Q of the Week: So who is the Preseason #1 ranked IHSA Football Team in Illinois?

[JCHillmen]

I think you are looking at the petition from a different point of view. When ESL started petitioning up to 7A, it was to maintain the class that they had competed in since the 8 class system was put in place. At the time, this board crucified ESL and called the coaches arrogant for not wanting to play 6A. The petition wasn't used to avoid a specific team nor create a favorable lane for a championship. In '13 and '14 ESL had two of their worse teams in recent memory and made it to the semi's and Qtr's with a 6-3/ 5-4 regular season record. I am sure LA felt the same way after competing in 8A for all those years. If the conference was ESL would pretty much stay 7A for ever.

On the other hand, I can see some teams opting to move higher to avoid certain teams in the playoffs. So far that trend hasn't started yet but we will see what the future holds.

No doubt LA, ESL, and SR are doing it because they like to play up as much as possible. LA benefitted a few times just by happenstance, but they weren't avoiding MC. It is just unfortunate that it gave both teams a "lighter" route the last few years, though there was certainly no avoidance intended. ESL we know will play anyone. SR is the headscratcher in that they petition up, but would seem to be perfectly competitive in 5A and 6A most years. So props to them for wanting to stretch beyond that.

 

[Cross Bones]

Requesting up to avoid one team makes no sense because you're moving up to a more difficult field on whole. It may seem reasonable if you're a school that completely outmatches either field except for the 1 school.

 

[MCCaravan6410]

Is BR still 5A? I think that’s wild

 

[McCaravan]

Is BR still 5A? I think that’s wild

I believe they will be back in 7A but the new rules that were recently set

 

[MMA_Det]

Pre season #1 IMO goes to LWE

MC has a stacked team but struggled on D last year and are up a class

DGN should be in everyone’s top 5

 

[ramblinman]

I’ve noticed they have not had the same level of success on the lower levels the last few years as has been their standard. Is it fair to wonder if there might be a drop in the talent level hitting the varsity the next few years?

I've noticed the same and have wondered if this could be the result of a growing DePaul Prep, as Loyola has traditionally drawn students from all across the northside of the city.

DePaul Prep's enrollment of around 1,350 is double what it was when they moved to their new campus five years ago. While I think that Loyola's enrollment has remained stable, it wouldn't surprise me at all if some student athletes who, up until DePaul's resurgence would have gone to Loyola, are now choosing to study and participate in athletics closer to home at DePaul Prep.

I couldn't be happier for Pat Mahoney, the current DePaul Prep AD. Pat was the former Loyola AD who went to DePaul Prep after being made the fall guy for something out of his control at Loyola. I believe that the successful athletics program he has built since being hired at DPP in 2018 has been a key driver of enrollment growth for the school.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

I've noticed the same and have wondered if this could be the result of a growing DePaul Prep, as Loyola has traditionally drawn students from all across the northside of the city.

DePaul Prep's enrollment of around 1,350 is double what it was when they moved to their new campus five years ago. While I think that Loyola's enrollment has remained stable, it wouldn't surprise me at all if some student athletes who, up until DePaul's resurgence would have gone to Loyola, are now choosing to study and participate in athletics closer to home at DePaul Prep.

I couldn't be happier for Pat Mahoney, the current DePaul Prep AD. Pat was the former Loyola AD who went to DePaul Prep after being made the fall guy for something out of his control at Loyola. I believe that the successful athletics program he has built since being hired at DPP in 2018 has been a key driver of enrollment growth for the school.

A kid that "might" only have realistic upside of a one year starter at Loyola but maybe 2 year starter at DePaul and stay closer to home would for sure be appealing, I would think.

 

[MMA_Det]

I've noticed the same and have wondered if this could be the result of a growing DePaul Prep, as Loyola has traditionally drawn students from all across the northside of the city.

DePaul Prep's enrollment of around 1,350 is double what it was when they moved to their new campus five years ago. While I think that Loyola's enrollment has remained stable, it wouldn't surprise me at all if some student athletes who, up until DePaul's resurgence would have gone to Loyola, are now choosing to study and participate in athletics closer to home at DePaul Prep.

I couldn't be happier for Pat Mahoney, the current DePaul Prep AD. Pat was the former Loyola AD who went to DePaul Prep after being made the fall guy for something out of his control at Loyola. I believe that the successful athletics program he has built since being hired at DPP in 2018 has been a key driver of enrollment growth for the school.

No specific reasons were given for Mahoney's departure in either the school's press release nor the Aug. 8 letter to the Loyola community.
School officials only said that he was going "to pursue other professional opportunities"

 

[ramblinman]

No specific reasons were given for Mahoney's departure in either the school's press release nor the Aug. 8 letter to the Loyola community.
School officials only said that he was going "to pursue other professional opportunities

Pretty standard language.

 

[Silver Rain]

struggled on D last year

True, they had a few letdowns, but most of the starters were freshmen, sophs, and juniors. This year, they'll be much better. Should handle East with ease.

Remember, you are the guy who said last August that MC's receiving corps was depleted. Turned out to be a major strength.

 

[USD24]

I've noticed the same and have wondered if this could be the result of a growing DePaul Prep, as Loyola has traditionally drawn students from all across the northside of the city.

DePaul Prep's enrollment of around 1,350 is double what it was when they moved to their new campus five years ago. While I think that Loyola's enrollment has remained stable, it wouldn't surprise me at all if some student athletes who, up until DePaul's resurgence would have gone to Loyola, are now choosing to study and participate in athletics closer to home at DePaul Prep.

I couldn't be happier for Pat Mahoney, the current DePaul Prep AD. Pat was the former Loyola AD who went to DePaul Prep after being made the fall guy for something out of his control at Loyola. I believe that the successful athletics program he has built since being hired at DPP in 2018 has been a key driver of enrollment growth for the school.

Pat Mahoney-great guy and great AD.

 

[ramblinman]

Pat Mahoney-great guy and great AD.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[MMA_Det]

True, they had a few letdowns, but most of the starters were freshmen, sophs, and juniors. This year, they'll be much better. Should handle East with ease.

Remember, you are the guy who said last August that MC's receiving corps was depleted. Turned out to have been a major strength.

I watched a few game and was really impressed with the young receivers

 

[ramblinman]

A kid that "might" only have realistic upside of a one year starter at Loyola but maybe 2 year starter at DePaul and stay closer to home would for sure be appealing, I would think.

Or a kid who would realistically never be a starter at Loyola but a 1st or 2nd teamer at DePaul might also find it more appealing to stay closer to home. Although, in recent years, LA's 2nd and 3rd teams see plenty of action in the regular season and early round playoffs (but it's tough to convince a kid on that).

 

[crusader_of_90]

In recent years, LA's 2nd and 3rd teams see plenty of action in the regular season and early round playoffs (but it's tough to convince a kid on that).

Ya know, that's the key to building a long-sustaining winning culture.

 

[MMA_Det]

Ya know, that's the key to building a long-sustaining winning culture.

East Side doesn’t field a Soph team, I was surprised by that

 

[ramblinman]

Ya know, that's the key to building a long-sustaining winning culture.

It has been a primary ingredient in LA's secret sauce for around 15 years or so.

 

[McCaravan]

I've noticed the same and have wondered if this could be the result of a growing DePaul Prep, as Loyola has traditionally drawn students from all across the northside of the city.

DePaul Prep's enrollment of around 1,350 is double what it was when they moved to their new campus five years ago. While I think that Loyola's enrollment has remained stable, it wouldn't surprise me at all if some student athletes who, up until DePaul's resurgence would have gone to Loyola, are now choosing to study and participate in athletics closer to home at DePaul Prep.

I couldn't be happier for Pat Mahoney, the current DePaul Prep AD. Pat was the former Loyola AD who went to DePaul Prep after being made the fall guy for something out of his control at Loyola. I believe that the successful athletics program he has built since being hired at DPP in 2018 has been a key driver of enrollment growth for the school.

Wondering how Tom Zbikowski arrival at Pats will be with recruiting players. It won't be instant success but I have a feeling he will do really well there

 

[MsDavis10]

Wondering how Tom Zbikowski arrival at Pats will be with recruiting players. It won't be instant success but I have a feeling he will do really well there

One thing they should have in their favor the next (at least) 3 years will be scheduling. Does the name carry weight with the players or the players’ parents? He was an All American in ‘06 while the incoming frosh class would have been born in ‘11-‘12.

 

[crusader_of_90]

DePaul is set to be a player going forward. It has an awesome campus and great amenities. Moreso, it's location. Academically, I understand it is bordering elite. Local families can save the commute to LA or Iggy and get the same/better education, plus extracurriculars, in a nice neighborhood.

 

[McCaravan]

One thing they should have in their favor the next (at least) 3 years will be scheduling. Does the name carry weight with the players or the players’ parents? He was an All American in ‘06 while the incoming frosh class would have been born in ‘11-‘12.

Any Notre Dame All Americans carry weight with most football fan Dads of the kids. While the kids will have never heard of him a a quick Google search will reveal an outstanding College career and 5 year NFL career. Plus a collegiate coaching stint in recent years. He's a great football mind, I think he will recruit well.

 

[Dave Brody]

DePaul is set to be a player going forward. It has an awesome campus and great amenities. Moreso, it's location. Academically, I understand it is bordering elite. Local families can save the commute to LA or Iggy and get the same/better education, plus extracurriculars, in a nice neighborhood.

The campus is pretty cool. They have a good thing going sports wise.