Playoff season has finally arrived and Southern Illinois has plenty of submissions. Today’s post is just 8A-5A and I’ll make a post with the rest tomorrow.
For any northerners, feel free to chime in with any questions you may have on the 618’s qualifiers and feel free to correct on teams from your neck of the woods.

8A
#4 Edwardsville (8-1) vs #29 Aurora West (5-4) Saturday 2:00 pm
The Tigers pulled off a 29-12 upset over De Smet Jesuit last week to earn a top seed that will pay immediately dividends. Aurora West has lost four consecutive, including two to non-playoff teams, so the Tigers should roll big here. Looking ahead, I see a realistic path to the semis where they would likely be against Loyola. That path is far from a cakewalk, however, with likely meetings with Glenbard West and York along the way.
#11 Belleville East (7-2) vs #22 Aurora East (6-3) Friday 6:00 pm
The Lancers are certainly not the eleventh best team in this bracket but here they are. Belleville East finished the year 2-2 against playoff teams and lost the last two of those four games. One of those, a 48-0 blowout loss to East St. Louis hurts, but a 49-45 loss to Edwardsville in week 7 gives some credence to this squad. Looking at Aurora East, there really isn’t a great source of optimism. Their lone win against a playoff team was a 32-21 victory over 5-4 West Chicago. Take Belleville East to win here before facing grim odds at Maine South in round two.
7A
#28 Collinsville (5-4) at #5 Maine West (9-0) Saturday 3:00 pm
As is often brought up, Collinsville plays a schedule largely consisting of smaller schools. In fact, they have only faced school with a larger enrollment: Belleville East, who they lost to 24-21 in week one. The Kahoks’ loss last week to 5A Troy Triad (6-3) is not all that encouraging either. Maine West seems to have an inflated record as well, playing just two playoff teams. The home team should still be a slight favorite here because the long travel factor on a Saturday morning cannot be overlooked.
6A
#4 East St. Louis (7-2) vs #13 Lemont (5-4)
The Flyers will look to repeat a dominant path to a 6A state championship that saw them running clock all but one opponent. That lone exception? Lemont, who pushed them down the wire in a 32-29 final. The odds of a close fight are far lower this time. First, East St. Louis gets to host this time. East Side has only lost one home game in the last six years. Lemont also looked sharper headed into last year’s meeting at 12-0. I, like many others, am looking forward to a likely quarterfinal between East St. Louis and Kankakee.
5A
#3 Highland (8-1) vs #14 Mt. Vernon (6-3)
The lone common opponent on the schedules here is Waterloo. Mt. Vernon defeated them 55-41 and Highland blasted them 38-6. Realistically, the gap between these teams is likely larger than 18 points when you look at their resumes as a whole. Highland should be a strong favorite here as long as they can avoid some sort of a shootout where they can’t stop Mt. Vernon’s run game. Round two should be intriguing if we get to see the likely Highland at MacArthur matchup.
#14 Triad (6-3) at Mahomet Seymour(7-2)
Not really sure why Mahomet is not being talked about more in this 5A South bracket. The Bulldogs two losses came against 7A Quincy (9-0) and 5A #2 Morton (8-1). If Triad wants to knock them off, they’ll need a repeat of their week 9 victory over Collinsville with four interceptions on the night. They will also need their offense to be at their sharpest against a Mahomet offense that kept five of their opponents to 7 points or less. Whoever advances here gets the winner of high-powered Peoria vs Joliet Catholic and will certainly be an underdog.

Week 9 is upon us. 6 West Suburban Conference Schools have already clinched playoff births - Downers South as the Gold Representative, Addison Trail (6-2), Willowbrook (6-2), York (7-1), Glenbard West (6-2) and Downers North (6-2). Realistically, there is only 1 more team who will likely be playing a 10th game - Lyons (5-3). With 5 wins, they would probably be in, but will improve their seed with a 6th win this week versus Proviso East. Hinsdale South has a very outside chance, as they currently sit at 3-5 and 39 playoff points. They are in position to move to 4-5, and could earn as many as 6 more points, but I don't think that will be enough.

The game of the week in Week 9 is the battle for the Ole Oaken Bucket between Hinsdale Central and Downers North. This hasn't been quite the season the Red Devils needed with their young team, but to close out on a win would be somewhat fulfilling. At 3-5, they only have 36 playoff points. The loss to 3-5 Bolingbrook in week 2 is looking worse and worse, as they take on Lincoln Way East this week, and will likely not make the playoffs.

In our game, it is close at the top of the standing. Realistically, @Fishwater41 will have to take a flyer and go against a game @brucealmighy picks in order to tie for the regular season championship. I only see one game that is even a remote possibility in, but won't try to influnence anyone's picks.

Good Luck everyone! Here's to praying for a healthy and safe week 9 for all players.

The regular season is a wrap. And if week 9 is a precursor for the playoffs give me a slice of that……..

1 - That despite what some believe, there are no guarantees in these playoffs.
2 - That Lena Winslow has just finished the appetizer and the main course is coming.
3 - That 4-5’s are a different discussion but they earned their way in nonetheless.
4 - That playing a team twice is not good for one’s health - see Naperville Central.
5 - That Morris and Sycamore may meet again and I’d be good with that.
6 - That Byron, Byroned the Big Northern.
7 - That seeing teams get in for the first time in a long time warms the heart - shout out to West Chicago and East Aurora.
8 - That many, me included, thought Warren was dead after two weeks. Yep that ain’t true.
9 - That we get the return of the Wooden Shoe game in Morrison.
10 - That for all of the teams that won out to get in, there are many that didn’t. Deerfield and Mundelein to name a few.

That’s a wrap for the regular season. See you the Sunday after we crown 8.

@BoundaryCorner keeps his lead, but its a little closer

Teams I don't necessarily think will win state but can go 1 or 2 games farther than their seed would indicate

8A: Glenbard West. Finally got it going late, I think they will give Loyola everything they want in the semis
7A; LWW: The top half of 7A is really weak and I think they can get all the way to semis or finals
6A: Lake Zurich: I actually think they can win the whole thing. Can control the clock and don't make mistakes.
5A: Provi: Another solid team that doesn't beat itself from a tough conference. Great draw for them and semis wouldn't be a surprise

as with a lot of things involving Bishop Sycamore/Roy Johnson, it's a bit murky:

I have no injury reports or inside info at this point. If QB Jett cannot play at MC, then who should be the starter?

We have Junior Bonner who appears to be a tough runner, not afraid of contact kind of player who probably doesn't have an arm like SR Jett.

We have Soph Armbruster who appears to have a more accurate arm, but doesn't run as well as Junior Bonner.

I guess it depends on the game plan.

I am not a real coach. I am only an armchair coach. As Armchair Witty sees it, Cascia should just run the hell out of the ball until the "cows come home." Thank you Coach Angsten for that quote.

Three or two yards and a cloud of the damn dust--Michigan Wolverine style. I don't know how many linemen can line up, but put seven out there with three in the backfield. Bruiser in DJ, speedster in Hermann and an immense O-Lineman who's OK with knocking someone out. If this is the case, then Junior Bonner should get the nod. His style fits this type of offense. And if MC is having some problems and adjusts, then go back to the regular offense, which may suit Soph Armbruster. Who knows!

This may sound crazy, I know that. But, Cascia has nothing to lose here. In the last three encounters with MC while SR running their normal offense, there were many TOs. Rita cannot afford to turn the ball over at all. It may fail at first, at second or whatever, but time is being spent from the clock, MC's offense is not on the field, SR's defense is resting and the play-action pass and TE pop is in effect!

One never knows. Bruiser DJ or speedster Hermann may just very well break one or two. It's high school football. Keep with it.

Even if SR doesn't have enough depth on the O-line, she can still rotate some players for a play or two. Keep them fresh, if possible. Just keep pounding the damn ball into oblivion.

Again, there's nothing to lose here. Cascia is the HEAVY underdog. MC's QB says they're not going to lose another game. His words are convincing, I must admit, but, I will repeat there is nothing to lose here. Throw 'em for a loop. Prepare something MC has never seen before!

Get creative--even if it means being the most boring offense on land. We all know when a team gains confidence.

In the end, good luck to all the teams in the playoffs. Let's hope no injuries. If there are some, let's hope they are not serious.

Make sure and check out all of my work this season om the Marquee Sports Network

Round 1 Top 5 Games to Watch in Chicagoland

They came up in a convo recently, and it made me recall how dominant they were. 7 straight titles, and then the school was shut down the following spring. Girls hoops won a title the winter before they closed as well.

I obviously don't have this info, but I highly doubt another high school in the United States has ever closed the spring after winning a state football championship, let alone 7.

I think a documentary on the program would be fascinating. Where did all the players and coaches go after the school closed? There had to be kids growing up nearby who dreamed of playing there and then poof, school closes. Lot of interesting stories to be unearthed there.

Would love to hear any reminiscence anyone on the board has about that stretch of Driscoll dominance or the school/closing in general.

Finally, I am able to return to CPL Pick Em. My apologies for being out. Before the sweet action that is the city playoffs kick off next week, we are blessed to get some CPL matchups for the state playoffs. Let's focus in on 3 and 4A, this week. Time to get down in serious prognosticator mode and lock in on #GRNDSZN. Let's go!

HANSBERRY @ Byron Saturday 1 PM
There's nothing more exciting than a Bengel Tiger matchup! Decisive, aggressive, ready to punch each other in the throat is for sure a good sign for our first pick. Problem with Hansberry being the Bengels, is that they are not embracing the Berry roots that have made them CPL famous. Embrace the blue, go full Blue Berries. Until then, that's just way too forgetful and soft. No shocker here. Tigers roll

Stillman Valley @ NOBLE JOHNSON 7PM @ Gately
First two matchups include Noble schools, will never make me not think of my good friend Noble Tony, aka North Shore Tony, aka, Pedals Tony. Guy is an absolute special teams junky. Any game we take in together he's always talking about alleys, that guy needs to be there, or there, now get here. What a lunatic, can't ever make up his mind unless its about pre-game beef sticks and cheese. With him in mind and the regular doubt in everyone's minds about CPL and their state playoff victories you better believe we're going with big wood. Johnson lays it down.

Prairie Central @ NORTH LAWNDALE Saturday 1 PM @ Lane
An opportunity to talk about the Phoenix and how they are always rising to challenges? Check. An opportunity to bash the trash concrete dump that is Lane stadium at it's rarely working bathrooms? Check Saturday afternoon, with the opportunity for CPS to randomly throw a bnch of other CPL game at said stadium to show off their 'crown jewel'? Check. Hope Prairie Central fans hit up the Wendy's McDonald's or Popeye's nearby, that will be their only shot at relief after that long drive. PHOENIX!

Sullivan vs Clinton @ Sullivan Saturday 1:30PM
Wait this isn't the CPL Sullivan? Damn it... Pass

Dyett vs Ag Science Saturday 11 am Gately
Get the tailgates ready early! Grills fired up for breakfast in the backfield of the endzone?!? Yes, please. Hot CPL on CPL action in round 1? Gurantees a CPL winner, and ask much as I love the Farmers, harvest season has past. Fly Eagles Fly! Go Dyett

Wheaton Academy vs. Phoenix Friday 8 pm
The opportunity to talk about another CPL Phoenix game? Check. Another opportunity to rise from the ashes? Check. Academy burns em early. Leaving it little too late for the ashes to allow a comeback. Wheeeeeaton!

Bonus 6A Pick

Hubbard @ Richards Friday 6:30pm
Hubbard is licking their chops to play CPL Richards in round 1. Oh wait, that's not CPL either? Got me again. This pick? It doesn't MATHER!

What do y'all think? Dropped a game they should not have to GBS but Im thinking this team could make a lil run.

With twists, turns and rumors of obscene NIL money being thrown around, the recruitment of Ryan Wingo followed a script you'd expect from a Netflix movie about a five-star recruit.

Before getting down to the final standings = a look at the numbers.

Across the season, we had a total of 19 separate participants. Week 1 was the highest number of players with 16; Week 9 was the lowest with 9.

As a collective, the board's total score was 692 - 218 for a 76.04% correct pick rate. Each week I record the number of correct votes per team, and the number of incorrect votes. Here are the Net Votes for each team. This indicates who the board is most correct on (York), most bullish on (York), most bearish on (OPRF), and most incorrect on (PE/PW).

York - +73
AT - +61
DGN - +50
WB - +44
DGS - +34
LT - +31
GBW - +27
HS - +23
HC - +9
OPRF - +0
Leyden - -3
Morton - -6
PE - -13
PW - -13

I appreciate everyone who participates - whether it is one for 1 week, or for all 9. Doing this game each week keeps me engaged in the conference as a whole, giving me a better appreciation for each of the schools. I'll keep going with the Playoff Pick'em as long as there is a WSC team in the playoffs. If you participate, I'll add that score to the regular season score for the ultimate 2023 score and standing.

Now the final standings:

19 - @USD24 7-5 (Wk 2 Only)
18 - @SMC34 8-6 (Wk 1 Only)
17 - @Nevada Dude 9-5 (Wk 1 Only)
16 - @mc140 10-4 (Wk 1 Only)
15 - @OPRF Illini 96 10-4 (Wk 1 Only)
14 - @kpjasion 12-7 (Wk 3 & 4 Only)
13 - @WSC_FootballFan 25-8 (Wk 1, 2 & 4 Only)

12 - @gobears25 40-9 (81.63%) (Missed Wk 1 & 2)
11 - @Cross Bones 34-20 (62.96%) (Missed Wk 7, 8, 9)
10 - @WBWarriorWatcher 47-9 (83.93%) (Missed Wk 2, 9)
9 - @chiliconcarne 50-11 (81.97%) (Missed Wk 8, 9)
8 - @RD_Watcher 51-24 (68%)
7 - @MS4EVER 57-18 (76%)
6 - @Alexander32 58-17 (77.33%)
T4 - @Panthers1211 59-16 (78.67%)
T4 - @LakeCtyNewt 59-16 (78.67%)
3 - @stl705 60-15 (80%)
2 - @Fishwater41 63-12 (84%)
1 - @brucealmighy 64-11 (85.33%)

I’m not 100% sure what the backstory is, but the Olympia Spartans from Stanford, IL are getting some big time support.

Look I get it you see something that has you upset etc and want to share it. In most cases that's Ok and I let it go. However, the next handful of weeks are crazy busy for everyone and it's the football playoffs.

Friday

Dunlap at Blue Island Eisenhower

Saturday

Naperville North at Glenbard West

WWS at Hersey

South Elgin won a nailbiter at the end of the game against Glenbard East. Obviously SE was playing with a ton of emotion from the disaster earlier in the week, but I’m curious from the SE posters how this SE team compares to prior years.

GBE hung in and nearly took the win. I’m guessing the SE-GBS game will also be competitive. Is this a down year for SE or has GBE and likely GBS closed the gap to SE’s U8 dominance?

Share your picks on maybe some under the radar, potential interesting matchups that could prove to be entertaining games.

Games I'm looking forward to following:

Sandburg/Minooka
Bradley/SCN
DGN/Kenwood
Jacobs/LWC
Joliet West/Iggy
Warren/Oswego
York/HF

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Geneva seemed to score quick but i just say down. Driving now.

As if this game would not have minimal attendance from the away crowd anyway, a 6PM start on a Friday is golden.

And just like that we're at the end of another regular season. You'll note that this week's games are listed in ascending playoff importance.
Good to see 'twas merely a flesh wound for the Knights. A clanging brass ball noise is evident on the north side. And 8A sounds just fine on the west side.
In making your picks, please make no mention of any contest (including those in the Mt Greenwood neighborhoodie) of lesser importance. Shoodie anyone ignore this, you'll be docked a quarter point.
Finally, a reminder to any of you from all points south attending the game (or bars) in Wilmette: be particularly conscious of the neighbors. Hate may have no home here, but that doesn't apply to you and your empties.

Leo (1-7) @ Marian, Heights (3-5)
Spartans 48-14 Lions
M (3-5) @ ND (2-6)
Redhawks 35-8 Dons
SI (5-3) @ JC (6-2)
Hilltoppers 35-14 Wolfpack
SP (2-6) @ CoM (7-1)
Corsairs 36-14 Shamrocks
MCHS (5-3) @ SL (6-2)
Vikings 35-21 Broncos
SV (4-4) @ MA (2-6)
Lions 31-17 Cadets
DP (4-4) @ DLS (3-5)
Rams 35-34 Meteors
F (4-4) @ ICP (6-2)
Friars 27-26 Knights
BA (4-4) @ PC (4-4)
Celtics 34-14 Redwings
SF (6-2) @ Naz (4-4)
Roadrunners 35-28 Spartans
SR (5-3) @ BR (4-4)
Crusaders 27-21 Mustangs
MC (8-0) @ LA (9-0)
Ramblers 28-21

Tiebreaker: Pick the exact number of teams in the CCLESCC to make the playoffs.

Again the rule is simple....if you are made aware of a starting day and time for the playoffs post it here. DO NOT Respond to any of these posts all I want is which class which game and day and start time. Anything and everything else in this thread will be automatically deleted.

I will unlock this thread when the brackets have been released latest tonight

Thanks

Peoria will not put 90+ on JCA the way they did against Urbana. You heard it here first!