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Win or go home.
The weather has suddenly changed again over the past few days to make it feel more like state football playoff time, and if you can't get juiced about the start of the state football playoffs this week, well, then just keep surfing.
So who are the likely favorites to win state titles in Classes 5A thru 8A?
Sleepers? Dark horses?
Looking for a few potential surprise winners out of this weekend's first round action?
Then read on folks. Here's my take today on Class 7A and check back the rest of the week for my take on Classes 6A and 5A. It's an EDGY World at this time of the year, so let's boogie.
Class 7A
The favorite? Wheaton Warrenville South- while the Class 7A field is loaded with quality programs, seeing the defending Class 8A state chmpion Tigers dropping down to the Class 7A level this playoff season is quite a move for the Tigers and the rest of the class.
The Tigers just look to have it going as well as anyone heading into the state playoffs. The offense is diverse and well balanced behind senior QB Michael Piatkowski, who should be drawing several serious looks as an All State candidate this post-season. The defense for the Tigers remain a speedy and hard hitting unit, and is anyone as well coached at the Tigers under head coach Ron Muhitch and his staff? South will face teams with bigger kids and higher profile players in Class 7A, but when it's all said and done the Tigers in most cases are still left standing in the winners circle.
Dark horses in Class 7A?
In the north or upper bracket, #3 seed Cary-Grove and head coach Bruce Kay always just seem to win games and advance. #4 seed Lake Zurich made it to the Class 7A state final last fall, and the Bears look to have an equally as tough defense this fall along with a quality ball control offense. Now, looking for a real long shot? Look no further than #16 seed Prospect. The Knights finished the regular season with a 5-4 record, yet no one including #1 seeded Rockford Boylan wants to see this team to open up the state playoffs. Prospect is NOT your typical #16 seed.
In the south bracket, #2 seed Morgan Park might have it's best all around team in many years. The offense has been steady and the defense for the Mustangs is lights out this fall for veteran head coach Lexie Spurlock. Also don't discount #4 seed St. Rita. The defending Class 7A state champions have been battling the injury bug this season, yet if the Mustangs can get healthy at this time of the year, they have the makings of a team that can make a serious ride. Also keep an eye out for #6 seed Batavia. The Bulldogs and veteran head coach Mike Gaspari have been up and down all season, posting a 5-4 regular season record. The Bulldogs are always well prepared and should not be intimidated with heading out on the road to face East St. Louis on Saturday.
Potential upsets in the first round of Class 7A?
#16 seed Prospect over #1 seed Rockford Boylan
#12 seed Niles Notre Dame over #5 seed Rolling Meadows
#6 seed Batavia over #3 seed East St. Louis
EDGYTIM is the longtime publisher of www.edgytim.com, part of the Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports network.
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I feel that too many people are over looking De La Salle. The Kid Gaston at running back is a play maker and really is getting it down this year. As he goes the meteors go!!!
There's NO way #6 Batavia will beat East St. Louis. If you review the who have they played scenario and the 1-Loss East Side has it would prove you in correct. Stand back for this one, Final 33 - 21 East Side.
Hey Tim,
I hope you are wrong with the Prospect / Boylan Game. No one comes to Titan Stadium and wins this year! I mean no one... only Boylan outscored their opponents 350-30. And their starters only played in 1 full game this year in addition to the fact they had a running clock in 7 out 9 games! Yes I understand, Prospect is 5-4 and have their star running back ready who missed 5 games. yes, It is their coaches last year as well and they want to advance for him! Prospect has a ton to play for tonight. Bottom line, Boylan is preparred and they are underrated! Look out for 42-7 Spankin' with the Titans advancing.
Bad game to go out Coach!
Rozey76