Great question! Obviously state playoffs will tell us more. But with the early non-cons out of the way, we can make a few assumptions. I, the great ccl apologist and cheerleader, would never use the word down but the majors are definitely teams that are facing more challenges than usual.
LA: weinergate, injuries, loss to Phillips, seeking identity after successful senior class graduated
MC: transfers, waiting on difference maker serving his country baseball wise. More dangerous with him but how much more dangerous
BR: talent at all levels but these things take some time replacing the talented recent graduating class.
PC: 12 pt loser to ESL on road. Many teams would be happy with that but blue expectations are more demanding than that. Kirkwood loss more lopsided than expected but how bad was it. Won't really know till Vianney plays their state playoffs
SR: Talented team that came up short on road in blue. Did what they were supposed to do non con wise against ok competition (keep an eye on RC, good team). SR can compete in 7a with anyone. A deeper state run last year would've made more people comfortable calling them good this year but alas they'll have to earn that spot in people's mind this year.
That's the micro version. Teams with questions still unanswered but teams that no one wants to see after selection Saturday. Teams with challenges aplenty but not down, never down. Lol.
The macro version is better. The froshs across the board are strong. How strong? Who cares, they're only freshmen but it does say many athlete families are still choosing certain catholic schools for HS so that's healthy.
If football was ever threatened as a HS sport by budget, administration or safety realities, the privates would be least affected,
And with Illinois' new school funding legislation, donors can sponsor students and receive a tax break which they couldn't receive in the past, letting freedom ring for another thousand or so families.
All healthy signs for a strong, competitive future.
People may say down this year. I say challenged and wide open. Cmon out and enjoy a blue game this year Edgyland. MC at SR maybe one of the best HS atmospheres this season on the 22nd. And don't forget to buy a split-the-pot ticket.
