It's playoff time. The part of the season where an upset equals a trip home for the winter. The first week of playoffs is always a controversial time for upsets. Who's the favorite? Should it be determined by seating, record, strength of schedule, conference opponents? I say it's a combination of all of the above. For this weeks upset we'll head to the south suburbs for a 5A match up. This weeks upset is .....the #13 seed, 5 - 4 Vikings of St. Laurence vs the #4 seed, 8 - 1 Hawks of Hillcrest. This will be a battle of 2 great running backs, St. Larry's Nate Thomas vs Hillcrest's Mar'keise Irving. Judging by stats alone, the edge goes to Irving. He's one of the best in the state. The difference maker in this one will be, Coach of the Year candidate Adam Nissen of St. Laurence. This Frank Lenti protege is one of the best young coaches around, and I believe he'll come up with a way to slow down the Hillcrest offense. As far as common opponents go, both teams have played Br. Rice this year. The Hawks lost a close one on opening day 26 - 20, while the Vikings trounced the Crusaders in a 21 - 10 upset just a few weeks ago. I'll take the Vikings tonight in Hillcrest, final score........St. Laurence 28 - Hillcrest 21. That's this weeks upset. What are your thoughts, and who is your upset?