7A: Wheaton North Falcons vs St. Rita Mustangs

[RockSoup]

1. LA
2. Warren
3. Marist
4. JCA
5. SR
6. BR
7. Maine South
8. LWE
9. Wheaton North
10. Lockport

But I agree with the MC posters. Preseason ranking whatever. Definitely stronger by the end of the season and for the foreseeable future.

The above was written in the Spring of this year. Business and my sons’ chosen sports, Hockey and LAX, take me all over the area. Obviously off with Warren, but all the others were semi finalists save LWE that almost pulled it out vs LA.

My point is, I had WN and Lockport in a way too early top 10 rank. Others knew WN was going to be the real deal, but I’m the only one that put it in writing on Lockport. My point is, I know some things.

That being said, what a great 7A state championship matchup, a true pick em. I’ve heard through my LAX connections since these WN seniors were in 8th grade that this will be a special class. And my sources and WN were spot on. This is going to be an awesome game. Good Luck Falcon faithful, this is going to be fun to watch Saturday.

 

[Wittymoniker1]

I definitely see this game as an evenly-matched one. From what I viewed in the Prospect game, the Mustang defense did a great job of blitzing at the most opportune times.

And when he didn't blitz, the defense did a great job of keeping things in front of him and forcing the Knights to try and convert many times on third down.

I see blitzing as a "do or die" strategy. For example, it's when a QB senses a blitz and then audibles for a hot route, so to speak. If executed well, it can be a game changer.

I am sure WN has the tools to exploit any strategy that an opposing team may deploy on them be it aggressive or conservative. This is why coaches coach and game plan--and it will be interesting to see what both of these coaching staffs come up with. This game can potentially be the most entertaining game in the State Champion Series.

 

[Marica]

While their schedule and path weren't that strong, this game is Rita's to lose.
This senior class is what everyone over there been pointing to during the prior few years of struggle.
If they don't win, huge disappointment.

 

[septon34]

While their schedule and path weren't that strong, this game is Rita's to lose.
This senior class is what everyone over there been pointing to during the prior few years of struggle.
If they don't win, huge disappointment.

No, it will not be a huge disappointment if they lose. Great year by tough group of kids no matter what happens Sat. And Kuska epitomizes the old and new SR, and should be celebrated no matter the result Sat.

 

[RockSoup]

While their schedule and path weren't that strong, this game is Rita's to lose.
This senior class is what everyone over there been pointing to during the prior few years of struggle.
If they don't win, huge disappointment.

Same things have been said about Wheaton North’s senior class in the DuKane area. No disappointments at all on either side in whatever happens between these two powerhouses

 

[Maj2023]

This is going to be a great game! Both schools are hard nose run the football type with tough physical defense. The advantage SR has is Kaleb Brown the #2 prospect in the State. The advantage WN has the ability to pass with D1 QB going to Holy Cross if was 2” taller would of been Big Ten material. Whichever shines more will win.

 

[Wittymoniker1]

While their schedule and path weren't that strong, this game is Rita's to lose.
This senior class is what everyone over there been pointing to during the prior few years of struggle.
If they don't win, huge disappointment.

I don't subscribe to this. Rock's post about WN's senior class is spot on.

It might be WN's game to lose. Regardless, congrats to the Falcons and Mustangs for making it this far.

 

[Marica]

If losing a championship isnt disappointing then you never believed you should have been there to begin with.
Class has been talked about there for 4 years with the end outcome being a championship not another 2nd place finish.

 

[RockSoup]

If losing a championship isnt disappointing then you never believed you should have been there to begin with.
Class has been talked about there for 4 years with the end outcome being a championship not another 2nd place finish.

I guess. But has there been that much talk? I mean they were 5-3 as frosh. I thought the year that many were waiting for was Gaughan's/Kyle James' class (8-1 as frosh) teamed up with this senior class but that year Covid won. And to my point in my original response was that whatever talk you've heard regarding this St. Rita class specifically in your area, Wheaton North's senior class has been talked about in the same vein in their area, which gives us a great matchup Saturday.

Either way, 2 state finals appearances and a #3 in the area ranking in the shortened season is really great for a program declared dead on this site 4 years ago.

 

[Cross Bones]

Excited for this one too. Im sad to say the only time Ive seen Kaleb Brown was against Rochester.

 

[RockSoup]

Excited for this one too. Im sad to say the only time Ive seen Kaleb Brown was against Rochester.

Thankfully, you have one more chance to see him

 

[SOUTHSIDECFD]

WN beats BR handedly. BR beats MC twice. MC beats SR. What is a fair point spread? SR +8?

 

[Marica]

I guess. But has there been that much talk? I mean they were 5-3 as frosh. I thought the year that many were waiting for was Gaughan's/Kyle James' class (8-1 as frosh) teamed up with this senior class but that year Covid won. And to my point in my original response was that whatever talk you've heard regarding this St. Rita class specifically in your area, Wheaton North's senior class has been talked about in the same vein in their area, which gives us a great matchup Saturday.

Either way, 2 state finals appearances and a #3 in the area ranking in the shortened season is really great for a program declared dead on this site 4 years ago.

Think the sun times and other publications ramped up the love for this team as much as Rita people.
Getting demoted to the green division, a prep bowl, going to 5A, lower level struggles are legit reasons to think a program is headed down.

 

[RockSoup]

Think the sun times and other publications ramped up the love for this team as much as Rita people.
Getting demoted to the green division, a prep bowl, going to 5A, lower level struggles are legit reasons to think a program is headed down.

Fine. Have you seen the lower levels live or get your info second hand? Two dynamite Soph RBs, 3 kings part of struggling underclassmen group now, division champs at Frosh level with very competitive games vs the blue Frosh teams including a win.
Legit reasons for you maybe to fall for neighborhood testing gamesmanship. But you can let your sources know St. Rita is doing fine. Are they free next weekend per chance?

 

[septon34]

There’s a lot of posters here who pull for that school in the SW quadrant of EP that want SR to fail and suffer. I wish they would stay out of SR threads.

 

[McCaravan]

The chink in the armour in WN, strictly from what I saw last night, was their secondary. They let Lausch, who was basically playing on one good leg and not scrambling at all, pass for nearly 300 yards and BR dropped about 6 more passes 1 a for sure TD. Facing a three season starting QB with 2 good legs, and 2 outstanding WRs in Brown and Hall, it could be troublesome for WN. Also Lausch didn’t get sacked or pressured much from WN Dline until the end of the game when BRs Oline, who I compare very much to SR’s, were tired.

That being said WN offense was amazing. QB, another 3 year starter, was poised and very smart, obviously smart he’s going to Holy Cross. But they played a near perfect offensive game vs BR. Running, passing and FG to boot. Do they have another one in them?

 

[Marica]

Fine. Have you seen the lower levels live or get your info second hand? Two dynamite Soph RBs, 3 kings part of struggling underclassmen group now, division champs at Frosh level with very competitive games vs the blue Frosh teams including a win.
Legit reasons for you maybe to fall for neighborhood testing gamesmanship. But you can let your sources know St. Rita is doing fine. Are they free next weekend per chance?

I've been around the program for last 7 years so seen enough of a body of work.
Of course on varsity when it's a mix of classes anything can happen.
But 1 win against a blue team between the frosh and soph levels the last 3 years to me is struggling. Despite winning a green division without a Naz game.
None of which matters next week as they should finish as champs and be a re set of any troubles.

 

[Wittymoniker1]

If losing a championship isnt disappointing then you never believed you should have been there to begin with.
Class has been talked about there for 4 years with the end outcome being a championship not another 2nd place fini

While in the demoted Green conference:

1. 5A State Champioship game--first one in 12/13 years.

2. 5 - 1 record, losing to LA 6-3 and third in rankings, I believe.

3. Presently, playing for a 7A championship.

I will take the Green any day of the week.

You basically want Rita to win a state championship and anything else will be very disappointing because of your expectations.

Maybe playing in the Blue these last three years, #s 1, 2 & 3 does not happen.

I 'm grateful for the last three years--a run by the Mustangs I have not seen before.

 

[Falcon86]

The chink in the armour in WN, strictly from what I saw last night, was their secondary. They let Lausch, who was basically playing on one good leg and not scrambling at all, pass for nearly 300 yards and BR dropped about 6 more passes 1 a for sure TD. Facing a three season starting QB with 2 good legs, and 2 outstanding WRs in Brown and Hall, it could be troublesome for WN. Also Lausch didn’t get sacked or pressured much from WN Dline until the end of the game when BRs Oline, who I compare very much to SR’s, were tired.

That being said WN offense was amazing. QB, another 3 year starter, was poised and very smart, obviously smart he’s going to Holy Cross. But they played a near perfect offensive game vs BR. Running, passing and FG to boot. Do they have another one in them?

I thought we played way to far off the BR receivers. I know the game plan was to limit big plays and we did, except one. But we let them convert way to many 3rd downs by not playing tighter. But the scheme worked.

our DBs have been pretty good all year.

 

[SOUTHSIDECFD]

I thought we played way to far off the BR receivers. I know the game plan was to limit big plays and we did, except one. But we let them convert way to many 3rd downs by not playing tighter. But the scheme worked.

our DBs have been pretty good all year.

We all Monday morning Quarterback here. Your in the finals. The coaches know what their doing. Bend but don't break. I wish the Bears could figure that out. It's not the bend part it's the don't break part they have a problem with.

 

[Falcon86]

We all Monday morning Quarterback here. Your in the finals. The coaches know what their doing. Bend but don't break. I wish the Bears could figure that out. It's not the bend part it's the don't break part they have a problem with.

I agree with everything you just said. I was probably more just providing the fan excuse for why we gave up a few yards passing. LOL

 

[RockSoup]

The chink in the armour in WN, strictly from what I saw last night, was their secondary. They let Lausch, who was basically playing on one good leg and not scrambling at all, pass for nearly 300 yards and BR dropped about 6 more passes 1 a for sure TD. Facing a three season starting QB with 2 good legs, and 2 outstanding WRs in Brown and Hall, it could be troublesome for WN. Also Lausch didn’t get sacked or pressured much from WN Dline until the end of the game when BRs Oline, who I compare very much to SR’s, were tired.

That being said WN offense was amazing. QB, another 3 year starter, was poised and very smart, obviously smart he’s going to Holy Cross. But they played a near perfect offensive game vs BR. Running, passing and FG to boot. Do they have another one in them?

Good analysis as always McCar. I didn’t speak on the BR/WN last week because while I always want the neighborhood schools to win unless of course they are playing St. Rita, I knew it wasn’t a good match up for BR and did not want to be negative.

Last week on the board, I saw too much emphasis on the Wheaton North 10-3 win over W’brook. Knowing how good WN is, I compare that score and game to the 2013 MC team’s 7-0 win over Downers Grove North in the quarterfinals in horrible weather. Mount Carmel went on to win the semifinals and championship games by over 30 points each game.

Wheaton North offense is the real deal. Lausch is a generational talent and young man and I see Mark Forcucci very near that level even if saying that gets me the ire of the neighborhood. But the fact is the quick release, the feet, his legs, arm strength are all all-state worthy.

 

[McCaravan]

I agree with everything you just said. I was probably more just providing the fan excuse for why we gave up a few yards passing. LOL

How’s the WN running back doing? Maske? I know he got helped off Saturday. Backup was just as strong but you would like to see him play in his last game

 

[ClownBaby]

How’s the WN running back doing? Maske? I know he got helped off Saturday. Backup was just as strong but you would like to see him play in his last game

It looked really bad on the field but he was on the sideline up and walking by the end of the game. I’m not sure he can play this weekend but if he can I’m sure he will.

 

[Brin22]

"I don't plan on playing in college," Maske said. "I was just like: 'All right, if I hurt it, I hurt it.' I don't play any other sports so I have nothing to lose. I'm just going to give it my all. If I hurt it, I hurt it."

Quote from the young man. Sure like his attitude and hopefully he can rehab and get back on the field for Saturday. Absolutely sucks that your last play ever in pads ends with an injury. Really nervous/excited for this matchup.

 

[RockSoup]

"I don't plan on playing in college," Maske said. "I was just like: 'All right, if I hurt it, I hurt it.' I don't play any other sports so I have nothing to lose. I'm just going to give it my all. If I hurt it, I hurt it."

Quote from the young man. Sure like his attitude and hopefully he can rehab and get back on the field for Saturday. Absolutely sucks that your last play ever in pads ends with an injury. Really nervous/excited for this matchup.

What an awesome quote and attitude. Baller.

 

[cpachicagosteve]

No, it will not be a huge disappointment if they lose. Great year by tough group of kids no matter what happens Sat. And Kuska epitomizes the old and new SR, and should be celebrated no matter the result Sat.

Well,………I’ll be disappointed if SR doesn’t win. You don’t seem to be concerned about my feelings. Aren’t we supposed to be concerned about how everybody else feels nowadays?

 

[RockSoup]

Oh, you know it’s a big one…great to see you remembered your password CPA. Hope all is well

 

[tomloner]

Well,………I’ll be disappointed if SR doesn’t win. You don’t seem to be concerned about my feelings. Aren’t we supposed to be concerned about how everybody else feels nowadays?

Well 15 years ago we weren't worried about Providence's feeling in the semifinal game. Something about a 42 yard field goal? Great memories for you and your boy.

 

[tomloner]

No, it will not be a huge disappointment if they lose. Great year by tough group of kids no matter what happens Sat. And Kuska epitomizes the old and new SR, and should be celebrated no matter the result Sat.

I wonder if Todd Kuska took a few minutes break from the game prep to watch Monday Night Football. Or I hope he taped it. Not often do you have two former players play in the NFL on Monday Night Football on two different teams.

 

[septon34]

I wonder if Todd Kuska took a few minutes break from the game prep to watch Monday Night Football. Or I hope he taped it. Not often do you have two former players play in the NFL on Monday Night Football on two different teams.

That was incredibly cool to see. SR brotherhood.

 

[MC63]

The above was written in the Spring of this year. Business and my sons’ chosen sports, Hockey and LAX, take me all over the area. Obviously off with Warren, but all the others were semi finalists save LWE that almost pulled it out vs LA.

My point is, I had WN and Lockport in a way too early top 10 rank. Others knew WN was going to be the real deal, but I’m the only one that put it in writing on Lockport. My point is, I know some things.

That being said, what a great 7A state championship matchup, a true pick em. I’ve heard through my LAX connections since these WN seniors were in 8th grade that this will be a special class. And my sources and WN were spot on. This is going to be an awesome game. Good Luck Falcon faithful, this is going to be fun to watch Saturday.

Rock, do your boys go to SR?

 

[MC63]

WN beats BR handedly. BR beats MC twice. MC beats SR. What is a fair point spread? SR +8?

Smoky, there's a cat stuck in a tree on 113th ... get goln'

 

[RockSoup]

Rock, do your boys go to SR?

Yes. One through, one in, one to go. The hockey boy is the one to go.
A couple of days before the entrance exam, the middle one sent me a picture of himself in MC gear he got through the years from cousins and camps. Funny kid. Be a smart aleck, raise a smart aleck.

 

[Marica]

While in the demoted Green conference:

1. 5A State Champioship game--first one in 12/13 years.

2. 5 - 1 record, losing to LA 6-3 and third in rankings, I believe.

3. Presently, playing for a 7A championship.

I will take the Green any day of the week.

You basically want Rita to win a state championship and anything else will be very disappointing because of your expectations.

Maybe playing in the Blue these last three years, #s 1, 2 & 3 does not happen.

I 'm grateful for the last three years--a run by the Mustangs I have not seen before.

2005 and few years after was impressive though little disappointing they only won once, those teams were stacked.
So you're kind of making my point by saying if they weren't in the green they may not have had the same success. Especially this year it's very down til Naz got going at the end.
Kuska will jump at the chance to get back in the blue if it comes up again.
But it's not these kids fault that previous classes struggled, you play who's in front of you.
Just like WN can feel great about their win but has to be mentioned how hurt Lausch was when they talk about it. Could they have beat them at full strength, sure. But to think a player of the year candidate not being able to do what made him a player of the year candidate wasn't a huge advantage is delusional. Rice put up 27 and he could barely walk.
Of course one game anything can happen. But Rita will have the best player on the field and a great supporting group so yes to me if they lose it's a disappointment

 

[septon34]

2005 and few years after was impressive though little disappointing they only won once, those teams were stacked.
So you're kind of making my point by saying if they weren't in the green they may not have had the same success. Especially this year it's very down til Naz got going at the end.
Kuska will jump at the chance to get back in the blue if it comes up again.
But it's not these kids fault that previous classes struggled, you play who's in front of you.
Just like WN can feel great about their win but has to be mentioned how hurt Lausch was when they talk about it. Could they have beat them at full strength, sure. But to think a player of the year candidate not being able to do what made him a player of the year candidate wasn't a huge advantage is delusional. Rice put up 27 and he could barely walk.
Of course one game anything can happen. But Rita will have the best player on the field and a great supporting group so yes to me if they lose it's a disappointment

If you truly are a SR guy, why talk of disappointment and problems on the lower levels? You know certain schools are constantly badmouthing SR and perpetuating rumors of its demise. Your comments feed into that BS and do not help SR. Disappointing is just not a word I associate with Kuska. He is from the 63rd era and epitomizes Claremont Street’s tough working-class roots, but also adaptable to the kids & times. I think SR pulls out a thriller on Saturday with a late TD by Brown.

 

[RockSoup]

If you truly are a SR guy, why talk of disappointment and problems on the lower levels? You know certain schools are constantly badmouthing SR and perpetuating rumors of its demise. Your comments feed into that BS and do not help SR. Disappointing is just not a word I associate with Kuska. He is from the 63rd era and epitomizes Claremont Street’s tough working-class roots, but also adaptable to the kids & times. I think SR pulls out a thriller on Saturday with a late TD by Brown.

I think Marica highlights the great thing about St. Rita is how much fans/alumni/parents care. Any home game has 4 to 5 living generations there, Mrs. Quinn still cheering on the linemen to BLOCK for the last 50 years, every type of family there from work boots to penny loafers, the optimistic AND the pessimistic. To be relevant on the state football scene year in and year out (save for a handful of years) for the last 50+ years says a lot about the program and the passionate people around it.
Marica can understand how good Wheaton North is and still be disappointed in a loss.

 

[go_rice]

You’re right. I don’t know if we do compete for the same kids anymore with the way our Freshman handled your Freshman this fall. Enjoy your weekend.

I deleted in the spirit of the week. Dont want to argue about any test numbers etc. Good luck RockSoup & Go Mustangs on Saturday!

 

[IHSA777]

I wonder if Wheaton North will continue their comments vs Rita like they did against Rice.I watched it & Jesus can’t help you,You better pray harder & you can’t buy a Championship were some of the better ones

 

[Falcon86]

I wonder if Wheaton North will continue their comments vs Rita like they did against Rice.I watched it & Jesus can’t help you,You better pray harder & you can’t buy a Championship were some of the better ones

What are you talking about?????
If there were any comments after Brother Rice they weren’t WN fans more likely other CCL fans who don’t like BR. And no one has ever said a word about St. Rita. But whatever…
Here is to a great game!