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Pound for pound

doctor_d

Well-Known Member
Oct 9, 2016
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Most dominant and/or best pound for pound team based on school size / enrollment?

(Not meant to launch another P v P debate. I have my feelings on that, and so does everyone else, so keep them elsewhere)

My top 3

1. Althoff
2. Montini
3. ESL
 
I could probably switch ESL to number 2. It was difficult. I think 6A south this year wasn’t particularly great, even though ESL ran through it like a hot knife through butter.
 
I think it's very plausible that Althoff could have won the 2A, 3A, or maybe even 4A championship.
Perhaps.
While their performance against overmatched Lena was very impressive, Althoff got taken to the wire earlier in the season vs 3A Tolono Unity.
Montini is far superior to Unity.
 
I would put JCA 4th at an enrollment of 589. They ran into a larger enrollment and better team in the finals, but played them tough and almost pulled it out. They ran through an admittedly weak 5A South fairly easily and beat a quality 7A team in Fenwick and a very good 8A team in Marist during the regular season.
 
I could probably switch ESL to number 2. It was difficult. I think 6A south this year wasn’t particularly great, even though ESL ran through it like a hot knife through butter.
Seems to me like more proof that ESL is not playing in the proper class 🤷‍♂️
 
Seems to me like more proof that ESL is not playing in the proper class 🤷‍♂️
A possible Naz/ESL matchup in next year's 6A playoffs would be an excellent opportunity for you to sandbag. In fact, if ESL is anything close next year to what they were this year, I'm not sure I'd call it sandbagging. I don't see that potential matchup going well for your Roadrunners.
 
A possible Naz/ESL matchup in next year's 6A playoffs would be an excellent opportunity for you to sandbag. In fact, if ESL is anything close next year to what they were this year, I'm not sure I'd call it sandbagging. I don't see that potential matchup going well for your Roadrunners.
True we won’t have the 3 time champ QB and the Stanford Bound defensive nightmare. But I’ll take a Racki led staff in November any day
 
They aren't. They are supposed to be in 5a.
And Naz in 4a but yet both are being accused of not playing in their proper class because they cruise through the higher class already. The difference is Naz is forced to play above their means ESL chooses to. We can call that cowardly or heroic but at the end of the day both teams are playing up so the whole “you’re scared” argument is stupid. Naz is going to be forced to play 2 classes above their enrollment next year JCA closer to 3 classes above and yet they are scared because they didn’t do it voluntarily but ESL who is only playing 1 class above enrollment is the epitome of bravery for playing in a class one above their enrollment where they know they have an easy path coming out of the south every year in 6a. Why not stay down in 5a? That path was just as easy this year only a JCA team being forced to play up to worry about.
 
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And Naz in 4a but yet both are being accused of not playing in their proper class because they cruise through the higher class already. The difference is Naz is forced to play above their means ESL chooses to. We can call that cowardly or heroic but at the end of the day both teams are playing up so the whole “you’re scared” argument is stupid. Naz is going to be forced to play 2 classes above their enrollment next year JCA closer to 3 classes above and yet they are scared because they didn’t do it voluntarily but ESL who is only playing 1 class above enrollment is the epitome of bravery for playing in a class one above their enrollment where they know they have an easy path coming out of the south every year in 6a. Why not stay down in 5a? That path was just as easy this year only a JCA team being forced to play up to worry about.
You need to direct your anger and frustrations elsewhere. 1, ESL didnt make the rules. ESL isnt forcing you to do anything. Email the IHSA if you are that bothered. 2, I haven't seen any of the ESL folks call Naz or JCA cowards. Thats a strawman. ESL has never played in 5a and they don't sit and cherry pick which class they play in based on who may fall where. You just sound like another angry poster who was chomping at the bit to take an unnecessary, unprovoked dig at ESL.
 
Just indicates that they were in the wrong class 🤷🏾‍♂️

ESL was the first to petition and have petitioned for over 16 years! News flash, 6a is a petition as ESL enrollment is 5A. How about yall quit ducking and answer the call to play!!!

Never mind, you responded when we mentioned Naz playing Cahokia.
Here is your strawman. Looks as though they were just two more posters chomping at the bit to take an unnecessary, unprovoked dig at Naz
 
Coward response. Don’t talk about ESL when it comes to petitioning or playing up. There is no fear. That’s the point. Same for LA and St Rita.

You, on the other hand have a ton of fear but want to bully LT!
ESL and their fans totally wouldn’t call Naz cowards I whole heartedly agree 👌🏻😉
 
When I saw he was another poster questioning whether the SWC petitioning rule was legit I knew he wasnt a poster to take seriously.
Serious question here but what was the point and purpose of the conference rule ? It looks like it went into place after 2018 season. ESL only went to 1 championship game in the previous 10 seasons before that. Were they just mad they kept getting crushed in the regular season ?
 
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Serious question here but what was the point and purpose of the conference rule ? It looks like it went into place after 2018 season. ESL only went to 1 championship game in the previous 10 seasons before that. Were they just mad they kept getting crushed in the regular season ?
Yes, they used a fight that broke out at a TRACK MEET as the catatalis to implement sanctions that they wanted in all sports against us. If you read between the lines the other schools reasons and feelings are clear.
 
Serious question here but what was the point and purpose of the conference rule ? It looks like it went into place after 2018 season. ESL only went to 1 championship game in the previous 10 seasons before that. Were they just mad they kept getting crushed in the regular season ?
The rule was put in place prior to 1-32 seeding. When it was a North and South, the first couple of rounds were basically conference games with either quincy or pekin thrown in the mix. When ESL was a removed from the playoffs, Belleville East made it to the Semis and lost to WWS (2010) which gave the conference the idea. When a new principal came in 2013, she wouldn't allow the football to petition for the next two year cycle which is why ESL was in 6A in 13' and 14'. During that time, Belleville West won a couple of playoff games and eventually lost to MC. Before the strike in 15' a new principal came and allowed the Coach to do whatever he wanted which was petition for 15' and 16'. After the title in 16' the petition was put in for 17' and 18' so that is when they started working on the bylaw. Basketball had fallen to 3A and the conference didn't want basketball to get any bright ideas so the rule was a put in place in 18' although ESL had too finish out the cycle. Belleville West Superintendent was the originator of the rule and submitted it for vote.
 
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When ESL stops hiding behind some made up conference rule and petitions up to play the big boys maybe Naz will join them. But those who live in glass houses….


Is this familiar?
Yes it was in response to the post I shared about Naz not playing in the right class
 
Who needs who more? Does ESL need the conference or does the conference need ESL? Can they consider going independent? Naz had an independent year between PSL and the ESCC
 
Who needs who more? Does ESL need the conference or does the conference need ESL? Can they consider going independent? Naz had an independent year between PSL and the ESCC
Saying Naz had 1 independent year and asking if ESL can go independent are two totally different scenarios.
Naz knew they had a landing spot.
 
Yes it was in response to the post I shared about Naz not playing in the right class
Which they are not and neither is ESL. ESL can easily play in 8A right now however it is not allowed. In no way going through the playoffs and giving up 14 points total is a sign of being were your are capable of playing. The cards are the cards however, no one from ESL is confused about level of play. That is the difference in how we view it versus some of the things you are saying. In no way would we want to play Highland, Triad and Mascoutah for a championship run. We believe in and welcome competition at every turn.
 
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Perhaps.
While their performance against overmatched Lena was very impressive, Althoff got taken to the wire earlier in the season vs 3A Tolono Unity.
Montini is far superior to Unity

Perhaps.
While their performance against overmatched Lena was very impressive, Althoff got taken to the wire earlier in the season vs 3A Tolono Unity.
Montini is far superior to Unity.
If we're looking at that game as a measuring stick. Let's remember it was 35-14 at half, and Unity being the outstanding coached team that it is, picked up a glitch in Althoff's Defensive Backfield, and took advantage. That was what game 4. It was fixed. I'm not picking a winner of Althoff -Montini, but people who are looking at that game as measuring stick might not be aware. I think it's a better game than some might think.
 
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If we're looking at that game as a measuring stick. Let's remember it was 35-14 at half, and Unity being the outstanding coached team that it is, picked up a glitch in Althoff's Defensive Backfield, and took advantage. That was what game 4. It was fixed. I'm not picking a winner of Althoff -Montini, but people who are looking at that game as measuring stick might not be aware. I think it's a better game than some might think.
Curious, how was it fixed?
 
The rule was put in place prior to 1-32 seeding. When i was a North and South, the first couple of rounds were basically conference games with either quincy or pekin thrown in the mix. When ESL was a removed from the playoffs, Belleville East made it to the Semis and lost to WWS (2010) that gave them the idea. When a new principal came in 2013, she wouldn't allow the football to petition for the next two year cycle which is why ESL was in 6A in 13' and 14'. During that time, Belleville West won a couple of playoff games and eventually lost to MC. Before the strike in 15' a new principal came and allowed the Coach to do whatever he wanted which was petition for 15' and 16'. After the title in 16' the petition was put in for 17' and 18' so that is when they started working on the bylaw. Basketball had fallen to 3A and the conference didn't want basketball to get any bright ideas so the rule was a put in place in 18' although ESL had too finish out the cycle. Belleville West Superintendent was the originator of the rule and submitted it for vote.
Can we pin this to the top of the board for everyone?
 
Here is your strawman. Looks as though they were just two more posters chomping at the bit to take an unnecessary, unprovoked dig at Naz
I made a personal statement about Naz and you literally sh** the bed bringing ESL into it, as if anyone would ever believe or consider that Naz can be discussed in the same breath with ESL. ESL is the ONLY school that can write a book on the subject of petitioning up and seeking out competition, win or lose; we have RECEIPTS.

I actually like Naz and their fanbase; we’ve shared hotels at state a couple of times and have had good football conversations over drinks. I’m not even blaming Naz for being in the wrong class; my statement was more so directed at the system.
 
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You need to direct your anger and frustrations elsewhere. 1, ESL didnt make the rules. ESL isnt forcing you to do anything. Email the IHSA if you are that bothered. 2, I haven't seen any of the ESL folks call Naz or JCA cowards. Thats a strawman. ESL has never played in 5a and they don't sit and cherry pick which class they play in based on who may fall where. You just sound like another angry poster who was chomping at the bit to take an unnecessary, unprovoked dig at ESL.
Actually, ESL would love to play in 7A or 8A but there conference will not allow them to go up any further, cause those conference teams do not want to lose to them in the playoffs.
 
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I made a personal statement about Naz and you literally sh** the bed bringing ESL into it, as if anyone would ever believe or consider that Naz can be discussed in the same breath with ESL. ESL is the ONLY school that can write a book on the subject of petitioning up and seeking out competition, win or lose; we have RECEIPTS.

I actually like Naz and their fanbase; we’ve shared hotels at state a couple of times and have had good football conversations over drinks. I’m not even blaming Naz for being in the wrong class; my statement was more so directed at the system.
What class should Naz be in???
 
I made a personal statement about Naz and you literally sh** the bed bringing ESL into it, as if anyone would ever believe or consider that Naz can be discussed in the same breath with ESL. ESL is the ONLY school that can write a book on the subject of petitioning up and seeking out competition, win or lose; we have RECEIPTS.

I actually like Naz and their fanbase; we’ve shared hotels at state a couple of times and have had good football conversations over drinks. I’m not even blaming Naz for being in the wrong class; my statement was more so directed at the system.
I have to apologize the worst part about yesterday is that I actually really do respect ESL and was pulling for them all season on their crazy road show. Even though I didn’t like the outcome of the 2019 title I still remember hanging in the ESL side chatting with fans and watching them win. My colleague and I talk all the time about how ESL takes on literally anyone and everyone that’s awesome. I lost my cool and apparently mind when I thought people were coming at Naz for being 5a and I am man enough to admit my faults. ESL had a very impressive season and truth be told I hope they drop the rule and they can petition up because I don’t want to ever run into that beast down year loaded year….never haha
 
I have to apologize the worst part about yesterday is that I actually really do respect ESL and was pulling for them all season on their crazy road show. Even though I didn’t like the outcome of the 2019 title I still remember hanging in the ESL side chatting with fans and watching them win. My colleague and I talk all the time about how ESL takes on literally anyone and everyone that’s awesome. I lost my cool and apparently mind when I thought people were coming at Naz for being 5a and I am man enough to admit my faults. ESL had a very impressive season and truth be told I hope they drop the rule and they can petition up because I don’t want to ever run into that beast down year loaded year….never haha
All good, man!! Things often get lost in translation. Being married for years has taught me that, lol!
 
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