State Champ Predications

[RoaminCatholic]

The school was literally in the middle of a farm field. It was after harvest on a beautiful fall afternoon. The entire effing town was there - just a TERRIFIC atmosphere and a gorgeous vista. In the middle of it, the hometown boys beat the snot out of the big-city athletes.

Yup, I've personally never had a problem with folks from the nether regions of Adams County. Many who reside in those rural areas have ties or commute to work in Quincy. Plus, growing up quite rural, you respect the farmers for the livelihood they choose to live. It isn't for everyone. But you're right man, I would bet not a single business was open during that game. They live for that..

I do remember a chain guy getting removed from his duties during that game though. I believe my memory is correct on that one... and the narrative explaining why wasn't a very nice one. But, luckily, most folks don't think that way and in the end, they just knew you were city boys, and a private school. That's all the fuel they needed right there.

 

[4Afan]

The school was literally in the middle of a farm field. It was after harvest on a beautiful fall afternoon. The entire effing town was there - just a TERRIFIC atmosphere and a gorgeous vista. In the middle of it, the hometown boys beat the snot out of the big-city athletes.

Perfect example of why I prefer small school football

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I was simply implying that Alhoff have a lot to figure out in terms of discipline, awareness, and just generally need to be better at the small things if they want to compete and beat the likes of these small town schools who consider playing you (Althoff) as their super bowl. That's as good as it'll ever get for Camp Point that day. That was the ultimate moment for them and they captured it, ran with it, and never looked back.

Now, as for the fine folks of Camp Point, Clayton, Columbus, Golden, Coatsburg, Paloma, and any I've missed that make up the Central school district... can't speak on them. They're a breed to themselves and I won't go rambling on about them. I'm not familiar with much of it. But yeah, they're different... And as far as anything else goes... I'll just put this in here, there's an "unincorporated community" probably appropriately named "Blacks" within the Central school district lines. Just a couple miles east of the campus I believe. It's no Brooklyn, IL, but I think it was named for a reason is all I'm saying.

Surely you're not opening THAT box on a high school sports page!

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

The game surrounding CPC and Althoff was a social media twister... No one gave CPC a chance aside from us old running guys. After the game there were a thousand reasons why Althoff lost the game and not CPC winning the game. The same was said after Cary Grove beat EStL 4 years ago. Saying "If they played again EStL would take to the train station". Last year they had their chance... The lesson is: The most discipline team will win. Sure some won't but ya get the gist. There's something to be said for playing football in small towns. The Fall weather, fresh air, the leaves turning, some of the best food, and lots of passion. The drive alone, through the country, does more than a city slickers psychiatrist! I will always take the small country school environment any day!

 

[4Afan]

The game surrounding CPC and Althoff was a social media twister... No one gave CPC a chance aside from us old running guys. After the game there were a thousand reasons why Althoff lost the game and not CPC winning the game. The same was said after Cary Grove beat EStL 4 years ago. Saying "If they played again EStL would take to the train station". Last year they had their chance... The lesson is: The most discipline team will win. Sure some won't but ya get the gist. There's something to be said for playing football in small towns. The Fall weather, fresh air, the leaves turning, some of the best food, and lots of passion. The drive alone, through the country, does more than a city slickers psychiatrist! I will always take the small country school environment any day!

Bingo. ESL has all the talent in the world but they lack discipline.

 

[crusader_of_90]

I would bet not a single business was open during that game. They live for that..

When Leroy came to town the week after Tuscola, I was speaking with some of their fans. Had to mess with them a bit. "You all locked your doors and turned on your alarm systems, yeah? Last week, some crews from East Saint went to Tuscola knowing the town would be empty and hit residential and businesses alike. Cleaned out an entire hardware store even."

They about crapped themselves until I assured them I was messing around. The bumpkins!

 

[LHSTigers94]

Bingo. ESL has all the talent in the world but they lack discipline.

Just to clarify, when ESL scores or win its talent, when ESL get scored on or lose, its Discipline?

 

[4Afan]

Just to clarify, when ESL scores or win its talent, when ESL get scored on or lose, its Discipline?

Where did I say that?

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Just to clarify, when ESL scores or win its talent, when ESL get scored on or lose, its Discipline?

Talent is never an issue with EStL. Discipline is the issue. So many penalties are not called on ESt.L that should cripple them. That is coaching. Are they just inept and can't learn to play the game the correct way? Their talent lets them win games but if they have a bad game, TO's or terrible weather, that talent will not cover their mistakes and penalties.

 

[FB1976]

Just to clarify, when ESL scores or win its talent, when ESL get scored on or lose, its Discipline?

Sometimes talent alone is enough, sometimes it isn't...thems the breaks.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

1A - Camp Point
2A - Althoff
3A - Montini
4A - Rochester
5A - St. Francis (homer pick)
6A - Cary Grove
7A - DGN
8A - LWE

*Not real knowledgeable about 1-4A.

 

[McEvergreen]

I see the ESL haters are out in full swing! Jealousy is never a good look.

 

[rocketnation]

I watched almost all of the two Cary Grove-East St Louis championship games. I don't remember penalties playing a much of a role in the outcomes. I know the Flyers can have issues with personal fouls but thought both games were pretty clean. Last year, I think the Flyers had to play a Freshman QB much of the 2nd half because of an injury to Battle. I think that and Cary Grove's ability to grind out that last drive was more of a factor than penalties/discipline.

 

[Kevin JCHS 81]

I think that and Cary Grove's ability to grind out that last drive was more of a factor than penalties/discipline.

I'm sorry for sounding like a Smart-a##, but isn't being able to grind out a final winning drive in a Championship game, the absolute best Textbook definition of Discipline & penalty free football?

I do understand what you meant though, ESL didn't suffer a lot of unnecessary penalties against CG.

 

[crusader_of_90]

Lest we forget, ESL has been to the finals three years in a row ... winning one. And 42 of the other 45 games played in those years were against spread teams. Option ball is just a PITA.

 

[rocketnation]

I'm sorry for sounding like a Smart-a##, but isn't being able to grind out a final winning drive in a Championship game, the absolute best Textbook definition of Discipline & penalty free football?

I do understand what you meant though, ESL didn't suffer a lot of unnecessary penalties against CG.

You're right, Cary Grove was very disciplined throughout especially on their final drive. I just didn't feel that East St Louis was undisciplined in either of the two games.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I see the ESL haters are out in full swing! Jealousy is never a good look.

I see Cary Grove. Nothing to be jealous of with ESt.L

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I watched almost all of the two Cary Grove-East St Louis championship games. I don't remember penalties playing a much of a role in the outcomes. I know the Flyers can have issues with personal fouls but thought both games were pretty clean. Last year, I think the Flyers had to play a Freshman QB much of the 2nd half because of an injury to Battle. I think that and Cary Grove's ability to grind out that last drive was more of a factor than penalties/discipline.

I agree. Those games against Cary Grove and their discipline showed that with all that talent ESt.L couldn't stop the Trojans. The lack of discipline on the Flyers side was NOT making the correct reads and allowing the power running of CG to blast chunk after chunk of 4-6 yards. If ESt.L would've had its normal amount of penalties the score would've been +14-17 CG.

 

[DisgustingSounds]

I see the ESL haters are out in full swing! Jealousy is never a good look.

I agree. It is very racist to not crown ESL state champs on EdgyTim in August. I bet these folks have to take their klan hats off to look at themselves in the mirror. Disgusting.

 

[greatgig13]

My CG brothers, now is the time to not say a word.

 

[DisgustingSounds]

My CG brothers, now is the time to not say a word.

Yes, save the DisgustingSounds for your cross burning. If you make it far enough to get running clocked by East St. Louis be sure to check out Rochester running clock whoever beats IC.

Also, who is that guy who picked Mt. Zion? Must be getting into RoaminCatholic’s meth. Somebody tell him this isn’t softball.

 

[Alexander32]

1A - Hope Academy
2A - Maroa-Forsyth
3A - Byron
4A - IC Catholic
5A - Prairie Ridge
6A - East St. Louis
7A - Mt. Carmel
8A - Marist

Hope Academy - The program has been improving each year and they were arguably the third best team in 1A last year; three points away from playing Camp Point Central.

Maroa-Forsyth - Maroa-Forsyth has been to the semifinals five times in the last seven playoffs. This year their defense takes one large step forward, Wilmington takes one large step backwards (Maroa hopes), and the weather in late November will be beautiful to help their passing attack.

Byron - The star players are one year older.

IC Catholic - Last year's quarterfinal loss to St. Laurence was a good old-fashioned upset. It will serve as motivation and won't happen again this year. They will squeak by Rochester in the final.

Prairie Ridge - Although it was in the first round, they only lost by seven points to the eventual state champion last year. The new coach doesn't allow them to take a step backwards and they get the job done this year.

East St. Louis - It has now been four straight playoffs to the championship game for the Flyers, winning the title every other year. So..... this is their year. Besides, what are the chances they will run into Cary-Grove again? And no one else in 6A has been able to stop them.

Mt. Carmel - Their 38-point dismantling of Batavia in last year's semifinal game shows there is just too much separation between Mt. Carmel and the rest of 7A to predict any other result.

Marist - When an excellent coach meets talent, opportunity exists. Mike Fitzgerald is that coach. Loyola is now two years removed from the John Holecek era and may be vulnerable. Talented though he may be, the new Lincoln-Way East quarterback didn't improve Bolingbrook last year, so L-W East may be vulnerable. I will predict Marist over Maine South in the final.

 

[greatgig13]

Yes, save the DisgustingSounds for your cross burning. If you make it far enough to get running clocked by East St. Louis be sure to check out Rochester running clock whoever beats IC.

Also, who is that guy who picked Mt. Zion? Must be getting into RoaminCatholic’s meth. Somebody tell him this isn’t softball.

Looks like we’ll have our first toilet bowl thread of the season.

 

[Dave Brody]

Hope Academy - The program has been improving each year and they were arguably the third best team in 1A last year; three points away from playing Camp Point Central.

Maroa-Forsyth - Maroa-Forsyth has been to the semifinals five times in the last seven playoffs. This year their defense takes one large step forward, Wilmington takes one large step backwards (Maroa hopes), and the weather in late November will be beautiful to help their passing attack.

Byron - The star players are one year older.

IC Catholic - Last year's quarterfinal loss to St. Laurence was a good old-fashioned upset. It will serve as motivation and won't happen again this year. They will squeak by Rochester in the final.

Prairie Ridge - Although it was in the first round, they only lost by seven points to the eventual state champion last year. The new coach doesn't allow them to take a step backwards and they get the job done this year.

East St. Louis - It has now been four straight playoffs to the championship game for the Flyers, winning the title every other year. So..... this is their year. Besides, what are the chances they will run into Cary-Grove again? And no one else in 6A has been able to stop them.

Mt. Carmel - Their 38-point dismantling of Batavia in last year's semifinal game shows there is just too much separation between Mt. Carmel and the rest of 7A to predict any other result.

Marist - When an excellent coach meets talent, opportunity exists. Mike Fitzgerald is that coach. Loyola is now two years removed from the John Holecek era and may be vulnerable. Talented though he may be, the new Lincoln-Way East quarterback didn't improve Bolingbrook last year, so L-W East may be vulnerable. I will predict Marist over Maine South in the final.

I’d like to see IC win it but they don’t have the horses they had last year.

Prairie Ridge plays too much one dimensional offense (see JCA). When their opponents figure out how to defend it - it’s over. When teams like PR and JCA start passing in the 3rd quarter, they’ve lost.

Mt Carmel lost a lotta players - I think ppl are crowning them too early.

Marist - that would be interesting, LA and LWE both have a ton of firepower but it’d be cool to see Marist.

 

[LHSTigers94]

Where did I say that?

Which is why I said please clarify what you meant by your statement?

 

[MMA_Det]

Everyone talks about the loss of Dupree when talking about MC

They ignore the fact that every single receiver that they had last year also graduated…

MC is talent rich, but will they gel???

LWE I have a feeling that this years team will be a better version of last years team

DGN should be the 7A favorite this year
- 5 starting sophomores last year bright them to the state title game

ESL I read here that they have a new starting QB that is supposed to be a HUGE upgrade from Pops
- that is a bold statment

 

[Panthers1211]

1A - Camp Point

2A - Althoff

3A - Byron

4A - Rochester

5A - Naz

6A - Geneva

7A -DGN

8A - Loyola

 

[crusader_of_90]

ESL I read here that they have a new starting QB that is supposed to be a HUGE upgrade from Pops
- that is a bold statment

They say he is REALY good.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

They say he is REALY good.

What year is he?

 

[crusader_of_90]

What year is he?

I believe a senior.

 

[colin2229]

Why so much love for camp point and Rochester? They both lost 18/22 starters.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Why so much love for camp point and Rochester? They both lost 18/22 starters.

I do not know much about 1a and Rochester because they are always there. I did want to pick ICCP for 4A but didn't, no real reason.

 

[Travelin Fan]

I don't know much about CPC, but for Rochester I'd say its because of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023.

 

[FB1976]

Why so much love for camp point and Rochester? They both lost 18/22 starters.

Both of those teams will be rebuilding this year. Rochester will have trouble with at least 3 regular season games this year, and will likely be challenged in the Quarters or Semis as well. EIC is a good early odds-on favorite in 4A...the Rockets will be back in the mix come 2025-2026ish.

From what I'm hearing about Camp Point, they could be in even bigger trouble talent-wise.

However....it's all speculation at this point...that's what makes football great!

 

[Kevin JCHS 81]

1A Camp Point

2A Wilmington

3A Byron

4A ICC

5A No Pick - Meat grinder, can't pick against JCA

6A ESL

7A Mt. Carmel

8A LWE

 

[corey90]

Hope Academy - The program has been improving each year and they were arguably the third best team in 1A last year; three points away from playing Camp Point Central.

Maroa-Forsyth - Maroa-Forsyth has been to the semifinals five times in the last seven playoffs. This year their defense takes one large step forward, Wilmington takes one large step backwards (Maroa hopes), and the weather in late November will be beautiful to help their passing attack.

Byron - The star players are one year older.

IC Catholic - Last year's quarterfinal loss to St. Laurence was a good old-fashioned upset. It will serve as motivation and won't happen again this year. They will squeak by Rochester in the final.

Prairie Ridge - Although it was in the first round, they only lost by seven points to the eventual state champion last year. The new coach doesn't allow them to take a step backwards and they get the job done this year.

East St. Louis - It has now been four straight playoffs to the championship game for the Flyers, winning the title every other year. So..... this is their year. Besides, what are the chances they will run into Cary-Grove again? And no one else in 6A has been able to stop them.

Mt. Carmel - Their 38-point dismantling of Batavia in last year's semifinal game shows there is just too much separation between Mt. Carmel and the rest of 7A to predict any other result.

Marist - When an excellent coach meets talent, opportunity exists. Mike Fitzgerald is that coach. Loyola is now two years removed from the John Holecek era and may be vulnerable. Talented though he may be, the new Lincoln-Way East quarterback didn't improve Bolingbrook last year, so L-W East may be vulnerable. I will predict Marist over Maine South in the final.

Yeah that 4 star QB was the reason Bolingbrook didn’t improve. Okay let’s see how he does at East. My money says coach Z will coach that young man into that 4 stars.
Bones might have some insight.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Both of those teams will be rebuilding this year. Rochester will have trouble with at least 3 regular season games this year, and will likely be challenged in the Quarters or Semis as well. EIC is a good early odds-on favorite in 4A...the Rockets will be back in the mix come 2025-2026ish.

From what I'm hearing about Camp Point, they could be in even bigger trouble talent-wise.

However....it's all speculation at this point...that's what makes football great!

CPC is building. They will not be another Le-Win period. Maybe if they continue to build they can attempt to get where Le-Win is at. So to expect CPC to win another state championship is asking a lot.

 

[crusader_of_90]

That big redheaded running back was a load as a sophomore!

 

[Uncle Bacon]

Yes, save the DisgustingSounds for your cross burning. If you make it far enough to get running clocked by East St. Louis be sure to check out Rochester running clock whoever beats IC.

Also, who is that guy who picked Mt. Zion? Must be getting into RoaminCatholic’s meth. Somebody tell him this isn’t softball.

Mount Zion's offense is special. The group of skill position players on that offense is WILD... I don't blame you for not being aware of it; but wait and see...

 

[DisgustingSounds]

Mount Zion's offense is special. The group of skill position players on that offense is WILD... I don't blame you for not being aware of it; but wait and see...

You’re wrong. They are going to be grinding out 21-14 losses to the likes of Effingham and Mahomet with lethargic undersized white kids. You wouldn’t know a special offense if you saw it.