MC vs SR Part 105

[McCaravan]

Let's discuss. It's my favorite game of the year, regardless of records or the final score, because these two programs are cut from the same cloth and while the fire will be lit and words will be exchanged during the game, it's become very clear over the years that there is an obvious respect that these teams and players have for one another, despite the occasional shoving match and heated exchange, you will see many of the players with a post game hug with one another as the opposing player may very well be his best friend since the first grade at St. Cajetan, St. John Fisher, Christ the King, St. Christina, Mount Greenwood or one of the numerous other great schools these young men come from. Enough sentimental talk though let's break it down.

MC has had a trying year, I've been critical of their defensive performance on many occasions this year, some warranted, some maybe over critical, and I was far from alone, but regardless of my two cents, here they are in the semifinals again. MC had been arguably the best in the State in the past two years, with Loyola stating their claim to that title as well, the only loses these teams had were to each other in 2022 and 2023. So MC fans were spoiled with unbelievable talent, many going on the D1 and other College programs, I watched Darrion Dupree have many meaningful carries vs the #1 team in the Nation last Saturday night as a true Freshman. So MC had to replace numerous star players, including 4 OL, all the WR's, both RB's, the entire DL, the Defensive player of the Year in Parker Startz, and both cornerbacks.....and the kicker! But they had two heart and souls of the team returning in Jack Elliott on Offense and Matt Mucha on Defense who I will discuss in a minute. Even as I typed this I'm aware that I might have been overly critical of their performance at times with all that they had to replace, but we are allowed as fans to be critical as long as we feel it's warranted. How did MC replace all that talent? Well they went young, which regardless of what happens Saturday will bode well for continued success in the upcoming years. On offense they replaced the 4 graduated OL with 4 juniors, who after taking their lumps, especially against a strong Hun DL in game 1, have really gelled as the season went on. At WR they were fortunate enough to get a transfer in Cooper Lehman who broke a single game receiving record and had a great season, Quinton Burrell who is only a Soph has had ridiculous numbers and is, I believe, over 1,000 yards in receiving and over 10 TDs, has been one of the best MC has had at WR and he's a Soph. Then in mid season they brought up Marshaun Thornton from the Freshman team for another added dynamic. On the freshman level he was a man among boys. At 6'3 we was averaging 2 to 3 TDS a game and doing it with ease. In my years I don't think I ever saw a freshman play the regular season on Varsity. He was brought up for the BR game for another possible weapon when Elliott was out with an injury and he looked like an upperclassman from the get go, making some mistakes but also some spectacular catches and touchdowns. RB has been a work in progress, at times showing life and at times being the flatlined. It was a gamble moving Danyil Taylor, a two year starter at TE to RB, but he is a powerful athlete who many saw potential as a RB after watching him run after the catch. I won't fault him, it's a huge adjustment and he has had some great games and runs and has over 10 TDs, RB position has been the MC bread and butter for decades and seeing it as a work in progress got some of the Boo Birds out, but my hand to God I definitely gave Taylor some rope here. They added in Madden Wilson near mid season and he's been really coming on. He's more of a traditional 5'10 RB.

Defensively is where you have heard me be critical. They have let up 261 points in 12 games after letting up under 150 in 14 the past two seasons. So you could see my and many other fans frustrations, but I also was aware that it was a work in progress, and while I have seen flashes of brilliance, I've also seen many plays where the youth and inexperience has shown. The Defense is also very young, 5 juniors, 2 Sophomores and 1 mammoth Freshmen in Caleb "Bonecrusher" Tucker in at nose! Several other players have been shuffled in to try to make the best fit, and it looks like they found the best 11 the past few weeks even though Sophomore MLB Roman Igwebuike left in an ambulance against Normal and I'm not sure what the status is. So now, my position breakdown vs. SR

Quarterback- Advantage MC. Fine job by SR's Armbruster and I heard he set SR's single season passing record, and he's just a junior! But he's going up against MC's Superman in Jack Elliott. He has shattered all MC QB records, has been the vocal and physical leader on and off the field, reminds me of Jordan Lynch and how he took NIU on his back and lead his junior and senior year by playing with ultimate toughness. And he missed the BR game, came back probably 3 weeks too soon and did what he could when he was obviously nowhere near full strength. He seems to be moving well and back to normal so let's see how he finishes his MC career.

Running Back- Advantage SR- as discussed above it was a work in progress for MC and this is where SR has their Superman in Nick Herman. He's put together a great senior ride and I know this games means a lot to him. He had a fumble in the 2022 semifinal that led to MC taking the lead and I know he will give everything he has this game to make up for that.

WR's- Advantage MC- See above for my assessment on the MC WR's I believe it's in paragraph 2, page 10 😀. SR had some good WRs, your QB doesn't break records without them but this is clear MC here.

OL- I'm going to go with even here. The 4 junior lineman have gelled well for MC and I have never seen a SR team without a good line so let's say it's a draw.

Defense
DL- Slight MC....SR has a 4 man front while MC, despite occasionally using a 4 man front, does a 3 man front with USC commit Junior Braedon Jones, Freshman Tucker at nose and then DE Junior Joey Quinn who has seen the D1 offers begin to come in with Iowa St and Kansas recently offering. I think Quinn has been great at DE, Tucker is 6'4 330 and can move, handling that position outstanding for a freshman, but I want to see more out of Jones. He draws double teams but I still want to see that next gear, he checks all the boxes physically. SR front is always tough. Is Daniher back? I saw him in and out but I know he's knee was banged up.

LB- Slight SR- how can this be slight SR with CCL Blue Defensive Player of the Year Mucha with MC? Because SR has the CCL Green Lawless Winner in Justin Buckner, and he's teamed up with James Kingsbury and Owen Lynch. If Roman was healthy I would make
this a draw but it didn't look good for him so this position goes to SR but not without giving major props to Matt Mucha who has a motor that never stops and makes tackle after tackle after tackle.

Secondary- Advantage MC- it was a work in progress for MC. Saw about 5 different combinations of DBs but I think they got it right now. Javy Payne is a D1 DB and had been playing through injury. He has 13 ints in 2 seasons. Zander Gorman goes 100mph, 100 % of the time and sometimes that costs him but he doesn't have an off switch. Sophomore Taveras Harrington has been tested by many teams but really has come along . At 6'2 I see him drawing numerous D1 offers soon. I admit I don't know much about this position from SRs side but I have heard they have had growing pains.

Special Teams- Normally hands down SR but I saw the kicker miss 4 FGs against Willowbrook. Despite that, this still goes to SR as I think MC had tried 1 FG, and made it, and I think they have punted maybe 6 times this year as Coach Lynch doesn't like to waste another try at a first down....live by the sword, die by the sword!

After all that, my prediction? Check back Friday! Cheers

 

[lookoutforliam]

Excellent break down here. Thank you. #CCL I think MC is clicking at the right time.

 

[ignazio]

I need the Cliff’s Notes version. Or the graphic novel format.

 

[McCaravan]

I need the Cliff’s Notes version. Or the graphic novel format.

Save it for your next sit down bathroom visit!

 

[Billy Budapest]

Let's discuss. It's my favorite game of the year, regardless of records or the final score, because these two programs are cut from the same cloth and while the fire will be lit and words will be exchanged during the game, it's become very clear over the years that there is an obvious respect that these teams and players have for one another, despite the occasional shoving match and heated exchange, you will see many of the players with a post game hug with one another as the opposing player may very well be his best friend since the first grade at St. Cajetan, St. John Fisher, Christ the King, St. Christina, Mount Greenwood or one of the numerous other great schools this young men come from. Enough sentimental talk though let's break it down.

MC has had a trying year, I've been critical of their defensive performance on many occasions this year, some warranted, some maybe over critical, and I was far from alone, but regardless of my two cents, here they are in the semifinals again. MC had been arguably the best in the State in the past two years, with Loyola stating their claim to that title as well, the only loses these teams had were to each other in 2022 and 2023. So MC fans were spoiled with unbelievable talent, many going on the D1 and other College programs, I watched Darrion Dupree have many meaningful carries vs the #1 team in the Nation last Saturday night as a true Freshman. So MC had to replace numerous star players, including 4 OL, all the WR's, both RB's, the entire DL, the Defensive player of the Year in Parker Startz, and both cornerbacks.....and the kicker! But they had two heart and souls of the team returning in Jack Elliott on Offense and Matt Mucha on Defense who I will discuss in a minute. Even as I typed this I'm aware that I might have been overly critical of their performance at times with all that they had to replace, but we are allowed as fans to be critical as long as we feel it's warranted. How did MC replace all that talent? Well they went young, which regardless of what happens Saturday will bode well for continued success in the upcoming years. On offense they replaced the 4 graduated OL with 4 juniors, who after taking their lumps, especially against a strong Hun DL in game 1, have really gelled as the season went on. At WR they were fortunate enough to get a transfer in Cooper Lehman who broke a single game receiving record and had a great season, Quinton Burrell who is only a Soph has had ridiculous numbers and is, I believe, over 1,000 yards in receiving and over 10 TDs, has been one of the best MC has had at WR and he's a Soph. Then in mid season they brought up Marshaun Thornton from the Freshman team for another added dynamic. On the freshman level he was a man among boys. At 6'3 we was averaging 2 to 3 TDS a game and doing it with ease. In my years I don't think I ever saw a freshman play the regular season on Varsity. He was brought up for the BR game for another possible weapon when Elliott was out with an injury and he looked like an upperclassman from the get go, making some mistakes but also some spectacular catches and touchdowns. RB has been a work in progress, at times showing life and at times being the flatlined. It was a gamble moving Danyil Taylor, a two year starter at TE to RB, but he is a powerful athlete who many saw potential as a RB after watching him run after the catch. I won't fault him, it's a huge adjustment and he has had some great games and runs and has over 10 TDs, RB position has been the MC bread and butter for decades and seeing it as a work in progress got some of the Boo Birds out, but my hand to God I definitely gave Taylor some rope here. They added in Madden Wilson near mid season and he's been really coming on. He's more of a traditional 5'10 RB.

Defensively is where you have heard me be critical. They have let up 261 points in 12 games after letting up under 150 in 14 the past two seasons. So you could see my and many other fans frustrations, but I also was aware that it was a work in progress, and while I have seen flashes of brilliance, I've also seen many plays where the youth and inexperience has shown. The Defense is also very young, 5 juniors, 2 Sophomores and 1 mammoth Freshmen in Caleb "Bonecrusher" Tucker in at nose! Several other players have been shuffled in to try to make the best fit, and it looks like they found the best 11 the past few weeks even though Sophomore MLB Roman Igwebuike left in an ambulance against Normal and I'm not sure what the status is. So now, my position breakdown vs. SR

Quarterback- Advantage MC. Fine job by SR's Armbruster and I heard he set SR's single season passing record, and he's just a junior! But he's going up against MC's Superman in Jack Elliott. He has shattered all MC QB records, has been the vocal and physical leader on and off the field, reminds me of Jordan Lynch and how he took NIU on his back and lead his junior and senior year by playing with ultimate toughness. And he missed the BR game, came back probably 3 weeks too soon and did what he could when he was obviously nowhere near full strength. He seems to be moving well and back to normal so let's see how he finishes his MC career.

Running Back- Advantage SR- as discussed above it was a work in progress for MC and this is where SR has their Superman in Nick Herman. He's put together a great senior ride and I know this games means a lot to him. He had a fumble in the 2022 semifinal that led to MC taking the lead and I know he will give everything he has this game to make up for that.

WR's- Advantage MC- See above for my assessment on the MC WR's I believe it's in paragraph 2, page 10 😀. SR had some good WRs, your QB doesn't break records without them but this is clear MC here.

OL- I'm going to go with even here. The 4 junior lineman have gelled well for MC and I have never seen a SR team without a good line so let's say it's a draw.

Defense
DL- Slight MC....SR has a 4 man front while MC, despite occasionally using a 4 man front, does a 3 man front with USC commit Junior Braedon Jones, Freshman Tucker at nose and then DE Junior Joey Quinn who has seen the D1 offers begin to come in with Iowa St and Kansas recently offering. I think Quinn has been great at DE, Tucker is 6'4 330 and can move, handling that position outstanding for a freshman, but I want to see more out of Jones. He draws double teams but I still want to see that next gear, he checks all the boxes physically. SR front is always tough. Is Daniher back? I saw him in and out but I know he's knee was banged up.

LB- Slight SR- how can this be slight SR with CCL Blue Defensive Player of the Year Mucha with MC? Because SR has the CCL Green Lawless Winner in Justin Buckner, and he's teamed up with James Kingsbury and Owen Lynch. If Roman was healthy I would make
this a draw but it didn't look good for him so this position goes to SR but not without giving major props to Matt Mucha who has a motor that never stops and makes tackle after tackle after tackle.

Secondary- Advantage MC- it was a work in progress for MC. Saw about 5 different combinations of DBs but I think they got it right now. Javy Payne is a D1 DB and had been playing through injury. He has 13 ints in 2 seasons. Zander Gorman goes 100mph, 100 % of the time and sometimes that costs him but he doesn't have an off switch. Sophomore Taveras Harrington has been tested by many teams but really has come along . At 6'2 I see him drawing numerous D1 offers soon. I admit I don't know much about this position from SRs side but I have heard they have had growing pains.

Special Teams- Normally hands down SR but I saw the kicker miss 4 FGs against Willowbrook. Despite that, this still goes to SR as I think MC had tried 1 FG, and made it, and I think they have punted maybe 6 times this year as Coach Lynch doesn't like to waste another try at a first down....live by the sword, die by the sword!

After all that, my prediction? Check back Friday! Cheers

Excellent breakdown, McCaravan, and thank you for your service. Is #5 on MC out?

 

[McCaravan]

Excellent breakdown, McCaravan, and thank you for your service. Is #5 on MC out?

Thank you and yes he played vs Normal and scored 2 TDs in his return

 

[Topiary]

MC 35 Rita 14

 

[chakazulu89]

Let's discuss. It's my favorite game of the year, regardless of records or the final score, because these two programs are cut from the same cloth and while the fire will be lit and words will be exchanged during the game, it's become very clear over the years that there is an obvious respect that these teams and players have for one another, despite the occasional shoving match and heated exchange, you will see many of the players with a post game hug with one another as the opposing player may very well be his best friend since the first grade at St. Cajetan, St. John Fisher, Christ the King, St. Christina, Mount Greenwood or one of the numerous other great schools this young men come from. Enough sentimental talk though let's break it down.

MC has had a trying year, I've been critical of their defensive performance on many occasions this year, some warranted, some maybe over critical, and I was far from alone, but regardless of my two cents, here they are in the semifinals again. MC had been arguably the best in the State in the past two years, with Loyola stating their claim to that title as well, the only loses these teams had were to each other in 2022 and 2023. So MC fans were spoiled with unbelievable talent, many going on the D1 and other College programs, I watched Darrion Dupree have many meaningful carries vs the #1 team in the Nation last Saturday night as a true Freshman. So MC had to replace numerous star players, including 4 OL, all the WR's, both RB's, the entire DL, the Defensive player of the Year in Parker Startz, and both cornerbacks.....and the kicker! But they had two heart and souls of the team returning in Jack Elliott on Offense and Matt Mucha on Defense who I will discuss in a minute. Even as I typed this I'm aware that I might have been overly critical of their performance at times with all that they had to replace, but we are allowed as fans to be critical as long as we feel it's warranted. How did MC replace all that talent? Well they went young, which regardless of what happens Saturday will bode well for continued success in the upcoming years. On offense they replaced the 4 graduated OL with 4 juniors, who after taking their lumps, especially against a strong Hun DL in game 1, have really gelled as the season went on. At WR they were fortunate enough to get a transfer in Cooper Lehman who broke a single game receiving record and had a great season, Quinton Burrell who is only a Soph has had ridiculous numbers and is, I believe, over 1,000 yards in receiving and over 10 TDs, has been one of the best MC has had at WR and he's a Soph. Then in mid season they brought up Marshaun Thornton from the Freshman team for another added dynamic. On the freshman level he was a man among boys. At 6'3 we was averaging 2 to 3 TDS a game and doing it with ease. In my years I don't think I ever saw a freshman play the regular season on Varsity. He was brought up for the BR game for another possible weapon when Elliott was out with an injury and he looked like an upperclassman from the get go, making some mistakes but also some spectacular catches and touchdowns. RB has been a work in progress, at times showing life and at times being the flatlined. It was a gamble moving Danyil Taylor, a two year starter at TE to RB, but he is a powerful athlete who many saw potential as a RB after watching him run after the catch. I won't fault him, it's a huge adjustment and he has had some great games and runs and has over 10 TDs, RB position has been the MC bread and butter for decades and seeing it as a work in progress got some of the Boo Birds out, but my hand to God I definitely gave Taylor some rope here. They added in Madden Wilson near mid season and he's been really coming on. He's more of a traditional 5'10 RB.

Defensively is where you have heard me be critical. They have let up 261 points in 12 games after letting up under 150 in 14 the past two seasons. So you could see my and many other fans frustrations, but I also was aware that it was a work in progress, and while I have seen flashes of brilliance, I've also seen many plays where the youth and inexperience has shown. The Defense is also very young, 5 juniors, 2 Sophomores and 1 mammoth Freshmen in Caleb "Bonecrusher" Tucker in at nose! Several other players have been shuffled in to try to make the best fit, and it looks like they found the best 11 the past few weeks even though Sophomore MLB Roman Igwebuike left in an ambulance against Normal and I'm not sure what the status is. So now, my position breakdown vs. SR

Quarterback- Advantage MC. Fine job by SR's Armbruster and I heard he set SR's single season passing record, and he's just a junior! But he's going up against MC's Superman in Jack Elliott. He has shattered all MC QB records, has been the vocal and physical leader on and off the field, reminds me of Jordan Lynch and how he took NIU on his back and lead his junior and senior year by playing with ultimate toughness. And he missed the BR game, came back probably 3 weeks too soon and did what he could when he was obviously nowhere near full strength. He seems to be moving well and back to normal so let's see how he finishes his MC career.

Running Back- Advantage SR- as discussed above it was a work in progress for MC and this is where SR has their Superman in Nick Herman. He's put together a great senior ride and I know this games means a lot to him. He had a fumble in the 2022 semifinal that led to MC taking the lead and I know he will give everything he has this game to make up for that.

WR's- Advantage MC- See above for my assessment on the MC WR's I believe it's in paragraph 2, page 10 😀. SR had some good WRs, your QB doesn't break records without them but this is clear MC here.

OL- I'm going to go with even here. The 4 junior lineman have gelled well for MC and I have never seen a SR team without a good line so let's say it's a draw.

Defense
DL- Slight MC....SR has a 4 man front while MC, despite occasionally using a 4 man front, does a 3 man front with USC commit Junior Braedon Jones, Freshman Tucker at nose and then DE Junior Joey Quinn who has seen the D1 offers begin to come in with Iowa St and Kansas recently offering. I think Quinn has been great at DE, Tucker is 6'4 330 and can move, handling that position outstanding for a freshman, but I want to see more out of Jones. He draws double teams but I still want to see that next gear, he checks all the boxes physically. SR front is always tough. Is Daniher back? I saw him in and out but I know he's knee was banged up.

LB- Slight SR- how can this be slight SR with CCL Blue Defensive Player of the Year Mucha with MC? Because SR has the CCL Green Lawless Winner in Justin Buckner, and he's teamed up with James Kingsbury and Owen Lynch. If Roman was healthy I would make
this a draw but it didn't look good for him so this position goes to SR but not without giving major props to Matt Mucha who has a motor that never stops and makes tackle after tackle after tackle.

Secondary- Advantage MC- it was a work in progress for MC. Saw about 5 different combinations of DBs but I think they got it right now. Javy Payne is a D1 DB and had been playing through injury. He has 13 ints in 2 seasons. Zander Gorman goes 100mph, 100 % of the time and sometimes that costs him but he doesn't have an off switch. Sophomore Taveras Harrington has been tested by many teams but really has come along . At 6'2 I see him drawing numerous D1 offers soon. I admit I don't know much about this position from SRs side but I have heard they have had growing pains.

Special Teams- Normally hands down SR but I saw the kicker miss 4 FGs against Willowbrook. Despite that, this still goes to SR as I think MC had tried 1 FG, and made it, and I think they have punted maybe 6 times this year as Coach Lynch doesn't like to waste another try at a first down....live by the sword, die by the sword!

After all that, my prediction? Check back Friday! Cheers

Great breakdown @McCaravan . SR is clicking on all cylinders at the right time. 7740 S. Western will be jumping at 3pm.

 

[septon34]

MC 35 Rita 14

That is the likely outcome. But SR is due for some magic. They should break out the 1994 unis

 

[septon34]

I agree with the poster. I definitely respect MC, and all it represents. In today’s world and Chicago specifically, it is pretty unique and cool to see two all-boys south side city schools fighting for a state title birth at 77th & Western. I still wish the stadium at 63rd & Claremont was around for this game, as it was such a classic and unique venue.

 

[Silver Rain]

the stadium at 63rd & Claremont

Which was an outdoor replica of the old school basketball gym, also on 63rd St., where the stands were almost vertical, the fans on top of each other, and the cheering so loud that it seemed like the fans, even more than players, decided the outcome of the game.

 

[McCaravan]

I agree with the poster. I definitely respect MC, and all it represents. In today’s world and Chicago specifically, it is pretty unique and cool to see two all-boys south side city schools fighting for a state title birth at 77th & Western. I still wish the stadium at 63rd & Claremont was around for this game, as it was such a classic and unique venue.

Such a great stadium. With the speed of todays game can you imagine how many players would run through they wall in the endzone now! That 1988 game.....Dan Miller never threw the ball that many times the whole year combined. But it was so muddy MC couldn't get the veer going in the mud, plus SRs front 7 were killing MC. Then Lenti realized our receivers in muddy shoes were faster then Rita's DBs in muddy shoes, let's pass! It worked. Had it been played at Gately on turf it actually would have been to Rita's advantage I think because Gordon and Sierra would have had good days on the turf and our veer vs Rita's front would have similar to how it went in 1989.

 

[septon34]

Such a great stadium. With the speed of todays game can you imagine how many players would run through they wall in the endzone now! That 1988 game.....Dan Miller never threw the ball that many times the whole year combined. But it was so muddy MC couldn't get the veer going in the mud, plus SRs front 7 were killing MC. Then Lenti realized our receivers in muddy shoes were faster than Rita's DBs in muddy shoes, let's pass! It worked. Had it been played at Gately on turf it actually would have been to Rita's advantage I think because Gordon and Sierra would have had good days on the turf and our veer vs Rita's front would have similar to how it went in 1989.

Hard to imagine two better atmospheres than the 88 and 89 games. I was sitting on the MC side in 88, as close as you could get to 64th and Oakley. Was so dejected after MC dominated the 2nd half.

I am sure there were bigger crowds for the MC v JCA games with McNabb and Alston, but that 89 game was the most people I saw inside (and outside the gates of) Gately. Rita was fortunate that Lenti went ultra conservative

 

[Silver Rain]

A hundred years of cheers and tears and it all comes down to this: Jack Elliott is a Rembrandt, while everyone else is playing with crayons.

 

[chakazulu89]

Such a great stadium. With the speed of todays game can you imagine how many players would run through they wall in the endzone now! That 1988 game.....Dan Miller never threw the ball that many times the whole year combined. But it was so muddy MC couldn't get the veer going in the mud, plus SRs front 7 were killing MC. Then Lenti realized our receivers in muddy shoes were faster then Rita's DBs in muddy shoes, let's pass! It worked. Had it been played at Gately on turf it actually would have been to Rita's advantage I think because Gordon and Sierra would have had good days on the turf and our veer vs Rita's front would have similar to how it went in 1989.

My good friend and old neighbor Nairobi Allen who played RB was on that 88 team.

 

[McCaravan]

My good friend and old neighbor Nairobi Allen who played RB was on that 88 team.

Him and Ed Stewart were a great backfield!

 

[DeanOfSelection]

Nairobi Allen began my indoctrination into MC football. I can still see him breaking some nice runs at Marist 6A round 2 in '88 and of course the long TD run in the final vs Flyer.

 

[septon34]

Nairobi Allen began my indoctrination into MC football. I can still see him breaking some nice runs at Marist 6A round 2 in '88 and of course the long TD run in the final vs Flyer.

Pains me to credit MC, but that was an incredible run in 88. They had to beat all the top teams in the state to win the title.

 

[McCaravan]

Pains me to credit MC, but that was an incredible run in 88. They had to beat all the top teams in the state to win the title.

Not one senior starter went on to play D1. Just a class of tough nose blue collar players. Allen went on to NIU that was classified as D1-AA at the time. Junior class had Ed Stewart who went on to star at LB for Nebraska and JJ Strong who had a good run for the Illini.

 

[DeanOfSelection]

MC 35 Rita 14

I wish that was accurate, but I am not seeing it. 6th game in 3 years, AT Rita, this is like 2 scorpions in a bottle.

 

[Silver Rain]

Nairobi Allen began my indoctrination into MC football. I can still see him breaking some nice runs at Marist 6A round 2 in '88 and of course the long TD run in the final vs Flyer.

Allen had two long TD runs, one for 62 and the other for 53, against ESL. TE Mark Norville had several key catches for that '88 team, including the "miracle catch" against HF. Here's the Flyer game, with MC wearing their lucky yellow pants.

 

[RockSoup]

Let's discuss...

Well How the funk can I follow that up?!?! Great analysis by McCar. Superhero who even found spare time last week to pull me off the ledge after the Willowbrook game.

My 2 cents:

Can the St. Rita D keep Elliot and his dangerous legs in the pocket on the majority of snaps?

Can the St. Rita QB Armbruster tuck and run it at the appropriate times when nothing is available and green is in front of him?

Can the St. Rita D not get roped-a-doped by Coach Lynch's well-timed and indeterminant use of major misdirection plays? I refuse to call them 'trick' plays, they are solid play calls, period. In Week 2, the two major first half plays to get Mt. Carmel a 14-0 lead were a 50 yard flea-flicker for a TD and a 50 yard reverse to the 1 yard line. A short field from an interception to get to 20. And then some throwaway TD with a minute to go (with the 2-point conversion) to show the score to the public as 28-0 and making me sound like an idiot trying to explain that the St. Rita D didn't play too bad. (Disclaimer: Elliot was possibly 75% healthy in that game)

Can the St. Rita O get their athletes out in space against such a quick, tough D?

Can the St. Rita D disrupt Mt. Carmel's high red zone play action shots?

Can both teams' skill players make excellent-tackling defenses miss enough tackles to move the chains and more importantly, put points on the board?

Can the young St. Rita secondary keep 5 yard passes to a gain of 5 yards and keep all the talented Mt. Carmel Wide Receivers in front of them to keep chunk plays in check?

Can the St. Rita Wide Receivers block the aggressive and great-pursuit Mt. Carmel D to turn 2-yard gains into 6-8 yard gains?

Here's hoping to a great rivalry game that has marked the passage of time for so many generations of South Side Chicago Catholics for over a century. And with nearly all my questions dependent upon St. Rita's answers on Saturday, and a healthy-enough Jack Elliot, I put the Caravan, today, as a solid low-double-digit favorite this coming Saturday afternoon. The math does not lie. It's 105-17 in the last 3 matchups. But if St. Rita answers those questions posed above, this St. Rita alum and fan, who turns 17 years old every time these two teams meet, might be able to pound a few Old Styles and actually get a full night's sleep waiting for the 106th meeting, instead of being shook awake in a ball of sweat from the night terrors of gold pants, brown and white Cardigans, Furjanics, McGrews, Domers, Scapulars etc. Godspeed young Mustangs. St. Rita of Cascia...Pray for Us!

 

[RockSoup]

Plus I get a second chance to ask Coach Martin and Coach Jordan to sign a brand new Clincher around 2:40pm Saturday for the season-long winner of the CCL/ESCC pick ‘em contest.

I can’t see anything wrong with my plan.

 

[eireog]

Plus I get a second chance to ask Coach Martin and Coach Jordan to sign a brand new Clincher around 2:40pm Saturday for the season-long winner of the CCL/ESCC pick ‘em contest.

I can’t see anything wrong with my plan.

Would Coach Hopkins be so bold as to do the same for a raffle prize at next summers Papa Hops tournament?

 

[RockSoup]

Would Coach Hopkins be so bold as to do the same for a raffle prize at next summers Papa Hops tournament?

I wouldn't know. But what I do know is that they are a phenomenal family and foundation.

https://papahops.org/

 

[eireog]

I wouldn't know. But what I do know is that they are a phenomenal family and foundation.

https://papahops.org/

Indeed, and probably the second biggest tournament in Chicago behind “No Glove Nationals”. Hey Jordan, you mind signing a few of these before kickoff?

 

[MCCaravan6410]

How healthy are SR and MC on both sides of the ball? If both teams are at full strength, I certainly think this game could go either way, or at least will be a classic battle to the end. Any key injuries/players out this weekend?

And sorry if I missed it somewhere above. I’ll admit I am lazy and don’t always have the time or patience to skim through everything.

Go Caravan!

 

[McCaravan]

How healthy are SR and MC on both sides of the ball? If both teams are at full strength, I certainly think this game could go either way, or at least will be a classic battle to the end. Any key injuries/players out this weekend?

And sorry if I missed it somewhere above. I’ll admit I am lazy and don’t always have the time or patience to skim through everything.

Go Caravan!

Week 13 everyone is banged up but MC is down a couple starters but have very capable players in replacement.

 

[McCaravan]

Well I said I would give my prediction on Friday, and I kinda did on the CCL Spread post but I'll give a more detailed one here. @ignazio or anyone else, you may want to save this for your next extended bathroom trip!

2022 weighs heavily on my mind. That year MC won in week one 35-3. Same two teams met in the semifinals and MC won 20-9 but let's be honest, it didn't feel like they won. They lost 3 and 1/4 quarters of that game and just threw a bad int deep in their own territory when they were losing 9-7. MC couldn't buy a break. Then one came. SR fumbled after the INT, MC recovered and never looked back. Now this game of Football, MC Football in particular has been a staple of my life (Family, Friends, God, Caravan) and I've watched enough to know you can't base one games outcome on a similar situation. So what happened in 2022 doesn't mean it will automatically happen again in 2024....at least me and my aging heart hope not. I also don't buy into revenge factor games. They are great to get teams and crowds hyped up, but once the ball is kicked off, you have to play the game. So I believe in traditional X's and O's, leaving room for error, especially teenagers making errors and Coaches/Assistants making errors, many of which are doing this as a side job and second source of income and don't have all day to watch film. And of course the weather! So based off the science of Football here are my thoughts.

Weather- Cloudy and seasonably cold, not outrageously cold like the Artic 2022 game, just typical November weather, my somewhat reliable phone app doesn't have the wind symbol in any hours of play. So weather should not play a factor.

X's and O's- Week 2 MC won 28-0. Jack Elliott almost didn't play. His body went into severe dehydration during the Hun game where he could barely move but you wouldn't know it until maybe the final drive where he just seemed tired, but he was in need of several IVs and days of monitoring, was told he didn't practice the whole week until the Thursday walk through when he was cleared...still did pretty good that game! Well Jack is still not 100%, it's week 13 nobody is, but while it was noticeable he wasn't his normal self the last 3 regular season games, he has shown in the playoffs that maybe there was a method to their madness holding him back and releasing him slowly, and slowly and slowly, until finally they give him the full green light. If Jack is on, then so will the MC offense and you will know quickly if he is. Is MC's Offense better then SR's defense? When things are clicking, I think so. Rita has a VERY good defense and they will make plays and things difficult on MC. But can they do it for 4 quarters? Can their secondary consistently cover Burrell, Lehman and Thornton? I think MC will find the endzone 4 times with the final one being late in the game.

Lets flip the script to defense. MC's thorn in the side this year. There is talent everywhere. They have a DE committed to USC with another one with numerous D1 offers, and a 6'4 330 pound Noseguard in the middle, they have the CCL Blue Defensive Player of the Year at LB, they have a D1 DB with 13 picks in two years. The DC has 2 State Rings with a third as a player, he knows this game. So what has been the issue? Youth? Players taking plays off? Other teams just having explosive offenses? All the above? What I'm guessing in todays RPO system and the days of three yards and a cloud of dust being over, having superior defenses that pitch shut out after shut out is nearing its end. It seems to be the day of "We can't stop them we can only hope to contain them". Can your offense out score ours and can your defense slow us down and come up with a big play when needed. Rita also has a fine offense. They have a strong senior leader at RB in Herman and a fine junior QB in Armbruster. Rita's offense has never been described as explosive and they take pride in that. They aren't designed to strike quick and move fast. They slow the clock, but they aren't one dimensional either, they hurt you by land and air, it's just not a track meet. I think these offenses are where this MC defense has had more success in.

Coaches- Jordan Lynch came to MC with many of their loyal supporters giving him the middle finger and many swearing to never support MC again after how the coaching change took place. He blocked it out, revamped an offense built for the veer with no players he recruited and took them to the semifinals his first year and damn near made it to the Championship. The following season he went 14-0. He's followed that up with 2 more rings. He's become probably the best offensive minded coach in Illinois. He's very hard to predict, he will run a play for a TD and you may not see it again for 3 weeks. They are very hard to prepare for. He lives by the sword and dies by it. "Why punt if I have another down? Why go for 3 when I can get 6?" He gambles and MC can get screwed by it. We gave Naz 14 points on short fields when we were stopped on 4th down. I think this year he's realized as the season went on with this defense we can't be going all in all the time. But he's been in almost every situation in his 7th season, he's battle tested and I'm guessing some of those alums who swore off MC have come back to Dante. Marty Hopkins is the total opposite. He came into SR with open arms. Proud son of Rita passing the torch to another one with a storied playing career at Rita and a strong family who are well respected in the community. Slam dunk of a hire keeping the tradition strong. Hops is a Defensive minded Coach, which is to be expected from a man who was an excellent Linebacker. But he has had a Veteran staff around him to help him through these first two seasons. A strong start to 2023 came apart with injuries and bad luck that gave them a first round matchup on the road at MC who was really pissed that they gave a game away to Loyola that they had many chances to win. They didn't pack it in, they regrouped and won the Prep Bowl, and they credit that Prep Bowl to the success they had this year.

The Unknowns- Will there be an injury to a pivotal player? Will turnovers happen? Will teams take advantage of every break they get? Again unknown.

Shut up already and predict- For Rita- They stuck to their game plan and traditional style of play all year and they beat the teams they should have soundly. They didn't play LA this year but I would have liked to see that game. They had a rough game against an explosive Naz team, but they beat BR on the road when not many thought they could. It wasn't a barn burner at 14-7, but Rice, an explosive team on all accounts, played right into Rita's hand. But Rice had a junior QB making his third start and was a deer in headlights with Rita's defense and Buckner coming at him. MC has Elliott. Been there done that QB who dares LBs to blitz him and welcomes the challenge. He just has that confidence, and when you have a player like that, who has the ball in his hands every play and the endless playbook of what to do with it, you have to bet on him to win in a big game. So I'm going MC 27 (missed XP) SR 17....a push on the 10 points Rita is getting. Your thoughts? Please don't feel the need to get as long winded as me, this is my hoobie, I'm a lousy fisherman and have no patience for woodworking or auto repair 😀. Cheers! Go Caravan!!

 

[Jenny27]

Well I said I would give my prediction on Friday, and I kinda did on the CCL Spread post but I'll give a more detailed one here. @ignazio or anyone else, you may want to save this for your next extended bathroom trip!

2022 weighs heavily on my mind. That year MC won in week one 35-3. Same two teams met in the semifinals and MC won 20-9 but let's be honest, it didn't feel like they won. They lost 3 and 1/4 quarters of that game and just threw a bad int deep in their own territory when they were losing 9-7. MC couldn't buy a break. Then one came. SR fumbled after the INT, MC recovered and never looked back. Now this game of Football, MC Football in particular has been a staple of my life (Family, Friends, God, Caravan) and I've watched enough to know you can't base one games outcome on a similar situation. So what happened in 2022 doesn't mean it will automatically happen again in 2024....at least me and my aging heart hope not. I also don't buy into revenge factor games. They are great to get teams and crowds hyped up, but once the ball is kicked off, you have to play the game. So I believe in traditional X's and O's, leaving room for error, especially teenagers making errors and Coaches/Assistants making errors, many of which are doing this as a side job and second source of income and don't have all day to watch film. And of course the weather! So based off the science of Football here are my thoughts.

Weather- Cloudy and seasonably cold, not outrageously cold like the Artic 2022 game, just typical November weather, my somewhat reliable phone app doesn't have the wind symbol in any hours of play. So weather should not play a factor.

X's and O's- Week 2 MC won 28-0. Jack Elliott almost didn't play. His body went into severe dehydration during the Hun game where he could barely move but you wouldn't know it until maybe the final drive where he just seemed tired, but he was in need of several IVs and days of monitoring, was told he didn't practice the whole week until the Thursday walk through when he was cleared...still did pretty good that game! Well Jack is still not 100%, it's week 13 nobody is, but while it was noticeable he wasn't his normal self the last 3 regular season games, he has shown in the playoffs that maybe there was a method to their madness holding him back and releasing him slowly, and slowly and slowly, until finally they give him the full green light. If Jack is on, then so will the MC offense and you will know quickly if he is. Is MC's Offense better then SR's defense? When things are clicking, I think so. Rita has a VERY good defense and they will make plays and things difficult on MC. But can they do it for 4 quarters? Can their secondary consistently cover Burrell, Lehman and Thornton? I think MC will find the endzone 4 times with the final one being late in the game.

Lets flip the script to defense. MC's thorn in the side this year. There is talent everywhere. They have a DE committed to USC with another one with numerous D1 offers, and a 6'4 330 pound Noseguard in the middle, they have the CCL Blue Defensive Player of the Year at LB, they have a D1 DB with 13 picks in two years. The DC has 2 State Rings with a third as a player, he knows this game. So what has been the issue? Youth? Players taking plays off? Other teams just having explosive offenses? All the above? What I'm guessing in todays RPO system and the days of three yards and a cloud of dust being over, having superior defenses that pitch shut out after shut out is nearing its end. It seems to be the day of "We can't stop them we can only hope to contain them". Can your offense out score ours and can your defense slow us down and come up with a big play when needed. Rita also has a fine offense. They have a strong senior leader at RB in Herman and a fine junior QB in Armbruster. Rita's offense has never been described as explosive and they take pride in that. They aren't designed to strike quick and move fast. They slow the clock, but they aren't one dimensional either, they hurt you by land and air, it's just not a track meet. I think these offenses are where this MC defense has had more success in.

Coaches- Jordan Lynch came to MC with many of their loyal supporters giving him the middle finger and many swearing to never support MC again after how the coaching change took place. He blocked it out, revamped an offense built for the veer with no players he recruited and took them to the semifinals his first year and damn near made it to the Championship. The following season he went 14-0. He's followed that up with 2 more rings. He's become probably the best offensive minded coach in Illinois. He's very hard to predict, he will run a play for a TD and you may not see it again for 3 weeks. They are very hard to prepare for. He lives by the sword and dies by it. "Why punt if I have another down? Why go for 3 when I can get 6?" He gambles and MC can get screwed by it. We gave Naz 14 points on short fields when we were stopped on 4th down. I think this year he's realized as the season went on with this defense we can't be going all in all the time. But he's been in almost every situation in his 7th season, he's battle tested and I'm guessing some of those alums who swore off MC have come back to Dante. Marty Hopkins is the total opposite. He came into SR with open arms. Proud son of Rita passing the torch to another one with a storied playing career at Rita and a strong family who are well respected in the community. Slam dunk of a hire keeping the tradition strong. Hops is a Defensive minded Coach, which is to be expected from a man who was an excellent Linebacker. But he has had a Veteran staff around him to help him through these first two seasons. A strong start to 2023 came apart with injuries and bad luck that gave them a first round matchup on the road at MC who was really pissed that they gave a game away to Loyola that they had many chances to win. They didn't pack it in, they regrouped and won the Prep Bowl, and they credit that Prep Bowl to the success they had this year.

The Unknowns- Will there be an injury to a pivotal player? Will turnovers happen? Will teams take advantage of every break they get? Again unknown.

Shut up already and predict- For Rita- They stuck to their game plan and traditional style of play all year and they beat the teams they should have soundly. They didn't play LA this year but I would have liked to see that game. They had a rough game against an explosive Naz team, but they beat BR on the road when not many thought they could. It wasn't a barn burner at 14-7, but Rice, an explosive team on all accounts, played right into Rita's hand. But Rice had a junior QB making his third start and was a deer in headlights with Rita's defense and Buckner coming at him. MC has Elliott. Been there done that QB who dares LBs to blitz him and welcomes the challenge. He just has that confidence, and when you have a player like that, who has the ball in his hands every play and the endless playbook of what to do with it, you have to bet on him to win in a big game. So I'm going MC 27 (missed XP) SR 17....a push on the 10 points Rita is getting. Your thoughts? Please don't feel the need to get as long winded as me, this is my hoobie, I'm a lousy fisherman and have no patience for woodworking or auto repair 😀. Cheers! Go Caravan!!

Great thoughts. Has Nico ever missed an XP?

 

[McCaravan]

Great thoughts. Has Nico ever missed an XP?

I know he did against BR. Maybe we missed one on the couple games he missed, but the BR game he did. I think they only tried 1 FG to my memory.