Well we've made it to the end. I have so many mixed feelings about this season. It's been great to see the kids out on the field, it seems a little empty to just end after six weeks. It's really complicated. I really wish we had a few more weeks to end the season correctly and I am anxiously awaiting the fall season and hoping for some normalcy. The Spring Season started with less teams, and every week the number of teams playing seems to drop, I will be interested in seeing what teams are able to make it back in the Fall or if COVID will be the end of much of CPL football. With this being the last week and the numbers low we will have a special week of CPL and I am going to try to hit every CPL game that is being played. This is Wednesday so there is a high chance a few of these games will fall off and a few games will take their place.
Little Village vs Gage Park
Only in the CPL would a team drop football, then a COVID year hits and decide that they should bring football back. This may be the best example of the beauty of CPL Pick'Em. It is pandemonium all the time. 8-0 loses to 2-6, win by 30 and then forfeit the next week, you never know what is going to happen and that is why this is the greatest game of all time! It is only fitting that Gage Park returns and beats down the Village to end this season in style!
Gage Park by 26
Urban Prep Bronzeville vs Bowen
I was walking around Triton one time when Fenwick was opening their season with Bowen. Game was scheduled to start at 7:00 and at 6:45 I see a school bus pull up and out came Bowen. Big pet peeve of mine is people who show up late, normally it's a pretty big turn off. However if there is one thing to be scared about in the CPL is a team that shows up within 15 minutes of game time. Even better if they are late. Those teams get after it!
Boiler up by 15
Westinghouse vs North Lawndale
One of the best dressed teams in the CPL, very few can color rush as well as Westinghouse and I do love a good color rush! But the North Lawndale Phoenix are always rising! this one is tough. I'm a big storyline guy, I'm a sucker for a good back story. Ultimately it's a better story for the Phoenix to fall this week, just gives them more space to rise from the Ashes in the fall.
Westinghouse by 100 only so the Phoenix can rise again
Chicago Academy vs Taft B
So CPS, sophomore/jv teams want a game, sure go play a varsity team. These 2 schools are pretty close in proximity but it will be a long time until we get dyett playing the Taft varsity team. Dyett is up and coming with a new coach who was previously at Longwood. This should be a good one.
B Eagles by 20
Pritzker vs Foreman
I have been impressed with the little I have seen of the Puma's this year. However I have a really hard time pulling for Pritzker this year. And if I'm being honesty not sure I'll ever root for JB.
Foreman by 2
Senn vs Marine
Normally I'm a sucker for America. But DAWGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
DAWGZ by a billion
Ag Science vs Catalyst Maria
I have long been a fan of Maria. This is probably due to Maria Maria by Santana featuring The Product G&B. The Product G&B could totally be a CPL school, definitely there kind of strange. With that being said that's about all I know of Catalyst Maria. Ag Science I have actually seen play. And I actually think they can play. Plus farmers are always good at football!
Ag Science by 19
Bogan vs Comer
Bogan reminds me of bogus. Comer reminds me of Conant. I knew a kid who played basketball for Conant, dude could get after it, played some serious defense. His dad also played football at Bama. Well that makes this easy, Roll Tide!
Comer by 22
Noble Johnson vs Goode
Why is there an "E' in Goode, wouldn't a school called Good be better? I'm said once and I'll say it again, who doesn't love a Noble Johnson?
Johnson by 69.
Hyde Park vs Harlan
Saw Harlan play once, damn did they look impressive. They did lose the game though. But they had a dude dressed in all pink, pink sleeves, pink tights, pink cleats, pink socks, pink tape...so much pink. But dude was a player, think he was at DE and OT. Man did I love Pinky, kid could play for me any day of the week. Harlan does it for pinky!
Harlan by 13
Carver vs Brooks
This game better be at Brooks. Smurf Turf>any other turf. Smurf Turf for the win
Brooks by 18
Phillips B vs Payton
Another lower level team playing Varsity! This is why I love CPL, every week it is something new. I do like Payton but seems like their COVID break, plus a new coach has slowed them down a bit. I don't know much about Phillips B but hopefully they run that engage 8 cat defense like the varsity. Man do I love that craziness! Picked Taft B, feel like I need to keep it going.
Phillips B by 34
Sullivan vs Schurz
The Sullivan Stingrays vs the Schurz Siamese Cats. Who doesn't love a good alliteration for a nickname. Got to tell you its always a fan favorite and definitely wins me over. But I know a bar called Sullys, I don't know of a bar called anything that reminds me of Schurz
Sullivan by 8
Bulls vs Von
Man I miss Rood. That dude would have been an absolute CPL legend had he stayed. Now he's only a personal hero of mine as opposed to a name everyone in the city knows. And you know what they say, "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die." Rood could have been the G.O.A.T of the CPL. You know whos the G.O.A.T. of all GOATS? Michael Jeffrey Jordan. If you say someone else you're just plain wrong!
Bulls by 23
Mather vs Amundsen
I knew a guy who used to coach at Mather. Now Rood was great because of the volume of his yell but this Mather guy was great because of the passion behind his yells. You could just tell the guy was living and dying on every snap, man he was fun to watch. Give me Amundsen, hope that guy is there, very entertaining watching him live and die on every snap.
Amundsen by 9
Lindblom vs Kelly
Really feel like Lindblom is missing an O. Lindbloom would be such a better name. This Lindblom guy was Swedish. Lindblom should change their name to the Fishes. They cant hang with the Kelly Green Machine!
Kelly by 15
Speer vs Rauner
Another Governor I don't like or a bad ass weapon, yea this is easy.
Speer by 18
Steinmetz vs Kennedy
Steinmetz Silver Streaks. I love going for the 3 name alliteration but who names a school the Silver Streaks? Kennedy is the Crusaders. I get it but it's boring. Some many better things to name Kennedy. The Kennedy Missiles is my favorite. 13 days was a great movie. If that is not required viewing for all Kennedy students they are doing something wrong. Talking about the missiles makes me think of this fantasy baseball league I'm in. The one dudes team name is Fidel's Finest Cubans. So every year when the guy venmos the commish he puts in the subject "Fidels Finest Cubans" and every year Venmo freezes his account for a couple of weeks. So if you're ever paying someone on venmo for some cigars do not put "Fidel's Finest Cubans" if you want to be able to use your venmo at some point during the rest of the month. CPL Pick'Em is here not only for fun but to educate the masses!
Kennedy by 13
Michelle Clark vs Whitney Young
Think I've picked against Michelle 3 times so far, been wrong every time. The one time I lay some money on Michelle after Percy gives me a guarantee he loses and I'm out for next month's rent. Had to convince a buddy to let me move in with him for a couple of weeks, thanks Percy! Well this week I'm looking to get that rent money back, I'm going full Pat McAfee and going HAMMER DAHN on my guy Coach Finger!
Fenger by...I mean Whitney Young by 18
Taft vs Phillips
And who beat Michelle and cost me my rent money? Damn you Taft! Fun fact on Taft dude was so fat he got stuck in a bathtub. Probably was a pretty good OL. There's a Taft bar in Cincy, really plays up the whole Taft bathtub thing, need to make a trip there just to get a glass with taft in a tub on it, seems like it should be a good one. I'm a simple man, CPL football and a beer thats all I ask for, sorry Phillips but you need to start making your own beer if you want me to pick you.
Taft by .08
Lane Tech vs Lincoln Park
The first rule of nicknames is you can't give yourself a nickname. Lane Tech calls themselves the school of champions. I don't know maybe that was true in the 40's but can't say Lane Tech is even close to the top of my mind when I'm talking about IHSA champions now. Cmon Man! You can't break the rules if you want me to pick you!
Fenger by 22
Morgan Park vs Perspectives
Big fan of MoPo, they get after it! Perspectives is like a 4 school co-op. They go by Perspectives way to much, need to start going by Perspectives Leadership/IIT/Joslin/Tech. I'd definitely pick those guy if they made sure to go by that, but they don't.
Morgan Park by 29
I think that is all the CPL teams playing games this week. Man I'm going to miss it. See you guys in the fall!
Little Village vs Gage Park
Only in the CPL would a team drop football, then a COVID year hits and decide that they should bring football back. This may be the best example of the beauty of CPL Pick'Em. It is pandemonium all the time. 8-0 loses to 2-6, win by 30 and then forfeit the next week, you never know what is going to happen and that is why this is the greatest game of all time! It is only fitting that Gage Park returns and beats down the Village to end this season in style!
Gage Park by 26
Urban Prep Bronzeville vs Bowen
I was walking around Triton one time when Fenwick was opening their season with Bowen. Game was scheduled to start at 7:00 and at 6:45 I see a school bus pull up and out came Bowen. Big pet peeve of mine is people who show up late, normally it's a pretty big turn off. However if there is one thing to be scared about in the CPL is a team that shows up within 15 minutes of game time. Even better if they are late. Those teams get after it!
Boiler up by 15
Westinghouse vs North Lawndale
One of the best dressed teams in the CPL, very few can color rush as well as Westinghouse and I do love a good color rush! But the North Lawndale Phoenix are always rising! this one is tough. I'm a big storyline guy, I'm a sucker for a good back story. Ultimately it's a better story for the Phoenix to fall this week, just gives them more space to rise from the Ashes in the fall.
Westinghouse by 100 only so the Phoenix can rise again
Chicago Academy vs Taft B
So CPS, sophomore/jv teams want a game, sure go play a varsity team. These 2 schools are pretty close in proximity but it will be a long time until we get dyett playing the Taft varsity team. Dyett is up and coming with a new coach who was previously at Longwood. This should be a good one.
B Eagles by 20
Pritzker vs Foreman
I have been impressed with the little I have seen of the Puma's this year. However I have a really hard time pulling for Pritzker this year. And if I'm being honesty not sure I'll ever root for JB.
Foreman by 2
Senn vs Marine
Normally I'm a sucker for America. But DAWGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
DAWGZ by a billion
Ag Science vs Catalyst Maria
I have long been a fan of Maria. This is probably due to Maria Maria by Santana featuring The Product G&B. The Product G&B could totally be a CPL school, definitely there kind of strange. With that being said that's about all I know of Catalyst Maria. Ag Science I have actually seen play. And I actually think they can play. Plus farmers are always good at football!
Ag Science by 19
Bogan vs Comer
Bogan reminds me of bogus. Comer reminds me of Conant. I knew a kid who played basketball for Conant, dude could get after it, played some serious defense. His dad also played football at Bama. Well that makes this easy, Roll Tide!
Comer by 22
Noble Johnson vs Goode
Why is there an "E' in Goode, wouldn't a school called Good be better? I'm said once and I'll say it again, who doesn't love a Noble Johnson?
Johnson by 69.
Hyde Park vs Harlan
Saw Harlan play once, damn did they look impressive. They did lose the game though. But they had a dude dressed in all pink, pink sleeves, pink tights, pink cleats, pink socks, pink tape...so much pink. But dude was a player, think he was at DE and OT. Man did I love Pinky, kid could play for me any day of the week. Harlan does it for pinky!
Harlan by 13
Carver vs Brooks
This game better be at Brooks. Smurf Turf>any other turf. Smurf Turf for the win
Brooks by 18
Phillips B vs Payton
Another lower level team playing Varsity! This is why I love CPL, every week it is something new. I do like Payton but seems like their COVID break, plus a new coach has slowed them down a bit. I don't know much about Phillips B but hopefully they run that engage 8 cat defense like the varsity. Man do I love that craziness! Picked Taft B, feel like I need to keep it going.
Phillips B by 34
Sullivan vs Schurz
The Sullivan Stingrays vs the Schurz Siamese Cats. Who doesn't love a good alliteration for a nickname. Got to tell you its always a fan favorite and definitely wins me over. But I know a bar called Sullys, I don't know of a bar called anything that reminds me of Schurz
Sullivan by 8
Bulls vs Von
Man I miss Rood. That dude would have been an absolute CPL legend had he stayed. Now he's only a personal hero of mine as opposed to a name everyone in the city knows. And you know what they say, "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die." Rood could have been the G.O.A.T of the CPL. You know whos the G.O.A.T. of all GOATS? Michael Jeffrey Jordan. If you say someone else you're just plain wrong!
Bulls by 23
Mather vs Amundsen
I knew a guy who used to coach at Mather. Now Rood was great because of the volume of his yell but this Mather guy was great because of the passion behind his yells. You could just tell the guy was living and dying on every snap, man he was fun to watch. Give me Amundsen, hope that guy is there, very entertaining watching him live and die on every snap.
Amundsen by 9
Lindblom vs Kelly
Really feel like Lindblom is missing an O. Lindbloom would be such a better name. This Lindblom guy was Swedish. Lindblom should change their name to the Fishes. They cant hang with the Kelly Green Machine!
Kelly by 15
Speer vs Rauner
Another Governor I don't like or a bad ass weapon, yea this is easy.
Speer by 18
Steinmetz vs Kennedy
Steinmetz Silver Streaks. I love going for the 3 name alliteration but who names a school the Silver Streaks? Kennedy is the Crusaders. I get it but it's boring. Some many better things to name Kennedy. The Kennedy Missiles is my favorite. 13 days was a great movie. If that is not required viewing for all Kennedy students they are doing something wrong. Talking about the missiles makes me think of this fantasy baseball league I'm in. The one dudes team name is Fidel's Finest Cubans. So every year when the guy venmos the commish he puts in the subject "Fidels Finest Cubans" and every year Venmo freezes his account for a couple of weeks. So if you're ever paying someone on venmo for some cigars do not put "Fidel's Finest Cubans" if you want to be able to use your venmo at some point during the rest of the month. CPL Pick'Em is here not only for fun but to educate the masses!
Kennedy by 13
Michelle Clark vs Whitney Young
Think I've picked against Michelle 3 times so far, been wrong every time. The one time I lay some money on Michelle after Percy gives me a guarantee he loses and I'm out for next month's rent. Had to convince a buddy to let me move in with him for a couple of weeks, thanks Percy! Well this week I'm looking to get that rent money back, I'm going full Pat McAfee and going HAMMER DAHN on my guy Coach Finger!
Fenger by...I mean Whitney Young by 18
Taft vs Phillips
And who beat Michelle and cost me my rent money? Damn you Taft! Fun fact on Taft dude was so fat he got stuck in a bathtub. Probably was a pretty good OL. There's a Taft bar in Cincy, really plays up the whole Taft bathtub thing, need to make a trip there just to get a glass with taft in a tub on it, seems like it should be a good one. I'm a simple man, CPL football and a beer thats all I ask for, sorry Phillips but you need to start making your own beer if you want me to pick you.
Taft by .08
Lane Tech vs Lincoln Park
The first rule of nicknames is you can't give yourself a nickname. Lane Tech calls themselves the school of champions. I don't know maybe that was true in the 40's but can't say Lane Tech is even close to the top of my mind when I'm talking about IHSA champions now. Cmon Man! You can't break the rules if you want me to pick you!
Fenger by 22
Morgan Park vs Perspectives
Big fan of MoPo, they get after it! Perspectives is like a 4 school co-op. They go by Perspectives way to much, need to start going by Perspectives Leadership/IIT/Joslin/Tech. I'd definitely pick those guy if they made sure to go by that, but they don't.
Morgan Park by 29
I think that is all the CPL teams playing games this week. Man I'm going to miss it. See you guys in the fall!
