3 CCL Teams to the Semi-Finals

ramblinman_rivals165935

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Jul 18, 2001
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Let them move. Then we get more non conf games to beef up our schedule!
And then it will affect our conference record, mass hysteria, dogs sleeping with cats...
Mayhem

You didn't answer mine

Do we get a 7 paragraph response with charts and diagrams and all??

Let them move, you say. More non con games, you say.

Why stop there? Why not just ditch the CSL altogether? Then you can have all the non-con games you want to beef up your schedule. Good luck with that.
 

PRokie

Senior
Nov 22, 2010
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Oh my...

Got me good there mister!!!

Woo hoo are you good!!!

OMG!!! I can't take it!

Not even one paragraph.... I must've written when you were doing something else with your hands... Good luck with that!
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
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We'd be in the ESCC in a second, and ESCC wouldn't struggle to find a second team. Fenwick has been in the CCL since it began playing football and has never waivered in its dedication to CCL, yet people like you feel that we owe you something. That's where the crock of crap really is. Fenwick's main responsibility is to its student athletes. This season has been fantastic and everyone is very excited but it's the outlier. Most years we will struggle to compete with the worst teams in the Blue. It has nothing to do with size of schools either. There is a reason that most schools don't want anything to do with playing in the Blue, it's suicide. We have academic restrictions that none of the Blue schools (minus Loyola) have to worry about. Not gonna get into a recruiting conversation but Fenwick does not recruit to the level of those schools and frankly we don't want to. That takes the playing field and slants it so heavily toward the Blue schools it's not worth trying to even bring up Fenwick.

If everyone made the playoffs it'd be one thing, it's not all about winning and losing, if it was Fenwick would sell out to recruit as well. To some extent though you want to give the kids that spend thousands of hours training a chance. If in the Blue Fenwick wouldn't be giving their kids much of one. Fenwick owes their kids that chance and owes you nothing .

Interesting stuff here. Very interesting.
 

Jiggs

Senior
May 18, 2009
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The ESCC did approach St Francis and Marmion back in 2014.....however the ESCC would not take a certain SCC team. Marmion, St Franics and the unnamed team presented themselves as a package deal.

And we all know what school the ESSC didn't want any part of.
 

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
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And we all know what school the ESSC didn't want any part of.

Who, these guys?

 

ramblinman_rivals165935

All-Conference
Jul 18, 2001
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It would be of no benefit to the ESCC to have a 13 team league.

With the ten schools they have right now, they have too many schools for a conference with no divisions.

If they didn't want to play non-con games and just schedule 9 conference games they could choose to do that, but they don't. Instead, each school plays two non-con games and seven conference games. That results in some schools having easier conference schedules than others. For instance, this year, conference champ Marist didn't play Notre Dame or Viator, both of which were playoff qualifiers They also faced all three non-qualifiers from the ESCC. Although it may not have mattered much this year in terms of the conference championship, that kind of situation sets up scenarios where it could matter at some point.

Problem is, the ESCC doesn't have have enough schools for multiple divisions. 12 or 13 teams would do it if the conference were to break down into two divisions.

This is one reason why I keep harping for a mega private conference. More schools in the conference provide more flexibility with respect to aligning divisions.
 
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catsattackfor3

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With the ten schools they have right now, they have too many schools for a conference with no divisions.

If they didn't want to play non-con games and just schedule 9 conference games they could choose to do that, but they don't. Instead, each school plays two non-con games and seven conference games. That results in some schools having easier conference schedules than others. For instance, this year, conference champ Marist didn't play Notre Dame or Naz, both of which were playoff qualifiers They also faced all three non-qualifiers from the ESCC. Although it may not have mattered much this year in terms of the conference championship, that kind of situation sets up scenarios where it could matter at some point.

Problem is, the ESCC doesn't have have enough schools for multiple divisions. 12 or 13 teams would do it if the conference were to break down into two divisions.

This is one reason why I keep harping for a mega private conference. More schools in the conference provide more flexibility with respect to aligning divisions.
the ESSC / CCL relationship is a strained one and had been for years..they both also reach out to others members for possible expansion. Marist has been on the CCL's wish list for years to add to the Blue Division as well as either ND or St. Pat's for the Green. As we know Fenwick would be a great get for the ESSC and I am sure Loyola would be another desirable get for the ESSC (for both boys and girls sports)
 

pjjp

All-Conference
Aug 26, 2001
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With the ten schools they have right now, they have too many schools for a conference with no divisions.

If they didn't want to play non-con games and just schedule 9 conference games they could choose to do that, but they don't. Instead, each school plays two non-con games and seven conference games. That results in some schools having easier conference schedules than others. For instance, this year, conference champ Marist didn't play Notre Dame or Naz, both of which were playoff qualifiers They also faced all three non-qualifiers from the ESCC. Although it may not have mattered much this year in terms of the conference championship, that kind of situation sets up scenarios where it could matter at some point.

Problem is, the ESCC doesn't have have enough schools for multiple divisions. 12 or 13 teams would do it if the conference were to break down into two divisions.

This is one reason why I keep harping for a mega private conference. More schools in the conference provide more flexibility with respect to aligning divisions.
I believe the ESCC is broken into two sections for football scheduling. Every year the South teams (Marian C., JCA, Benet, Naz and Marist) play each other. They also play 3 of the 5 Northern teams (CoM, MCC, ND, Pat's and Viator). The reverse is true for the North.

The mega-conference idea makes a lot of sense, IMO. It addresses many of the inequities of the current mismatches in the CCL and would make for an easier travel schedule for all the schools involved, which should be attractive to the ESCC schools. However, TPF's mindset seems to be the prevailing thinking for each school. As you've pointed out in the past, private schools are inherently independent. Getting them to agree to the mega-conference setup would seem to be an almost insurmountable challenge, short of some type of unifying event, which seems unlikely.
 

Cat Box

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Sep 23, 2012
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CatsAttack & Ramblin - you both make really good points. Sounds like the ESCC would benefit from adding couple schools to get up to 12 team with two divisions of 6. Not sure it would make sense to let go of any schools.

I would love to see the CCL pick up a 7/8A school to add to the Blue since Fenwick doesn't feel it is in "the best interest of their students".

Moving to a mega conference makes too much sense. Can't believe this hasn't happened yet.
 

godfthr53

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Sep 8, 2008
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the ESSC / CCL relationship is a strained one and had been for years..they both also reach out to others members for possible expansion. Marist has been on the CCL's wish list for years to add to the Blue Division as well as either ND or St. Pat's for the Green. As we know Fenwick would be a great get for the ESSC and I am sure Loyola would be another desirable get for the ESSC (for both boys and girls sports)
We will trade ya Marist, Pats, and ND for Montini and Francis.
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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Reminds me of when I found ratsy complaining about the amount of kids in JCA's 30 mile radius compared to the amount of kids in SHG's back in 2011.

See the pattern?
I'm not complaining about the recruiting of the CCL Blue schools. Have you ever seen me make excuses for Fenwick loses? I'm telling you why Fenwick won't join the Blue, nothing more. Fenwick wants to be competitive on the average. They want their kids to have a chance. If Fenwick were to be forced into the Blue they would have to step up their athletic (football at least) recruiting tremendously just to be competitive. Fenwick doesn't want to do that. The values at Fenwick and Mt Carmel are different, not saying one is right or wrong but definitely different.
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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With the ten schools they have right now, they have too many schools for a conference with no divisions.

If they didn't want to play non-con games and just schedule 9 conference games they could choose to do that, but they don't. Instead, each school plays two non-con games and seven conference games. That results in some schools having easier conference schedules than others. For instance, this year, conference champ Marist didn't play Notre Dame or Naz, both of which were playoff qualifiers They also faced all three non-qualifiers from the ESCC. Although it may not have mattered much this year in terms of the conference championship, that kind of situation sets up scenarios where it could matter at some point.

Problem is, the ESCC doesn't have have enough schools for multiple divisions. 12 or 13 teams would do it if the conference were to break down into two divisions.

This is one reason why I keep harping for a mega private conference. More schools in the conference provide more flexibility with respect to aligning divisions.

Stopped reading at Marist didn't play Naz. Wrong
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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I believe the ESCC is broken into two sections for football scheduling. Every year the South teams (Marian C., JCA, Benet, Naz and Marist) play each other. They also play 3 of the 5 Northern teams (CoM, MCC, ND, Pat's and Viator). The reverse is true for the North.

The mega-conference idea makes a lot of sense, IMO. It addresses many of the inequities of the current mismatches in the CCL and would make for an easier travel schedule for all the schools involved, which should be attractive to the ESCC schools. However, TPF's mindset seems to be the prevailing thinking for each school. As you've pointed out in the past, private schools are inherently independent. Getting them to agree to the mega-conference setup would seem to be an almost insurmountable challenge, short of some type of unifying event, which seems unlikely.

I agree pjjp it would be very hard. I think in Fenwick's case they would be way more willing to explore that then just a simple jump to the Blue but what ramblinman doesn't seem to get is that at the end of the day Fenwick is gonna do what they perceive best for them. They certainly aren't going to be blindly loyal to schools that want to force them into the Blue so they can add a W to their schedule while balancing out the conference.
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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I've edited my original post. You can keep reading it now. The editing doesn't change the fact that Marist did not play two playoff qualifying ESCC teams this year.
For the record I completely agree that a mega conference would be the best solution for almost everyone but getting all those independent schools to agree will more than likely never happen.
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
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I'm not complaining about the recruiting of the CCL Blue schools. Have you ever seen me make excuses for Fenwick loses? I'm telling you why Fenwick won't join the Blue, nothing more. Fenwick wants to be competitive on the average. They want their kids to have a chance. If Fenwick were to be forced into the Blue they would have to step up their athletic (football at least) recruiting tremendously just to be competitive. Fenwick doesn't want to do that. The values at Fenwick and Mt Carmel are different, not saying one is right or wrong but definitely different.

Not saying youre complaining. I was pointing out that the truth always comes out when the private guys forget or dont know that the public guys are watching. I completely understand your point and wish to extend your same point to small public schools.

Certain posters swear up and down the boards that everything is the same as if everyone else is blind and cant see whats going on. So I appreciate your honesty: enrollment doesnt matter, some schools attract a certain type of student regardless of their overall enrollment that allows them to compete at levels that arent reflective of their enrollment. I thank ratsy for his burst of honesty though he tries to hide it now.

Considering you are essentially lobbying for a split Im not sure how ramblinman can defend his position. BTW i have friends who will argue our 95 team was our best ever...
 

JFelice

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Sep 8, 2014
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Not saying youre complaining. I was pointing out that the truth always comes out when the private guys forget or dont know that the public guys are watching. I completely understand your point and wish to extend your same point to small public schools.

Certain posters swear up and down the boards that everything is the same as if everyone else is blind and cant see whats going on. So I appreciate your honesty: enrollment doesnt matter, some schools attract a certain type of student regardless of their overall enrollment that allows them to compete at levels that arent reflective of their enrollment. I thank ratsy for his burst of honesty though he tries to hide it now.

Considering you are essentially lobbying for a split Im not sure how ramblinman can defend his position. BTW i have friends who will argue our 95 team was our best ever...

Don't try and twist my words to suit your argument. In no way am I lobbying for a split, I have never complained about a loss nor have I complained about our classification come playoff time. If Mt Carmel, St Rita, Providence etc. kick our *** in the playoffs you won't hear boo from me. I don't think my kids deserve a trophy simply because they step on the field. Not every team makes the playoffs and Fenwick would be stupid to sign up for a conference that doesn't give them a chance most years to do just that. Once you make the playoffs all bets are off, you play the team across from you and if you lose you lose. I'm not getting into the private/public debate with you but you do not have an ally in me. We picked Fenwick over LT (our public) for a variety of reasons and none of which were athletic.
 

Gene K.

All-Conference
Jul 14, 2016
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I see MCHS mentioned in several of these posts relative to going from another supposed lower division into the Blue division of CCL. Definitely not taking sides in this thread one way or the other but Montini has in the present and past seasons competed against 8A and 7A schools and done quite well, considering that without the multiplier and success factor they would be a 4A school. To say that they would leave the CCL if put in the Blue division IMO that would not happen. Montini alums and fans are very proud of their reputation to take on all comers and I personally do not see that changing.
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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I see MCHS mentioned in several of these posts relative to going from another supposed lower division into the Blue division of CCL. Definitely not taking sides in this thread one way or the other but Montini has in the present and past seasons competed against 8A and 7A schools and done quite well, considering that without the multiplier and success factor they would be a 4A school. To say that they would leave the CCL if put in the Blue division IMO that would not happen. Montini alums and fans are very proud of their reputation to take on all comers and I personally do not see that changing.

There you go @ramblinman start your petition.
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
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Don't try and twist my words to suit your argument. In no way am I lobbying for a split, I have never complained about a loss nor have I complained about our classification come playoff time. If Mt Carmel, St Rita, Providence etc. kick our *** in the playoffs you won't hear boo from me. I don't think my kids deserve a trophy simply because they step on the field. Not every team makes the playoffs and Fenwick would be stupid to sign up for a conference that doesn't give them a chance most years to do just that. Once you make the playoffs all bets are off, you play the team across from you and if you lose you lose. I'm not getting into the private/public debate with you but you do not have an ally in me. We picked Fenwick over LT (our public) for a variety of reasons and none of which were athletic.
Youve already said it. Youre lobbying for the current split between Blue teams and Fenwick. You may not think youve allied yourself, but you have. As a matter of fact youve gone further than I do because I dont mention recruiting like you have.

So again, I thank you for your honesty even if you didnt realize what you were saying.
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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Youve already said it. Youre lobbying for the current split between Blue teams and Fenwick. You may not think youve allied yourself, but you have. As a matter of fact youve gone further than I do because I dont mention recruiting like you have.

So again, I thank you for your honesty even if you didnt realize what you were saying.

Don't speak for me.
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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I let you speak for yourself lol
Youre doin a great job for me making the point...
You really are a pain in the ***, my complaints are very different than the gripes you have. I don't sympathize with you, I don't agree with you and I don't want any part of your crusade.
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
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You really are a pain in the ***, my complaints are very different than the gripes you have. I don't sympathize with you, I don't agree with you and I don't want any part of your crusade.
Appreciate you pointing out all the problems, when it comes from a private guy like yourself it really nails it home!

Keep up the good work!
 

Cat Box

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Sep 23, 2012
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I see MCHS mentioned in several of these posts relative to going from another supposed lower division into the Blue division of CCL. Definitely not taking sides in this thread one way or the other but Montini has in the present and past seasons competed against 8A and 7A schools and done quite well, considering that without the multiplier and success factor they would be a 4A school. To say that they would leave the CCL if put in the Blue division IMO that would not happen. Montini alums and fans are very proud of their reputation to take on all comers and I personally do not see that changing.

Maybe the way the CCL should go is to replicate the old SCC with the Blue and Green divisions. Year one would look like this...

Blue - LA, BR, MC, SR, PC, Fenwick
Green - MA, MCHS, SF, SL, DLS, Iggy

Worst Blue record moves down to Green. Best Green record moves up to Blue. This will promote the most competitive teams and demote the least competitive teams on a year-to-year basis. Fenwick won't be forced into the Blue unless they earn their way into it. Keeps the divisions fluid - should be no complaints.

Next, combine the remaining White and Red teams into one lower division:
B-Mac, AC, Leo, SJ, DePaul.

Try and recruit IC, St. Eds, ACC and Wheaton Academy to the CCL lower division.
 

JFelice

Senior
Sep 8, 2014
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Maybe the way the CCL should go is to replicate the old SCC with the Blue and Green divisions. Year one would look like this...

Blue - LA, BR, MC, SR, PC, Fenwick
Green - MA, MCHS, SF, SL, DLS, Iggy

Worst Blue record moves down to Green. Best Green record moves up to Blue. This will promote the most competitive teams and demote the least competitive teams on a year-to-year basis. Fenwick won't be forced into the Blue unless they earn their way into it. Keeps the divisions fluid - should be no complaints.

Next, combine the remaining White and Red teams into one lower division:
B-Mac, AC, Leo, SJ, DePaul.

Try and recruit IC, St. Eds, ACC and Wheaton Academy to the CCL lower division.

I don't think the administration would agree to that, I on the other hand would. It's the compromise that helps all involved instead of just having the elitist attitude that "we're gonna force Fenwick into Blue".
 

mc140

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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They would give up CCL competition in all other boys sports, especially swimming, because of a football divisional placement?

Yes. Every thing revolves around football. Every conference break up has been about football. Swimming titles don't lead to testing number bump or increased alum donations.
 

catsattackfor3

Freshman
Mar 2, 2011
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In a perfect world you combine the CCL with the ESSC for football only. then small schools like ICCP, St. Edward, Guerin, Aurora Central Catholic, and Hope Academy. That would get you to 32 schools. 4 top divisions of 6, 1 small school division of 8. Keep the blue as is with Marist added, then go football enrollment wise for next 3 divisions. Top division only 1 crossover with Division 2 and 3. Division 4 with Division 2 and 3. The small school division has zero cross overs - no more Leos vs. the Loyolas anymore. Makes too much sense but it will never happen
 
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bigkell

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Jul 2, 2003
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Hope Fenwick never leaves CCL. Tradition matters...something the vast majority of public schools don't have in football.
 
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Cat Box

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Do the powers that be within the CCL read these suggestions?
How about the CCL team coaches and athletic directors?