Class 4A Semis

[UIUC 17]

What's everyone's thoughts on the two 4A matchups? Both matchups are intriguing, and given that this is the semifinals, I disregard looking at common opponents and results between two teams (primarily when it comes to the northern part of the bracket). Anyone know much about Richmond Burton?

 

[Coalertown44]

Big athletic line, tough running team but when they throw Soph QB has a good arm. Defense is quick to the ball. Definitely the best defense CC has seen all year. They are better against the run than the pass. Good kicker obviously lol

 

[Alexander33]

What's everyone's thoughts on the two 4A matchups? Both matchups are intriguing, and given that this is the semifinals, I disregard looking at common opponents and results between two teams (primarily when it comes to the northern part of the bracket). Anyone know much about Richmond Burton?

I am uncertain as to what to think. I thought highly of the two Metro Suburban Blue teams through the season but in the quarterfinals they both displayed some defensive vulnerabilities, which can be lethal against Rochester. The very poor result Rochester had against Sacred Heart-Griffen also made me think this might be one of those rare years when they don't win a championship, but with both IC Catholic and Bishop McNamara moving up a class level I am not so sure. Richmond-Burton has a nice team but seemingly not of the same caliber as the other three. As a guess, I will say Rochester by 4 points over Bishop McNamara (something like 35 - 31); and IC Catholic by 14 over Richmond-Burton (28 -14). I will reserve judgment on the championship game until the semifinal results are in. It should be noted, though, that McNamara's loss to IC Catholic was by one point, on the road, on a last second pass, when McNamara out gained IC Catholic by (if my memory is correct) a little more than 100 yards.

 

[KingRich]

I think Rochester will be hard to beat if they play like they did against taylorville and Chatham but they have been a team that has made mental errors all season. So which Rochester shows? The Effingham effort against McNamara leads me to believe they are vulnerable against the spread.

Rochester 42. Bishop McNamara 28

I don’t know a lot about the other 2 teams trying to make comparisons on who each have played etc.

IC Catholic 28 Richmond-Burton 17

 

[UIUC 17]

After seeing Bishop Mac end up in the South in 4A, I figured they could be the team that beats Rochester. I was at the IC-Bishop Mac game (should note that IC was without their top player due to a suspension from bad officiating the prior week) and Bishop Mac is the real deal. Don't know much about Rochester, but they're going to have a tough time stopping the Bishop Mac RB. Kid is the real deal. Reminds me of the RB Bishop Mac had the last time they won state. On the contrary, although they have a tough defense, I don't think they'll be able to stop the aerial attack of Rochester. Interesting to note the weather forecast though. If the Rain/snow limits Rochester's ability to air it out, this could be Bishop Mac's game

 

[UIUC 17]

My prediction:

Bishop Mac 34 Rochester 28

IC vs Richmond Burton will be a great game. As an IC guy I won't make a prediction