Dark Side Rankings, Vol 5, 2016

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

1. We have a DSR first.
2. We have a DSR announcement.

1. Well, in true DSR fashion, another week, another surprise - something new - or not. For the first time ever, we have no change ranking order. There are a few differences in average ranks, but the teams, 1-10 remain the same. The issue is simple, there are a lot of good, undefeated teams this season.

Why? well, i think it's simple. IMO, we are static because a lot of traditional powers are having down seasons. Some expected, some not. Others, like MC and Reeter, are having confusing seasons. Then we have Flyer. Typically, for DSR purposes, Flyer either does not hit our radar, or hits it, then falls off sometime right around last week. This season, Flyer seems intransigently insistent on being a very good football team that is not letting the "discipline" factor play a role. Flyer is boldly holding on to its spot.

IMO - Marist should have moved into the top ten this week. They came close finishing with the 12th best average. In the 11th spot is HC...Interesting, HC plays Lyons this week. Lyons takes up our 10th spot. Staying in the Silver, we get GW vs OPRF this week. A potential GW three game losing for GW aside, this game has the potential of really mudding up the DSR. OPRF has not hit the DSR yet, but has three tough games to conclude the season. OPRF's PF/PA is 220/66...We are going to have to consider the OPRF, Lyons, HC triad closely...assuming they all win.

Unfortunately, we are still a week away from B-Ton v. P-Tine. This game is going to result in one being in the top ten, the other out...unless we get something like a triple OT.

In any case, since it was a boring week, here are your boring top ten, listed from 1-10. See the sheet for their averages.

LA
ESL
HF
Rice
NV
Pal
P-Ridge
LWE
Bar
Lyons




2. Ok, so what does the DS do when ish gets boring. We mix it up. So, unlike any other rankings out there, next week, I'm allowing the panel to vote ties. Who knows what the results will look like! Votes will come to me like this example:

1.
2.
4.
4.
5.
6.
9.
9.
9.
10.

Let's see what happens. Let's see if madness prevails. Let's hope for an upset or two this weekend!


Fire away guys.

 

[pjjp]

How the WSS plays out is the toughest part of this year's rankings. At this point in time, I'd be hard pressed to say who of Lyons, HC and OPRF is the better team. I have Lyons ranked over the other two, because they have the best win of the three, IMO. The 2-TD win at Duchon is impressive. The health of the QB is a concern, though. This week's games should help sort things out. Then again, maybe not, especially if GW beats OPRF.

 

[mchsalumni]

If GW loses this week, it lessens the argument for Lyons. I have some new teams in this week. Breath of fresh air. Until @ramblinman picks apart my votes.

 

[Goomlah]

Yeah the bottom of the DSR is a mess as always. HC Lyons OPRF will all play each other so that will sort each other out. But to me when you look at any of their schedules they've played no one except GW. That will change.

I have been trying my darndest to not put a team with a loss in the rankings. The only one I have is LWE and that's because their game with HF was practically a draw. Marist? Who have they beaten? A bunch of lower ESCC teams Simeon and Pats? Not yet sir. Stevie has a similiar issue. Oswego? Have I missed something?

The only team in the bottom rung with 2 quality wins is St. Charles East. That is the truth whether y'all like it or not.

 

[DeanOfSelection]

Had Marist played Rice close I would consider them. Lost by 24

 

[DeanOfSelection]

I was going to interchange Barrington and LT but after doing my due diligence and seeing the LT QB did not play in the 23-6 Win , I kept things status quo. There will be changes soon with Palatine/Barrington on horizon, Red Devil on DSR watch etc

 

[DeanOfSelection]

How the WSS plays out is the toughest part of this year's rankings. At this point in time, I'd be hard pressed to say who of Lyons, HC and OPRF is the better team. I have Lyons ranked over the other two, because they have the best win of the three, IMO. The 2-TD win at Duchon is impressive. The health of the QB is a concern, though. This week's games should help sort things out. Then again, maybe not, especially if GW beats OPRF.

For me, the WSS is all simplified this weekend. LT/HC is for 1/2 and GW/OP is for 3/4. my guess is HC LT GW OP is your 1-4

 

[mchsalumni]

But to me when you look at any of their schedules they've played no one except GW.

Oswego? Have I missed something?

The only team in the bottom rung with 2 quality wins is St. Charles East. That is the truth whether y'all like it or not.

And is GW worthy of helping someone move into the top 10 this year? TBD IMO.

Oswego is worth a look. They play stout D and can score enough to get the wins needed. Could be a good sleeper pick in the Stock game end of season.

SCE was my #12 this week. A few more good wins and they should be in.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

1. We have a DSR first.
2. We have a DSR announcement.

1. Well, in true DSR fashion, another week, another surprise - something new - or not. For the first time ever, we have no change ranking order. There are a few differences in average ranks, but the teams, 1-10 remain the same. The issue is simple, there are a lot of good, undefeated teams this season.

Why? well, i think it's simple. IMO, we are static because a lot of traditional powers are having down seasons. Some expected, some not. Others, like MC and Reeter, are having confusing seasons. Then we have Flyer. Typically, for DSR purposes, Flyer either does not hit our radar, or hits it, then falls off sometime right around last week. This season, Flyer seems intransigently insistent on being a very good football team that is not letting the "discipline" factor play a role. Flyer is boldly holding on to its spot.

IMO - Marist should have moved into the top ten this week. They came close finishing with the 12th best average. In the 11th spot is HC...Interesting, HC plays Lyons this week. Lyons takes up our 10th spot. Staying in the Silver, we get GW vs OPRF this week. A potential GW three game losing for GW aside, this game has the potential of really mudding up the DSR. OPRF has not hit the DSR yet, but has three tough games to conclude the season. OPRF's PF/PA is 220/66...We are going to have to consider the OPRF, Lyons, HC triad closely...assuming they all win.

Unfortunately, we are still a week away from B-Ton v. P-Tine. This game is going to result in one being in the top ten, the other out...unless we get something like a triple OT.

In any case, since it was a boring week, here are your boring top ten, listed from 1-10. See the sheet for their averages.

LA
ESL
HF
Rice
NV
Pal
P-Ridge
LWE
Bar
Lyons




2. Ok, so what does the DS do when ish gets boring. We mix it up. So, unlike any other rankings out there, next week, I'm allowing the panel to vote ties. Who knows what the results will look like! Votes will come to me like this example:

1.
2.
4.
4.
5.
6.
9.
9.
9.
10.

Let's see what happens. Let's see if madness prevails. Let's hope for an upset or two this weekend!


Fire away guys.

You guys aren't making it easy. What can I say about an unchanged DSR this week that I didn't already say last week?

It's hard to nitpick with so many 6-0 teams in the top ten...except to wonder if there are other undefeated teams (OPRF, Bradley, SHG, etc.) and one loss teams (Benet, Batavia, E'ville) out there that are being overlooked. Not saying they should be in the top ten, but not a single vote for 6-0 OPRF from among 11 DSR voters? Really?

If I hear "This will all sort itself out in week ___" or "I'm waiting for the ___ vs ___ matchup" one more time, I think I'm going to have a movement, and I don't mean a musical one.

The above quotes are being used WAY TOO OFTEN around here, and I believe it is becoming an expedient excuse for not taking a good hard look at a team at this particular point in time.

JCHILL offered his explanation as to why he thinks the DSR was unchanged from one week to the next. I think some of it may well be due to expediency and an inclination not to make changes as long as the top ten keep winning. To that, I say shame on you for your slothful and indolent ways.

You have a sacred duty to maintain the integrity of the DSR, and we all expect you to live up to the task week in and week out. You are duty bound to NOT be complacent, to NOT be resistant to change, and to NOT be satisfied with the status quo.

 

[mchsalumni]

You guys aren't making it easy. What can I say about an unchanged DSR this week that I didn't already say last week?

It's hard to nitpick with so many 6-0 teams in the top ten...except to wonder if there are other undefeated teams (OPRF, Bradley, SHG, etc.) and one loss teams (Benet, Batavia, E'ville) out there that are being overlooked. Not saying they should be in the top ten, but not a single vote for 6-0 OPRF from among 11 DSR voters? Really?

If I hear "This will all sort itself out in week ___" or "I'm waiting for the ___ vs ___ matchup" one more time, I think I'm going to have a movement, and I don't mean a musical one.

The above quotes are being used WAY TOO OFTEN around here, and I believe it is becoming an expedient excuse for not taking a good hard look at a team at this particular point in time.

JCHILL offered his explanation as to why he thinks the DSR was unchanged from one week to the next. I think some of it may well be due to expediency and an inclination not to make changes as long as the top ten keep winning. To that, I say shame on you for your slothful and indolent ways.

You have a sacred duty to maintain the integrity of the DSR, and we all expect you to live up to the task week in and week out. You are duty bound to NOT be complacent, to NOT be resistant to change, and to NOT be satisfied with the status quo.

Justice Ramblin, I dropped NV out and have Oswego in. My thinking is most power conferences are down this year, big time. ESCC, DVC just not hacking it. I'd prefer judgment be individualized here, your honor.

 

[pjjp]

Justice Ramblin, I dropped NV out and have Oswego in. My thinking is most power conferences are down this year, big time. ESCC, DVC just not hacking it. I'd prefer judgment be individualized here, your honor.

I'm not convinced the DVC is down. Ramblin might not like this type of thinking, but we will see in the playoffs.

Not sure how you can justify dropping undefeated NV for Oswego. Are you suggesting Oswego has more impressive wins? You do realize they play in the Southwest Prairie? So you think Oswego's wins in the Prairie are more impressive than NV's wins in the DVC?

 

[mchsalumni]

I'm not convinced the DVC is down. Ramblin might not like this type of thinking, but we will see in the playoffs.

Not sure how you can justify dropping undefeated NV for Oswego. Are you suggesting Oswego has more impressive wins? You do realize they play in the Southwest Prairie? So you think Oswego's wins in the Prairie are more impressive than NV's wins in the DVC?

I think they are playing better than most teams right now. Check out that defense. If you want bland, skip the DSR.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Justice Ramblin, I dropped NV out and have Oswego in. My thinking is most power conferences are down this year, big time. ESCC, DVC just not hacking it. I'd prefer judgment be individualized here, your honor.

I'm having a problem with Oswego. Nice win over Oswego E, and that's it in a schedule with no non-con games. Oswego had a couple of squeaker wins over Minooka and Joliet W, and a 10 pt home win over a 2-4 Plainfield East team that was crushed by Minooka and Joliet W.

I admit it, I have a thing against conferences with no non-con games. How do we know that Oswego and Oswego E are any good at all if they play the exact same schedule of games? If you think the DVC isn't hacking it, how do you know the SW Prairie isn't doing the the same? During the regular season, how are we supposed to measure the level of play in the SW Prairie vs other conferences? We can't, and therefore I'm in no hurry to give them any benefit of the doubt.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

I think they are playing better than most teams right now.

Maybe, but against WHOM are they playing better? Consider the competition.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

5

Justice Ramblin, I dropped NV out and have Oswego in. My thinking is most power conferences are down this year, big time. ESCC, DVC just not hacking it. I'd prefer judgment be individualized here, your honor.

Gutsy. I would still have NV in my top 6. They have an impressive out of state win.

In terms of the DVC being "down" there is only one non con game for each team. I guess you would have to look at each of those games to try and get a read on conference strength.

* Didn't LP (1-4 in DVC) beat a top ten 5-1 team from 6A and gave them their only loss?
* Didn't NV beat a two time defending Indiana 3A champion?
* DVC is currently 5-1 in non-conference matchups. Only loss was NC to St. Ed's Ohio ranked 30th in nation

So if the DSR is a current snapshot in time.. I believe the evidence points in NV's favor for a current ranking in the DSR your honors!!

 

[pjjp]

I'm having a problem with Oswego. Nice win over Oswego E, and that's it in a schedule with no non-con games. Oswego had a couple of squeaker wins over Minooka and Joliet W, and a 10 pt home win over a 2-4 Plainfield East team that was crushed by Minooka and Joliet W.

I admit it, I have a thing against conferences with no non-con games. How do we know that Oswego and Oswego E are any good at all if they play the exact same schedule of games? If you think the DVC isn't hacking it, how do you know the SW Prairie isn't doing the the same? During the regular season, how are we supposed to measure the level of play in the SW Prairie vs other conferences? We can't, and therefore I'm in no hurry to give them any benefit of the doubt.

Also, consider the historical performance of the Southwest Prairie out of conference. And adding Joliet West and Central doesn't exactly strengthen it.

 

[Goomlah]

The winner of HC-Lyons will most likely get ranked for me this week.

 

[LHSTigers94]

5

Gutsy. I would still have NV in my top 6. They have an impressive out of state win.

In terms of the DVC being "down" there is only one non con game for each team. I guess you would have to look at each of those games to try and get a read on conference strength.

* Didn't LP (1-4 in DVC) beat a top ten 5-1 team from 6A and gave them their only loss?
* Didn't NV beat a two time defending Indiana 3A champion?
* DVC is currently 5-1 in non-conference matchups. Only loss was NC to St. Ed's Ohio ranked 30th in nation

So if the DSR is a current snapshot in time.. I believe the evidence points in NV's favor for a current ranking in the DSR your honors!!

6A 5 and 1 team who didn't beat anyone over .500 until this past weekend.
3A in Indiana is more like 2A in Illinois

Your third point is solid in terms of non conference wins but when you dig into it, over 60% of the non conference opponents are currently below .500.

At this point your three points of strength were actually highlights of weakness, right?

 

[mchsalumni]

6A 5 and 1 team who didn't beat anyone over .500 until this past weekend.
3A in Indiana is more like 2A in Illinois

Your third point is solid in terms of non conference wins but when you dig into it, over 60% of the non conference opponents are currently below .500.

At this point your three points of strength were actually highlights of weakness, right?

Thanks for the assist @LHSTigers94. 1 dime for you.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

6A 5 and 1 team who didn't beat anyone over .500 until this past weekend.
3A in Indiana is more like 2A in Illinois

Your third point is solid in terms of non conference wins but when you dig into it, over 60% of the non conference opponents are currently below .500.

At this point your three points of strength were actually highlights of weakness, right?

I would disagree:

* I think in the current snapshot in time - the 6A win from a 1-4 LP team is pretty impressive. maybe the team they played is in a conference like the Southwest Prairie and they feasting on teams struggling or maybe not... I don't know enough about DeKalb and their conference. What I do know is that they are top 10 in 6A so there are others that think they are solid. Guess we have to wait a few more weeks to see.

* In terms of 40% to 60% split for non con teams having winning records.... wouldn't that be about par for the course for the average conference of 9 or 10 teams at this point in the season?

 

[LHSTigers94]

I would disagree:

* I think in the current snapshot in time - the 6A win from a 1-4 LP team is pretty impressive. maybe the team they played is in a conference like the Southwest Prairie and they feasting on teams struggling or maybe not... I don't know enough about DeKalb and their conference. What I do know is that they are top 10 in 6A so there are others that think they are solid. Guess we have to wait a few more weeks to see.

* In terms of 40% to 60% split for non con teams having winning records.... wouldn't that be about par for the course for the average conference of 9 or 10 teams at this point in the season?

First point- I think you should go take a look instead of guessing. I am sure you will most likely never make that point based on the knowledge you currently displayed thus far. I am making that statement simply because they beat Dekalb by "7" or one touchdown and NOTHING Dekalb has done this season is impressive. I have watched ESL be ranked when I know they weren't good so AP rankings don't count.

Second point- I think you missed my point. The teams that the DVC teams beat (random non conference opponents) 4 out of the 6 teams currently have losing records or below .500. The other two teams were Dekalb (see points above) and St. Eds which was a loss. Not sure you can brag on beating non conference opponents that have losing record.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

Example: North Suburban Conference: (8 team conference)
Stevenson 5- 1
Lake Zurich 5 - 1
Libertyville 3 - 3
Zion 3 - 3
Gurnee 2 - 4
Lake Forest 3 - 3
Mundelien 2 - 4
Waukegan 1 - 5

9 team DVC looks about the same - 3 teams over 500.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

So for the non con games - one has to hope to only play the top two or three teams in the non con conference "for it to count"?

So only teams that play non con against NV/NN/GBN in the DVC would be a "quality win" and in the north suburban example only Stevie and LZ?

 

[LHSTigers94]

So for the non con games - one has to hope to only play the top two or three teams in the non con conference "for it to count"?

So only teams that play non con against NV/NN/GBN in the DVC would be a "quality win" and in the north suburban example only Stevie and LZ?

Count or brag on the win. You are using average wins to highlight the quality of a team or conference.

 

[pjjp]

Thanks for the assist @LHSTigers94. 1 dime for you.

How about this? You can have the Southwest Prairie. I'll take the DVC. Let's see what conference has the better overall playoff record.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

You guys aren't making it easy. What can I say about an unchanged DSR this week that I didn't already say last week?



JCHILL offered his explanation as to why he thinks the DSR was unchanged from one week to the next. I think some of it may well be due to expediency and an inclination not to make changes as long as the top ten keep winning. To that, I say shame on you for your slothful and indolent ways.

You have a sacred duty to maintain the integrity of the DSR, and we all expect you to live up to the task week in and week out. You are duty bound to NOT be complacent, to NOT be resistant to change, and to NOT be satisfied with the status quo.

mine actually changed quite a bit.

 

[stonedlizard]

If the DSR is a snapshot of the current point in time, I have a hard time believing you can leave NV out. I could make an argument that NV's recent win could have vaulted them up. How is it any less valuable a win than BR over an MC team that hasn't really won a high SOS game?

I had thought the "wait until this plays out in week x/y/z" thinking was the antithesis of the DSR.

 

[mchsalumni]

How about this? You can have the Southwest Prairie. I'll take the DVC. Let's see what conference has the better overall playoff record.

The DSR is supposed to be different. If you'd like I'll just copy Edgy's top 10 next week and post that as my DSR.