Biggest surprise so far this season?

Anon1754760634

All-American
May 29, 2001
76,845
9,141
113
In a good way or bad way?

3-0

St. Joseph
Fenwick
Naperville North
Woodstock North
Wheaton Academy
Aurora Central Catholic
Hoffman Estates
Shepard
Lockport
St Charles East


0-3

Glenbrook South
St. Francis
Bishop McNamara
Simeon
Wheaton South
JCA
Conant
Warren Township
Andrew
Hinsdale South
 

BigGroff

Freshman
Dec 12, 2002
1,272
60
0
In a good way or bad way?

3-0

St. Joseph
Fenwick
Naperville North
Woodstock North
Wheaton Academy
Aurora Central Catholic
Hoffman Estates
Shepard
Lockport
St Charles East


0-3

Glenbrook South
St. Francis
Bishop McNamara
Simeon
Wheaton South
JCA
Conant
Warren Township
Andrew
Hinsdale South


When is the last time St Joes went 3-0?????? When is the last time they won 3 games....Great for them!
 

USD24

All-American
May 29, 2001
5,462
5,254
113
When was the last time JCA, PC, MC, Naz and Montini all lost in the same weekend?
 

ramblinman_rivals165935

All-Conference
Jul 18, 2001
9,102
2,802
0
If I had to pick THE biggest, it's Fenwick.

It's not that I expected much less from the Friars, but I don't think anyone was predicting they would beat Montini and Phillips and be 3-0 at this point. Beating Montini by 31 pts is quite a surprise in and of itself.

Looking at their schedule the rest of the way, I think it is not unreasonable to think they could go 8-1. If the Friars can find a way to defeat Loyola, then Fenwick will be able to lay claim to beating the 4A, 6A and 8A defending state champs in a single regular season.

Also looking at their schedule, how did they manage to schedule SIX home games? I wonder if that means they will be on the road six times next year.
 
Last edited:

woody6

Junior
Jun 24, 2016
673
280
0
In a good way or bad way?

3-0

St. Joseph
Fenwick
Naperville North
Woodstock North
Wheaton Academy
Aurora Central Catholic
Hoffman Estates
Shepard
Lockport
St Charles East


0-3

Glenbrook South
St. Francis
Bishop McNamara
Simeon
Wheaton South
JCA
Conant
Warren Township
Andrew
Hinsdale South
Regarding Andrew, be advised their 1st three opponents are a combined 7-2 with one of the losses coming to highly-regarded LWWest. In addition, a new, 1st-year head coach is in place after the program experienced successive 3-6 seasons. Expect a 2 or 3-year process of rebuilding?
 

Catch--22

Senior
Sep 29, 2006
2,518
756
0
Don't forget St. Patrick, 3-0 versus St. Rita, Glenbrook South and Joliet Catholic. Hindsight might be 20/20, but I don't think anybody would've predicted 3-0 this summer.

Hoffman Estates has a monster. Jaylan Alexander.... 6'2, 225 junior outside linebacker, wide receiver, running back, wildcat quarterback, punt returner. Donatucci moves him around every play. One of those dudes who is 16 and looks 30. Juniors are strong at HE, and I expect them to make some noise this year and next.

Both teams I mentioned could win 6 or 7 this season.
 

Cross Bones

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2001
52,832
3,907
113
looks like we're in a new era...

Would say Joe's, but as catch noted the teams that St. Pat's played... also hard to go against Fenwick. NN is also a great story so far.
 

Voodoo Tatum 21

All-Conference
May 18, 2016
2,970
1,765
0
Got to go with Fenwick. NN is a great story - but I want to see how they do against GBN, NV, WV.

Close second for me is MCHS. I was expecting some losses with their brutal schedule - but I was/am shocked by how bad they are losing. Got blown out by Maine South and then damn near running clocked by Fenwick. Time to circle the wagons and work some things out before BR and MC. If they can be respectable in those games and then run the table in the remainder of the games - they will be just fine in 6A playoffs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gene K.

LHSTigers94

All-Conference
Oct 25, 2004
3,173
2,437
93
Got to go with Fenwick. NN is a great story - but I want to see how they do against GBN, NV, WV.

Close second for me is MCHS. I was expecting some losses with their brutal schedule - but I was/am shocked by how bad they are losing. Got blown out by Maine South and then damn near running clocked by Fenwick. Time to circle the wagons and work some things out before BR and MC. If they can be respectable in those games and then run the table in the remainder of the games - they will be just fine in 6A playoffs.

Let's not forget their top player the RB is out. This to me changes everything about Montini. Last year the run game between the RB and the QB is what made them so successful. Not being able to keep opposing offenses off the field will always create bigger gaps in scoring. Not sure if they are 3-0 with Walker but, I am sure the spread wouldn't be as far apart as it is now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dtlove3434

Voodoo Tatum 21

All-Conference
May 18, 2016
2,970
1,765
0
Let's not forget their top player the RB is out. This to me changes everything about Montini. Last year the run game between the RB and the QB is what made them so successful. Not being able to keep opposing offenses off the field will always create bigger gaps in scoring. Not sure if they are 3-0 with Walker but, I am sure the spread wouldn't be as far apart as it is now.

yes and I agree he is a good player - but he is not going to single handedly make either of those two games "respectable" I think their other RB had nice games over 100 yards? and it didn't help much?
 

LHSTigers94

All-Conference
Oct 25, 2004
3,173
2,437
93
yes and I agree he is a good player - but he is not going to single handedly make either of those two games "respectable" I think their other RB had nice games over 100 yards? and it didn't help much?

It's more about ball control and time of possession. Without him, I am sure the OC is looking to pass a lot more than if Walker was there. Montini has always done a nice job of keep away when they know the offense isn't as explosive. Again, I am not saying they win the ball game but a good back can make a huge difference. Just look at GBW last year.
 

Nape

Heisman
May 29, 2001
164,366
61,270
113
St. Francis shouldn't be a surprise considering what Fitz did to them. And, subsequently, it shouldn't be a surprise that Naperville North is benefiting from Fitz's OC role.

What Fitz did to the kids at SF is beyond shameful. He did what he felt was right for him but left a lot of damage in his wake.
 

Anon1754760634

All-American
May 29, 2001
76,845
9,141
113
St. Francis shouldn't be a surprise considering what Fitz did to them. And, subsequently, it shouldn't be a surprise that Naperville North is benefiting from Fitz's OC role.

What Fitz did to the kids at SF is beyond shameful. He did what he felt was right for him but left a lot of damage in his wake.

Now wait a minute. The guy has a career and a family to deal with first and foremost. Beyond shameful? Really? Damage? Hurt feeling and such sure happens whenever this type of deal goes down but who can blame him for taking a teaching position in one of the better public high schools in Illinois?

Check yourself Buck.
 

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
5,702
3,531
0
Now wait a minute. The guy has a career and a family to deal with first and foremost. Beyond shameful? Really? Damage? Hurt feeling and such sure happens whenever this type of deal goes down but who can blame him for taking a teaching position in one of the better public high schools in Illinois?

Check yourself Buck.

Exactly what I thought when I read the post.
 

Nape

Heisman
May 29, 2001
164,366
61,270
113
Now wait a minute. The guy has a career and a family to deal with first and foremost. Beyond shameful? Really? Damage? Hurt feeling and such sure happens whenever this type of deal goes down but who can blame him for taking a teaching position in one of the better public high schools in Illinois?

Check yourself Buck.
I was probably a bit harsh. That's not really my MO. The timing was the issue. He is a great coach and for the Spartans to be left swinging in the wind in the summer like that is not ideal.

I have a wife and 3 kids myself and certainly understand his motivation. North can pay more than SF. Just do it when it doesn't leave a program 100% in the dark.
 

SiuCubFan8

All-Conference
Jul 27, 2007
5,527
3,450
113
I was probably a bit harsh. That's not really my MO. The timing was the issue. He is a great coach and for the Spartans to be left swinging in the wind in the summer like that is not ideal.

I have a wife and 3 kids myself and certainly understand his motivation. North can pay more than SF. Just do it when it doesn't leave a program 100% in the dark.
It's not his fault about the timing. You have to do what you have to do for your family.
 

illini14

Sophomore
Jun 12, 2014
468
117
0
I was probably a bit harsh. That's not really my MO. The timing was the issue. He is a great coach and for the Spartans to be left swinging in the wind in the summer like that is not ideal.

I have a wife and 3 kids myself and certainly understand his motivation. North can pay more than SF. Just do it when it doesn't leave a program 100% in the dark.
Be mad at the SF administration for not finding the $$$ to get him to stay.
 

mc140

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
8,755
2,810
113
Be mad at the SF administration for not finding the $$$ to get him to stay.

He would of been at Andrew a few months earlier if 230 didn't start everyone at or near year one on the pay scale.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mullin17

NNFAN

All-Conference
Sep 9, 2001
10,054
1,600
0
It's not his fault about the timing. You have to do what you have to do for your family.
I believe the decision was made and the school knew prior to the end of the school year. He made the announcement at the end of the school year. Do you make the announcement five months before you leave the current school, while you are under contract? I don't think so. Financially, there isn't any way a private school can match the pension a public school offers. That is the biggest difference.
 
  • Like
Reactions: eireog

eireog

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2007
2,796
3,391
0
Be mad at the SF administration for not finding the $$$ to get him to stay.
If a coach is looking for financial security out of the job ( salary+ pension+ benefits) most Catholic schools can't afford to pay what the better paying suburban districts are paying.
 

mce86

Redshirt
Jul 21, 2006
5
6
0
I was probably a bit harsh. That's not really my MO. The timing was the issue. He is a great coach and for the Spartans to be left swinging in the wind in the summer like that is not ideal.

I have a wife and 3 kids myself and certainly understand his motivation. North can pay more than SF. Just do it when it doesn't leave a program 100% in the dark.

StFrancis knew early on Fitz was looking. They were not in the dark. The info was out there in January.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NNFAN

eireog

All-Conference
Oct 6, 2007
2,796
3,391
0
I'd say St.Pats start against a tough schedule is the biggest surprise.
 

MR. "T"

Sophomore
Oct 14, 2008
312
156
0
In my opinion this is why when you are a head coach at a successful private school it has to be more about the kids, the program, and the schools tradition than the money!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nape

Voodoo Tatum 21

All-Conference
May 18, 2016
2,970
1,765
0
That was a long time between joining and posting @mce86!

What are those Midwestern bugs that only come out every 9 years? Cicada's? I coudnt contain myself for that long without posting! Some of the stuff on this board DEMANDS more frequent rebuttals!!;)
 

psspfan

Redshirt
Dec 11, 2013
242
49
0
What are those Midwestern bugs that only come out every 9 years? Cicada's? I coudnt contain myself for that long without posting! Some of the stuff on this board DEMANDS more frequent rebuttals!!;)
they are Cicadas, and every 17 yrs, and they aren't just Midwest....but we knew what you meant.
 

Voodoo Tatum 21

All-Conference
May 18, 2016
2,970
1,765
0
[
they are Cicadas, and every 17 yrs, and they aren't just Midwest....but we knew what you meant.

Sorry, I'm a transplant from the west coast - we don't have them out there. I saw a big article in the paper a few years back when they emerged and everyone should run out to the Aboretum to "watch them"
 

psspfan

Redshirt
Dec 11, 2013
242
49
0
[


Sorry, I'm a transplant from the west coast - we don't have them out there. I saw a big article in the paper a few years back when they emerged and everyone should run out to the Aboretum to "watch them"
stick around long enough and you can experience them first hand....they are everywhere that's for sure.
 

Voodoo Tatum 21

All-Conference
May 18, 2016
2,970
1,765
0
stick around long enough and you can experience them first hand....they are everywhere that's for sure.

I have been here 11 years and saw them just that one time a few years back. That was the first time I had ever heard of them!!
 

NNFAN

All-Conference
Sep 9, 2001
10,054
1,600
0
What are those Midwestern bugs that only come out every 9 years? Cicada's? I coudnt contain myself for that long without posting! Some of the stuff on this board DEMANDS more frequent rebuttals!!;)
You missed the Asian Long-Horned beetle invasion here that started in the late 1990's. For some reason, they settled in Naperville more so than other communities ;) Not to be confused with the Beatle invasion of the 1960's:eek:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Voodoo Tatum 21

Voodoo Tatum 21

All-Conference
May 18, 2016
2,970
1,765
0
You missed the Asian Long-Horned beetle invasion here that started in the late 1990's. For some reason, they settled in Naperville more so than other communities ;) Not to be confused with the Beatle invasion of the 1960's:eek:

Yikes - how did those things get over here? those things are crazy looking - I looked them up on the internet and their antennae are 3 times as long as their bodies:eek:
 
  • Like
Reactions: NNFAN

godfthr53

All-Conference
Sep 8, 2008
4,963
2,776
113
You missed the Asian Long-Horned beetle invasion here that started in the late 1990's. For some reason, they settled in Naperville more so than other communities ;) Not to be confused with the Beatle invasion of the 1960's:eek:
All **** leads to Naperville.