Dark Side Rankings; Volume 5 #1

[pjjp]

Not sure if my fellow DSR cohorts gave this much thought, but I struggled with a new issue in this first edition. There seemed to be an inordinate amount of DSR-worthy teams playing out of state opponents. I had difficulty gauging how good South Bend Adams (LWE beat 49-12) or Hammond IN (H-F beat 54-6) was. I suspect ESL's win over Christian Brother's, the purported #1 team in MO, and Stevenson's win over Muskegon, the #3 team in MI, were both great accomplishments. I believe Stevie's win was especially impressive, since it was up in MI. But, exactly how impressive? Tough to judge for Illinoisans.

Stevie should be on everyone's radar. To travel that distance and bounce back after a tough loss to Palatine says something about the Patriots. I suspect they have a very strong team. Turnovers did them in against Palatine. We shall see.

 

[Goomlah]

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?

Don't worry I'll make sure I blaze my own trail at some point. Week 2 rankings mean very little as we all know,...

 

[jwarigaku]

Gooms,

You gonna Blaze from Denver every Sunday night when working on your DSR. I think some of these guys certainly do when I look at their rankings.

Don't worry I'll make sure I blaze my own trail at some point. Week 2 rankings mean very little as we all know,...

 

[BretEpic]

Gooms,

You gonna Blaze from Denver every Sunday night when working on your DSR. I think some of these guys certainly do when I look at their rankings.

 

[mchsalumni]

This made my day.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

To me it is more important what LA does than Montini. LA was and is still the king of the hill...Hard to say it but for DSR purposes Go Ramblers!

Basically, what you are saying above is that, for the time being, you are hanging your MS hat on a quality loss to Loyola. While the DSR does take quality losses into consideration, I think that can only get a team so far.

Frankly, I'm not bullish on the future for MS in the DSR.

Beating Barrington will be a nice win if it happens, but Barrington didn't get a single DSR vote and a Bronco loss this weekend will serve to keep Barrington from rising in the DSR and other rankings. If Loyola and ESL both win this weekend, MS beating Barrington will likely result in MS staying exactly where they are or maybe even a little lower if the win is not a convincing one.

Barrington smoked GBS in week one. The Titans have traditionally been one of the tougher outs in the CSL South for MS. Not saying I expect problems for MS with GBS, but I am saying that I think the CSL schedule is not going to help MS relative to the DSR, even if MS continues to run the CSL table.

For DSR purposes, MS has to make as much noise as it can in the first three weeks of the season. I don't know if a quality loss to a Loyola squad that I think isn't as strong as last year, a win over a Montini team that will likely go 6-3 at best, and a win over Barrington is loud enough noise for MS to maintain their current lofty DSR ranking for long.

No matter what happens to LA this weekend, if MS loses to Barrington, I think a lot of DSR voters would be hard pressed to give a single vote to a 1-2 MS after week three.

Unless MS Maine Souths Barrington, and one or both schools above MS lose this weekend, I'm guessing we are looking at the highest DSR ranking that MS will experience this year.

Lots of games left, so let the chips fall where they may.

 

[MS4EVER]

Basically, what you are saying above is that, for the time being, you are hanging your MS hat on a quality loss to Loyola. While the DSR does take quality losses into consideration, I think that can only get a team so far.

Frankly, I'm not bullish on the future for MS in the DSR.

Beating Barrington will be a nice win if it happens, but Barrington didn't get a single DSR vote and a Bronco loss this weekend will serve to keep Barrington from rising in the DSR and other rankings. If Loyola and ESL both win this weekend, MS beating Barrington will likely result in MS staying exactly where they are or maybe even a little lower if the win is not a convincing one.

Barrington smoked GBS in week one. The Titans have traditionally been one of the tougher outs in the CSL South for MS. Not saying I expect problems for MS with GBS, but I am saying that I think the CSL schedule is not going to help MS relative to the DSR, even if MS continues to run the CSL table.

For DSR purposes, MS has to make as much noise as it can in the first three weeks of the season. I don't know if a quality loss to a Loyola squad that I think isn't as strong as last year, a win over a Montini team that will likely go 6-3 at best, and a win over Barrington is loud enough noise for MS to maintain their current lofty DSR ranking for long.

No matter what happens to LA this weekend, if MS loses to Barrington, I think a lot of DSR voters would be hard pressed to give a single vote to a 1-2 MS after week three.

Unless MS Maine Souths Barrington, and one or both schools above MS lose this weekend, I'm guessing we are looking at the highest DSR ranking that MS will experience this year.

Lots of games left, so let the chips fall where they may.

Hanging my hat on the #1 team in Illinois. Nothing wrong with that for me. I do agree with pretty much everything you said Ramblin. I also feel LA may not be as strong as last year but it doesn't mean they are not the top team in the state. All I can hope for is some serious Maine Southing from MS and LA to keep our DSR dreams alive!

 

[Cross Bones]

Mt Carmel, LWE, and HF can make strong cases this week.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Mt Carmel, LWE, and HF can make strong cases this week.

they all want in, i've been told.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

as easy as i found the dsr to be this week, i'm afraid next week things get real messy. maybe bloody.

If MC plays LA to a lower scoring game, even in a loss, than MS did, i likely give MC the nod for better overall ball. If MC loses, but respectably, they may end up near ten.

then we have LWE and HF...ontop of that, barrington...let's not forget...if PC starts to show well, are we gonna just forget about them because of a loss to perhaps the state's best team?

Good God, what is going to happen when the DVC is mid-season?

 

[godfthr53]

as easy as i found the dsr to be this week, i'm afraid next week things get real messy. maybe bloody.

If MC plays LA to a lower scoring game, even in a loss, than MS did, i likely give MC the nod for better overall ball. If MC loses, but respectably, they may end up near ten.

then we have LWE and HF...ontop of that, barrington...let's not forget...if PC starts to show well, are we gonna just forget about them because of a loss to perhaps the state's best team?

Good God, what is going to happen when the DVC is mid-season?

I heard a certain team is going to try for the running clock to impress the pollsters

 

[stonedlizard]

as easy as i found the dsr to be this week, i'm afraid next week things get real messy. maybe bloody.

If MC plays LA to a lower scoring game, even in a loss, than MS did, i likely give MC the nod for better overall ball. If MC loses, but respectably, they may end up near ten.

then we have LWE and HF...ontop of that, barrington...let's not forget...if PC starts to show well, are we gonna just forget about them because of a loss to perhaps the state's best team?

Good God, what is going to happen when the DVC is mid-season?

Out of curiosity, what'd you find easy @JCHILLTOPPERS? Was it just the overall top 10? or the top 10 and their respective slot?

 

[BretEpic]

The DVC is easily my favorite conference this season. It's going to be crazy brutal.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Out of curiosity, what'd you find easy @JCHILLTOPPERS? Was it just the overall top 10? or the top 10 and their respective slot?

a little of both. I really only debated between 13 teams, one being IC. As far as the top ten were concerned.

As for ranking, a few things just kind of fell into place for me, and I suspect other rankers as well. For me, I first decided LA would be 1, I gave flyer the 2, which IMO, necessarily meant MS was 3. That's basically a third of the rankings ... I love Rice's offense, am skeptical or their D, but for now, offense wins out...the opposite was true for GW...who despite not being ten on my list, ironically, might be the first team I move out if they don't crush things this week. Also, I knew I had to include LWE based on talent and SoS...I also feel very comfortable with HF's talent despite SoS...but since they are on the even of facing each other, it seemed to make sense to me to have them next to each other....so that is 5 teams: LA, Flyer, MS...LWE, HF that required little thinking for me (some rambl, but not a lot)...the other 5 were teams I read stats on, watched some clips or games of etc...but rarely have 5 teams just kind of lined up that way in the past.

 

[capnbillhitters]

a little of both. I really only debated between 13 teams, one being IC. As far as the top ten were concerned.

As for ranking, a few things just kind of fell into place for me, and I suspect other rankers as well. For me, I first decided LA would be 1, I gave flyer the 2, which IMO, necessarily meant MS was 3. That's basically a third of the rankings ... I love Rice's offense, am skeptical or their D, but for now, offense wins out...the opposite was true for GW...who despite not being ten on my list, ironically, might be the first team I move out if they don't crush things this week. Also, I knew I had to include LWE based on talent and SoS...I also feel very comfortable with HF's talent despite SoS...but since they are on the even of facing each other, it seemed to make sense to me to have them next to each other....so that is 5 teams: LA, Flyer, MS...LWE, HF that required little thinking for me (some rambl, but not a lot)...the other 5 were teams I read stats on, watched some clips or games of etc...but rarely have 5 teams just kind of lined up that way in the past.

Why do I feel like Clash fan at a Phish concert? I'm ready to bust up the joint with a defense that continues to prove itself week in and week out while you knuckleheads sway to the mildly amusing strains of bad tackling and get-me-off-the-field-in-a-hurry-so-I-can-strike-my-pose-as-I-score-yet-another-touchdown. Some teams actually care about defense.

Buddy would be so disappointed at the level of defense being played in these parts while all of you lather up and ooh and ahh your way into convincing yourselves that GW is now mediocre because they aren't posting pinball scores. GW doesn't deserve a higher DSR ranking yet, but they will figure out the right recipe for their ailing offense. Anyone remember back to 2015 and balls out day in The Glen?

Defense wins games baby. GW may not light up York this week, but the real fun starts in a couple of weeks with LT/HC/OPRF run against likely three unbeatens in a row. GW may or may not survive that stretch unblemished, but the whole DSR needs to come down off of what you picked up in the parking lot before the show. Phish still sucks. Long live The Clash!

 

[illini14]

Why do I feel like Clash fan at a Phish concert? I'm ready to bust up the joint with a defense that continues to prove itself week in and week out while you knuckleheads sway to the mildly amusing strains of bad tackling and get-me-off-the-field-in-a-hurry-so-I-can-strike-my-pose-as-I-score-yet-another-touchdown. Some teams actually care about defense.

Buddy would be so disappointed at the level of defense being played in these parts while all of you lather up and ooh and ahh your way into convincing yourselves that GW is now mediocre because they aren't posting pinball scores. GW doesn't deserve a higher DSR ranking yet, but they will figure out the right recipe for their ailing offense. Anyone remember back to 2015 and balls out day in The Glen?

Defense wins games baby. GW may not light up York this week, but the real fun starts in a couple of weeks with LT/HC/OPRF run against likely three unbeatens in a row. GW may or may not survive that stretch unblemished, but the whole DSR needs to come down off of what you picked up in the parking lot before the show. Phish still sucks. Long live The Clash!

We will see. The Brook victory looks mildly unimpressive after Brook barely beat BMAC minus some top kids due to injury and after ICCP hung a number on them, and holding on against HS after HS was beat by a no-name Prospect group.

Will find out a lot after the LT/HC/OPRF stretch. If they can go 2-1, 3-0 during it ill take all the green Kool-Aid I can drink.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Why do I feel like Clash fan at a Phish concert? I'm ready to bust up the joint with a defense that continues to prove itself week in and week out while you knuckleheads sway to the mildly amusing strains of bad tackling and get-me-off-the-field-in-a-hurry-so-I-can-strike-my-pose-as-I-score-yet-another-touchdown. Some teams actually care about defense.

Buddy would be so disappointed at the level of defense being played in these parts while all of you lather up and ooh and ahh your way into convincing yourselves that GW is now mediocre because they aren't posting pinball scores. GW doesn't deserve a higher DSR ranking yet, but they will figure out the right recipe for their ailing offense. Anyone remember back to 2015 and balls out day in The Glen?

Defense wins games baby. GW may not light up York this week, but the real fun starts in a couple of weeks with LT/HC/OPRF run against likely three unbeatens in a row. GW may or may not survive that stretch unblemished, but the whole DSR needs to come down off of what you picked up in the parking lot before the show. Phish still sucks. Long live The Clash!

If I ever need a sub to take my place as DSR Resident Naysayer, I'll check in with you first.

 

[capnbillhitters]

If I ever need a sub to take my place as DSR Resident Naysayer, I'll check in with you first.

I didn't feel this reaction to their work at first, but listening to all this pontification about the wonders of 44-43 football games makes me want to wretch.

Of course it is possible the Texas ND game had something to do with this as well.

 

[capnbillhitters]

We will see. The Brook victory looks mildly unimpressive after Brook barely beat BMAC minus some top kids due to injury and after ICCP hung a number on them, and holding on against HS after HS was beat by a no-name Prospect group.

Will find out a lot after the LT/HC/OPRF stretch. If they can go 2-1, 3-0 during it ill take all the green Kool-Aid I can drink.

I'm not drinking the koolaid either but I am a little sickened by the sugary diet that seems to have everyone wetting themselves over teams that give up 40+ points. GW is lucky to have any rep in DSR after their two weeks. I know how DSR works. Rep only goes so far but just want to make sure we keep an eye on teams that pride themselves on good defense.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

I'm not drinking the koolaid either but I am a little sickened by the sugary diet that seems to have everyone wetting themselves over teams that give up 40+ points. GW is lucky to have any rep in DSR after their two weeks. I know how DSR works. Rep only goes so far but just want to make sure we keep an eye on teams that pride themselves on good defense.

cap - don't misconstrue the point I made about point scoring with me liking out of control offensively dominated football games. I just think that at this point in the season, when we are splitting hairs about rankings, I leaned toward the offensively inclined team - more so because of the 0-0 game that was being played by GW and HS...but that is a snip-it, not the whole picture.

I am 100 percent in the camp too, that when you have two teams with high powered offenses and good defenses, a combine higher score is likely over a combine lower score. IMO, that's what happened at LA and MS.

 

[capnbillhitters]

cap - don't misconstrue the point I made about point scoring with me liking out of control offensively dominated football games. I just think that at this point in the season, when we are splitting hairs about rankings, I leaned toward the offensively inclined team - more so because of the 0-0 game that was being played by GW and HS...but that is a snip-it, not the whole picture.

I am 100 percent in the camp too, that when you have two teams with high powered offenses and good defenses, a combine higher score is likely over a combine lower score. IMO, that's what happened at LA and MS.

I hear you, but your comment about dropping GW if they don't Maine South York was a trigger. York has a formidable defense...likely the best we faced last year this side of MC. York held Brods to 27 yards last year and this year they look like they have a really good front 7. Not a big fan of the offensive scheme which is killing them, but......

I also don't like baseball players that swing from their heels on 2-strike counts and a man in scoring position or lazy basketball players that play no D and just post up for treys waiting for the kick out.

Again, I have no argument with our position. Just wish we valued great defense as much as great offense.

 

[pjjp]

Defense wins games baby. GW may not light up York this week, but the real fun starts in a couple of weeks with LT/HC/OPRF run against likely three unbeatens in a row. GW may or may not survive that stretch unblemished, but the whole DSR needs to come down off of what you picked up in the parking lot before the show. Phish still sucks. Long live The Clash!

This is key. Thus far, GW has not quite put a full game together in any of their wins. And their opponents are not as strong as many suspected. However, they will have plenty of opportunity to impress that fickle DSR crowd with their conference schedule. Not easy to replace a player the caliber of Brodner. Seems like they are experiencing some early offensive growing pains.

 

[Cross Bones]

I hear you, but your comment about dropping GW if they don't Maine South York was a trigger. York has a formidable defense...likely the best we faced last year this side of MC. York held Brods to 27 yards last year and this year they look like they have a really good front 7. Not a big fan of the offensive scheme which is killing them, but......

I also don't like baseball players that swing from their heels on 2-strike counts and a man in scoring position or lazy basketball players that play no D and just post up for treys waiting for the kick out.

Again, I have no argument with our position. Just wish we valued great defense as much as great offense.

we let you guys down Cap... I think we'll be able to right it though...

 

[mchsalumni]

we let you guys down Cap... I think we'll be able to right it though...

Week 1 of the DSR is always a bit puzzling to the panel as well as the reader. The ducks will be in a row in a few weeks.

 

[capnbillhitters]

This is how I picture the DSR staff watching NV and WV scoring 126 points tonight.

 

[MS4EVER]

I hear you, but your comment about dropping GW if they don't Maine South York was a trigger. York has a formidable defense...likely the best we faced last year this side of MC. York held Brods to 27 yards last year and this year they look like they have a really good front 7. Not a big fan of the offensive scheme which is killing them, but......

I also don't like baseball players that swing from their heels on 2-strike counts and a man in scoring position or lazy basketball players that play no D and just post up for treys waiting for the kick out.

Again, I have no argument with our position. Just wish we valued great defense as much as great offense.

I don't see it. GW should maine south them.

 

[Bowie50]

I've never heard of York being known for anything but cross country.

 

[capnbillhitters]

I've never heard of York being known for anything but cross country.

They usually lead the conference in Boys Lax, Boys XC and racist in-game commentary.

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

They usually lead the conference in Boys Lax, Boys XC and racist in-game commentary.

lol at racist in-game commentary.

let's not get carried away with the joy in seeing a high point game...to main south someone requires something near a shut out as well as a high score so....