Dark Side Rankings; Volume 5 #1

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Another year, some more fun. Much to the dismay of the resident ancien on the board, no youtube this time....one of these editions...i promise.

For those unfamiliar: The Dark Side Rankings are a different take on IL rankings. We start after week 2, don't penalize all loses and don't reward all wins...they are not/NOT all equal. A collection of voters weigh-in each week and give me their top ten teams. I take they rankings, plug them into the below sharable sheet, then fill voids with "no vote penalties." If you see a 12 or a 13, 14, etc...under a team, they were not ranked that way...it's just a default penalty for not getting a vote. We love to be challenged, and Rambler will give us some good shots....though this year even Gooms voted LA 1... so...Enjoy!


10.18: P-Tine:
Not since Mike Burden in 1994 has P-Tine come into a season so hyped-up. In all likelihood it was Stevie's win this week, not P-Tine's. I like the 10 spot for them, it feels about right. I can see them heading near to 1, but they are going to need to Main South some teams along the way. They hype coming in was the offense, and with little left on the schedule...a close game or two, even with wins likely results in a fall.

10.00: P-Ridge:
Nice win in week vs foe Cary Grove, but not by the kind of margin from a top 5 team. P-Ridge is no rookie to the Dark Side, but like P-Tine suffer a SoS problem...there are some big names lurking that are on the outside looking in right now...and to stay in the top ten P-Ridge is really going to need to turn on the burners....look, we are not looking for style points in the DSR...but 42-14 wins should be something of relative ease, not relative effort...we'll be watching.

8.36: G-Dub:
Ranking-wise, there is a large gap between G-Dub and the P schools. G-Dub is no stranger to starting some place other than the top 3 in the DSR and slowly winding their way to the top spot...but something does not feel right with G-Dub this season. This season's game vs HS should have been a more impressive win, and the brook game lost all it's shine. G-Dub's defense looks legit again, but the offense is looking woeful. Honestly, I'm looking forward to this upcoming York game. I like G-Dub, but let's see if the offense can turn it up...if not, not sure what happens down the road...it's hard to replace a super star player...G-Dub's offense is going to have to find someone to lean on.

7.73: H-Eff:
There is not much to say here. H-eff is in the same position they were in last season...all the on field talent...SoS just a little soft to start the season. We get a lot of answers in two weeks...a nice mid-season battle with the the beast.

7.36: L-Beast:
So nice to have the beast back involved in the DSR...with 397 kids on the varsity roster, we considered giving them two spots...really...L-Beast's week 1 W was quite impressive as they held a high scoring Indiana offense to 12 points. The coaching is there, the talent is there, the depth is there, the history is there, they've been in 8A before, they've won the blue collar way before....and the SoS will be there...who can't wait for L-Beast vs B-Brook....wait...I mean H-Eff? This team has a shot of getting to number 1 really quickly.

6.00: Dub-V:
There was no way i could call them W-Val...just does not flow. For me, flow is important. I'll let the other voters post their thoughts, but having done this now for five years, i've picked up on a few things. Here is what I think about this 6.00 result for Dub-V...voters feel they are good, like the SoS ... but are so unsure where exactly to put them, so we all stuck Dub-V in the middle somewhere..thus receiving the following votes: 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7...rarely are we this locked onto a mid-ranked team this early....I do like this spot for now...the DVC will sort things out...Dub-V...don't be worried about loses...we know your schedule is a fight...

4.73: B-Rice:
Ok look, there was a point late in the second quarter this week where B-RIce was on pace for a 140 point game. That's fine, the problem was they were also on pace to give up about 120, that's not ok. Shot out to the edgy poster that made the point, however, that with a team philosophy like B-Rice's, don't expect shutouts, it's asking too much from the defense. The offense plays faster - less rest for the D; the offense scores faster - less rest for the D; the offense takes more risk - less rest and worse field position for the D; more athletes playing more offense - less full-time talent on the D. I actually accept this argument. I won't penalize Rice much/MUCH for their defensive struggles, so long as the offense shows they can pull away in the third quarter of games.

3.55: M-Swag:
What a name...loss...what loss...I guess there is something called the greek freaks in M-Swag land...when M-Swag can run and pass...they Main South teams....8-1.

2.91: E-Side:
E-Side comes up big through the first two weeks of play. Only seeing some of their games, it's clear, the talent is crazy athletic. The question is...ready...who can guess it....is the focus and discipline there? If so, will it stay? Or, will we see a 6-3 E-Side where we all say see...I have the feeling this is one of those flyer good teams...there was no flash, no dash, no crazy preseason talk about most talented team etc etc...It's likely going to take a loss for E-Side to move from this three spot.

1.00: L-Ram:
Well, either M-Swag's offense is crazy hype, or L-Ram has some defensive holes, which is quite odd...Is the Gronk this year's Brod the Bod? God I bet MC wishes Howard Griffith's kid was still playing DB at MC...wait, someone transferred from a private school? MC vs L-Ram this week. F YEAH.

Here is the sheet:

Love being back. Great to see two weeks of games these past to weeks in person, both with Dean, the first one via a Limo, great to meet another great edgy poster...who knows, maybe a potential DSR voter in the future???

Peace.

 

[mchsalumni]

DSR Panel is turning into one big brain. I don't know whether to be thrilled or terrified.

 

[mchsalumni]

And thanks to @JCHILLTOPPERS for being the keeper of the sheet!

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

Wow fantastic stuff.

As an aside...great job on the nicknames!! dub V is exactly what the kids call Waubonsie

A bunch of great games in week 3 including;
LA vs MC
HF vs LWE
WV vs NV

I will try and catch some of the game of the week (LA vs MC) from Dick Kerner stadium if my data plan can stomach the GB consumption!!!

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Wow fantastic stuff.

As an aside...great job on the nicknames!! dub V is exactly what the kids call Waubonsie

A bunch of great games in week 3 including;
LA vs MC
HF vs LWE
WV vs NV

I will try and catch some of the game of the week (LA vs MC) from Dick Kerner stadium if my data plan can stomach the GB consumption!!!

thanks...get a bat phone. Dub V ... yeah, i like that.

 

[capnbillhitters]

Top notch work here

[Edit] can't read full sheet on iPad. Any chance you can imbed a link?

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Top notch work here

[Edit] can't read full sheet on iPad. Any chance you can imbed a link?

i didn't even mean to imbed the sheet...here is the link...[edit] cant figure it out....

 

[Goomlah]

I don't care what you all say GW was #1 last year.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Gooms, say it ain't so! You voted LA #1? I thought at least you, of all voters, would have had an ounce of sense and healthy skepticism. But, no. You're all wrong...including Gooms.

Last year, LA defeated MUHS in week one and they absolutely destroyed MS in week two AT MS. LA Maine South'd Maine South at Maine South. God, how I love saying that. Sorry, I digress. After CRUSHING MS last year 49-8 (did I say the game was AT MS?) in week 2, NOBODY, not ONE of you, gave the Ramblers a #1 vote in the first issue of the DSR last year. A few of you had them as low as #4 and #5.

THIS year, LA defeated MUHS in week one by a pretty similar margin as last year, and they NARROWLY ESCAPED LOSING TO MS AT LA in week two. Despite that very unconvincing victory, ALL of you voted LA #1. Even Gooms!

SO inconsistent. Disappointing, really.

The clear #1 after the first two weeks is ESL, and you all punted that call. PUNTED, I tell you!

Where should LA be? Well, you all had them at #2 last year when they looked far more invincible after two games than they look this year. So, I'm saying #3 at best this year. Middle of the pack more likely.

AND, if LA is #3 or #4, then MS sure as hell should be below that, and probably not right immediately below. I've never seen you voters gush so much over a team that is 1-1. Verging on creepy.

That IC has more votes than Stevie is worthy of substantial derision. Stevie is too low and so is Palatine.

Only thing you did right is not give Naz a vote. But, if you follow that logic, then neither should you have given MC any votes, although several of you did.

I expect better from you next week.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Gooms, say it ain't so! You voted LA #1? I thought at least you, of all voters, would have had an ounce of sense and healthy skepticism. But, no. You're all wrong...including Gooms.

Last year, LA defeated MUHS in week one and they absolutely destroyed MS in week two AT MS. LA Maine South'd Maine South at Maine South. God, how I love saying that. Anyway, I digress. After CRUSHING MS last year 49-8 (did I say the game was AT MS?) in week 2, NOBODY, not ONE of you, gave the Ramblers a #1 vote in the first issue of the DSR last year.

THIS year, LA defeated MUHS in week one by a pretty similar margin to last year, and they NARROWLY ESCAPED LOSING TO MS AT LA in week two. Despite that very unconvincing victory, ALL of you voted LA #1. Even Gooms!

SO inconsistent. Disappointing, really.

The clear #1 after the first two weeks is ESL, and you all punted that call. PUNTED, I tell you! Where should LA be? Well, you all had them at #2 last year when they looked far more invincible after two games than they look this year. So, I'm saying #3 at best this year. Maybe lower.

AND, if LA is #3 or #4, then MS sure as hell should be below that, and probably not right immediately below. I've never seen you voters gush so much over a team that is 1-1. Verging on creepy.

That IC has more votes than Stevie is worthy of substantial derision. Stevie is too low and so is Palatine.

Only thing you did right is not give Naz a vote. But, if you follow that logic, then neither should you have given MC any votes, although several of you did.

I expect better from you next week.

at least i was not called out by name, that's when it hurts.

 

[pjjp]

That IC has more votes than Stevie is worthy of substantial derision. Stevie is too low and so is Palatine.

We agree on Stevenson. I struggled keeping them out. I thought they outplayed Palatine in the Week 1 loss and going up to MI and beating their #2 team is very impressive. I expect them to run the table from here on out in the regular season. Had to include PR with impressive wins over C-G and Huntley.

Much will be decided in Week 3. LA/MC, H-F/LWE and WV/NV all have huge DSR implications.

I couldn't put MC, H-F or GBW in my top 10 based on their schedules to date. All will have ample opportunity to play their way in. Including LWE was based on convincing wins against a decent 2-1 South Bend Adams and Belleville West, who played Batavia tough in Week 1. I would say LWE's SoS has been pretty good, and they handled both teams in impressive fashion. The H-F game will be very telling for both.

 

[krock the house]

Strong

 

[godfthr53]

I'll admit I overlooked LWE when doing my rankings, but they wouldn't have jumped WV

 

[Cross Bones]

The difference this year, of course ramblin, is LA coming off of the championship which is like a convention bump and the narrow win over MS who looks like the Maine South of old looks better than the trouncing of last years MS. Plus there is no HF type team...other than HF whom you have been given the benefit of the doubt over.

We can only hope for a rematch is the 2nd round this year....

 

[MS4EVER]

Home sweet home! Back in the DSR!

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

The difference this year, of course ramblin, is LA coming off of the championship which is like a convention bump and the narrow win over MS who looks like the Maine South of old looks better than the trouncing of last years MS.

Let's not get carried away here. I will grant that MS looks more respectable this year, but I wouldn't call them the MS of old. The MS of old would have found a way to win last Saturday's game against LA, and the MS of old would have dispatched Montini by an even greater margin.

Plus there is no HF type team...other than HF whom you have been given the benefit of the doubt over.

GW. Where is their "convention bump?"

 

[MS4EVER]

Let's not get carried away here. I will grant that MS looks more respectable this year, but I wouldn't call them the MS of old. The MS of old would have found a way to win last Saturday's game against LA, and the MS of old would have dispatched Montini by an even greater margin.

Just curious Ramblinman. If MS does win where do they belong?

 

[Cross Bones]

GW. Where is their "convention bump?"

If 'Brook didnt look awful vs BMac woulda had GBW much higher. But they can, IMO, still climb if impressive vs HC and OPRF, also if 'Brook impresses vs LWE and HF.

 

[stonedlizard]

Pleasurable read as always gentlemen. Looking forward to seeing how this changes over the rest of the season and appreciate the collective time and effort it takes to put this together.

For volume 5.1, I'll have to agree with @ramblinman to some degree. Given the "what have you done for me lately" weighting component of the DSR, I would have dropped HF and GW from the current top 10 and pushed Palatine up to 7 and Stevie/GBN into the 9 and 10 spot respectively.

Tough call on IC, on the one hand they have to score extremely high on the "what have you done for me lately" and impressive wins. But on the other, those wins are only impressive relative to a school of ICs size. I'd probably have them at 10/11 knowing that they will have to win out with large margins of victory to stay there.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Great question, MS4.

If MS beats Loyola by one, I probably would have the Hawks at 3 or 4, right around where they are now with Loyola at or near the bottom of the rankings. If MS had trounced Loyola, then I think consideration would need to be given for them to be 1 or 2, and Loyola would be on the outside looking in.

Here is a looming problem for MS and the DSR: Montini goes on the road the next two weeks for games with Fenwick and Rice. They also have a week 8 game against MC. I think it is unreasonable to expect the Broncos will win more than one of those three games. The more games Montini loses, the less significance the week one win over the Broncos will have for MS.

I have different questions for you...

If MC beats Loyola this week, and MS beats Barrington, where do you put MS and Loyola in next week's DSR?

If Loyola and MS win the next two weeks, but Montini loses both of their upcoming games to go 1-3, where do you put MS relative to Loyola?

BTW, watch out for Barrington. I don't know much about them this year, but I do know that the DSR has frequently overlooked Barrington in the past.

 

[mchsalumni]

Here is a big problem for MS and the DSR as I see it: Montini goes on the road the next two weeks for games with Fenwick and Rice.

Never mind...

 

[mchsalumni]

If MC beats Loyola this week, and MS beats Barrington, where do you put MS and Loyola in next week's DSR?

Plenty will be dependent on other games, not just those two. I'll say this: If Montini wins and LA loses, MS is my #1, 99%.

 

[godfthr53]

Wrong my North Shore Friend. Fenwick at home this Friday.

IHSA says games at Triton.

 

[MS4EVER]

Great question, MS4.

If MS beats Loyola by one, I probably would have them at 3 or 4, right around where they are now. If they had trounced Loyola, then I think consideration would need to be given for them to be 1 or 2.

Here is a big problem for MS and the DSR as I see it: Montini goes on the road the next two weeks for games with Fenwick and Rice. They also have a week 8 game against MC. The more games Montini loses, the less significance the week one win over the Broncos will have for MS.

I have different questions for you...

If MC beats Loyola this week, and MS beats Barrington, where do you put MS and Loyola in next week's DSR?

If Loyola and MS win the next two weeks, but Montini loses both of their upcoming games to go 1-3, where do you put MS relative to Loyola?

BTW, watch out for Barrington. I don't know much about them this year, but I do know that the DSR has frequently overlooked Barrington in the past.

I agree Barrington is a team to never take lightly. We have split with them the last few years.
To me it is more important what LA does than Montini. LA was and is still the king of the hill. If LA loses to MC then we are out. No problem with that.
But I feel the LA defense will do much better this week against the Caravan. They are more setup for the option than a pass happy team like MS. Hard to say it but for DSR purposes Go Ramblers!

 

[godfthr53]

Pleasurable read as always gentlemen. Looking forward to seeing how this changes over the rest of the season and appreciate the collective time and effort it takes to put this together.

For volume 5.1, I'll have to agree with @ramblinman to some degree. Given the "what have you done for me lately" weighting component of the DSR, I would have dropped HF and GW from the current top 10 and pushed Palatine up to 7 and Stevie/GBN into the 9 and 10 spot respectively.

Tough call on IC, on the one hand they have to score extremely high on the "what have you done for me lately" and impressive wins. But on the other, those wins are only impressive relative to a school of ICs size. I'd probably have them at 10/11 knowing that they will have to win out with large margins of victory to stay there.

This is exactly why I will have a tough time putting them in all year. They beat teams lots of teams could have beaten. They will have to running clock a lot of teams to crack my DSR.

 

[pjjp]

To me it is more important what LA does than Montini. LA was and is still the king of the hill. If LA loses to MC then we are out. No problem with that.
But I feel the LA defense will do much better this week against the Caravan. They are more setup for the option than a pass happy team like MS. Hard to say it but for DSR purposes Go Ramblers!

This is something I was considering after watching the LA/MS game on CN100. I couldn't decide if the LA defense is a bit slower than previous years or the Greek Freaks and crew are just that fast. Based on what we've seen thus far, I leaned toward MS being fast and having one of their better offenses in recent years. Time will tell on both counts.

 

[mchsalumni]

IHSA says games at Triton.

And I stand corrected. Not sure how MCHS plays Fenwick on the road 2 years in a row, but it looks that way. I need to check my sources too!

 

[stonedlizard]

This is exactly why I will have a tough time putting them in all year. They beat teams lots of teams could have beaten. They will have to running clock a lot of teams to crack my DSR.

It was a tough call @godfthr53, I don't think they have a chance to crack the top 10 again until Thanksgiving weekend and huge point differentials along the way. For that reason, don't see an issue throwing them a bone and a first ever appearance this week.

 

[jwarigaku]

Ramblin,

WADR, I watched GBW play HS this past Friday and woof...not impressed at all to bring them up in discussion. Will they win games, yep would they beat Loyola or MS, no way in hell!

GW. Where is their "convention bump?"

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Ramblin,

WADR, I watched GBW play HS this past Friday and woof...not impressed at all to bring them up in discussion. Will they win games, yep would they beat Loyola or MS, no way in hell!

I'm saying that Loyola is ranked too high, and Bones' argued that Loyola deserves a high ranking because, in his words, they are defending champs and they should get a DSR equivalent of a "convention bump" in the first edition. All I'm saying is that the DSR voters gave Loyola that bump but not GW (as defending 7A champs).

GW may not have impressed, but the Hitters' defense is looking pretty stout, surrendering just one TD in two games That's a lot better than I can say for the Rambler D.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Pleasurable read as always gentlemen. Looking forward to seeing how this changes over the rest of the season and appreciate the collective time and effort it takes to put this together.

For volume 5.1, I'll have to agree with @ramblinman to some degree. Given the "what have you done for me lately" weighting component of the DSR, I would have dropped HF and GW from the current top 10 and pushed Palatine up to 7 and Stevie/GBN into the 9 and 10 spot respectively.

Tough call on IC, on the one hand they have to score extremely high on the "what have you done for me lately" and impressive wins. But on the other, those wins are only impressive relative to a school of ICs size. I'd probably have them at 10/11 knowing that they will have to win out with large margins of victory to stay there.

yep there were some decisions to make. For me though, this was one of the easier top tens to make. Disagreements aside on a few teams.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

I'm saying that Loyola is ranked too high, and Bones' argued that Loyola deserves a high ranking because, in his words, they are defending champs and they should get a DSR equivalent of a "convention bump" in the first edition. All I'm saying is that the DSR voters gave Loyola that bump but not GW (as defending 7A champs).

GW may not have impressed, but the Hitters' defense is looking pretty stout, surrendering just one TD in two games That's a lot better than I can say for the Rambler D.

I ranked GW 9, and that is with the convention bump....their defense looked fine. They have to fix the offense or I see them losing a few games. I am also interested in seeing GW against a spread that throws the ball deep...often...so...GW is a very interesting follow DSR-wise this season.

ALso, the DSR does often overlook Barrington. hard to say why, but we do. They have made very few appearances. Perhaps a poster or two would help....

 

[Goomlah]

Gooms, say it ain't so! You voted LA #1? I thought at least you, of all voters, would have had an ounce of sense and healthy skepticism. But, no. You're all wrong...including Gooms.

Last year, LA defeated MUHS in week one and they absolutely destroyed MS in week two AT MS. LA Maine South'd Maine South at Maine South. God, how I love saying that. Sorry, I digress. After CRUSHING MS last year 49-8 (did I say the game was AT MS?) in week 2, NOBODY, not ONE of you, gave the Ramblers a #1 vote in the first issue of the DSR last year. A few of you had them as low as #4 and #5.

THIS year, LA defeated MUHS in week one by a pretty similar margin as last year, and they NARROWLY ESCAPED LOSING TO MS AT LA in week two. Despite that very unconvincing victory, ALL of you voted LA #1. Even Gooms!

SO inconsistent. Disappointing, really.

The clear #1 after the first two weeks is ESL, and you all punted that call. PUNTED, I tell you!

Where should LA be? Well, you all had them at #2 last year when they looked far more invincible after two games than they look this year. So, I'm saying #3 at best this year. Middle of the pack more likely.

AND, if LA is #3 or #4, then MS sure as hell should be below that, and probably not right immediately below. I've never seen you voters gush so much over a team that is 1-1. Verging on creepy.

That IC has more votes than Stevie is worthy of substantial derision. Stevie is too low and so is Palatine.

Only thing you did right is not give Naz a vote. But, if you follow that logic, then neither should you have given MC any votes, although several of you did.

I expect better from you next week.

WAIT A MINUTE! I finally put LA #1 and still get ridiculed by you? Goodness me. I can never win. Anyway while ESL's wins are convincing my biggest problem with ESL being #1 is that Providence right now is the 4th best team in the CCL Blue. Here's the thing though: Assuming limited injuries for both ESL and Maine South probably run through the table in each conference (maybe O'Fallon and Edwardsville for ESL, New Trier and MAYBE Barrington for Maine South) both teams will be high on my list until playoffs. I struggled with MC, Naz, LWE, and HF because quite frankly they've played no one. Well that changes this week.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

WAIT A MINUTE! I finally put LA #1 and still get ridiculed by you? Goodness me. I can never win. Anyway while ESL's wins are convincing my biggest problem with ESL being #1 is that Providence right now is the 4th best team in the CCL Blue. Here's the thing though: Assuming limited injuries for both ESL and Maine South probably run through the table in each conference (maybe O'Fallon and Edwardsville for ESL, New Trier and MAYBE Barrington for Maine South) both teams will be high on my list until playoffs. I struggled with MC, Naz, LWE, and HF because quite frankly they've played no one. Well that changes this week.

Last year, you blazed your own trail. You marched to the beat of a different drummer. You eschewed conformity. You scoffed at the near unanimous opinions of others and refused to acknowledge LA's rightful position as the hands down best team in the state last year.

This year, you readily joined the lemmings in their lock step march to anoint the Ramblers #1 in the very first edition of the DSR.

Why, gooms, why?

 

[jwarigaku]

Ramblin,

I follow better now, and see your point. I would suggest that your Ramblers also went to battle with teams that are much more offense robust in this early part of the season while GBW's opponents might be a bit offense disfunctional currently.

Ramble on...

I'm saying that Loyola is ranked too high, and Bones' argued that Loyola deserves a high ranking because, in his words, they are defending champs and they should get a DSR equivalent of a "convention bump" in the first edition. All I'm saying is that the DSR voters gave Loyola that bump but not GW (as defending 7A champs).

GW may not have impressed, but the Hitters' defense is looking pretty stout, surrendering just one TD in two games That's a lot better than I can say for the Rambler D.

 

[DeanOfSelection]

I'll admit I overlooked LWE when doing my rankings, but they wouldn't have jumped WV

I held back a little with LWE and HF having them at 7 and 10. However the winner Friday will jump. Hard to tell first 2 weeks with some of the non conf. I did not rank MC, Naz or GW. GW mainly because Brook had to go OT to beat a 3A team. Everything will play itself out.

 

[anon_4vszfu35bv677]

You guys worry way too much about rankings....

 

[psspfan]

And I stand corrected. Not sure how MCHS plays Fenwick on the road 2 years in a row, but it looks that way. I need to check my sources too!

Francis plays Montini at home, two years in a row as well. I think its scheduling madness in the Green CCL. At least Bronco gets Mt Carmel in Lombard.

How MS loses to LA by 1 measly point and gets ranked well below them is a head scratcher....

 

[NazDad]

You guys worry way too much about rankings....

That's what the R in DSR is...Ranking

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

You guys worry way too much about rankings....

hey man, hack it or pack it!