I know I am.

Nothing better than a holiday that is focused on food and watching football, right?

Oh yeah, I'm also excited form this weekend's state football final games.

Here's my take on who your favorite team's key performers will be to watch in the Class 8A thru Class 5A state final games.

Glenbard North? QB Evan Watkins- The Panthers no question will need it's big and talented junior signal caller to have a much better performance this time around against the Huskies. In the first matchup back in Week 5, Watkins threw for just 65 yards and two interceptions in the Naperville North 37-7 win. Watkins has been on a serious roll since this last game against North and was a key in the Panthers win last Saturday against Mount Carmel. Watkins, along with senior standout RB Tyler Doll gives the Panthers great balance on offense and the Panthers will need that balance on offense to keep the Huskies defense off balanced.

Naperville North? The Huskies offensive line-the Huskies are another team that possesses great balance on offense. Yet for North, being able to block a quick and very athletic defensive front from Glenbard North I feel will be a serious key to victory on Saturday. If the Huskies offensive line, who will have a definite size advantage on Saturday, can get a consistent push upfront, the Huskies offense will be very tough to get off the field on Saturday.

Class 7A

Lake Zurich? QB Bobby DeLeo-The Bears will generally be able to gain yards on the ground, yet I have a feeling that Lake Zurich will need to be able to throw the ball just enough against a very quick Wheaton South defense to help open things up offensively for the Bears. DeLeo does a great job of running the Bears attack, and look for DeLeo to be asked to manage the game as well as completing at least a handful of play action passes on Saturday. If DeLeo can get a handful of passes under his belt early, then game on.

Wheaton South? LB Mark LaBelle- LaBelle might be the most underrated linebacker in the state this fall. LaBelle, who currently is planning to bypass playing football in college to study Pre-Med, will be given the task of trying to slow down the Bears inside running game on Saturday. If LaBelle, along with the rest of the Tigers defense can slow down the Bears running attack, it could be a long day for Lake Zurich on Saturday.

Class 6A

Lemont? The Lemont defensive front seven- Joliet Catholic might have it's best overall offensive unit in many many years this fall, with a very effective play action passing game and three runners who have gained over 1,000 yards each this fall. If the Indians are going to be able to beat the Hilltoppers on Saturday, the Lemont front seven on defense will need to play a huge role. Lemont will need to find the ball carrier in the Hilltoppers power running game, deal with a strong and very physical JCA offensive line, and Lemont can't get confused by the many different fakes and counters from the JCA attack.

Joliet Catholic? Junior FB Brandon Geiss-In the Joliet Catholic double wing attack, the offense all begins with the fullback. Geiss, who is back from a late season injury, is a tough and hard nosed inside runner who also has exceptional speed and balance. If the Hilltoppers can establish Geiss early in the offense, the rest of the field opens up for the remaining JCA backfield and makes the opposing defense honor the inside run from the fullback along with making the opposing defense defend the entire field.

Class 5A

Morris? RB Adam Tondini- Morris head coach George Dergo decided early during the regular season to move Adam Tondini to the tailback position, and the Redskins have never looked back, posting 11 straight wins after starting the year 0-2. Morris on Saturday against Metamora will need to find a way to keep the powerful Redbirds offense off the field, and the Morris offense might just be it's best defense on Saturday. Tondini is just a hard nosed no-nonsense runner who will need to get plenty of carries on Saturday for the Redskins. The more positive yards that Tondini can get, the better for Morris on Saturday.

Metamora? QB Caleb Terbush- Terbush, who literally came out of nowhere this fall for the Redbirds, has given Purdue his verbal commitment. Terbush is a big kid (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) who has given the Redbirds a serious passing threat this fall. Metamora will again look to run the ball, and the Redbirds power running game has been impressive all season. However, if the Morris defense can slow down the running Redbirds on Saturday, Caleb Terbush could be called upon more in this game than any game all year for Metamora to open things up with the passing game.

My State Final winners you ask?

Class 1A- Galena 17 Tuscola 14
Class 2A- Westville 21 Dakota 19
Class 3A- Plano 24 Columbia 21
Class 4A- Driscoll 34 Bloomington CC 14
Class 5A- Metamora 17 Morris 16
Class 6A- Joliet Catholic 35 Lemont 16
Class 7A- Wheaton South 21 Lake Zurich 14
Class 8A- Naperville North 24 Glenbard North 14

2008?

Looking for a real team to watch out for in 2008? Look no further than the East St. Louis Flyers. Head coach Darren Sunkett will welcome back his entire offensive backfield next fall, including some serious D-1 talent in junior WR/S Kraig Appleton (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), junior WR/S Terry Hawthorne (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) along with sophomore QB Detchauz Wray (6-foot-0, 180 pounds) and sophmore RB Courtney Molton (5-foot-10, 175 pounds).

With the state association's state football semifinals on the horizon, let's take a look at the matchups in and around Chicagoland this weekend.

#14 Carol Stream (Glenbard North) (8-4) vs. #1 Chicago (Mt. Carmel) (12-0), Sat. 12 p.m at Gately Stadium- Cinderella Part 1. Glenbard North and head coach Ryan Wilkins has his Panthers into the semifinals behind a hard hitting defense and an offense that last week proved it can mix things up very well. QB Evan Watkins had a huge game in leading the Panthers over Fremd, and Watkins has proven that he's a threat with the run and the pass this season. Senior RB Tyler Doll has been a mainstay for the Panthers offense all season long. The Caravan and veteran head coach Frank Lenti was able to get his defense to slow down the high flying passing attack from Maine South last Saturday, as the Caravan posted a 21-14 win to advance. The defense for the Caravan is very quick and athletic, and keep an eye out for senior DE Glenn Foster (Illinois verbal commit) along with senior ILB Steven Filer (Notre Dame verbal commit). The offense for the Caravan has also been very solid all year. Junior QB Jordan Lynch has run the vaunted Belly Option attack exceptionally well all year. The backfield is also a real strength for MC behind RB Edwin Williams and RB Tim Brown.

#2 Naperville (North) (11-1) at #16 Flossmoor (Homewood-F.) (8-4), Fri. 7 p.m- Cinderella Part 2. Homewood Floosmoor entered the state playoffs as a lowly 16 seed and wasn't exactly on a roll going to the post-season. The Vikings had lost to Bradley and Andrew in it's last two regular season games and was expected to be roadkill in the rugged 8A field. So what happened? The Vikings under first year head coach Kenneth Smith decided to start playing team football and the Vikes have yet to look back. H-F has been playing smart and mistake free football in the post-season, an important and often overlooked factor in advancing in the state playoffs. Senior QB Russell Ellington (Iowa) has taken over the offense and has plenty of weapons including junior RB Aaron Phillips and senior WR-S Supo Sanni (Illinois). The defense has aklso been very solid for the Vikings in the post-season and watch out for senior LB Stephan Sewell. H-F senior kicker Andrej Skiba has been a real strength all season for the Vikes. Naperville North? The Huskies and veteran head coach Larry McKeon might have his best team in many years this fall. The offense is led by Player of the Year candidate Jordan Tassio. Tassio can pass, run and kick all equally as well for the Huskies. The backfield is very solid behind junior Nick Mlady and senior RB Tom Constantino. Defensively, the Huskies are also very strong and keep an eye out for Western Michigan verbal commit senior LB Kyle Lackner.

Class 7A

#4 Lake Zurich (11-1) at #7 Mundelein (Carmel) (10-2), Sat. 7 p.m- both the Bears from Lake Zurich and the Corsairs from Carmel love to run the ball, and unless this one goes a few overtimes, expect a very fast moving clock and game. Lake Zurich and second year head coach Brian Stortz will try to get his Bears back to the Class 7A state championship for the second straight year. The Bears run it's military style running offense and speed on both sides of the ball is a key for the Bears. Senior RB Jon Janus and senior RB Adam Simpson are keys for Lake Zurich. Carmel? Veteran head coach Andy Bitto will also run his Shell Game option attack on offense, with a mix of several backs and talent including senior QB David Venegoni and a very solid offensive line. The Corsairs defense has also been a big key for Carmel this fall. The team that can establish the run and the team that can hold onto the ball will be your winner.

#3 East St. Louis (Sr.) (11-1) at #1 Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) (12-0), Sat. 1 p.m- The Flyers and head coach Darren Sunkett will look to get past the Tigers at Red Grange Field on Saturday behind a young but very talented team. East St. Louis sophomore QB Detchauz Wray has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards this fall for the Flyers, and watch out for three standout receivers in Terry Hawthorne, Kraig Appleton and Vincent Arterbridge. The running game is also a strength behind sophomore RB Courtney Molton, who has gained 1,288 yards this fall for the Flyers. The offensive and defensive lines are a strength again for the Flyers this fall. and keep an eye out for senior D-1 prospect OL-DL Brandon Harold (6-foot-5, 230 pounds). The Tigers and veteran head coach Ron Muhitch have been on quite a roll and will look to make a return trip to Champaign behind a well rounded attack. Senior QB Michael Piatkowski has been a big key for the Tigers offensive attack all season and the offensive line features Indiana verbal commit Will Matte. Defensively, the Tigers are as quick to the ball as any team left in the semifinal field. Senior kicker Dan Conroy is also a very solid performer for the Tigers.

Class 6A

#6 Lemont (H.S.) (10-2) at #4 Oak Forest (11-1), Sat. 7 p.m- This game will be a rematch from the Week 8 South Suburban Blue conference title game, which was won by Oak Forest 14-7 in Lemont. The Indians and head coach Eric Michaelsen have been racking up the points so far in the off season. Senior D-1 prospect QB Brett Nagel has been a big time performer who has added over 1,900 yards of total offense so far this season. Senior RB-DB Bobby Earnest has also added 1.619 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns for the Indians. The line play is a real strength and is led by senior OL-DL Graham Pocic, who has given the University of Illinois his verbal commitment. Oak Forest? The offense was young and inexperienced heading into the 2007 season, but that same offense has improved leaps and bounds from week to week. Senior QB Ron Czarnecki has been very steady all year for the Bengals attack. The Bengals real strength this season has been on the defensive side of the ball. Senior OL-DL Mike Johns (Miami of Ohio) is a player to watch along with senior LB Chad Sprayberry and senior LB Chori Bryant.

#2 Joliet (Catholic Academy) (11-1) at #1 Normal (Community) (12-0), Sat. 1 p.m- Normal Community and veteran head coach Hud Venerable is looking to defend the Ironmen's 2006 Class 6A state title this fall behind a very solid core of senior returning starters. The Ironmen are well coached and are just a very solid team on both sides of the ball. Keep an eye out for senior D-1 prospect RB-LB Austin Davis. Davis was moved to tailback after senior RB Dan Moore suffered an injury and Davis gained 92 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Ironmen's 29-0 win over Providence Catholic. Joliet Catholic and head coach Dan Sharp got out of the gates slow but finished strong in beating Rock Island 33-7 last Saturday to advance. The Hilltoppers backfield has been outstanding all season. Senior QB John Reuttiger has thrown for nearly 1,400 yards passing in an offensive attack not known for posting big passing numbers. The backfield for the Hilltoppers features two backs who have rushed for over 1,000 yards this season in junior WB Tyler Hudetz (1,461 yards) and junior FB Brandon Geiss (1,073 yards) and senior WB Connor Krisch (894 yards) is closing in on the 1,000 yard club.

Class 5A

#7 Woodstock (Marian) (10-2) at #5 Morris (10-2), Sat. 6 p.m- Did anyone around Week 8 outside of Woodstock think that the Hurricanes had much of a chance to get back into the Class 5A state title game after dropping late regular season games to Montini and Driscoll? Well, here come the Hurricanes. Junior QB Jon Budmayr has been on fire this post-season and is healthy again after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out four weeks during the regular season. The line play is also a real strength for veteran head coach Ed Brucker again this fall and keep an eye out for senior Notre Dame verbal commit Sean Cwynar along with junior OL-DL Cody O'Neill. Morris? The Redskins started the season with an 0-2 record after losing games to Pontiac and Joliet Catholic, then the Redskins and head coach George Dergo have been on a roll posting 10 straight wins. The offense for Morris is diverse behind senior QB Drew Hanson, who has thrown for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns along with senior RB Adam Tondini. Tondini has gained 1,220 yards and has scored 12 touchdowns this fall for the Redskins. On defense, keep an eye out for senior OL-DL Ben Olson (Eastern Illinois) along with senior LB Drew Tondini.

Class 4A

#2 Coal City (12-0) at #1 Addison (Driscoll) (12-0), Sat. 1 p.m- the Coalers and head coach Lenny Onsen will try to derail the Highlanders state title winning streak this Saturday in Addison. Coal City has posted a perfect 12-0 record behind a very balanced offensive attack and a strong defense. Senior QB JT Blaine has been solid all season and is a threat with the pass or the run for the Coalers. RB Noah Roseland has also been very solid all season and is a threat to break open the long run at any time. The Coalers defense has allowed just 80 points in 12 games so far this fall. Driscoll Catholic?: The amazing run for the Highlanders and head coach Mike "Buzz" Burzawa doesn't look to be slowed down anytime soon, as the Highlanders are looking to capture it's 7th straight football state title this fall. Senior QB David Schwabe hadn't played quarterback until this fall, but Schwabe has been great all year for the Highlanders spread offensive attack. Also keep an eye out for senior RB Tim Franken and senior TE/LB Kevin Palermo.

I heard from good and trusted sources, including my senior photographer Kevin Smith more than once.

"You have to check out the student cheering section at Fremd. They are just nuts."

Nuts? A student cheering section? Geez, when was the last time any school had more than a handful of kids show up to any high school sporting events who weren't involved in either the team, the cheerleaders or the band?

Your run of the mill "regular" students just don't really care anymore, right? The stands are filled with parents and older fans and alumni, yet the so-called "regular" student? When was the last time you saw more than say 30 high school aged kids together at any event unless they were on the field?

This is the generation of the Ipod, the generation of kids who just don't really care anymore. Or at least that's been my observations over these many years.

After my "experience" with the Fremd cheering section last Saturday night, called the Darkside, I'm happy to report that the kids are alright.

In this day and age of political correctness, certainly the administration at Fremd High School must be out of it's mind to encourage this type of behavior from it's students?

How dare they, allowing kids to have some real school spirit and some real fun.

The kids in the Darkside at Fremd are different, real different.

The Darkside, roughly anywhere from 300 to 500 in strength, fill one entire section of the bleachers at Fremd. Dressed in all black and many more in face paint, they arrive early and they stay until the very end of the game.

And from the moment the PA system at Fremd plays a mix of electronica, dance, rock and everything in between, the Darkside just never stops cheering, jumping up and down and having some serious fun. Then the Darkside is rooted on by the demonic sounding PA voice-overs. Hey, it's not the generation of the Hair Metal bands anymore kids. It's all done in good fun.

It's the Fremd version of a rave, a very safe and very controlled rave.

Just picture 500 kids all dressed in black, swaying and dancing in the stands to "Shout".

Folks, that just doesn't happen very often anymore.

Now, I also know what your thinking here.

No, the Darkside doesn't taunt. They don't shout out any negatives towards opposing players or fans, unless you consider "We can't hear you" a negative. They cheer, they root for their Vikings and they have a blast all at the same time. The Darkside doesn't get out of control in the stands. They listen to the yellow jacketed security personnel. They jump up and down but not all over each other. Again, it's controlled chaos.

Intimidating? You betcha. The Darkside remains the best 12th man in this state I've seen hands down.

I just can't imagine what the opposing players, coaches and fans think when they see the Darkside for the first time at Fremd.

It's an experience, and the Darkside is almost as entertaining to watch as the game.

Also, it's a great feeling to see that our game of high school football still belongs to the kids.

Sure, the older fans and parents certainly have a role. Yet when everyone including the kids are involved like the kids from the Darkside are involved, well, then your talking about taking the game of high school football to a new and even more enjoyable level.

Also give credit to the Fremd administrators, for allowing the Darkside to even exist let alone having the you know what's to support those kids.

Thanks to the Darkside for bringing some good old fashioned, All American fun back to our sport.

"Don't go there!"

On Saturday at Gately Stadium, Johnsburg took an early 3rd quarter 21-0 lead over Robeson. Robeson standout senior WR Brandon Green made a play near the Skyhawks sideline and started to hear the "over-rated" chant from the Johnsburg student section.

Oops.

Green, who committed to the University of Minnesota last weekend along with his Robeson teammate Johnny Johnson, was moved to quarterback and led the Raiders to 32 2nd half points including two passing touchdowns and a key interception in the Raiders come from behind 32-27 win.

After the game, I asked Green if he happened to hear the taunts from the Johnsburg sideline. Green just smiled and said, "Yeah, I heard it."

So what in the world is the Great Equalizer?

Well, you've heard of the Great Pumpkin yet the Great Equalizer made it's expected annual appearance on Friday night. Rain and sloppy conditions hit the greater Chicagoland area hard, and the Great Equalizer took full effect. Several teams were either forced out of it's game plans entirely or tried to throw the ball to little or no effect.

Generally we'll have at least a few week's filled with the Great Equalizer yet so far this year we've seen very little bad weather on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. Once the bad weather hits, scores and generally high flying passing attacks get grounded.

Top matchups to watch this week?

Make sure to check my website at www.edgytim.com for more of this freaky in-depth playoff coverage stuff.

Class 8A

#5 Park Ridge (Maine South) (9-1) at #4 Glenview (Glenbrook South) (9-1), Sat. 7 p.m.- I was able to see the Week 7 showdown of these two Central Suburban South rivals. Glenbrook South was driving at the end of the game and just missed getting into the end zone, as the Hawks held on for the 28-21 win in Park Ridge. In the first matchup, Maine South's spread offense took advantage of the Titans defense that tried to take away the Hawks short and intermediate routes, and the Hawks senior RB David Chao had a big day. Look for the Titans and head coach Mike Noll to pull a few surprises this time around in what looks to be an outstanding rematch filled with intensity.

#7 Bolingbrook (8-2) at #2 Naperville (North) (9-1), Fri. 7 p.m.- talk about two teams heading on a collision course. The Bolingbrook Raidera and head coach John Ivlow has his team playing very solid football in all aspects. The Raiders defense has allowed just 82 points all season, and the offense has improved each week and is led by Wisconsin verbal commit Erik Smith and senior QB Shadonta Travis. The Raiders will run it's spread offense and takes advantage of some serious skills and speed. Naperville North offers senior QB Jordan Tassio, one of the top signal callers in Chicagoland this fall. Tassio can beat teams in several ways, and is equally talented throwing or running the ball along with kicking and punting for the Huskies. North and head coach Larry McKeon also boasts an outstanding defense this fall, having allowed just 92 points in 10 games this season. The difference in this one? Execution. Whoever holds onto the ball and keeps the penalties to a minimum should pull out the win.

Class 7A

#4 Chicago (St. Rita) (7-3) at #1 Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) (10-0), Fri. 7 p.m.- My oh my. Red Grange Field in Wheaton will be rocking again this Friday night, and make sure to get there early. The defending Class 7A state champs (St. Rita) against the defending Class 8A champs (Wheaton South) will feature two outstanding programs with two completely different styles. St. Rita and head coach Todd Kuska features a Super Sized offensive line featuring Western Michigan verbal commit OG Kevin Galeher and plenty of skills including senior QB Jason Kafka. The defense for the Mustangs is also big and physical and keep an eye out on Notre Dame verbal commit DE Darius Fleming and a very deep and talented group of linebackers. Wheaton South? The Tigers and head coach Ron Muhitch just outplay and outhustle most comers. While the Tigers will again be over-sized physically in this matchup with the CCL Blue, look for South to utilize it's outstanding team speed on both sides of the ball as an equalizer to the Mustangs beef. South senior QB Michael Piatkowski has quietly been one of the state's most effective signal callers all season.

Class 6A

#5 Chicago (Hubbard) (8-2) at #4 Oak Forest (9-1), Sat. 5 p.m.- the Hubbard Greyhounds and the Oak Forest Bengals will once again square off in the Class 6A state playoffs. Last year these two played in a steady downpour at Gately Stadium as the Bengals won and went on to Class 6A semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Normal Community. Oak Forest this year you ask? It's all about the defense this season for head coach Brian McDonough. The Bengals have allowed just 82 points all season, and the experience factor for the Bengals this season is on the defensive side of the ball. Senior DL Mike Johns (Miami of Ohio) is a definite player to watch along with ILB Chad Sprayberry and senior Chori Bryant. Offensively, senior QB Ron Czarnecki has gotten better and better each week, and the Bengals also feature several speedy and talented underclassmen in it;s offensive backfield. Hubbard? Head coach Elton Harris knew that he had quite a task this season, as Harris would need to replace several key starters from last season this fall. While the Greyhounds might be young this fall they are definitely talented. Senior RB Emery Oliver is a very solid back, and the Greyhounds are loaded with a ton of talented skill position players. On the defensive side of the ball. junior LB Darius Moffet is a player to watch.

Class 5A

#7 Woodstock (Marian) (8-2) at #2 Lombard (Montini) (9-1), Sat. 1 p.m.- this rematch between two Suburban Catholic league powers will be quite an affair on Saturday in Lombard. Montini handled the Hurricanes 33-0 back in Week 7 of the regular season, yet Marian Central Catholci was without the services of injured junior QB Jon Budmayr. Budmayr is back and last week threw 22 of 38 passes for 440 yards and three touchdowns in the Hurricanes 46-27 win over Sterling. Can having Jon Budmayr be the difference in this rematch for the Hurricanes? Marian Central Catholic also features a very solid offensive line led by Notre Dame verbal commit Sean Cwyna. Montini will counter with it's own standout junior quarterback in Tom DiCristina and a host of Division 1 talent in senior RB Dex Jones (Wisconsin), senior OT Chuck Porcelli (Northwestern) and senior OL-DL Garrett Goebel (Ohio State).

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.

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.

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 8A and check back the rest of the week for my take on Classes 7A thru 5A.

It's an EDGY World at this time of the year, so let's boogie.

The favorite?

Chicago Mount Carmel- no question the Class 8A field is as loaded as ever, and this fall might just be the toughest field 1 thru 32 we've ever seen. So while I'm as nervous as one of the Sun-Times writers getting passed the dinner check with this pick, I'll take the Caravan to win the Class 8A title.

MC has been playing very well offensively all season long. Junior QB Jordan Lynch has been somewhat underrated this fall for the Caravan, being able to run the Belly Option with great effectiveness. The defense has been up and down, yet the overall talent level is unquestioned. I also like the sudden geographical adjustment compliments of the IHSA on pairings night, sending the Caravan on a path up north. Potential upsets could be looming for MC? No question about it, but someone has to be the favorite, right?

Dark horses in Class 8A?

In the north or upper bracket, Maine South still has the offensive firepower this fall to case all comers headaches. The Hawks junior QB Charlie Goro has been spectacular so far this fall and looks to have the Hawks on a roll at the right time of the year. Glenbrook South? The Titans I'm sure are looking towards a potential Round 2 rematch against Maine South, and remember EDGY rule #147 that states that "it's NEVER easy to beat the same team twice in the same season" in high school football.

In the south bracket, it's literally anyone's call to advance to the state final. Downers Grove South is the #1 seed, yet just how battle tested are the Hit Hard gang this season? Chicago Brother Rice and head coach Steve Nye just always seem to sneak under the radar screen and the Crusaders just win games. Naperville North? The #2 seed Huskies are also considered a favorite to get to the state finals and why not? Senior QB Jordan Tassio was nearly unstoppable in the overtime period for the Huskies in it's 42-41 3OT loss last Friday to Wheaton South. A true sleeper you ask in the south bracket? How about #7 seed Bolingbrook? The Raiders and head coach John Ivlow have played a tough schedule this season, and the Raiders have a physical defensive unit that I feel can play with all comers in the Class 8A field.

Potential upsets in the first round iof Class 8A?

#14 seed Glenbard North over #3 seed Whitney Young
#9 seed Palatine over #8 seed Lane Tech
#9 seed Andrew over #8 seed Belleville East

EDGYTIM is the longtime publisher of www.edgytim.com, part of the Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports network.

The Other Side? An Aerosmith song? This time of year without question remains the favorite time of year for any high school football fan. Excitement, drama, win or go home. If your even remotely close to being even a casual football fan, playoff time rules.

At this time of year, we all get caught up in the big game. The fans are getting ready to throw down on Friday night and Saturday, fans across the state are in full blown hype mode. The message boards and blogs are a buzz with talk of eliminating all private schools from the IHSA state playoffs, and the private school supporters cry school vouchers and beyond. IHSA Football State Playoffs, you've gotta love them.

Myself you ask? Sure, I'm seen running around the field as well at this time of the year, looking to capture those comments for all of you to see for yourselves via video with my $1.97 Wal-Mart winter ski cap interestingly adjusted from a hat to a camera weather protection bag for the elements (it's the EDGY way, a costly camera protected by a $1.97 ski hat). Yes, after the big game I'm as guilty as the great scribes.

Yet, I also make it a point to check out The Other Side.

See, like in every major event in our live, you have the winning side, all smiles and joy, and then you have The Other Side. The Other Side doesn't require pictures or video to tell the story. The Other Side is the story that never gets told, yet The Other Side is as an emotional of a story than you'll ever read in your daily newspaper.

Last Saturday, my guy Kevin was on The Other Side. Kevin was a kid that I met at one of my Junior Days way back last winter. These meet and greet yearly events are basically open to any and all underclassmen, and I enjoy hosting these events on many levels, but mostly it's a good chance for me to get some basic information on the next season's hero's including the many mug shot photos you'll see on the Rivals.com network all year long. I'll withhold who Kevin played for as well as his last name, because in all honesty kids like Kevin can be found all across this state from now until we play for the trophies in Champaign.

Kevin basically is a very nice kid who also happened to be a very solid player. Kevin was not a major D-1 recruit mind you, yet Kevin was a definite player. Kevin and his Mom made the 100 mile round-trip drive in the middle of winter on a Saturday afternoon just to be a part of my annual Junior Day event. Kevin's effort alone impressed me, yet when I took a few minutes to talk to Kevin (who I never met before, but from a few minute conversation I could tell that he was an EDGYTIM.com regular) I could tell that this was a young man who lived and breathed football. I'm so fortunate to come across so many great kids, yet kids like Kevin always seem to stand out to me, and I always seem to remember kids like Kevin.

Kevin basically worked as hard as any kid to get ready for his final season. Kevin, who was listed as 6-foot-0, 210 pounds this year was more like 5-foot-10, 185-190 pounds, yet the offseason weight lifting, speed training and the overall sweat and effort over the last four years has allowed Kevin to reach his best for his final season. Kevin was ready for his senior season.

The pain from The Other Side after being eliminated from the state playoff field never seems to ease over the years, and the further a team progresses in the state playoffs, the harder it is to look into the eyes of players just like Kevin. So, unlike the others, I always make it a point after the celebrations from the winning side have subsided to pay my respects to the kids from The Other Side. You know who these kids are, they are the ones that despite the heartbreaking loss can't leave the field. I've seen kids sit alone on the field after a game for over an hour, just sitting and trying to take it all in just one last time.

The Other Side kids can't bear the fact that the last four years have just disappeared forever, and the parents and the families from The Other Side also feel that pain as well. The images of our weekend warriors in full gear and equipment seem to always hide the fact that once you remove the helmets, these remain just a bunch of baby-faced kids.

So on Saturday, I put the camera away and went seeking out my guy Kevin. I knew that Kevin would be one of the last players to leave the field on Saturday, because kids like Kevin are always the last to leave the field. Kevin played well in his last high school varsity game. Despite the loss, Kevin and his teammates made quite an impression on me. Kevin's team was down 21-0 in a heartbeat, yet the effort never wavered and Kevin's team made things very interesting before the sheer talent difference took over. Kevin played like a warrior in this game, and went out with no excuses.

So when I saw Kevin, saw the tears streaming down his face, saw him try to Man Up when he saw me thru those tears, I told him the truth. Kevin played his butt off, that he should be proud of his effort and the way he played as well as his team's efforts. No shame in losing to a team like this, and that Kevin's team showed a lot of character in the comeback attempt. Kevin tried to hold back the tears, and he looked at me and shook his head. Kevin then said "Thanks for everything, Edgy" and then just like that he disappeared into the cold night air.

I wanted to tell Kevin and so many of those on The Other Side who have been on The Other Side so much more on Saturday night. Such as? Such as if kids like Kevin put the same type of effort and dedication into the rest of their lives, that they will succeed in life. I wanted to tell him how much fun I get in watching kids like him grow and mature, wanted to tell him how much I enjoy being able to talk to so many great kids like him. I have no doubts that Kevin and so many others like him will be just fine, and that soon enough they will look back on their last four years of high school someday and will have nothing but good memories.

The parents? Yes, the parents from The Other Side also will go through a transition, and at this point maybe I should start a support group? The parents from The Other Side will also feel a sense of loss. No more road trips, no more rides to other schools, picking up the kids from practices, parent and booster club meetings and the overall feeling of being a part of a community is lost forever. Many parents of graduated seniors will get the itch to come back again when the fall comes around next year, and many will head back to the next set of football games, and it will never feel the same ever again.

So while only 8 teams will be lucky enough to never be on The Other Side this playoff season, so many others will not be that lucky. The Other Side has a story to tell, and let us never forget the efforts, dedication and enjoyment we have all received from those people on The Other Side. I never have forgotten, and I guess that is what separates me from the many others? No matter who wins or who doesn't win, you learn to appreciate the efforts from both sides. From the coaches, teachers, administrators, players, parents and fan, we all should appreciate the efforts and for the chance to be fortunate to witness the amazing story on the winning side as well as on The Other Side.

When it comes to the IHSA state football playoff system, feel free to complain all you want, that is until the games begin.

Once the games begin, regardless of your issues with our system, put your arguments and thoughts aside for the games, the coaches and the kids.

So as we get ever closer to the release of the IHSA State Football Playoff Pairings on Saturday, October 20th (a night that for myself has become a combination of Christmas, New Years Eve and my birthday all wrapped up into one glorious night) I feel a responsibility to at least get my ya-ya's out regarding what I feel is to a certain degree one messed up system.

Well, here we go then. All Hail King EDGY?

1. Seed each class of the state playoffs 1-32- Currently, we seem to flip flop between seeding each class either as 2 brackets of 16 teams or 4 8 team quads depending upon travel. Personally, the two 16 teams brackets I feel are a marked improvement from the original 4 8 team quads, yet this is still a flawed system on many levels.

Now, the IHSA over the past few years has stated many times that they have no real interest in ensuring that the best two teams make it to a state final. Huh? Yes, no need to back-track on that statement. The current IHSA playoff system wants to ensure that equal parts of the state have an equal chance to make it to the state finals regardless of the competition level. To the state association, location is king.

In my first act as King for the Day? Bye bye location and welcome to a true seeding per class. I know the naysayers will argue the cost of travel these days, yet how much of the educational experience are kids missing these days because they won't ever get to experience say a 2-3 hour bus ride to a different area of the state for a game? I say they are missing one of the best parts of the state playoff experience.

From a competition standpoint? No question we would have great match-ups regardless of location and yes, hopefully the best teams regardless of location would make the state finals. Let's stop trying to take the competition out of competitive sports. Look kids, in the state playoffs as well as in life. someone will lose and someone will win. It's life, and the sooner we teach that lesson and stop handing out trophies and pizza to everyone, the better in my book.

2. Under no circumstances shall any two conference foes face each other in the first round- Nothing gets me more upset with our current state playoff system than when two teams who face each other get to square off again in Week 10. It gets even worse when two conference teams who just played each other in Week 9 get to play each other in Week 10. It's silly and unfair in my book. If you seed 1-32 and those two teams face each other still in the bracket, then by all means move one team down and another up until you can avoid those types of match-ups.

3. Day and time of all playoff games shall be determined by the home team- End of story. Don't wanna play on a Friday night in the playoffs as the visiting team? Well, if the home team claims they want Friday night, then under my reign of terror the home team sets the day and time. The only allowable scenario is travel. If the visiting team needs to travel say more than 150 miles for a game, then let's revert back to the current system and let the administrators and coaches handle it. If they can't handle it, then the IHSA gets involved and sets the time and date.

I have plenty more, and I could write an entire blog on the 8 class football system we have now in Illinois, but maybe we'll say that subject for another day.

Hey, the King for a Day only has so much time to gets things done.

So what would you do if you were King or Queen for a Day?

If your a die hard prep football fan, I really don't need to ask that question as we approach Week 7.

With just three more regular season games left on the slate (and yes, where does the time go anyways?) we are now starting to see a clearer picture at least from those who could content and those who will pretend when the IHSA state playoff field is announced on October 20th.

Here's a quick look at some of the more interesting Chicagoland area conference races along with who I feel will be potential playoff qualifers.

Central Suburban South- Well, I guess I'll see everyone in Park Ridge on Saturday as Glenbrook South (6-0) faces off against Maine South (5-1). Can the Titans and head coach Mike Noll climb over the mountain in the CS South known as the Hawks? Also New Trier (5-1) will again be a major factor in the CSSouth race, who still have to face both Glenbrook South and Maine South this fall. Waukegan (3-3)? Head coach Pat Jennings is definitely preaching 6 wins and not 5, because after this week's showdown at New Trier, playoff points will definitely be a concern for the Bulldogs.

Chicago Catholic Blue- Could all 5 teams in the rugged Blue make the state playoff field? With it's CCL cross-over schedules kicking into effect for the next three weeks, look for all 5 CCL Blue teams to finish strong heading into the post-season. Providence Catholic (2-4) really has no room for error from here on out, but haven't we seen this act before from the Emerald Isle?

Chicago Catholic White- It looks like all five teams in the White right now have a good chance at a state playoff bid, but look harder. Fenwick (4-2), DeLaSalle (4-2) and Bishop McNamara (4-2) all look to be in good shape playoff point wise, yet getting to the magical 5 wins might not be easy as you'd think for all five teams. All five have tough games to finish out the 2007 regular season.

Chicago Public League Prairie State- Hubbard vs Morgan Park is this Thursday at 3:30PM at Gately Stadium, and this game should determine the conference winner. Dunbar (3-3) however could have a say in the matter if Hubbard beats Morgan Park, since the Mightymen face the Greyhounds in Week 8.

DuPage Valley- it's looking more and more like a Week 9 showdown between Naperville North (6-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (6-0) could determine the DuPage Valley conference title along with a high seed in Class 8A. Beware however, since several potholes could get in the way of this projection in the always tough DVC.

East Suburban Catholic- like the DVC, the ESCC is looking more and more like a potential Week 9 matchup between Carmel (5-1) and Joliet Catholic (5-1) in Joliet. Yet several interesting matchups are still on the docket, including the Niles Notre Dame Dons (5-1) facing JCA in Joliet this Friday night along with Carmel traveling to face Nazareth Academy (4-2) on Friday. As of today eight teams from the ESCC are still thinking state playoff bids.

Fox Valley (Valley)- could someone PLEASE rename the Fox Valley conferences with other than Fox and Valley, PLEASE? Anyways, the Fox Valley Valley has five teams still thinking playoffs. Toughest schedule from here on out? No question that belongs to Cary-Grove (5-1) who travel to McHenry and rival Crystal Lake South (5-1), then face Woodstock at home to end the regular season.

Mid Suburban East- Rolling Meadows (6-0) looked impressive in beating rival Prospect (3-3) last Friday and have a big leg up in the East. Prospect (3-3)? Trust me folks, I know that those Prospect kids and coaches still have plenty in the tank despite the record. Wheeling (3-3) The Wildcats host Prospect this Friday in a HUGE game for Wheeling's playoff chances. Five wins might not get the Wildcats into the state playoff field as the playoff points at this stage (20) look awfully low.

Mid Suburban West- Fremd (6-0) could basically wrap up the conference crown with a win on Friday against Schaumburg (4-2). Palatine (3-3) will travel to Barrington (3-3) on Friday and no question this is a MUST win for both teams. Hoffman Estates (2-4) still has an outside chance at a state playoff bid but Fremd looms on the Hawks schedule in Week 8.

North Suburban Lake- Both Lake Zurich (5-1) and Lake Forest (5-1) look safe from a playoff points standpoint, yet the most interesting ride from here on out with be the battle between the 3-3 teams. Stevenson, Libertyville and Warren are all at 3-3 heading into this week's games and I get the feeling that at least one of these teams could be hard pressed to get to 5 wins on Playoff Pairings night.

North Suburban Prairie- See above, except replace Grant (6-0) and Wauconda (5-1) with Lake Zurich and Lake Forest. The add North Chicago, Vernon Hills and Antioch in place of Libertyville, Stevenson and Warren.

SICA East- Could Thornton (2-4) go from 0-4 to say 5-4 and win a conference championship? TF South (5-1) will try to derail the Wildcats plans this Friday in Lansing. Bloom (3-3) has an outside shot at a state playoff bid but the Blazing Trojans will also be playoff point counting from here on out.

SICA South- Crete-Monee (5-1) will travel to Park Forest on Saturday to take on Rich East (5-1) in a game that will most likely decide the conference title. If Rich South (3-3) can get to five wins they would be in the state playoff field, yet Kankakee (3-3) would also be counting up it's playoff points thru the end of the regular season.

South Suburban Blue- Lemont (5-1) and Oak Forest (5-1) will square off in Week 8. Both Bremen (4-2) and Hillcrest (4-2) still have work to do but they both could wind up with state playoff bids.

South Suburban Red- Richards (6-0) is rolling, yet the interesting story has been the rebound of the Reavis Rams (4-2) this fall. Reavis was 0-9 last year yet look for head coach James McDonough to have his Rams thinking 6 wins and not 5 based off of it's low playoff point total (22) along with Argo (4-2 with 22 playoff points). Eisenhower (4-2) and first year head coach Travis Moore look to be in good shape but have two biggies coming up in Richards and Argo.

Southwest Prairie- You guess is as good as anyone's in this well balanced conference race. Morris (4-2) is so far undefeated in conference play, but 6 other teams here are still thinking state playoffs.

Southwest Suburban Blue- Bolingbrook (4-2) and Lincoln-Way East (5-1) look safe, but Lockport (3-3) and Sandburg (2-4) look like they could have trouble ahead. The eagles and the Porters still need to face Bolingbrook and East on the schedule.

Southwest Suburban Red- Lincoln-Way Central (5-1) has the better overall record and a win last Friday over Homewood-Floosmoor (4-2) in conference play, yet the Red remains a traffic jam since all five teams are still thinking state playoff bid.

Suburban Catholic-the fun begins this week when Marian Central Catholic (6-0) host Montini Catholic (6-0). Driscoll Catholic (6-0) also gets to still face both the Hurricanes and the Broncos to finish the regular season. Marmion Academy (3-3) has a very good chance at a state playoff bid but has a MUST win game this Saturday at Immaculate Conception (2-4).

Upstate 8- According to my fuzzy math, 8 out of the the Upstate 8's 11 teams (hey, can we fix this conference name as well please?) still are thinking playoffs. So who will make it from the Upstate? Sorry, my brain does not compute yet.

West Suburban Gold- Downers Grove South (6-0) is in the state playoff field, yet five other schools are also thinking state playoffs here, A handful of those same schools better look hard at it's playoff point totals before ordering those state playoff T-Shirts however.

West Suburban Silver- all I know for sure is that Proviso West (1-5) and Downers Grove North (1-5) will be staying home come playoff time. Other than that, the Silver is still wide open. Best story so far? For me it has to be Glenbard West (3-3), yet 1st year head coach Chad Hetlet still has Lyons (5-1) and Hinsdale Central (5-1) on the schedule.

Western Sun- Only Geneva (6-0) has reserved a table at the state playoffs so far, yet the remaining 7 teams all are thinking state playoffs. Did anyone else expect anything less from the fun to follow Western Sun conference?

I will still hopefully be on the road this coming Saturday but this time I'll strictly be Dad in the stands for a change.

My 13 year old son EDGYMike will be a part of the Illinois Elementary School Association baseball state finals when his team travels to East Peoria to play at the wonderful facility known as the East Side Centre starting on Friday evening.

The Joliet St. Paul Giants will open up play on Friday evening against Pawnee in the Class 2A quarterfinals. The winners from Friday's quarterfinal action will advance to the state semifinal and final rounds on Saturday.

So by now you might be asking, what in the world does this have to do with the world of High School football and/or High School sports in general?

Unlike it's sister association, the Illinois High School Association, the IESA so far hasn't been influenced with anything remotely close to issues such as "leveling the playing field".

At least not yet anyways.

Being the only private school to play in the Class 2a field this weekend in East Peoria, I can't help but think to wonder if and when the issues that have caused so much divide, lawsuits, counter lawsuits and plain old fashioned controversy among high school sports and if the never ending saga of public versus private won't eventually seep into play at the IESA level?

Hopefully, never.

The IESA uses the enrollment numbers of each schools 7th and 8th grades combined. Our Joliet St. Paul team has a combined enrollment of 96 kids, the second smallest enrollment school in the Class 2a quarterfinal field, with no private school multiplier in sight. Our kids fortunately won't need to be taught about the multiplier or the significance of 1.65 until at least another year.

Yet I can't help but wonder if the Giants continue to win starting on Friday night, that the main argument against all private schools and state-wide sports won't rear it's ugly head this weekend. You know the argument. They (private schools that is) recruit.

First of all, when my son still thought that Barney the purple Dinosaur was the bomb (sorry son) back in the early days, my wife (EDGYwife?) and I decided that we would like to send our son to the same school where our local parish was located. The school offered a good education, was close to home and as parents we wanted to make the best choice for our son and eventually our younger daughter EDGYShannon as we could despite the added sacrifices and financial considerations. Nothing against out local public school whatsoever, we just both felt very comfortable with our kids in the hands of the good folks at St. Paul's.

Now back then, I'm pretty sure that his baseball coaches at St. Paul's weren't scouting the 1st grade for potential talent. Athletics were my last concern when I sent my child to a private school. I'm guessing the same goes for the rest of the St. Paul's baseball team parents? I didn't receive any recruiting pitches to send my 7 year old son to St. Paul's because he would have a chance to win a state title. Up until two years ago, St. Paul school had no organized baseball program.

Our school doesn't arrive to road games in brand new school buses. We leave the transportation issues up to Mom and Dad Transport.

We play and practice at a first class facility, but the Troy Pony fields are located miles from our school.

Our coaches are unpaid volunteers, yet we wouldn't trade them for any other paid coaches in the state of Illinois to be honest.

While our uniforms are pretty nice, they aren't brand new.

Oh, and I've also been paying ever rising tuition costs along with a ton of required fundraisers for the past 7 plus years.

So tell me, where is the so-called "recruiting" advantage?"

If parents at St. Paul's want to send their kids over the IHSA regulated 30 mile rule, they might want to have their heads examined. If those same parents want to deal with the never-ending gridlock in and around the greater Joliet area these days, good luck to them.

So my hope for this weekend is many-fold for all of the kids playing in East Peoria, both public and private.

I hope that each teams plays hard and gives it there best efforts.

I hope that win or lose, each team can appreciate the effort it takes to just get to any state final.

I hope that sportsmanship is at an all time high both on the field and in the stands.

I also hope that if our St. Paul Giants are fortunate enough win it's second consecutive state baseball title this weekend, that IESA Executive Director Steve Endsley doesn't release a press statement after the state final games stating that, "the IESA board will begin immediately to explore the possibility of leveling the playing field."

I'm hoping that the IESA and the kids will continue to get it right.

Leave the politics to the politicians.

Let's play ball.

From one end of this great state to the other, week in and week out I'm seeing more and more of what I like to call the Attack of the Dink and Dunk offenses.

Dink and Dunk you ask?

The Dink and Dunk, otherwise more commonly known as the Shotgun Spread offense. Teams all over the state are now putting it's quarterbacks in the Shotgun formation and spreading the entire field with a barrage of short to intermediate passing routes along with the popular shotgun draw running play like never before.

Welcome to basketball on grass?

From one end of this great state to the other, week in and week out I'm seeing more and more of what I like to call the Attack of the Dink and Dunk offenses.

Dink and Dunk you ask?

The Dink and Dunk, otherwise more commonly known as the Shotgun Spread offense. Teams all over the state are now putting it's quarterbacks in the Shotgun formation and spreading the entire field with a barrage of short to intermediate passing routes along with the popular shotgun draw running play like never before.

Welcome to basketball on grass?

Not too long ago, the power running game seemed to be the offense of choice and being able to play smash mouth football was the more acceptable norm.

Yet like the NFL and the college game, the West Coast offense philosophy and the spread it out attack has never been as popular on the high school level than it's been this year.

So why the sudden change? Why are teams starting to abandon the power running game for the Dink and Dunk?

I needed a real expert on the West Coast/Dink and Dunk philosophy, and since no one else would talk to me I called up my old friend Otto Zeman, head varsity football coach and athletic director at Riverside-Brookfield.

Zeman, who was admittedly stunned to get a call from anyone since his Bulldogs have started the season with a 1-3 record so far this fall, is no question one of the Chicagoland area high school coaches who knows a few things about the passing game.

Zeman has been running his 5-Wide spread passing attack for many years at Riverside-Brookfield, and even Zeman has been surprised at how many schools are now running the Dink and Dunk spread passing attack this fall.

"It's crazy," Zeman said. "It really hit me last year in the Class 7a state playoffs. I was at the St. Rita/Providence Catholic game and to see those two traditional Catholic school powers throwing the ball all over the field was pretty shocking. This year it seems like everyone is running the spread passing game more than ever."

So why the sudden change to the Dink and Dunk attack in your opinion Coach Zeman?

"Someone told me a long time ago that high school kids can't cover."

It's true. One of the most difficult positions to play at any level of football is corner back. Finding kids who can cover receivers on a consistent basis is a goldmine, a rare goldmine.

While many teams might look to be throwing the ball all over the field this season, Zeman admits that the teams that can run and throw out of the Shotgun Spread are the teams that are having the most success.

"Look at Kenny Leonard down at (Springfield) Sacred Heart Griffin. He's been running this offense for awhile now and he's been highly successful not with just the pass, but Sacred Heart can also run the ball well out of the spread. If you can mix in a good running game in this offense with the spread passing game, it really spreads out a defense and allows you to attack in some many different ways. If you have a quarterback that can run, suddenly you have a whole different set of worries on defense. Being able to run the ball makes the spread attack that much more effective."

The most dangerous part of this new aged offensive attack?

Scores are never safe in this Dink and Dunk attack. Your basically running a two minute offense for 48 minutes. If an opponent takes 6 minutes to score and you can answer that opponents score with a quick strike out of the Dink and Dunk, can you say momentum swing? I thought you could.

With this new era Dink and Dunk offense, skill kids are also at a higher priority than say your 6-foot-5, 280 pounds plus linemen and speed has never been as important than it is in the Dink and Dunk attack. Football remains a game of leverage, and the Dink and Dunk allows smaller, faster teams a serious way to compete with the bigger boys.

Teams that had issues finding the oversized linemen can suddenly find a quick fix with the Dink and Dunk. Suddenly teams can offset the size advantages with speed and offensive skills.

The only real downfall of running this Dink and Dunk attack?

According to one unnamed IHSA referee this past weekend, who said jokingly "If this keeps up we'll need to charge by the hour."

I knew it was coming.

I knew that throngs of fans of larger enrollment schools would be very vocal once I added Driscoll Catholic into my weekly poll. I'm also expecting that our buddy and Sun Times prep editor Steve Tucker is also experiencing the same responses with his weekly Top 25 poll.

So, the question on the table or blog if you will is can the smaller guys play with the bigger boys?

It's a good question, a really good question.

I knew it was coming.

I knew that throngs of fans of larger enrollment schools would be very vocal once I added Driscoll Catholic into my weekly poll. I'm also expecting that our buddy and Sun Times prep editor Steve Tucker is also experiencing the same responses with his weekly Top 25 poll.

So, the question on the table or blog if you will is can the smaller guys play with the bigger boys?

It's a good question, a really good question.

So why would I dare include three smaller enrollment schools from the Suburban Catholic conference into my Chicagoland Top 25 poll? Why would anyone for that matter?

So far this fall, I've had a chance to see in person Lincoln-Way East, Providence Catholic, Montini, Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove South, Joliet Catholic, Chicago Mount Carmel, Hubbard, Fenwick, Simeon, St. Rita, Wheaton South, Waubonsie Valley, Oak Lawn Richards, Morgan Park, Lincoln-Way Central, Driscoll, Marmion along with a handful of other teams via television (yes, EDGY does DVR very well).

I feel that I've been able to see some great teams in person and up close, and hopefully you'll agree that at least I'm getting out there again this fall.

Marian Central Catholic? Montini Catholic? Driscoll Catholic? Are all three schools really Top 25 worthy?

In short, yes they are for now in my humble opinion.

Marian Central Catholic? Last time I looked this team was playing last Thanksgiving weekend in the Class 5a state title game and has yet to lose a game this fall. How many teams regardless of enrollment size can boast players the caliber of say junior QB Jon Budmayr (he of a handful of early Big Ten scholarship offers) or Notre Dame bound senior DL Sean Cwynar?

Montini? Can someone really tell me that the Broncos wouldn't give several bigger enrollment school teams at least a decent game? That the Broncos revised Dink and Dunk spread passing game would be any easier to defend this fall than the same attack being run all over the state? Talent? How many schools this fall can boast about at least 3 major D-1 prospects on the roster? Montini can.

Driscoll? The Highlanders, the defending Class 4A state title winners and winners of six straight state titles, who look to me like they have a great shot at a seventh state title in a row? Not good enough? That Driscoll senior QB David Schwabe couldn't be a major impact player at a bigger school? Or that the Highlanders defense would get rolled by any school with more kids in the building? Please.

The main issue and argument has always been if these schools played in the Chicagoland area's Enormous Conferences that week in and week out they would wear down. Yes they would? Maybe? No?

In short, we'll never know that answer and that's what makes these polls fun on so many levels.

If the bigger schools want a piece of these smaller school powers, then by all means give them a call.

Have schools like Montini ever ducked anyone on it's non conference schedule over the years under Chris Andriano? Don't think that any Hurricane or Highlander fan worth their salt wouldn't love a chance to play a few of the big bigger boys just once?

If you play in the smaller enrollment conferences, does it mean that your coaches aren't capable of figuring out and beating larger schools? Does it mean that MCC's veteran Ed Brucker, Montini's Chris Andriano and Driscoll's Mike "Buzz" Burzawa aren't as good as the larger school coaches? Now your just being silly.

The main question there remains would any of the bigger boys want to schedule these smaller school powers? I have my doubts.

A home and home? Naw, I seriously doubt that the big boys would want anything to do with a road game at the very small schools. Also, what would the bigger boys really have to gain by beating one of these schools? Not much.

Another argument for this cause if I may?

Appalachian State, or in state D-1AA Southern Illinois or say NAIA local football power St. Xavier to name a few.

Haven't we learned by now that anyone on any given day can beat another team regardless of the "size" of the opponent?

I didn't see Appy State back down at all from mighty Michigan.

Think the NIU fans and coaches are feeling good today after losing to the SIU Salukis last Saturday night?

I had a chance to call the game on WJOL AM 1340 in Joliet last Saturday night between St. Xavier and the University of St. Francis, as the Cougars rolled to an impressive 52-8 win at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

Could someone not convince me that the Cougars couldn't go toe to toe with say several of the in-state Football Championship Subdivision schools (D1-AA) for four quarters?

So for at least this week anyways, the smaller schools will have it's day in the polls.

Like I always have for the past 11 years of publishing, if I see a team that I feel is Top 25 worthy regardless of class size, they will get ranked. It's as simple as that kids.

Thanks to technology however, you can always have a say and feel free to comment and to express your thoughts on this subject.

Hooray for technology and for the smaller guys.

Each and every year after the first few weeks of the season are in the books, you can always find a few surprising teams that have yet to post it's first win of the year.

A must win in Week 3?

Welcome to the very short and very important 9 game regular season for Illinois High School Football.

Riverside-Brookfield (0-2)- The Bulldogs and it's traditional pass happy offensive attack is in search of a serious kick start. The Bulldogs have scored just 14 points so far while allowing 107 points in losses against Class 5a state power Metamora (60-14) and Nazareth Academy (47-0). Next up? Arguably one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the state when Chicago Robeson (1-1) visits Riverside-Brookfield tonight.

Stevenson (0-2)- the Patriots and veteran head coach Bill Mitz were confident in the preseason that this could be a big year in Lincolnshire. Hard to imagine any team having a must win after just two weeks of the season already in the books, yet Stevenson needs a win badly this week when state ranked Lake Zurich arrives in Lincolnshire.

Morris (0-2)- The Redskins find themselves in a must win situation this week when they travel to face Oswego (1-1) in a Southwest Prairie conference opener for both teams. Morris has lost two straight, including last week's 51-15 blowout loss to rival Joliet Catholic (1-1).

Thornton (0-2). Huh? The Wildcats year in and year out have been at worst a very solid team under veteran head coach Bill Mosel, but it's very rare to see the Wildcats in need of a must win this year in the season. The Wildcats are coming off two tough last minute losses to Hillcrest (33-32) and Lockport (17-10) and Crete-Monee comes to Harvey on Saturday afternoon. Crete (1-1) gave Crystal Lake South a solid game in it's season opener and defeated TF South (1-1) last week 21-6.

Sandburg (0-2). New head coach Dave Wierzal is hoping at this point that the Eagles can at least get on the scoreboard, having been shut out in it's first two games by Lyons Township (3-0) and Lincoln-Way Central (27-0). This week? The Battle of District 230 as fellow District 230 school Stagg comes to Orland Park on Friday night.

Neuqua Valley (0-2). The Wildcats and head coach Bryan Wells are looking to get in the win column this week as conference play begins in the Upstate 8. The Wildcats will host Lake Park (1-1) on Friday night in Naperville.

Junior Watch?

As the season progresses, more and more underclassmen with the potential to be Division 1 prospects at the college level begin to come into focus. Here's a handful of names to keep an eye on and expect this list to keep growing this fall.

Several junior quarterbacks are emerging this fall.

Marian Central Catholic's Jon Budmayr already is touting as handful of Big Ten offers and that offer list will grow sooner rather than later. Also keep an eye out for Aurora Christian's Jordan Roberts along with Maine South's Charlie Goro in what looks to be a deeper quarterback class.

Chicago Morgan Park's junior defensive linemen Craig Drummond (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) already looks like he's physically ready for the next level. Drummond has exceptional physical tools and played well last Saturday night in the Mustangs heartbreaking 23-21 last second loss to Oak Lawn Richards.

Oak Lawn Richards junior wide receiver Shaun Pratl (6-foot-7, 212 pounds) will be the next D-1 level football prospect from the home of the Bulldogs. Pratl, who's also a standout basketball player at Richards, has very good ball skills, hands and is taylor-made to become either a tight end or possibly an offensive tackle at the college level.

Waubonsie Valley junior kicker Mitch Ewald (5-foot-9, 150 pounds) has an exceptional foot. Ewald has great leg strength and 50 plus yard range on field goals, yet what will get college coaches really excited is the distance and height he can get on kickoffs. Ewald kicking skills remind me at this stage of former current Illinois kicker Jason Reda when he kicked for the Rock Island Rocks during his high school days.

For some strange reasons, the brain trust here at your Chicago Sun-Times felt that for some wild
reason adding me to the lineup of bloggers might be a good idea?

Well, as I've said for years, I'm always very thankful for lowered expectations.

Today, let's recap my Opening Night travels to Frankfort.

For some strange reasons, the brain trust here at your Chicago Sun-Times felt that for some wild
reason adding me to the lineup of bloggers might be a good idea?

Well, as I've said for years, I'm always very thankful for lowered expectations.

This past weekend, I spent my weekend on the road checking out six different games over three days.

Today, let's recap my Opening Night travels to Frankfort.

Let's call this my Diary of a Madman if you will.

Friday at Lincoln-Way East- For the past several years on my website, I've set up a contest where I allow the fans of the site nominate and vote for my opening Friday night game, and for the 2nd straight season the fans decided to send me to check out Providence Catholic at Lincoln-Way East. Hey, no problem fans and this game so far has never disappointed.

I liked what I saw from both the Griffins and the Celtics on Friday night.

Now, keep in mind that this was a first game, and traditionally if your at the top of your game in Week 1, your basically in trouble down the road. My experience is that teams and coaches make the most progress and adjustment from Week 1 to Week 2. Certainly, the Griffins had issues despite the win and the Celtics have aspects to work on as well.

I have a feeling that Providence Catholic still has a very good team lurking out on the Emerald Isle despite the 14-6 loss to East. I see the makings of a team that once again this season could get better and better as the year progresses. Yet the main question for any fan that bleeds Green and White is can the Celtics get to at least five, as in five regular season wins playing in the toughest conference in Illinois, the Chicago Catholic League Blue? If they can get to at least five, I wouldn't be shocked to see another run similar to the 2006 season that had Providence roll from a 1-4 start to a the state semifinals. Yes folks, the ingredients look to be there again.

Lincoln-Way East? Has any program in the history of Illinois has as much success as the Griffins have had over the past few years as literally a brand new school? East has numbers, coaching, talent and an incredible fan base and community support that is second to none. Look for East to continue to roll along in Class 8A again this season and this team will challenge all comers.

Next time around, I'll fill you in on the Montini Catholic upset win over Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin along with the triple header Preseason Prep Bowl Kickoff Classic on Sunday at historic Soldier Field.

Side note: Here's a get well soon to Tim Maher aka Da Big Guy, who had open heart surgery and is recovering this week after a successful procedure.