CS8 Predictions Week 4

[rocketnation]

Look for better matchups and much more favorable temps than in Week 3 with highs in the low 80s on Friday and 87 Saturday for the Lanphier/Southeast contest.

Friday
Lincoln (1-2) at Chatham (2-1)
The Railers have been blanked 122-0 the last two weeks. Chatham shutout U High 41-0 on the road last week and should get a second straight one at home Friday. Chatham 55 Lincoln 0 (Massey: Chatham 48-6).

SHG (2-1) at Springfield (0-3)
The Senators tied Jacksonville 7-7 late in the 2nd Quarter last week and then things unraveled fast. They gave up a last second long pass TD before half and ended up losing 42-7. On offense, they are having issues with snaps and several big plays against the Crimsons were called back on penalties. Springfield has only scored 17 points after 3 weeks. It won't get easier against SHG. SHG 51 Springfield 0. Massey: SHG 42-7.

U High (0-3) at Galesburg (1-2)
U High has given up over 40 points in each game so far this season and lost their starting QB to injury in Week 2. The Silver Streaks are 1-2 but seem to be improved over last season and were competitive in a loss to East Moline last week. Galesburg 37 U High 16. Massey: Galesburg 38-34.

Rochester (3-0) at MacArthur (3-0)
Last year, MacArthur was on the verge of taking a 14-0 lead in the 2nd Quarter at Rochester when they fumbled near the goal line. The Rockets woke up after that and ended up winning 51-14. The Generals have played a very easy schedule to date. However, they do have plenty of talent on offense and have some history of playing well against the Big 3 of the CS8 (Rochester, SHG, and Chatham) when at home. The Rockets are coming off a forfeit win over Eisenhower and need to avoid a letdown after the big home win over Batavia in Week 2. Rochester 40 MacArthur 14. Massey: Rochester 46-14.

QND (2-1) at Jacksonville (3-0)
QND has rebounded after a rough Week 1 loss to Decatur St Teresa. After somewhat of a slow start against Springfield, Jacksonville showed their big play ability in the 2nd half while holding the Senators to a single score. To have a chance, QND needs to sustain long drives on offense and avoid giving up the big play on defense. Jacksonville showed against Springfield that their QB can pass when needed along with their potent running game. This should be a close contest but look for the Crimsons to stay undefeated. Jacksonville 28 QND 19. Massey: QND 34-28.

Saturday (1 PM)
Southeast (0-3) at Lanphier (0-3)
With the playoff expansion, this becomes an important game. The winner has a reasonable chance of making the playoffs, while the loser is probably out. Last year, Southeast won narrowly at home 19-18. Both teams have a common opponent in East Peoria. Southeast lost 55-30 Week 1, while Lanphier was defeated 47-27 Week 2. Southeast has scored 42 points after 3 weeks and given up 171. Lanphier has scored 41 and surrendered 162. Everything points to a close game probably decided late in the 4th Quarter and could hinge on who can convert XPs or 2-point plays. Lanphier 26 Southeast 24. Massey: Southeast 38-32.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... After three games here are the stats on the Crimsons. Rushing : 127- 1218 (9.6) 15 td's. The top two rushers Rylan Rees (QB) 24-303 (12.6) 4 td's and Jeremiah Jackson (RB) 18-300 (16.7) 4 td's. Six other rb's have also contributed to the overall stats.

Young Mr. Rees throwing the ball is 6-10 230 yards and 1 td. Rain has been taken out the forecast in Jacksonville at Kraushaar-Rosenberger Field which is on grass. Friday temp with a high of 82. Ratsy

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Look for better matchups and much more favorable temps than in Week 3 with highs in the low 80s on Friday and 87 Saturday for the Lanphier/Southeast contest.

Friday
Lincoln (1-2) at Chatham (2-1)
The Railers have been blanked 122-0 the last two weeks. Chatham shutout U High 41-0 on the road last week and should get a second straight one at home Friday. Chatham 55 Lincoln 0 (Massey: Chatham 48-6).

SHG (2-1) at Springfield (0-3)
The Senators tied Jacksonville 7-7 late in the 2nd Quarter last week and then things unraveled fast. They gave up a last second long pass TD before half and ended up losing 42-7. On offense, they are having issues with snaps and several big plays against the Crimsons were called back on penalties. Springfield has only scored 17 points after 3 weeks. It won't get easier against SHG. SHG 51 Springfield 0. Massey: SHG 42-7.

U High (0-3) at Galesburg (1-2)
U High has given up over 40 points in each game so far this season and lost their starting QB to injury in Week 2. The Silver Streaks are 1-2 but seem to be improved over last season and were competitive in a loss to East Moline last week. Galesburg 37 U High 16. Massey: Galesburg 38-34.

Rochester (3-0) at MacArthur (3-0)
Last year, MacArthur was on the verge of taking a 14-0 lead in the 2nd Quarter at Rochester when they fumbled near the goal line. The Rockets woke up after that and ended up winning 51-14. The Generals have played a very easy schedule to date. However, they do have plenty of talent on offense and have some history of playing well against the Big 3 of the CS8 (Rochester, SHG, and Chatham) when at home. The Rockets are coming off a forfeit win over Eisenhower and need to avoid a letdown after the big home win over Batavia in Week 2. Rochester 40 MacArthur 14. Massey: Rochester 46-14.

QND (2-1) at Jacksonville (3-0)
QND has rebounded after a rough Week 1 loss to Decatur St Teresa. After somewhat of a slow start against Springfield, Jacksonville showed their big play ability in the 2nd half while holding the Senators to a single score. To have a chance, QND needs to sustain long drives on offense and avoid giving up the big play on defense. Jacksonville showed against Springfield that their QB can pass when needed along with their potent running game. This should be a close contest but look for the Crimsons to stay undefeated. Jacksonville 28 QND 19. Massey: QND 34-28.

Saturday (1 PM)
Southeast (0-3) at Lanphier (0-3)
With the playoff expansion, this becomes an important game. The winner has a reasonable chance of making the playoffs, while the loser is probably out. Last year, Southeast won narrowly at home 19-18. Both teams have a common opponent in East Peoria. Southeast lost 55-30 Week 1, while Lanphier was defeated 47-27 Week 2. Southeast has scored 42 points after 3 weeks and given up 171. Lanphier has scored 41 and surrendered 162. Everything points to a close game probably decided late in the 4th Quarter and could hinge on who can convert XPs or 2-point plays. Lanphier 26 Southeast 24. Massey: Southeast 38-32.

Awesome as usual!!!

The Titan game was closer than the score shows... U High kept shooting themselves in the foot!!! Had they scored, as they should've in the 1Q, the game could've went either way... Too many mistakes by the young U High team... Titans 35-12

Ya know the Rocket/Generals game reeks of a massive blowout... After a week off, basking in their glorious victory over Batavia, I hope DL has kept the Rockets grounded... Ya know the Generals will use the whole, "We against the world BS" so they will come out fighting... Rockets 66-12

The other "game" this week between QND/Jacksonville should be a good game... There will be NO SURPRISE as to what Jacksonville will do... RUN THE DAMN BALL!!!! Ya know I love running teams but I like the Radha's as well... Since Im playing with house money... QND 35-34

 

[cigaros]

I will not be surprised if Jacksonville goes 8-1 this season. SHG seems to be their only competitive game.

 

[cigaros]

Awesome as usual!!!

The Titan game was closer than the score shows... U High kept shooting themselves in the foot!!! Had they scored, as they should've in the 1Q, the game could've went either way... Too many mistakes by the young U High team... Titans 35-12

Ya know the Rocket/Generals game reeks of a massive blowout... After a week off, basking in their glorious victory over Batavia, I hope DL has kept the Rockets grounded... Ya know the Generals will use the whole, "We against the world BS" so they will come out fighting... Rockets 66-12

The other "game" this week between QND/Jacksonville should be a good game... There will be NO SURPRISE as to what Jacksonville will do... RUN THE DAMN BALL!!!! Ya know I love running teams but I like the Radha's as well... Since Im playing with house money... QND 35-34

I love the comment "...We against the world BS" and lose by 50+. There's this thug wannabe named Kevin Brown who I've noticed talks a bunch of nonsense and then gets real quiet when Rochester is up by 30.

I think the week off will allow Rochester to really dive into film study along with adding a bonus week of recovery time to heal some bumps or bruises. 55-21 which will be a running clock as the actual score will be 55-14 before the Rockets shut down the engines.

 

[cigaros]

A buddy sent this over to me. This is where the 4A bracket stands if the playoffs were to begin this week. South Bracket

 

[cigaros]

And this is the North bracket he sent to me.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

And this is the North bracket he sent to me.

Not a single team on that bracket can stay withing 40 of Rochester... and that definitely includes Mt. Zion. Good luck boys, but you wont need it. Enjoy the trip to state. We'll all be pulling for ya...

Edit: sorry, quoted wrong bracket. My comments were for the south section. Lol is all I can say... 4A south remains a one man band.

That said, a Jax/Rochester semi seems doable, and I'd be all about it.

 

[Icecreambus]

The 4A South bracket looks sorry as usual. Rochester has made a killing on playing the Bad News Bears like Murphysboro, Breese Central, Mascoutah, Herrin, etc for an easy waltz to the finals.

Yes, I know Mascoutah was 5A, no it doesn’t matter, they were sorry.

Looks like another year where everyone just bends over for Rochester until the finals. Montini game should be tighter than last year especially now the Rockets know they can compete. They should be well rested at that point as well.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... An fyi for those fans that are planning on attending the SHG/SHS game at Memorial Stadium this Friday 7pm. Robin Roberts Stadium next door is the flagship location for the Women's Professional Baseball Association. They have a semi-final game Friday between San Francisco and Boston that has been moved to 5pm. Parking will be challenging for those not familiar with the area.

State lot 11th and Converse, parking at LHS (Converse street) and in the neighborhood close by. Ratsy

 

[Anon1751544614]

All.... After three games here are the stats on the Crimsons. Rushing : 127- 1218 (9.6) 15 td's. The top two rushers Rylan Rees (QB) 24-303 (12.6) 4 td's and Jeremiah Jackson (RB) 18-300 (16.7) 4 td's. Six other rb's have also contributed to the overall stats.

Young Mr. Rees throwing the ball is 6-10 230 yards and 1 td. Rain has been taken out the forecast in Jacksonville at Kraushaar-Rosenberger Field which is on grass. Friday temp with a high of 82. Ratsy

rylan has thrown for 2 tds.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

rocket 24-3
Roamin' 20-3

Gotta start taking some chances to beat the OP OG...

Give me... (for Week 4)

Chatham 45-0
SHG 56-6
U-High 27-21
Rochester 49-27
SE 20-18

I don't like it, but we're gonna run it!

Don't like to, but given how the rest the year will pan out for them... Jax beats QND... idk a score, it could be ugly.

 

[cigaros]

The 4A South bracket looks sorry as usual. Rochester has made a killing on playing the Bad News Bears like Murphysboro, Breese Central, Mascoutah, Herrin, etc for an easy waltz to the finals.

Yes, I know Mascoutah was 5A, no it doesn’t matter, they were sorry.

Looks like another year where everyone just bends over for Rochester until the finals. Montini game should be tighter than last year especially now the Rockets know they can compete. They should be well rested at that point as well.

Just imagine if some of the private schools were down here. The North hasn't sent a public school to the final since 2017. 2019 does not count as that was the year the brackets got scrambled due to the CPS strike. Potentially 10 seasons since an unadultered North bracket has been represented by a public school. Maybe this is a great argument for a 1-32 seeding system after the opening round games are played. Can anyone name the last time, other than the adultered 2019 bracket in which a boundaried public school from the North won in 4A? I didn't count Phillips because they are non-boundaried. I am asking about ACTUAL school districts.

On a side note....Rochester is 9-1 in those finals. Sooo....

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

A buddy sent this over to me. This is where the 4A bracket stands if the playoffs were to begin this week. South Bracket

Taylorville upsets Rochester 79-78 in 13 ot's!!!!

 

[cigaros]

Taylorville upsets Rochester 79-78 in 13 ot's!!!!

There’s a product known to be manufactured,distributed, and consumed within Taylorville. I think that is what allows you to come to that prediction.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Just imagine if some of the private schools were down here. The North hasn't sent a public school to the final since 2017. 2019 does not count as that was the year the brackets got scrambled due to the CPS strike. Potentially 10 seasons since an unadultered North bracket has been represented by a public school. Maybe this is a great argument for a 1-32 seeding system after the opening round games are played. Can anyone name the last time, other than the adultered 2019 bracket in which a boundaried public school from the North won in 4A? I didn't count Phillips because they are non-boundaried. I am asking about ACTUAL school districts.

On a side note....Rochester is 9-1 in those finals. Sooo....

Prob 2009... don't feel like looking. That's my legit most educated guess. But I get why you'd remember that year so vividly... Jokes, all jokes. Clearly it all went your way shortly after that for oh, you know, 16 straight years basically...

And ain't nobody bending over for the Rockets... them smashholes are just good at football. Pisses us right off here at QND too...

I agree, I'd rather see 1-32 seeding class 1A thru 8A... anyone still whining about travel come postseason time, but wants more teams in, is just clueless. I've seen plenty of these folks yapping on the socials and it just makes me scratch my head and laugh.

There’s a product known to be manufactured,distributed, and consumed within Taylorville. I think that is what allows you to come to that prediction.

 

[cigaros]

Prob 2009... don't feel like looking. That's my legit most educated guess. But I get why you'd remember that year so vividly... Jokes, all jokes. Clearly it all went your way shortly after that for oh, you know, 16 straight years basically...

And ain't nobody bending over for the Rockets... them smashholes are just good at football. Pisses us right off here at QND too...

I agree, I'd rather see 1-32 seeding class 1A thru 8A... anyone still whining about travel come postseason time, but wants more teams in, is just clueless. I've seen plenty of these folks yapping on the socials and it just makes me scratch my head and laugh.

It has literally never occurred in the current format for a BOUNDARIED school from the North to go to the 4A title game and win. The next most possible occurrence was in 1999 when Byron won the 3A when Illinois only had 6 classes. The 2009 reference you offered was Metamora vs Geneseo. Metamora won coming out of the South.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

It has literally never occurred in the current format for a BOUNDARIED school from the North to go to the 4A title game and win. The next most possible occurrence was in 1999 when Byron won the 3A when Illinois only had 6 classes. The 2009 reference you offered was Metamora vs Geneseo. Metamora won coming out of the South.

Ah, I assumed 4A Metamora Geneseo might have been north. I just knew Metamora played the Mini Packers that year after a great game against Rochester. Sean Robinson I believe at QB, a year before the dynasty began... Y'all got your get back the next year, right? lol

I couldn't come up with anyone else anyways off the top, so that makes complete sense. The only other thought I had was if Morris had dropped into 4A at some point and they did, 2017, because them and Geneseo were the 2 schools I had in my head.

Richmond-Burton hasn't been to a title game in the 8 class setup though? Surely they have in 4A, right?

Edit: Oh, it was 2019 and you had removed that for the CPS fiasco. Got it... carry on good sir.
2nd Edit: 2019... what a weird year... of all the teams that we'd think should have made a run with Rochester gone that year... it was... Murphysboro... Golly, wouldn't have guessed that one
3rd Edit: Reading comprehension at a F- today... you said represent north as a boundaried AND win the title. I missed that bit also. I'll catch up soon dude. lol
4th Edit: Might be overreaching, but QND went 3A in 2019... making the semi's and losing a halftime lead to Williamsville. That was our chance! Son of a...

 

[cigaros]

Ah, I assumed 4A Metamora Geneseo might have been north. I just knew Metamora played the Mini Packers that year after a great game against Rochester. Sean Robinson I believe at QB, a year before the dynasty began... Y'all got your get back the next year, right? lol

I couldn't come up with anyone else anyways off the top, so that makes complete sense. The only other thought I had was if Morris had dropped into 4A at some point and they did, 2017, because them and Geneseo were the 2 schools I had in my head.

Richmond-Burton hasn't been to a title game in the 8 class setup though? Surely they have in 4A, right?

Edit: Oh, it was 2019 and you had removed that for the CPS fiasco. Got it... carry on good sir.
2nd Edit: 2019... what a weird year... of all the teams that we'd think should have made a run with Rochester gone that year... it was... Murphysboro... Golly, wouldn't have guessed that one

Rochester played Richmond-Burton in the 2011 game. However, I was hoping to find an actual Champion from the North which was not a private school in that class.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Rochester played Richmond-Burton in the 2011 game. However, I was hoping to find an actual Champion from the North which was not a private school in that class.

Yeah, I looked, not seeing it. That's a wild pull from the record book sir. Well played! And not the class I would have suspected this being an issue for. But makes sense I guess when we start talking waivers, CCL small schools, etc.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Also forgot once you get back to like 2007... it was all Driscoll all the time...

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I think it's been done, wonder if it got saved... but hasn't someone gone back and done the 1-32 seeding for all classes (that did quadrants) since the 8 class setup began? If not, I may need to work on that to see how it looks.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Did a quick look on SHS. I bump into young Mr. Scheffler's relation often and I talk a little football with her. A good move by the way to switch Jacob into the starting qb role even though he is just a sophomore A duo qb that can run and throw. What they give up by him not being a reciever and he is a good one is a positive trade off.

Senators should beat Lanphier and Southeast. That is two. The big one week nine and they will be favored against N.U. Three and six you are in the postseason not having to worry about 2 wins and playoff points to qualify.

Normal University is in a world of hurt. Stud Qb Kirby transfered to Romeoville before the 2026 season. Back up for the Pioneers injured and they had a wo at the qb positon last week. The team very young as well. The big game this week is Galesburg. A must win. PIoneers should even in their situation defeat the Railplitters and then there is that pesky week nine game for all the marbles. Ratsy

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

There’s a product known to be manufactured,distributed, and consumed within Taylorville. I think that is what allows you to come to that prediction.

FYI... I live in the deep South!~

 

[rocketnation]

SJR Staff Predictions
Rochester 42 MacArthur 14
SHG 54 Springfield 6
Jacksonville 30 QND 26
Chatham 50 Lincoln 0
Southeast 20 Lanphier 18

South County Mr Pick'Em Predictions
Rochester 35 MacArthur 21
SHG 49 Springfield 7
Jacksonville 32 QND 22
Chatham 54 Lincoln 0
Southeast 19 Lanphier 14
U High 35 Galesburg 30

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

FYI... I live in the deep South!~

See I always hear Brent Mushburger... I think it was him... during games he'd call for Alabama... He had a neat distinct way of saying it.

My sister and her husband just built a house in the Auburn/Opelika area, just outside the towns. Idk how to explain exactly where without looking on a map... But they have an apartment in Atlanta also that we all use sometimes since she flies out of Atlanta a ton. Her husband is a Montgomery native... he's got a real interesting way he says it too. I can't duplicate it. My southern accent just comes out more like Mt. Sterling/Brown County moonshine hillbilly.

I got a buddy that moved from Gurnee to Harpersville. He loves it. But he says everything incorrect like me.

Alabama... interesting place nonetheless. Some really neat history there that I always find myself diving into when I'm down every other year for the Iron Bowl. I get to go when it's @ Auburn, sis gets season tix thru work and lets me use one for that game! Tailgating is amazing for that week also.

Just some trivial info because you brought up ole Bama... lol Carry on...

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Yeah, I looked, not seeing it. That's a wild pull from the record book sir. Well played! And not the class I would have suspected this being an issue for. But makes sense I guess when we start talking waivers, CCL small schools, etc.

2019 Richmond-Burton won the hardware from the north... righ? Its 0315 and Im tired but...

See I always hear Brent Mushburger... I think it was him... during games he'd call for Alabama... He had a neat distinct way of saying it.

My sister and her husband just built a house in the Auburn/Opelika area, just outside the towns. Idk how to explain exactly where without looking on a map... But they have an apartment in Atlanta also that we all use sometimes since she flies out of Atlanta a ton. Her husband is a Montgomery native... he's got a real interesting way he says it too. I can't duplicate it. My southern accent just comes out more like Mt. Sterling/Brown County moonshine hillbilly.

I got a buddy that moved from Gurnee to Harpersville. He loves it. But he says everything incorrect like me.

Alabama... interesting place nonetheless. Some really neat history there that I always find myself diving into when I'm down every other year for the Iron Bowl. I get to go when it's @ Auburn, sis gets season tix thru work and lets me use one for that game! Tailgating is amazing for that week also.

Just some trivial info because you brought up ole Bama... lol Carry on...

My mom was born and raised in Birmingham but her only fault was that she was an Auburn fan! I have been a fan of Bama and Miami for as long as I can remember... There are some... unique places in Alabama... Not saying its like the Appalachia's area of West Virginia but... There are some little towns were the family tree doesn't fork!~ Illinois has a few of these towns as well

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... What's a Friday during the season without a hype video or two.... Ratsy

Week Four CS8 East Hype: Rockets Visit the Generals | Channel 1450

Week Four CS8 West Hype: Jacksonville Hosts QND Friday | Channel 1450

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

My mom was born and raised in Birmingham but her only fault was that she was an Auburn fan! I have been a fan of Bama and Miami for as long as I can remember... There are some... unique places in Alabama... Not saying its like the Appalachia's area of West Virginia but... There are some little towns were the family tree doesn't fork!~ Illinois has a few of these towns as well

Birmingham is cool, for a small city I guess, I prefer Montgomery but the crime in both are tough to look past sometimes. Food is awesome down there though!

Unique is the correct term I think... I've never ventured too far outside the Birm/Mont metro regions or the small city area that is Auburn/Opelika except for once. I did go to Mobile once with her too though, waaaay different type of Bama on the gulf shore. My sister did drive me to Tuskegee once to see the history stuff there, she had a friend that worked at Auburn with her at the time who had graduated from Tuskegee. Then we drove the campus of the college. Beautiful college, but the town itself is like what I suspect a town 70 years after a nuclear warhead goes off looks like. Idk, strange place, very poor, very stuck in time. Very Cairo, Illinois-esque... The BBQ spot we hit up along the way between the two places was fire though. Good ole boy just cooking in a shack like you see in the movies or something. Slapped for sure. Would eat again.

Never been to Appalachia... Looks crazy on film though lol

This all said, this reminds me I told my dad we needed to open up a fried tenderloin sandwich truck down in Bama... them folks eat pork, just not the way we do in Central IL lol

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Birmingham is cool, for a small city I guess, I prefer Montgomery but the crime in both are tough to look past sometimes. Food is awesome down there though!

Unique is the correct term I think... I've never ventured too far outside the Birm/Mont metro regions or the small city area that is Auburn/Opelika except for once. I did go to Mobile once with her too though, waaaay different type of Bama on the gulf shore. My sister did drive me to Tuskegee once to see the history stuff there, she had a friend that worked at Auburn with her at the time who had graduated from Tuskegee. Then we drove the campus of the college. Beautiful college, but the town itself is like what I suspect a town 70 years after a nuclear warhead goes off looks like. Idk, strange place, very poor, very stuck in time. Very Cairo, Illinois-esque... The BBQ spot we hit up along the way between the two places was fire though. Good ole boy just cooking in a shack like you see in the movies or something. Slapped for sure. Would eat again.

Never been to Appalachia... Looks crazy on film though lol

This all said, this reminds me I told my dad we needed to open up a fried tenderloin sandwich truck down in Bama... them folks eat pork, just not the way we do in Central IL lol

I've been to all but 6 states... Mostly in the New England area... But Ive only seen horseshoe sandwiches in Illinois... Someone would make a killing if they specialized in those down south...

A brother of mine lives in Leeds which is close to Birmingham... I like the history of Birmingham over what Montgomery has... Gulf Shores is my go to spot... aside from Destin, Florida. Alabama has some good football... Thompson is a damn good program.. Hoover has fallen off a bit... But thats a good thing... Since Hoovers TV show Alabama has become much better... Don't ask me how...

As far as BBQ... Ive had it from Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans and all over Texas... Texas is King of the BBQ! You should find out when the Texas BBQ is goin on and attend that!!!!

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I've been to all but 6 states... Mostly in the New England area... But Ive only seen horseshoe sandwiches in Illinois... Someone would make a killing if they specialized in those down south...

A brother of mine lives in Leeds which is close to Birmingham... I like the history of Birmingham over what Montgomery has... Gulf Shores is my go to spot... aside from Destin, Florida. Alabama has some good football... Thompson is a damn good program.. Hoover has fallen off a bit... But thats a good thing... Since Hoovers TV show Alabama has become much better... Don't ask me how...

As far as BBQ... Ive had it from Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans and all over Texas... Texas is King of the BBQ! You should find out when the Texas BBQ is goin on and attend that!!!!

Yessir! Horse and pony shoes were definitely on the list for that menu... I don't care for them, too mushy, like all the components though of course. But I see why people love them... it's a pile of cheat food with cheese on top. Tough to beat.

I've been to Destin! Awesome place indeed. I got a buddy, unrelated to Destin, that lives in Venice, FL. Freaking beautiful there too. The gulf is just very nice almost everywhere on it I've been.

I worked in Boston for almost 2 years, well more appropriately I was staying in Arlington, northwest of the infamous Somerville, some 10 miles or so NW of the city. New England is great. Definitely recommend from my experience. Was there in 2015/2016 for 22 months. Boston is very expensive, and winter can suck. Talk about history though... I did enjoy public transport in Boston, in NYC not so much. NYC and Philly are gross. Portland, Maine is so cool. Providence is neat. If you ever get to go stand on the shore in Yarmouth, Mass... I suggest. But you've seen the ocean. The White Mountains in New Hampshire though, I also did a 6 mo. contract in Lisbon, NH, is freaking beautiful. I know this country has a lot of awe-inspiring landscapes, but that area is wildly undersold, imo. Plus, they have moose! What a creature to see in person. Them moose are MASSIVE. I was worried about bears and snakes, the locals just kept telling me to avoid the moose. Also, since it's 9/11... I also while returning from contract out there got to see the Flight 93 memorial. Sobering to say the least and very glad I took the time out of my scheduled trip to experience that.

I've never really been west of Utah... Would love to someday though, maybe with the kids now too! lol Almost took a contract in Anchorage in 2017 but it fell through. Was bummed about missing the chance to live up there for a while. And then I did brief contracts in Denver/Aurora, CO, North Platte, NE, and Omaha, NE. All cool places in their own right. The WW2 history the little town of North Platte has is pretty amazing.

But the BBQ... I'll have to disagree with you. But I've only had Texas BBQ twice, once in Austin and once in San Antonio. So maybe I need more of it! But I prefer pork ribs all day. Rendesvous in downtown Memphis, TN is by far my favorite BBQ I've ever had. Nothing even really comes close... although Bryant's, Joe's, Q39, Gates all slap in Kansas City too... Can't go wrong with any of them. But speaking of Bama and BBQ... that Alabama white BBQ sauce is heavenly. I'd put that on everything.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Yessir! Horse and pony shoes were definitely on the list for that menu... I don't care for them, too mushy, like all the components though of course. But I see why people love them... it's a pile of cheat food with cheese on top. Tough to beat.

I've been to Destin! Awesome place indeed. I got a buddy, unrelated to Destin, that lives in Venice, FL. Freaking beautiful there too. The gulf is just very nice almost everywhere on it I've been.

I worked in Boston for almost 2 years, well more appropriately I was staying in Arlington, northwest of the infamous Somerville, some 10 miles or so NW of the city. New England is great. Definitely recommend from my experience. Was there in 2015/2016 for 22 months. Boston is very expensive, and winter can suck. Talk about history though... I did enjoy public transport in Boston, in NYC not so much. NYC and Philly are gross. Portland, Maine is so cool. Providence is neat. If you ever get to go stand on the shore in Yarmouth, Mass... I suggest. But you've seen the ocean. The White Mountains in New Hampshire though, I also did a 6 mo. contract in Lisbon, NH, is freaking beautiful. I know this country has a lot of awe-inspiring landscapes, but that area is wildly undersold, imo. Plus, they have moose! What a creature to see in person. Them moose are MASSIVE. I was worried about bears and snakes, the locals just kept telling me to avoid the moose. Also, since it's 9/11... I also while returning from contract out there got to see the Flight 93 memorial. Sobering to say the least and very glad I took the time out of my scheduled trip to experience that.

I've never really been west of Utah... Would love to someday though, maybe with the kids now too! lol Almost took a contract in Anchorage in 2017 but it fell through. Was bummed about missing the chance to live up there for a while. And then I did brief contracts in Denver/Aurora, CO, North Platte, NE, and Omaha, NE. All cool places in their own right. The WW2 history the little town of North Platte has is pretty amazing.

But the BBQ... I'll have to disagree with you. But I've only had Texas BBQ twice, once in Austin and once in San Antonio. So maybe I need more of it! But I prefer pork ribs all day. Rendesvous in downtown Memphis, TN is by far my favorite BBQ I've ever had. Nothing even really comes close... although Bryant's, Joe's, Q39, Gates all slap in Kansas City too... Can't go wrong with any of them. But speaking of Bama and BBQ... that Alabama white BBQ sauce is heavenly. I'd put that on everything.

We landed in Bangor, Maine on our way for a 13 month vacation in Iraq... We had planned for a 20-day East Coast vacation all the way to Newfoundland... That got side tracked but maybe next year. I love the upper New England states... Rhode Island, Mass, Connecticut, and Delaware I've avoided but I gotta check off the boxes for those states... Maine, Michigan of all places and Alaska are still needed as well... Been to many countries... We are planning a 20 Day Scotland stay... When my wife retires... Being a doctor she likes what she does and enjoys the money

I used to love Memphis back in the 80s... It's more violent now... The wife hasn't been to Mud Island... Gotta take her to that and The Beale Street Blues festival..

Being a navy brat I've lived on both coasts... California in the 70s was the best... I was 7 when my father retired from the Navy... Sucked moving to Illinois... I wanted to surf, attend San Diego St, play football for the Aztecs... Oh well... lol

If people don't travel soon they may not get to see America... So many beautiful places... I did a Western trip from Texas to Arizona (Grand Canyon) up through Utah to West Yellowstone... Enjoyed the winter time there... Little Big Horn was sobering... We may never know the whole truth about that but many books on the Indian side is very interesting... Did a big loop to Mt Rushmore, Devils Tower, Badlands and to see my mother in Illinois. Sad part of the trip were the numerous Rez's and the state of those people...

Lots of good food on that trip... Small hole in the wall type places that were very nice...

Almost destroyed my 4X4 on a Buffalo that stood, no ****, higher that the cab of my truck... I left Mt Rushmore at night out the back way and those small two lane roads were bad enough but coming around a sharp curve was this massive Buffalo... Good thing I wasn't driving fast..

The Texas BBQ Championships will have hundreds of different BBQ... I will still insist that Texas has the best BBQ!!! lol

If you're traveling tonight be safe...

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Hoping the weather is good for everyone up there...

 

[Travelin Fan]

15-0 Rochester leads after 1st

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

30-0 Rockets? Half? Theres a thread that its 30-27 Mac final... im not buying it

QND 20-7 Half (confirmed)

 

[Travelin Fan]

Rochester 30 - Mac 0 at half.

Rochester out gaining them something like 300 to 50

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Jax 28-20 End 3Q
QND getting sloppy. Jax runs of 63, 94, 1 for 2nd half TDs, also ran opening kickoff to the house in 1st half.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Cyclones up 34-0 at the half and not playing well. Not sure with all of these generic defensive and offensive sets the Cycs are looking next week at Jacksonville and don't want to give up much. Senators were at times running on what is a very good SHG defense up the middle. That is problematic.

They say you can't tailgate on D186 property but going out at the half listening to the radio on the grass ala Converse street with a bunch of crazy Cyc fans must be ok. Ratsy P. S. Coach yes Butch's was fun with a spirited discussion on the best pizza in town. Of course it's Bernies and Betty. On the way back to the stadium on my walking tour I got a bit thirsty and ended up at the Little Corner Bar on Converse.

A big time bar (very nice)with state and city workers. Even bumped into an alderman as I rolled in and yelled hello Rat! lol Ratsy .

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... 41-0 runner quickly in the second half. Senators score a few minutes later presently 41-7. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... SHG/SHS game the final 48-7 Cyclones. . SHG takes a step back in this game. Ratsy