DARKSIDE RANKINGS, 2015, Vol. 6

[goodnamesaregone]

Here's how I see H-F. I wondered if anyone could slow down their offense. LWE did that. Of the 28 points H-F scored against LWE, one was on a defensive TD (69-yard fumble return for a TD). Also, on the following possession, LWE fumbled the kick off. H-F recovered on the LWE 33-yard-line and scored. That means H-F had two other offensive TD's.

IMO, both Loyola and GBW have better defenses than LWE. At worst, they are at least as good. However, both have much better offenses. If LWE could hold H-F to 3 offensive TD's, I think either GBW or Loyola could do at least as well. I also believe they both would have much more success against the H-F defense, although I do believe H-F's defense is improved from the Stevenson game.

What conclusions can be drawn if one accepts the above assertions? Both Loyola and GBW should be ranked ahead of H-F.

I don't think that you can reasonably draw the conclusion that a 33-yard drive is somehow less of an offensive TD. In addition, I am told that, apart from the points, the total number of yards that HF put up was impressive, even though LWE's defense was able to step up and stop HF from scoring. So you can say that GBW and Loyola's defenses might be just as good as LWE's (as you did), but I don't think you can say that they are better.

What I don't understand is where you find support for your statement that both GBW and Loyola "would have much more success against the H-F defense." LWE's offense was averaging 37 points per game, and HF held them to 3. Since the Stevenson game, HF has only given up 15 points (and 6 of those were in the 4th quarter of a blow-out game, thus suggesting it was not the first team defense).

Also, if you look at the Stevenson box score, Stevie only scored 7 points in the 2nd half, after HF made its halftime adjustments. I also know, because I went to the Stevenson-HF game, that one of Stevie's other touchdowns was after it recovered an on-side kick well into HF territory. So it had a shorter field. (And that fact either is relevant based on your 33-yard drive conclusion above or it's not. But it can't be relevant against HF but not for HF.)

At the risk of sounding Domer-ish (which I'm not), I question whether GBW and Loyola have anything close to the team speed to match HF. Admittedly, I've only seen GBW and Loyola on the Cube and/or on highlights, but I've seen HF in person a couple of times, and I just don't see the overall speed and number of weapons that HF has (both offensively and defensively).

It will be interesting to see whether HF will choke against Sandburg and Bolingbrook in the next 2 weeks. Sandburg's only loss this season was to LWN, which has gotten some tiny bit of affection by the voters. So Sandburg could challenge HF. And the 'Brook game will give somewhat of a better comparison between GBW and HF because Bolingbrook will then be a common opponent (albeit a first game vs a last game opponent). If HF cannot dispense with Bolingbrook at home, then clearly GBW is the better team. But what if HF manhandles the 'Brook? Will it matter to the panel?

 

[goodnamesaregone]

You can start with the fact that GW has played and defeated three undefeated teams in their last three games and go from there. Add in lopsided wins over the Brook and Hinsdale South to start the season, and the preponderance of evidence justifying their high ranking becomes too hard to ignore. Let me turn the question on you: What about the GW experience so far this year has not been impressive?



What's not quality about the Rice win? As for MS, they are 5-2 with their losses coming at the hands of Montini and Loyola, both of which are ranked in the DSR. Sure, they didn't blow out GBS and NT like they usually do, but NT is not usually 6-1 at this time of the season either.



You want some LWE love? Tell you what I'm gonna do. I'll give them all the love a 5-2 team deserves. Among all the 5-2 teams, I put the Griffins at #1 and MS #2.. Happy?

Happy-ish. I know it's the wrong thread, but I wouldn't want to see a middle-ranked LWE in the first round of the playoffs in 7A.

 

[godfthr53]

Naz is 2-2 in their last four games. They have one win all season against a team with a current winning record. That meltdown against MCC hurts. MCC getting killed by JCA and ND hurts even more. I sure wouldn't put Naz ahead of LWE or MS.

Sorry forgot to use my sarcasm font.

 

[capnbillhitters]

I don't think that you can reasonably draw the conclusion that a 33-yard drive is somehow less of an offensive TD. In addition, I am told that, apart from the points, the total number of yards that HF put up was impressive, even though LWE's defense was able to step up and stop HF from scoring. So you can say that GBW and Loyola's defenses might be just as good as LWE's (as you did), but I don't think you can say that they are better.

What I don't understand is where you find support for your statement that both GBW and Loyola "would have much more success against the H-F defense." LWE's offense was averaging 37 points per game, and HF held them to 3. Since the Stevenson game, HF has only given up 15 points (and 6 of those were in the 4th quarter of a blow-out game, thus suggesting it was not the first team defense).

Also, if you look at the Stevenson box score, Stevie only scored 7 points in the 2nd half, after HF made its halftime adjustments. I also know, because I went to the Stevenson-HF game, that one of Stevie's other touchdowns was after it recovered an on-side kick well into HF territory. So it had a shorter field. (And that fact either is relevant based on your 33-yard drive conclusion above or it's not. But it can't be relevant against HF but not for HF.)

At the risk of sounding Domer-ish (which I'm not), I question whether GBW and Loyola have anything close to the team speed to match HF. Admittedly, I've only seen GBW and Loyola on the Cube and/or on highlights, but I've seen HF in person a couple of times, and I just don't see the overall speed and number of weapons that HF has (both offensively and defensively).

It will be interesting to see whether HF will choke against Sandburg and Bolingbrook in the next 2 weeks. Sandburg's only loss this season was to LWN, which has gotten some tiny bit of affection by the voters. So Sandburg could challenge HF. And the 'Brook game will give somewhat of a better comparison between GBW and HF because Bolingbrook will then be a common opponent (albeit a first game vs a last game opponent). If HF cannot dispense with Bolingbrook at home, then clearly GBW is the better team. But what if HF manhandles the 'Brook? Will it matter to the panel?

and maybe Joliet West loses last two games and you get a chance to see all three teams in the same 8A field where everyone can stop bloviating about other people's opinions

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Sorry forgot to use my sarcasm font.

For a moment there, when you said no 5-2 Naz Love, with a capital L in Love, I thought you were making a play on words.

 

[pjjp]

What I don't understand is where you find support for your statement that both GBW and Loyola "would have much more success against the H-F defense." LWE's offense was averaging 37 points per game, and HF held them to 3. Since the Stevenson game, HF has only given up 15 points (and 6 of those were in the 4th quarter of a blow-out game, thus suggesting it was not the first team defense).

I saw the Stevenson game on tape. I also stated in my original post that the H-F defense appears to have improved since that game. Also, I wouldn't put too much stock in LWE averaging 37 points per game. Look at who they've played since OPRF in week 1. Other than the Brook, who is down this year, the rest of their schedule has been very weak. Overall, the SWSB is not up to their usual overall standard this year.

At the risk of sounding Domer-ish (which I'm not), I question whether GBW and Loyola have anything close to the team speed to match HF. Admittedly, I've only seen GBW and Loyola on the Cube and/or on highlights, but I've seen HF in person a couple of times, and I just don't see the overall speed and number of weapons that HF has (both offensively and defensively).

This is what I was most interested in seeing in the LWE/H-F matchup. Would H-F overwhelm LWE with their team speed? I don't think they did. LWE competed and was not overwhelmed. When the Harley-Hamptons are both healthy....and factoring in Kendric Pryor, I don't think any team can match the big-play ability of those three guys combined. However, at this point in time, it's my opinion that Loyola and GBW could limit them enough to beat H-F. You may be right when it all plays out. GBW may end up in 7A, but Loyola will be in 8A. If they both keep winning, that matchup will occur. We shall see on the field at that point.

Keep in mind, it's not easy separating the best of the best. In my DSR narrative, I've stated all year the top 3 (Loyola, GBW and H-F) seem to be a cut above the rest of the teams. We shall see whether or not that turns to be true as well.

 

[goodnamesaregone]

and maybe Joliet West loses last two games and you get a chance to see all three teams in the same 8A field where everyone can stop bloviating about other people's opinions

Aren't forums like this all about "bloviating"? Perhaps it would be more interesting if everyone simply said, "the DSR voters got it right again this time. Nothing to comment on here." That would be pure entertainment. [Insert sarcastic font here.]

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

...Perhaps it would be more interesting if everyone simply said, "the DSR voters got it right again this time. Nothing to comment on here." ...

damn straight.

 

[capnbillhitters]

Aren't forums like this all about "bloviating"? Perhaps it would be more interesting if everyone simply said, "the DSR voters got it right again this time. Nothing to comment on here." That would be pure entertainment. [Insert sarcastic font here.]

nah..I love the back and forth, but at some point over the next 7 weeks, all will be settled except possibly one small thing

 

[goodnamesaregone]

I saw the Stevenson game on tape. I also stated in my original post that the H-F defense appears to have improved since that game. Also, I wouldn't put too much stock in LWE averaging 37 points per game. Look at who they've played since OPRF in week 1. Other than the Brook, who is down this year, the rest of their schedule has been very weak. Overall, the SWSB is not up to their usual overall standard this year.



This is what I was most interested in seeing in the LWE/H-F matchup. Would H-F overwhelm LWE with their team speed? I don't think they did. LWE competed and was not overwhelmed. When the Harley-Hamptons are both healthy....and factoring in Kendric Pryor, I don't think any team can match the big-play ability of those three guys combined. However, at this point in time, it's my opinion that Loyola and GBW could limit them enough to beat H-F. You may be right when it all plays out. GBW may end up in 7A, but Loyola will be in 8A. If they both keep winning, that matchup will occur. We shall see on the field at that point.

Keep in mind, it's not easy separating the best of the best. In my DSR narrative, I've stated all year the top 3 (Loyola, GBW and H-F) seem to be a cut above the rest of the teams. We shall see whether or not that turns to be true as well.

pjjp- I think that you are right that the SWSB is down, but principally because Bolingbrook is not as strong. I'm not sure that I agree that LWE wasn't overwhelmed by H-F's team speed (ugly double negative there). I'd like to agree with you, but I'm afraid I can't. I think LWE ended up fortunate that a couple of drives didn't turn into more points.

If all three end up in 8A, I hope that they are spread out enough so that they don't play too early. In Edgy's brackets (which have GBW in 7A), there would be a chance of an HF vs Loyola championship game.

 

[goodnamesaregone]

Please strike everything that I have written up until now and replace with, "The DSR voters got it right again this time. Nothing to comment on here." [Insert smile and nod to JCHILLTOPPERS here]

 

[JCHILLTOPPERS]

Aren't forums like this all about "bloviating"? Perhaps it would be more interesting if everyone simply said, "the DSR voters got it right again this time. Nothing to comment on here." That would be pure entertainment. [Insert sarcastic font here.]

good - you are quite right to raise the LWE question.

Despite the loss, LWE is trending toward the top ten. In fact, the DS have been discussing that possibility for the last few weeks. The fact of the matter now, however, is they just cannot be ranked in the top ten.

What I can say about LWE is that they may now have the two best loses in state: a one point loss to a healthy OPRF and decent showing to HF. And when the rest of your games are wins, that means something - what is hard to quantify.

the problem is, there are other very good teams with either zero losses or 1 loss - but who also have a quality or decent win - who are still not in the top ten.

Yep, i don't want LWE in the first round, but neither do i want NC, NV, WV, Naz, Thorton, LWN, ND etc.

truth be told, if LWE lost to HF in a similar way HC lost to GW, they probably would have gotten some top ten votes.

 

[capnbillhitters]

If all three end up in 8A, I hope that they are spread out enough so that they don't play too early. In Edgy's brackets (which have GBW in 7A), there would be a chance of an HF vs Loyola championship game.

I believe Souc said if GW moves to 8A you would insert GW into the 2 hole and slide everyone down a slot. Given that direction and assuming seeds hold and win (big assumption), Loyola as 1 would play Homer-Flosswood as 4 in the semis. GW would be 2 and play Huntley as 3 in the lower bracket semis.

In that scenario, just about all arguments would be settled on the field and we could enjoy all the trash talk that ensues.

 

[Dino brown]

I believe Souc said if GW moves to 8A you would insert GW into the 2 hole and slide everyone down a slot. Given that direction and assuming seeds hold and win (big assumption), Loyola as 1 would play Homer-Flosswood as 4 in the semis. GW would be 2 and play Huntley as 3 in the lower bracket semis.

In that scenario, just about all arguments would be settled on the field and we could enjoy all the trash talk that ensues.

That would be something if GBW moves to 8a.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

That would be something if GBW moves to 8a.

Yes, it would. Since GBW plays (and defeats) the big boys in two-thirds of their regular season games, they ought to be in 8A in the post season as well. I would welcome such an addition to 8A.

If that were to happen and looking at Catch 22's scenario, that would further solidify LWN in 7A, move LF up to 7A, and dramatically increase the title chances of the top tier 7A teams.

I like it.

 

[capnbillhitters]

just posted a new thread with what 8A would look like with GW in and HC and OPRF flipped from Soucie's projection. Soucie is projecting an OPRF victory, and I just don't see it

 

[Dino brown]

Yes, it would. Since GBW plays (and defeats) the big boys in two-thirds of their regular season games, they ought to be in 8A in the post season as well. I would welcome such an addition to 8A.

If that were to happen and looking at Catch 22's scenario, that would further solidify LWN in 7A, move LF up to 7A, and dramatically increase the title chances of the top tier 7A teams.

I like it.

It will definitely be one exciting bracket if they happen to bump up to 8a not that the bracket isn't crazy enough but if they add GW Jesus Christ!!!!!

 

[goodnamesaregone]

I posted the question in the other thread, and I'll do it here as well. Does Joliet West have to lose both games to get bumped out? I don't think JW will lose to Stagg, but it could very well lose to Lockport. If JW has to lose both games, then I don't think the 8A Super Bracket is likely to happen, and GBW will be in 7A. If JW only has to lose once, then the Super Bracket has life.

 

[capnbillhitters]

they get bumped by losing either game. So if everything else holds and Lockport beats JW b/c the JW QB is hurt, GW goes to 8A

 

[goodnamesaregone]

That will make for some good football at 7A and 8A. I like it!

 

[godfthr53]

they get bumped by losing either game. So if everything else holds and Lockport beats JW b/c the JW QB is hurt, GW goes to 8A

How would they get bumped. They have plenty of Playoff Points.

 

[capnbillhitters]

I believe what I am saying is that if JW loses to Lockport, they will be 4-5 for the year

 

[pjjp]

And JT West's backup QB, who has a played a few games, is a freshman. Ironically, he's the coach's son. I'll take the Porters in that Week 9 matchup in Lockport.

 

[goodnamesaregone]

And JT West's backup QB, who has a played a few games, is a freshman. Ironically, he's the coach's son. I'll take the Porters in that Week 9 matchup in Lockport.

From watching Lockport this year, I think its defense will give the kid fits. Book it, and I don't even think it will be close.

 

[Bwm57]

And JT West's backup QB, who has a played a few games, is a freshman. Ironically, he's the coach's son. I'll take the Porters in that Week 9 matchup in Lockport.

Speaking of Joliet West, Matt Koran, former JW player is a senior and captain of the football team at Harvard University for 2015. Not bad...

 

[BretEpic]

Aren't forums like this all about "bloviating"?

Dude, c'mon, Rivals tries to keep these boards SFW