CPL Pick’em Preview

Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
In just a few weeks the high school season will be starting and when the season starts that means we get to play everyone’s favorite game, CPL Pick’Em!! With Pick’Em rapidly approaching I figured we should start previewing some of the teams for this year. The first preview will be about the teams in the Lake St Conference; Bowen, Corliss, DuSable, Dyet, UCCS Woodlawn and Noble Butler, Comer and Johnson.

This conference is not playoff eligible, all teams are scheduled for 8 games with the exception of Noble Butler who has a week 1 opening.

First up we got the Bowen Boilermakers. The last time I saw Bowen they arrived about 5 minutes before kickoff, seems like the coaching staff may have had a few to many boilermakers the night before. But hey the wrestling program is pretty good.

You can’t talk about CPL football without thinking about Gately. Right across from Gately you can find Corliss High School. Outside of that can’t tell you much about them, other than that every CPL wrestling fans favorite ref was on the Corliss sideline and by favorite I mean he’s amazingly god awful.

I was fortunate enough to see DuSable play once a few years ago. They kicked off, the other team ran it back. DuSable then ran off 72 unanswered points. Now this was in 2016 so what does that mean for now? Probably nothing but this is one of my favorites to win this conference because 72 is impressive and Jordan and the Bulls once was 72 games in a season so Chicago.

Next up we have Dyet. I know plenty of people who should go on a Diet. One is a butcher in Westmont…anyways I like size on my football team and not a bunch of guys eating salad.

UCCS Woodlawn. What the hell kind of a name is that? What does UCCS stand for? Can you have a lawn made of wood? There are so many questions here. Ultimately if I’m UCCS Woodlawn I’m hoping their opponent is asking these questions during the game and maybe they can sneak out a few wins.

Noble Butler. The least know of the Nobles. I do have a friend from the North Shore. The guy is a damn Noble genius. He knows them all. I tried to call him to get the low down but wasn’t able to reach him. Last I heard from him he was hanging out at some piazza and eating gelato. He usually calls me after his hot yoga session so maybe I’ll hear from him later tonight.

Noble Gary Comer, sounds like conant but isn’t conant, but maybe they play like conant, is conant good this year? Is comer good? Do they play like each other? If conant wins one weeks does that mean comer is going to win that week? Who is comer? My uncles name is Gary but he’s not a comer.

Noble Johnson, this is my other favorite to win the conference because I mean cmon man it’s a Noble Johnson, that’s got to be hard to beat.

Projected top 3 for the Lake Street Conference:
1. Noble Johnson
2. DuSable
3. Corliss
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
Next up we have the Madison St conference. This is another non playoff eligible conference. Only Chicago Academy is scheduled for 8 games with the other schools scheduled for 7 games and Senn with just 6. The schools in the Madison St conference are; Chicago Academy, Foreman, Kennedy, Noble Pritzker and Rauner, Roosevelt and Senn. Personally this is one of my favorite conferences in all of the CPL. Unfortunately it does not appear that they have any CPL specials on their schedule(the 9:00AM Saturday start) but I’ll be sure to make it out to a few of these games even if it means missing out on a few possibly better matchups.

First up we have Chicago Academy. That DuSable game I mentioned yesterday where they scored 72 unanswered points…yea that was against Chicago Academy. Chicago Academy is one of a handful of lucky CPL schools with a turf field on campus so they have that going for them, they also are an AUSL school. They also let St Pats freshman and DePaul varsity play on their field. As a CPL guy can’t say I love that. I like the fact that they have a full schedule but they still have a lot to prove.

Next up we have Foreman. They have a field on campus but no turf. The coaching staff from Foreman is a bunch of jokers but watch out for the Hornets they might just sting you. They did have a top player transfer this summer so that does concern me some.

Next up we have the Crusaders of Kennedy. I do love the Crusaders. Young and energetic staff. Interesting fact about their coaches, they love sumo wrestling. That sumo wrestler was a pretty good guard in the Replacements. If they can convince Keanu Reeves to play QB I think Kennedy may be able to surprise some people! Johnny Utah for conference MVP.

We’ll talk about both Noble schools next. This is my CPL matchup of the year Noble Pritzker vs Noble Rauner. Little known fact they will be playing for the Governors trophy this year. And they are actually serving as the undercard matchup with Rauner and Pritzker facing off in a steal cage matchup after the game. I have to feel like Rauner will be trying to escape over the top of the cage while Pritzker will be trying to keep Rauner grounded. I’m predicting a repeat and have Pritzker getting the W!

Next up we have the Roosevelt Rough Riders. I am looking forward to their game against Kennedy for the Presidential Cup, it could play a role in being conference champion. If nothing else Roosevelt has one of the better team names in the state.

Last up we got the DAWGZ of Senn. Anyone who paid attention to CPL Pick’Em last year knows I for one am a HUGE fan of the DAWGZ! As a result I am extremely disappointed that they only have 6 games scheduled. However I am going to hope that this is the coach placing all of its focus on winning conference and advancing into a playoff eligible conference. I doubt it but I can hope.

Projected Top 3 for the Madison St Conference:
1. Kennedy Crusaders
2. Noble Pritzker(going to hit Rauner with a stunner like Stone Cold)
3. The DAWGZ…what can I say I can’t quit Senn
 

Westmont Butcher

Redshirt
Oct 2, 2018
14
4
0
Also, I hear Dyett hired a brand new coach this season three days ago....heard they've got that weight room going with some fancy timer watch who know......watch out for the Eagles!
 
Oct 12, 2017
1,137
680
0
I saw Corliss play their last playoff game in 2016. I doubt they ever want to return to Wilmington, who beat them 51-8...
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
Next up on our preview is the Michigan Ave conference. This conference is not eligible for postseason play. All teams are scheduled for 8 games. Members of the conference are as follows: Bogan, Catalyst-Maria, CICS Longwood, Noble Hansberry, Fenger, Harper, Kelley and Tilden.

First up we have Bogan. Haven’t seen much of them but they have a short list of distinguished alumni. Don’t ask for there names, just believe me on that. They’ll be a tough opponent and play a lot of close games, but think it’s a year to early for Bogan to make a move.

Catalyst Maria is our next stop. I am very conflicted on them. One they have Maria in their name, and I know this SUPER old dude who refuses to ever bet on a team with a women’s name in it. St Mary’s is always a first round bounce in his tourney bracket. He’s insane but a good guy. One the other hand they also have Catalyst in their name. Catalyst reminds me of Cadillac. And you know who loves Cadillac’s? Big JB from last chance U. Love that guy and he’s also insane but probably less of a good dude. Saw a guy last week coaching, reminded me of good ole JB, hopefully he can find his way back to the sideline soon.

Now we have CICS Longwood. This is another name that I don’t understand. What is this CICS? It just baffles me. They do have a new coach as they hired a Curie assistant. I wonder if they’ll lose that guy if he goes back to replace LA. Also how about LA leaving curie? I sure didn’t expect that one. Caught me by surprise. I will LAmiss you La Ray, but more to come on him when we get to Curie’s conference.

Noble Hansberry is next on the list. My noble guy still hasn’t gotten back to me. He was nice enough to text me yesterday so hope to have more on them soon. I for one am disappointed the Nobles have broken up. It was much better with 2 full Noble conferences!

Tilden is a school I send to confuse with Bogan. Not really sure why but I do. Anyways take what I said about Bogan and apply it to Tilden. It’s probably correct for at least one of them.

Harper is next on the list. Haven’t dealt with them in a long time. But the coaches used to be great guys! Think this might be their year.

Next up we have Fenger. Big fan of Fenger. As you should all know Fenger sounds like finger and Whitney Young named a new head coach, Coach Finger. Seems like this was a lost opportunity for the Fenger Fingers.

Kelly is our last stop. Kelly has a fairly strong athletic program with good numbers, I’m a fan and they would be my surprise choice for conference Champs!

Projected Top 3 for Michigan’s Ave:
1. Fenger
2. Kelly
3. The Longwood of CICS(should be NICS)
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
Last up in our pick’em preview of non playoff eligible conferences we have the State St conference. Teams in this conference are as follows: Crane, Juarez, Little Village, Noble Bulls, Noble DRW, Noble ITW Speer, Noble Munchin and Noble Rowe Clark. All schools are scheduled to play 8 games.

First we will talk about the Juarez Eagles. Juarez struggled last year to a 1-7 record. They open up against Ottawa and then head into conference play. Don’t know much about Juarez but I wish them luck on their trip you Canada for week 1, go America!

Next up we have Crane. The Cougars were 8-0 last year. One of 3 schools with an enrollment in the 500s for this conference, Crane is the defending champ and favorite to repeat.

Little Village is our next stop. If there’s one thing you should not about me, if you’re the Phoenix, I’m a fan and while they might be a little village they are the Phoenix and they are a rising! 4-4 last season, I like them to improve this season. They should be a safe pick in pick’em this year I’ve got them 5-3.

Next up is Noble DRW. Another Noble, another with weird initials, they don’t have a 2018 record listed so let’s see what happens this year.

Another Noble, this time it’s ITW Speer. I like Speer, sounds violent and that super old dude I was talking about says violence is always the answer! So I like ITW Speer, but again why so many initials!

Noble Munchin is next up, don’t know much but Munchin sounds like munchkins and then I think about Oompa Loompas. That’s a lot to ask an opponent to think about and still play football.

Another Noble, we now have Rowe-Clark. Who is Rowe? They should change the name to Lewis and Clark. I like their nickname though, Masai Lions. Don’t know what that is but definitely original and could be cool.

Last up we have the Noble Bulls Bulls. Big fan. Personally after seeing the Chicago Bull on a football helmet I’m thinking the Chicago Bulls should drop the NBA and start playing football. Maybe GarPax would be better at getting football players. Noble Bulls was 7-1 and is my pick as the top Noble school.

Projected top 3 for State St
1. Noble Bulls
2. Crane
3. Little Village

Next up we will be talking about playoff eligible conferences
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
The Big Shoulder Conference is next on the pick’em preview. Marshall who was scheduled to be in this conference has dropped football this year so teams in this conference are scrambling for a 9th game currently. Teams still left in the Big Shoulders conference are: Hyde Park, King, Lake View, South Shore and Sullivan.

The Hyde Park Fighting Obama’s are preseason conference favorites. Toughest matchups on the schedule appear to be St Laurence and Orr.

King is coming off a 2-7 season. But looks like a strong bet to rebound.

Next up we have Lake View. Got a chance to catch them this summer and I can tell you they are greatly improved! After a rough first year for the new coach I do think Lake View has a chance to shock some people. Lake View does return the 5 Collins brothers.

South Shore. Head coach Rudy Ramsey is a distant relative to Jalen Ramsey. So you know they can play defense! Hopefully they get better QB play than Blake Bortles.

Last up we got Sullivan. They should be a solid team in this conference. If you can beat Sullivan you’ll be in the running for the conference title. Only issue I see with Sullivan is their head coach has 2 first names. I never trust a man with 2 first names.

Projected top 3 for Big Shoulders:
1: Hyde Park
2: Sullivan
3: Lake View
 

superac777

Junior
Aug 28, 2006
990
387
0
2011.Almost beat Evergreen Park in round 1.EP lost 7-0 in quarters to Richmond Burton who almost won it all.The coach & kids were very polite & I was happy for them.I’ll have to look up the year.I know not Mt Carmel or any team like that but still a nice year for them
 
Last edited:
Oct 12, 2017
1,137
680
0
Next up on our preview is the Michigan Ave conference. This conference is not eligible for postseason play. All teams are scheduled for 8 games. Members of the conference are as follows: Bogan, Catalyst-Maria, CICS Longwood, Noble Hansberry, Fenger, Harper, Kelley and Tilden.

First up we have Bogan. Haven’t seen much of them but they have a short list of distinguished alumni. Don’t ask for there names, just believe me on that. They’ll be a tough opponent and play a lot of close games, but think it’s a year to early for Bogan to make a move.

My aunt graduated from Bogan. They made the playoffs 13 times between 1980-96, once in 2007...My grandparents lived a couple blocks from there when I was a kid. Play better basketball now...that's about all I know...
 

Coach Percy

Senior
Jul 8, 2016
371
582
93
In just a few weeks the high school season will be starting and when the season starts that means we get to play everyone’s favorite game, CPL Pick’Em!! With Pick’Em rapidly approaching I figured we should start previewing some of the teams for this year. The first preview will be about the teams in the Lake St Conference; Bowen, Corliss, DuSable, Dyet, UCCS Woodlawn and Noble Butler, Comer and Johnson.

This conference is not playoff eligible, all teams are scheduled for 8 games with the exception of Noble Butler who has a week 1 opening.

First up we got the Bowen Boilermakers. The last time I saw Bowen they arrived about 5 minutes before kickoff, seems like the coaching staff may have had a few to many boilermakers the night before. But hey the wrestling program is pretty good.

You can’t talk about CPL football without thinking about Gately. Right across from Gately you can find Corliss High School. Outside of that can’t tell you much about them, other than that every CPL wrestling fans favorite ref was on the Corliss sideline and by favorite I mean he’s amazingly god awful.

I was fortunate enough to see DuSable play once a few years ago. They kicked off, the other team ran it back. DuSable then ran off 72 unanswered points. Now this was in 2016 so what does that mean for now? Probably nothing but this is one of my favorites to win this conference because 72 is impressive and Jordan and the Bulls once was 72 games in a season so Chicago.

Next up we have Dyet. I know plenty of people who should go on a Diet. One is a butcher in Westmont…anyways I like size on my football team and not a bunch of guys eating salad.

UCCS Woodlawn. What the hell kind of a name is that? What does UCCS stand for? Can you have a lawn made of wood? There are so many questions here. Ultimately if I’m UCCS Woodlawn I’m hoping their opponent is asking these questions during the game and maybe they can sneak out a few wins.

Noble Butler. The least know of the Nobles. I do have a friend from the North Shore. The guy is a damn Noble genius. He knows them all. I tried to call him to get the low down but wasn’t able to reach him. Last I heard from him he was hanging out at some piazza and eating gelato. He usually calls me after his hot yoga session so maybe I’ll hear from him later tonight.

Noble Gary Comer, sounds like conant but isn’t conant, but maybe they play like conant, is conant good this year? Is comer good? Do they play like each other? If conant wins one weeks does that mean comer is going to win that week? Who is comer? My uncles name is Gary but he’s not a comer.

Noble Johnson, this is my other favorite to win the conference because I mean cmon man it’s a Noble Johnson, that’s got to be hard to beat.

Projected top 3 for the Lake Street Conference:
1. Noble Johnson
2. DuSable
3. Corliss
What happened to the rest of the preview? And no thought on week 1?
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
We’re going to rapid fire a few of these as I’m behind.

Great Lakes Conference projected finish:
1. Whitney Young- Coach Finger really screwed up by going to the dolphins and not the Fenger Fingers. Dolphin kick for the conference win!
2. Dunbar- got to love the mighty men! Made the playoffs which is impressive since Phillips tried to kill their program
3. Collins- if this team is as good as the 6 collins brothers playing for Lake View they got a shot
4. Von Steuben- is my man ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD was still there no doubt they’d be winning the conference but unfortunately the man the myth the legend Alan F. Rood has left the fighting Rood’s
5. Amundsen- go Amundsen
6. Carver- i like going to fancy restaurants that have people carving meat, doubt they have one of those at carver, though they should.
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
Heartland Conference Projected Finish-

1. Chicago Vocational- Butkus and juice Williams played there. Enough said
2. Mather- love me some Mather
3. Brooks- they have blue turf, I heard birds die on their field thinking it’s water and diving into the turf, that’s got to screw with the other teams head
4. North Lawndale- not sure if you heard but the Phoenix, they are a rising
5. Lindblom- don’t know much about Lindblom
6. Urban Prep Bronzeville- they’re used to be 3 urban preps playing football, now they’re are 2 urban preps playing football. I can’t tell them apart. My guy the butcher can tell you more about the Bronze Age, sure he has some good **** for you
 
  • Like
Reactions: Westmont Butcher
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
Second City Conference projected finish:

1. Phoenix- they are rising!
2. Clemente- the rb graduated, think my man Gronk is gone too. We’ll see if tradition graduates at Clemente.
3. Chicago Military Academy- they used to be good at wrestling
4. Marine- or maybe it was them
5. Washington- they’ll try to make George proud
6. Prosser- for those of you that followed last year, you’ll know that I love prosser so this hurts me. Unfortunately my man the Bland train, got on the tracks and took that midnight train to Georgia. He will be missed
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
Windy City Confernce projected finish-

1. Orr- this is to easy, ROW THE BOATS
2. Ag science- think they were actually the good wrestling school I was thinking about
3. Goode- got to pick Sarah
4. Urban Prep Englewood- see other urban prep, take away bronzeville comments.
5. Julian- I know a julian, good guy
6. Harlan- I don’t know anyone named Harlan
 
Nov 13, 2016
312
411
27
Prairie State is up next. One of my favorite conferences in the city, should be an entertaining one.

Kenwood- who doesn’t love Horsepower! Sinque is building something over there!

Payton- nothing says Chicago football like Walter Payton. While Payton Prep isn’t quite the same they have been the top dogs in the conference for awhile. Will it continue?

Back of the Yards- new coach, with Seamus going to Ike. Will they be the same BOTY this year is the question? Have been improving year over year hopefully it continues.

Clark- good ole Michelle. I’ve heard they are young agin this year but as always improving. Led by Coach Percy, those boys of Michelle are extremely lucky to be coached by this beacon of light and hope.

Schurz- an old school northwest power, Schurz has fallen on tough times of late. But still there is nothing better than watching a frosh soph Wednesday afternoon tilt over at Schurz with their 70 yard field.

Steinmetz- or the Metz as I prefer to call them. After bringing in a coach from Naz only to see him leave for the Brook we will see how the Silver Streaks recover this year.

Projected top 3-
1. Payton, to be the man you got to beat the man. Until #HorsePower does, give me the Payton Grizzlies
2. Kenwood, wouldn't shock me if they won the conference, but to be the man they must first beat the man, can they?
3. I’m leaning towards Michelle currently, but I do love BOTY, and really who doesn’t love BOTY