ICE week 8 preview and reactions

[Wilmatucky]

We are approaching the end of this season, but there are still a few big matchups that are needed to determine the postseason.........Pretty easy week on paper but crazy things can happen this time of year.....I guess technically we still have a every team postseason eligible if 4 wins teams are getting in....Here it goes!

Streator (3-4) @ Wilmington (7-0) - Don't see Streator coming close to this one. Wilmo will grind it out and run the ball all with ease all night. Cats by 4 scores.

Herscher (2-5) @ Peotone (4-3) - See my prediction for the Wilmo game and just transfer it over to this contest. The tone by 3 scores.........***After I starting typing for the game below I realized that although this should be a win for the devils this game is really important. They will be ready though and this week will be their clincher.***

Lisle (4-3) @ Manteno (2-5) - Huge game here for Lisle. Manteno has shown they can win a game or two. Next week will be a battle for Lisle and they need this win. Long drive going to Manteno and there is no turf advantage. Lisle clinches here but it's not easy for them. Lions 17-7.

Coal City (5-2) @ Reed-Custer (6-1) - GOTW!! Not as important for playoff purposes, but it is a huge statement game for the Comets. Both teams don't have a ton to worry about next week and both are in the playoffs so all focus is on this one. Should be a great game with a strong CC defense and RC who likes to sling it around. Also two young coaches. Could see these two battling each other for many years to come. I like the Coaler defense to minimalize the pass and out physical Braidwood. CC 14-10.

 

[doctor_d]

Wilmington 49, Streator 13
Peotone 21, Herscher 7
Lisle 27, Manteno 14
Reed-Custer 21, Coal City 17

 

[McEvergreen]

Wilmington 42 Streator 7
Peotone 31 Herscher 0
Lisle 27 Manteno 6
R-C 27 CC 26

 

[Coalertown44]

Hard to believe that its Week 8 but here we are. The season has pretty much gone how we have all thought.

Streator @ Wilmington. I see this game being a running clock as the Bulldogs start thinking about Winter sports. Cats big. Wilmo 51 Streator 7

Herscher @ Peotone. Herscher started out really good but injuries and lack of depth have hurt them. Peotone coming of a physical loss against the Coalers. Tone comes to play and clinches a playoff spot. Tone 20 Herscher 7

Lisle @ Manteno. Manteno has gotten better as the season has progressed. Lisle needs to lock up win 5. Manteno puts up a fight but Lisle grinds one out. Lisle 20 Manteno 14

CC 2 Braidwood. Definitely two different style of teams here. High powered Comet offense and the stingy physical Coaler defense. I really think this game could go either way. Coaler offense has gotten better as they have gone on but the passing game still needs a lot of work. Comets have weapons all over the place but have had trouble stopping good teams. Can CC score enough to win? I say yes. Coalers in a close one. CC 23 Braidwood 20

 

[FCHS2019]

Seeing what Herscher has been missing due to injuries they last few weeks, going to be tough for them to score against anyone.. rough year for the program

 

[PanthersWildcats86]

Streator at Wilmington: Wildcats are just going to claw the Bulldogs apart. Cats big.

Herscher at Peotone: The Tigers have hit the proverbial wall...Devils are likely to stick the Tiger offense with their trident and keep them from moving the ball...

Lisle at Manteno: Panthers have played well the last couple of weeks. But we all know that the double wing confounds them, and the Lions run double wing on first and second downs....Lions by two scores.

Coal City at Reed Custer: Second huge matchup for the Comets in three weeks. Have they learned from their loss to Wilmo? Coalers offense has improved. I predict the Comets lose again in another war, as the Coalers bust the Comet offense's jet fuel line with their pickaxe and jam it with some coal - rendering the offense sputter...

 

[isubluedevil]

Streator is in trouble. Wilmington gets the clock running early in this one.

Herscher will give Peotone everything they got, it just won't be enough to win the game. Tigers are battling but falling apart due to injuries. Peotone needs to fix its defense. The offense as played well but the defense struggles vs teams that can run and pass. Good news is Herscher is struggling to either right now.

Lisle gets back on track vs Manteno. Lisle run game gets some big plays and pulls away.

All the talk is about the Comet offense but I got the Comet defense shutting down the Coalers this week. Comets win at home.

 

[SouthofI80FootballFan]

Week 8 is another important week for the ICE and they should be getting 5 teams into the playoffs which is great for the conference. Does Wilmington go 2A, can the Comets get a good draw in 3A, are Peotone and Lisle able to get some momentum going, are the Coalers good enough to get out of the 1st round? These will be the questions looming for the next few weeks. As for this week, weather may impact some games due to wet fields, especially the CC and RC game.

Steeator @ Wilmington - after seeing what the Bulldogs did to Peotone, I expected more points out of Streator last week but RC must have shut down their athletes. I see the Wildcats doing the same thing. The Cats are improving week to week on both side of the ball, as they have done for the past 25 years, and the Bulldogs defense has struggled greatly this season, especially in stopping the run game. Streator is playing for pride and may get some scores late in the game. Wilmington 45 Streator 13.

Herscher @ Peotone - Senior night for a quality group of Seniors for the Blue Devils, including a few 3 year starters who seem like they have been playing forever. Herscher is fighting their way through the season but the lack of numbers has come back to hurt them the past few weeks. I have a lot of respect for those kids going out and giving it their all the this season. Coming off of two tough losses, the Tigers keep the game close and their defense will be able to slow down the Blue Devils offense, which has struggled the past few weeks. Peotone 28 Herscher 18.


Lisle @ Manteno - Lisle coming off of a game where they were handled from the kickoff to the final whistle while the Panthers are coming off of their 2nd win of the season. The Panthers look like the have improved from early in the season but the Lions are ready to clinch another playoff berth and shore up their run and pass game for their biggest game of the year next week vs Peotone. Lisle 27 Manteno 6

Coal City @ Reed-Custer - another big one for the Comets but the Coalers are used to big games and they won’t let the hype get to them. Although the Coalers are one dimensional on offense, the Comets have shown their run defense is a bit suspect and I am sure the Coaler offense and RBs are ready to prove themselves. The Comets can score in bunches but the Coaler defense is one of the best in the conference. RC was welcomed with Fire Trucks and police escort when they arrived in Braidwood last week but the Coalers will simply take the short victory ride home with no fanfare because they have been here many times before. Coalers 24 Reed-Custer 14.

 

[Wilmatucky]

Wait, was RC really met with a police escort? If so, why?

 

[SouthofI80FootballFan]

Yep....

 

[Wilmatucky]

Yep....

View embedded media

Oh wow..........Did they not get the memo that 5 is the magic number?

 

[McEvergreen]

I'm betting the Wildcats are hoping for 2A. They can win round one vs. a 3A 5-4 , but after that, it's tough sledding. There are several very good teams in 3A that will take away this year's very average Wilmington running game. Wilmington cannot throw the ball to save their life and if they are forced to beat a team with the pass, it's game over.

 

[Wilmatucky]

I'm betting the Wildcats are hoping for 2A. They can win round one vs. a 3A 5-4 , but after that, it's tough sledding. There are several very good teams in 3A that will take away this year's very average Wilmington running game. Wilmington cannot throw the ball to save their life and if they are forced to beat a team with the pass, it's game over.

Not sure about your allegiance to a particular ICE team since your post history is kind of all over the place. However, I assume you give RC some love since you made the comment about their running back a few weeks ago. So my reply to your post is this:

A) I do not see much of a difference in 2A to 3A the last several years. Yes there are teams like IC in '16 who would have walked through 2A that year as well, but for the average playoff team in 2A to play the average playoff team in 3A it still comes down to the matchups. Most casual observers would hope for their team to play in the lower class, but I am not so sure that going to 2A would give Wilmington any major advantage. I could see them losing 2nd round in 2A if the matchup isn't a favorable one.

B) If you do have an allegiance to RC, and this is your shot at Wilmington, then you should ask yourself why RC couldn't shut down an average running team. How do you suspect the Comets will do in the playoffs? Do you think RC beats Johnsburg or Marengo?

 

[isubluedevil]

I would take the Comets vs Johnsburg or Marengo. Also after seeing them live I don't believe for a second that Wilmington has an avg run game in 2A or 3A. They are very solid across the board and have multiple backs that run hard and don't go down on first contact. That being said there is a major difference in 2A and 3A this season. Looking at the teams the could qualify 3A especially in the north is going to be a rough go. Good luck to all ICE teams this week.

 

[doctor_d]

3A is deeper than 2A. This year and most years. Probably every year. This is not to say that 2A is in any way easy, but without a doubt it’s better to be a big 2A rather than a small 3A.
I’m a Wilmington alum, but the game I saw, RC was basically their equal. Game could’ve went either way. Wilmington got the stops they needed and eventually wore them down enough to run out the clock.
If RC runs some type of RPO or roll out the QB on that 4th down play, they had a much better chance of converting and tying the game up rather than running a reverse. IMHO.

 

[McEvergreen]

I have zero allegiance to RC, but I know a very good football team when I see one. The Cats out-coached the Comets plain and simple. RC had the better team and did a very nice job first half against the run. Second half, they switched from a 6 man front to a 5 and it cost them. Bad move on their part and the Wildcats pounced. I would definitely take RC over Johnsburg or Marengo (this season) and I'm picking them to beat CC this week in a slugfest. This is a very good football team on both sides of the ball. They will be a tough out in the playoffs.

I totally appreciate the grit and toughness of the Wilmington running backs! They are tough kids and never take a play off. I am comparing this year's run game to previous Wilmington teams. I believe they are good, but not great. Teams like Byron, IC, Monticello, Tolono and Wiliamsville are well coached and will load up to stuff the run. Wilmington is going to have to beat them thru the air and I don't see that happening. No disrespect to the Wildcats, but this is not one of their typical 9-0 teams steamrolling people. How do you think they would stack up against a Montini in 3A? That match up is looming.

 

[Wilmatucky]

3A is deeper than 2A. This year and most years. Probably every year. This is not to say that 2A is in any way easy, but without a doubt it’s better to be a big 2A rather than a small 3A.
I’m a Wilmington alum, but the game I saw, RC was basically their equal. Game could’ve went either way. Wilmington got the stops they needed and eventually wore them down enough to run out the clock.
If RC runs some type of RPO or roll out the QB on that 4th down play, they had a much better chance of converting and tying the game up rather than running a reverse. IMHO.

Deeper sure. But people seem to think that when a team ends up in a lower class that it is a ticket to the state championship game. There are still tough teams in 2A. Maybe a few more in 3A so the odds of seeing one of them increases.

The first year we saw 8 classes Wilmington ended up in 2A and lost second round.

 

[Wilmatucky]

No disrespect to the Wildcats, but this is not one of their typical 9-0 teams steamrolling people. How do you think they would stack up against a Montini in 3A? That match up is looming.

I agree. There are many years I thought Wilmington was strictly average at best. Sadly that is all it takes to go 9-0 or 8-1 some years in the ICE. If this years RC team was at their typical level the ICE would be hot garbage.

I also think that this years matchup with Montini would probably end up the same way that it would 9/10 previous times.

 

[doctor_d]

Deeper sure. But people seem to think that when a team ends up in a lower class that it is a ticket to the state championship game. There are still tough teams in 2A. Maybe a few more in 3A so the odds of seeing one of them increases.

The first year we saw 8 classes Wilmington ended up in 2A and lost second round.

I guess I’m not sure what your point is.
3A is not only deeper, but the best teams are better. Even if you factor out IC, which unfortunately you can’t.
2A you got a handful of teams that would make me nervous as a fan. 3A you’re at least double fisted.
If your point is that winning a state championship in any class would be a challenge, then I wholeheartedly agree.

 

[doctor_d]

R-C jumped all over Coal City and lead 20-3 at the half.
Switched over to Wilmington and they scored on the first play of 2Q to go up 35-0.
Reported score is Lisle up 18-7 in the 1st half about 4:00 left.

 

[doctor_d]

Finals

Reed-Custer 33, Coal City 9
Wilmo 45, Streator 13

 

[McEvergreen]

Braidwood, IL. I was very surprised that CC never threatened in this game. RC in complete control in every phase of the game and the QB #2 just keeps getting better and better. Comet defense played with swagger and it was obvious that they have a lot of confidence right now.

 

[doctor_d]

It was a pretty dominant performance by RC.
QB is for real. I remember playing sand lot ball with his dad, who eventually was QB for Reed-Custer back in the 90s. Raised well. Congrats to the Comets and coach Johnston. Great for that community.

 

[doctor_d]

Peotone 19, Herscher 6, final

 

[Wilmatucky]

I guess I’m not sure what your point is.
3A is not only deeper, but the best teams are better. Even if you factor out IC, which unfortunately you can’t.
2A you got a handful of teams that would make me nervous as a fan. 3A you’re at least double fisted.
If your point is that winning a state championship in any class would be a challenge, then I wholeheartedly agree.

My point is yes it’s a challenge in either class. I just don’t think it’s a huge difference like some people think. Is it going to be tough in 3a, yes. But by a team ending up in 2a like Wilmington might are they all of a sudden going to get a trophy, no.

 

[SouthofI80FootballFan]

Winning state at any level is difficult. A lot of things have to go right for a team to win a championship.

Wilmo may not be the vaunted teams from the past but they are 8-0 for a reason, they find ways to win games. RC is a quality squad and if them and Wilmo go 3A, will will be difficult to get out of the 2nd round.

 

[PanthersWildcats86]

Lisle 38, Manteno 14...surprise, the Panthers got torn apart by a doublewing offense...not a very enthralling game. Panthers could move the ball in the middle of the field, but the wet weather was causing snap problems for them. This sums up the night...Panthers take short kickoff in 2nd half, jet sweep on 1st down for a first, then 4th & 4 hit Senholtz on quick slant pass from slot - no safety, about 45 yards for 1st & goal..bad snap fumble recovered by Lions. Lions 3 & punt, which is blocked & covered in end zone for the Panthers second TD. They then recover onside kick, do nothing...Lions had several long TD runs, just found a hole & gone.

Congrats to the Comets...clearly the Wilmo game was their flame hardening. They will be dangerous in the playoffs.

 

[doctor_d]

Responding to some of the earlier stuff in here. I’m too lazy to quote.
I don’t think the ICE is anywhere near “hot garbage” based on the non conference results. CC beat Mac and played within 10 of Morris. Herscher beat a currently 4A 6-2 Rochelle team. As far as Wilmo opponents, Marengo was decent and Johnsburg wasn’t bad despite their record. They gave Richmond-Burton a close game.
(To another point, I think R-C would likely handle either of those teams without much trouble at all.) Many of the other teams didn’t go crazy with their schedules, but the conference was 11-3 over the first 2 weeks. Can’t argue with those results.

Playoffs will tell the true story. Definitely no state title front runners, but a couple teams could make a dent and ya never know….I hope the conference represents itself well.

 

[PanthersWildcats86]

The difference between 2A & 3A for Wilmington primarily is that they won't be as familiar with their opponents. Both classes, in any given year, probably have about 8 schools that have a realistic shot at winning the state title - while 3A has a higher probability of an IC or Mac running amok over the division, 2A has Decatur St. Theresa or Sterling Newman (both of whom become way more average when success factored to 3A). Problem is, in 2A the power programs aren't necessarily going on 20+ year playoff runs. In 3A, look at your rankings year after year...Wilmo, Byron, Williamsville, Monticello, your preseason name powers are all likely to make the playoffs. in 2A, numbers & talent issues will result in programs fluctuating more- Gibson City Melvin Sibley won back to backs couple of years ago, may miss playoffs this year, or Westville went 10-1 followed by 0-9. Iroquois West is joining Reed Custer as returnees to the playoffs after a generation... We have a number of schools in the ICE with severe numbers problems this year - its just more regular in 2A. Some programs win regularly because of geography ... Maroa Forsythe, for example, greatly benefits from being across I-72 from Decatur.

A couple weeks ago, one of the predictors had a 2A quad with Wilmo as the 1, Clifton Central as the 8, Mac & Momence the 12 & 13. Although no recent history, they all were Kan-Will Conference members in the 50's & early 60's before Wilmo joined the NEC in 66. Wilmo had some playoff matchups with Central about 20 years ago...Non-con games with Momence in late 90's.

And a program like Farmington, usually the small 3A in a 2A conference, might greatly benefit from the slide to 2A. Wilmo, as a perennial 3A in a 3A-4A conference, should benefit even more...

 

[Wilmatucky]

Responding to some of the earlier stuff in here. I’m too lazy to quote.
I don’t think the ICE is anywhere near “hot garbage” based on the non conference results. CC beat Mac and played within 10 of Morris. Herscher beat a currently 4A 6-2 Rochelle team. As far as Wilmo opponents, Marengo was decent and Johnsburg wasn’t bad despite their record. They gave Richmond-Burton a close game.
(To another point, I think R-C would likely handle either of those teams without much trouble at all.) Many of the other teams didn’t go crazy with their schedules, but the conference was 11-3 over the first 2 weeks. Can’t argue with those results.

Playoffs will tell the true story. Definitely no state title front runners, but a couple teams could make a dent and ya never know….I hope the conference represents itself well.

All I meant with my comment was that if RC was like they were the past 10 years, the ICE would be horrible. They have helped bolster the competition and are taking away gimme wins from teams like Peotone, Lisle and Manteno. Now instead of having Wilmo and CC as clear favorites you can throw in a new contender to battle for the 2 and 3 spots. Everyone thought Wilmo or CC were guaranteed 1-2. Now we have a battle for the middle ground.

 

[FCHS2019]

Feels Like Reed-Custer has just taken Herschers spot that they held for the previous 5-6 years, when they were the best team in the conference for a couple of years.. but for the I-8 to hold its spot as a top small school conference, Herscher and Manteno need to get their crap together..

 

[Bobby Boucher 9]

Wilmington's only Challenge in 2A North will probably be Bishop McNamara. Sterling Newman is not their usual dominant team this year. There are a couple teams in the South that might be able to give the Cats a game at State.

 

[PanthersWildcats86]

Wilmington is the second largest in 2A in the outlook this week, and there are a boatload of 4-4 teams in the upper classes...but a number of small schools with 4-4 records and a bad opponent this week as well. This cutoff is going to be interesting...

 

[Bobby Boucher 9]

Cats are in 2A book it

 

[Coalertown44]

All I meant with my comment was that if RC was like they were the past 10 years, the ICE would be horrible. They have helped bolster the competition and are taking away gimme wins from teams like Peotone, Lisle and Manteno. Now instead of having Wilmo and CC as clear favorites you can throw in a new contender to battle for the 2 and 3 spots. Everyone thought Wilmo or CC were guaranteed 1-2. Now we have a battle for the middle ground.

Lets see where Braidwood is in October 21st 2023...

 

[doctor_d]

Lets see where Braidwood is in October 21st 2023...

Very well could be true, but a couple successful seasons to gain interest and involvement along with continuity on the coaching staff is the best way to build a program that can still be competitive in the leaner years. Probably the only way.

 

[Wilmatucky]

I guess that is where some of my distaste comes from with my “hot garbage” comment. I will be first to admit braidwood proved me wrong this year. I thought they would be decent at best and they are legit good. Let’s say braidwood is average though. They win two cupcake non-con games, beat streator, herscher, and manteno. Make playoffs. Then they act like they are awesome? Maybe I just am a grumpy old man.

 

[doctor_d]

The thing that impressed me most about Braidwood the couple times I saw them is that they played pretty physical. They weren’t soft like some spread teams can tend to be.