ICE Quarterfinal Round

[Wilmatucky]

Both teams won in convincing fashion. The heat is turned up a little bit this week in what should be an exciting two ICE games.

3A

#2 Wilmington (11-0) @ #3 Du-Pec (10-1) - Let's dive into the schedule first. As we all know Wilmington has not really played anybody yet (unless they are just that good that no matter who they play ends up looking bad). Du-Pec lost to Lena and beat Seneca as their only two big time games. The rest of the schedule is littered with bad-average 1A schools. I'm seeing that Du-Pec is a throwing team and has a stud quarterback, which has always been a thorn in Wilmington's side. However, I think that this style of play is higher risk-reward. A lot more can go wrong with a passing offense in November than a running offense or if Wilmington is able to control the clock and play mistake free this is a very winnable game for the Cats. I like Wilma's chances here, but as I stated it won't be easy. Give me Wilmo in a low scoring clock grinding affair WHS 21 Du-Pec 14




4A

#3 Dixon (10-1) @ #7 Coal City (9-2) - This game has stood out since the brackets were released. Dixon lost by one to Byron and they have beaten an otherwise unbeaten Johnston City. I'm not sure what they bring to the table, but the fact that they lost to Byron by one tells me they are going to be tough. It's at CC so that could help a little. CC looked good the only time I saw them against Wilmo, but I don't think that will be enough to pull this one out. I like the Dukes in a close one. Dixon 35 CC 28

CC could be home again next week should they win, Wilmo has to hope for a Princeton upset of Montini to get a home game.

 

[doctor_d]

Du-Pec is very good. Although they play a lot of smaller schools, the NUIC is the premier small school league in the state and has been for a while. Du-Pec obviously goes as the QB goes. He is at least a 3 year starter and can do it all. They got a couple good WR too. I guess you could say that Wilmo is similar to L-W, a team that beat Du-Pec 46-22. I like Wilmo to move on here, although if they don’t play a clean game they could get knocked off. Wilmo 31-20. If Wilmo is fortunate enough to move on, they will absolutely be playing on the road at Montini. I give Princeton zero chance in that game. They sort of struggled vs a CPS team in round 2 and Montini is loaded.

Coalers have been rolling. RB has I think 10 TDs in the first 2 playoff games. I think Dixon is solid enough to make someone else beat them. They will need the passing game to make some plays, and fortunately that has been working pretty well too. I have a hunch that this will be a close game, and I’ll go with the Coalers in a nail biter 26-24.

 

[Bobby Boucher 9]

Wilmington 28-7

Dixon and Coal City one score game either way.

 

[doctor_d]

I posted in another thread, but I’ll post here also.
Any input regarding a place to stop and get lunch and a beverage in or on the way to Pecatonica?

 

[McEvergreen]

Wilmington (11-0) @ Du-Pec (10-1) - If the Cats run their tight Dwing scrum right scrum left they win easily. If they run that sorry slot Dwing with splits, they give Du-Pec a chance. I say Reents shortens the game and keeps the Rivermen offense on the sideline. CATS 35 Du-Pec 13.

Dixon (10-1) @ Coal City (9-2) - All out brawl. Cover your childrens eyes! The Coalers are physical and better than people think, but the Dukes are just as physical and on a mission. This is going to be a knock down drag out leave it all on the field type of game you don't want to miss. DIXON 21 CC 20.

 

[SouthofI80FootballFan]

Wilmington vs. DuPec - given what Wilmington did to Stillman Valley and Eureka, I would say DuPec will need to play very well on both sides of the ball to win. I was surprised at how easily Wilmington handled Eureka, I figured Eureka would be able to move the ball early and put up some points but boy was I wrong. Wilmington's offense seems to get better and better as the season goes on but if there are any issues it would be with pass defense. I guess DuPecs QB is pretty good and can sling it would makes me think DuPec will be able to score some points. Wilmington 28 DuPec 20

Dixon vs. Coal City - the Coalers are rolling at the right time. Had some struggles early against Boylan but once they figured out to stop throwing and just run, the game was ultimately theirs. Dixon, who used to be solid, has fallen off the last few years but has a very solid team again. They played Byron very tough which says a lot about their team this year and probably played a tougher schedule than the Coalers. Dixon 22 Coal City 20

 

[IceConGuy]

Wilmington vs Du Pec. I agree with McEv. Wildcats need to pack it in and shorten the game. DuPec does play teams that run that style of ball. but outside of Lena, can anyone run it as well as Wilmington? No and Lena beat them up. If DuPec cant keep the qb clean, this game will go south for them in a hurry. The Cat's secondary seems to always find a way to get an interception when the qb is pressing. Wilmington 28-Dupec 7.

CC vs Dixon. This is probably the most even match up you could get. It is gonna come down to turnovers and field position. Special teams will be huge. probably a one score coin flip either way. But gonna take the home team as CC has been pretty unstoppable there. Granted they didnt really play anyone outside of Johnsburg who seemed to want to be there. Maybe its some home mojo. Either way it keeps going. Coal City 20 - Dixon 12.

Both teams would face a private in the semis. The talent may be stacked against them, but I don't think either will be intimidated.

 

[Coalertown44]

I think DuPec keeps this tight in the 1st half and pulls away in the end. Cats 35 DuPec 14

Coalers are on a heck of a run right now. I think Dixon will be the best team they play so far. Still pulling for my Coalers to pull off some magic at the end. CC 28 Dixon 27

 

[doctor_d]

Coalers and Cats both survive and advance.
Maybe the ICE conference wasn't super deep this year, but two semifinalist teams is something that not many 8 team leagues get.