from outside of the club. You can't even get in.

And this is why we will all look forward to watching Maroa drop kick you like Chris Brown did to Rihanna.

CS8 Predictions-Week 5

First, grandpa, I could care less which class Rochester* resides in. I simply asked why they don't challenge themselves in the post-season, when it matters. "They" said they'll do it in the regular season, where they can only benefit from the seeding for having a less than perfect record. Seemed a fair thing to ask since the other "dominant" public in the state gladly chooses to play up. Not really sure why some many of you are pressed by others simply asking why... but do you.

Next, grandpa, we get it, you're on the bandwagon. You dislike privates. Blah, blah, blah. Thanks for chiming in. I'm not sure how you're the victim when it's literally downstate private's like QND paying the price for Montini, Driscoll, BR, MC, etc... I can name on one hand the number of kids QND's football team has had with addresses outside of Quincy over the past 30 years. I can name more than one handful of transfers to a certain 4A public school that were allowed to contribute day one without penalty. I guess you've decided which seems more fair... do you.

I did take a deep breath though, just now. I'm not seeing the results, doc. What's next on your chart?
LOL how did you know I was talking about you? But if the shoe fits...... I like private schools. I support Mt. Carmel and I have friends that went there, but when it comes to recruiting private schools need bumped up to the higher classifications. I like QND but I don't like SHG. I like Montini but not in 3A! The Chicago Catholic league is friggin awesome and I like them. Something has to give between private and public schools. Let kids from towns within 30 miles of a school attend without having a family move into the school district. Make it the same 30 mile draw and I will never complain again!!!
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CS8 Predictions-Week 5

Cigaros, to set the record straight, I had looked at Simeon's enrollment over last few years and noted it had been in the the 1300s. I incorrectly assumed this was in 5A range.

Sorry for the interruption, you and RoaminCatholic can now get back to being a disgrace to the fanbases u represent.
I appreciate you apologizing for looking up the facts and still misrepresenting them by misquoting them and not cross referencing them with the other page which shows the enrollment sizes by class. And I greatly appreciate your disdain for people who make accurate claims and prove them with citations of fact. I will be the JD Vance to your Tim Walz.

CS8 Predictions-Week 6

Hard to believe that when the CS8 was a new conference, one of the best rivalries was SHG vs Lanphier.
Years ago we coached a All-Star game down in Blackburn and we had Crawford from Lanphier. He was a very good athlete but that was in the late 80s and early 90s. Sad to see how the city teams has fallen.
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