DARKSIDE RANKINGS 2015, VOLUME SEVEN

MWittman

Senior
Nov 22, 2004
6,689
954
0
Gentlemen and Golden Domer:

Due to the untimely departure of a dear loved one, JCHILLTOPPERS is unable to pen his trademark thread this week. Accordingly, through gritted teeth, I have agreed to substitute in his place, but only after a prolonged e-mail exchange which turned a once-friendly relationship over the Internet into a verbal junkyard.

LIABILITY WAIVER: While I am the author of this post, I am neither a voter nor the administrator of the overall rankings in the prestigious DSR. While I am open to the various possibilities this post may engender, I am unworthy of critical attitude should a member choose to direct ire at me. Precis: Don't smear the messenger; I am merely an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect the bill.

A few notes:

Next week's rankings are final and much of the final top-ten list hinges on, his (JC's) words here, how badly LA beats Mount Carmel this Friday.

Details on the DSR stock game will be provided tomorrow.

Huntley just missed the cut.

Can JCA get healthy after the Benet loss?

Libertyville continues to be a mystery.

Phillips holds tough.

TOP TEN:

(11.1) Lincoln Way North: Propelled by the school's final year in operation, the (I don't know their nickname and I refuse to look it up) have been humming along and scoring in bunches. This team/school evokes memories of Forest View High School, which ceased close to thirty years ago under similar circumstances. I never forgot their Cinderella season; they made a deep run and were led by Brad Quast.

(10.10) Phillips: The Wildcats continue to bury everyone. This is the CPL team which may make it back and claim a trophy this year. Strange to see Phillips instead of Simeon, Young, MP or Hubbard lighting up the scoreboard and becoming everyone's favorite CPL team. We love Phillips and their hipster coach.

(8.1) Brother Rice: Impressive win over MC is followed by a near miss against Providence. At 8-1 or 7-2, seeding will make little difference; it is likely the Crusaders will face LA again in the quarters or semis, should both make it this far. Rice has avoided costly penalties and injuries this year; such unpleasant realities were constant last season. If they can solve the turnover crisis, they can make the quarters at a minimum.

(7.4) Hinsdale Central: Got blown out by GW and survived a thriller against Hinsdale South. This week's game against the People's Republic of Oak Park-River Forest will demystify the Red Devils.

(6.7) Naperville Central: The cream of the lowly 2015 version of the DVC, NC's lone loss is to WV which lost to plebeian Naperville North in OT. While it looks gruesome, it was an mid-season loss by one. Beat LP this Friday evening and all will be forgotten until you meet HF, LA or Rice, whichever team comes first.

(6.2) Montini: Rolling along and set for 6A. MCHS is not passing as much, but with a backfield and running qb with his skill, it isn't needed. Likely MCHS makes the finals again. Next stop, 7A. THANKS IHSA!

(4.7) Libertyville: These guys are on cruise control. Final game is against Lakes; they should win, easily; and they have a manageable path if seedings are correct. Love watching Lees...........

(2.6) Homewood Flossmoor: I hope they lose in the first round. Hanging 67 and 60 points on two opponents, Stagg (1-7), and winless Joliet Central mean little. Golden Domer: You are a sanctimonious git; your predictions of a three-td win in every game is akin to witchcraft; and you are responsible for HF's reputation on this board so love what you created. I do, however, love your capacity for self-delusion; it is your ONLY endearing quality. Come Hell or damnation, I hope you lose.

(2.1) Loyola Academy: I suspect LA didn't forget last season's loss to the Caravan, which spurred a drive to the semis for MC. A team with no big-name standout, the defense continues to shut down their opponents. I say a Rosary every day for a meeting with HF in the title game.

(1.5) Glenbard West: This team goes where Brodner goes.
 
Last edited:

badfrog68

Freshman
Oct 12, 2014
164
61
0
(11.1) Lincoln Way North: Propelled by the school's final year in operation, the (I don't know their nickname and I refuse to look it up) have been humming along and scoring in bunches. This team/school evokes memories of Forest View High School, which ceased close to thirty years ago under similar circumstances. I never forgot their Cinderella season; they made a deep run and were led by Brad Quast.

It is great to see the Phoenix finally getting the recognition that they deserve. Great job DSR!
 

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
5,702
3,531
0
Thanks for stepping up @MWittman, your prose always makes me smile. I'll grab the beads for that HF-LA final. One guess who I'll be cheering for in that game?
 
  • Like
Reactions: MWittman
May 18, 2015
1,666
845
0
You bit Wild. MW is tweaking the previous "HC really only lost by 4 because West scored in the last minute to make it 11" vs "GW scored on the final and biggest drive to seal the victory" into "HC got blown out."

Clever move if passionate reaction is what you seek. After HC beats TPRoOP on Friday, there will be love.

What will be interesting is to see how much weight the voters place on LA's victory over a relatively mediocre MC squad.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MWittman

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
5,702
3,531
0
You bit Wild. MW is tweaking the previous "HC really only lost by 4 because West scored in the last minute to make it 11" vs "GW scored on the final and biggest drive to seal the victory" into "HC got blown out."

Clever move if passionate reaction is what you seek. After HC beats TPRoOP on Friday, there will be love.

What will be interesting is to see how much weight the voters place on LA's victory over a relatively mediocre MC squad.

Mediocre, or just a bit down from normal? I'll say this, if I'm in their bracket as a higher seed, I'm nervous.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fortis2005
May 18, 2015
1,666
845
0
Mediocre, or just a bit down from normal? I'll say this, if I'm in their bracket as a higher seed, I'm nervous.

Key word I used was "relatively" which I am using to measure MC against previous MC squads.

Spoke with folks that saw them play Provi and they were wholly unimpressed. They saw what the lovely Ms Beth saw in MC.

Trust me, as a high seed in 7A, I fear MC. What I fear most is having to go to Gately on a Saturday night in November. That is a distinct possibility and not sure how our boys would react to that scene.
 

mchsalumni

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2008
5,702
3,531
0
Key word I used was "relatively" which I am using to measure MC against previous MC squads.

Spoke with folks that saw them play Provi and they were wholly unimpressed. They saw what the lovely Ms Beth saw in MC.

Trust me, as a high seed in 7A, I fear MC. What I fear most is having to go to Gately on a Saturday night in November. That is a distinct possibility and not sure how our boys would react to that scene.

Bring your butler and nanny to help them get through. Also, I recommend a Chateau Lafitte 82 paired with a Gately Dog.
 

jwarigaku

All-Conference
Jan 30, 2006
4,199
1,557
73
MCHS,

I see you grow weary of the GW CJ as well. GD may be a A$$Hat but at least he doesn't try to cover it up!

Bring your butler and nanny to help them get through. Also, I recommend a Chateau Lafitte 82 paired with a Gately Dog.
 
May 18, 2015
1,666
845
0
Bring your butler and nanny to help them get through. Also, I recommend a Chateau Lafitte 82 paired with a Gately Dog.

I love it. You guys are so awesomely down to earth to understand the first world problems we have here in the Glen.

And you should know that the '82 Lafitte is a horrible choice for encased meats.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mchsalumni
May 18, 2015
1,666
845
0
MCHS,

I see you grow weary of the GW CJ as well. GD may be a A$$Hat but at least he doesn't try to cover it up!

CJ?

I guess at first I thought you might have meant another poster named CJ, but the crickets I hear mean you are referring to me as a C-Job. Bravo JWAR.

I spend 10% of my time here touting the skills of my boys and 90% discussing the skills of teams we play to prepare others and level set their expectations when they play common opponents.

Maybe your a*%hat comment is related to my comment about AT today. Fair enough. My comment was not related to how great GW is, rather, it is that AT shows poorly on the offensive side over their last two games. I will watch what I say from a negative perspective and would hate for anyone to think I am spouting off about how we are going to beat every team by 3+ TDs.

One last thing I will say is that I never fail to apologize or retract poor posting decisions. If that is "covering it up," so be it. At least I am not a troll that badgers paying customers into rethinking their subscriptions. Edgy can thank you for that.
 
Last edited:

ramblinman_rivals165935

All-Conference
Jul 18, 2001
9,102
2,802
0
Gentlemen and Golden Domer:

Great job, MWitt. Need more of you around here. None of the following is directed at you.

Sorry, guys, but I 'm not feeling the love for LWN.

LWN is 8-0. Here are their games...

Richards (5-3) 30-29
@Sandburg (6-2) 27-14
@Thornwood (1-7) 47-12
Thornridge (1-7) 42-8
@Bradley-Bourbonnais (5-3) 28-14
@Andrew (3-5) 53-22
Thornton (7-1) 28-26
@LWC (4-4) 45-18

I would be interested in hearing who you think their quality win/s is/are against. Richards? A one point win over a 5-3 team. Sandburg? Sandburg hasn't beaten any team with a current winning record. However, they do have two seven point Ws over NN (1-7) and Stagg (1-7). Next! B-B? Meh. No wins over teams with current winning records. Thornton? A two point home win over a good team. A quality win, but not a decisive or dominant one.

I think you guys are giving LWN a sympathy vote.

Lastly, I'm not feeling as much love for Libertyville either. I'm not saying I think they aren't deserving of being in the DSR, but I am saying that an overall ranking of 4 is on the high side. Gooms and Bones have them ranked at #3. I just can't get over those non-con games against EG and LFA combined with the fact that they haven't played anyone with more than 5 current wins. Interesting 2nd and 3rd round 7A games developing against the likes of LWE, MS, MC, etc.
 

Goomlah

Junior
Jul 29, 2011
3,127
312
83
Those wins by LWN are just as good as Huntley's and they're 6 for whatever that's worth
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bwm57

godfthr53

All-Conference
Sep 8, 2008
4,957
2,774
113
Trust me, as a high seed in 7A, I fear MC. What I fear most is having to go to Gately on a Saturday night in November. That is a distinct possibility and not sure how our boys would react to that scene.
What about the football game?
 
May 18, 2015
1,666
845
0
I would NOT want to face MC anywhere at playoff time. Lenti has proven through the years that in do or die situations, his teams are ready to put it on anyone in the state.

I saw the '12 game and was thoroughly impressed. Saw the run they had in other years and recognize that regular season means little to them other than as a prep for post season.

In a neutral field, I like GWs chances. At GW, I like our chances. At Gately on a field we have never visited, I have no clue.
 
Last edited:

ramblinman_rivals165935

All-Conference
Jul 18, 2001
9,102
2,802
0
Those wins by LWN are just as good as Huntley's and they're 6 for whatever that's worth

Both teams are 8-0. If LWN's wins are just as good as Huntley's, then why do you have Huntley at #6 and LWN at #9? Shouldn't they be neck and neck in your rankings?

While you may have Huntley at #6, half of the DSR voters this week didn't rank the Red Raiders at all. You are the only DSR voter who ranked them higher than #8.

Lastly, I disagree with the basic premise of your reply. Huntley has a 29-8 win over a 7-1 Cary-Grove. LWN has nothing remotely close to that impressive a victory over a quality program like C-G.
 
Last edited:

Goomlah

Junior
Jul 29, 2011
3,127
312
83
The reason why Huntley is so high is their 3 wins were in consecutive weeks.
 

badfrog68

Freshman
Oct 12, 2014
164
61
0
Sorry, guys, but I 'm not feeling the love for LWN.

LWN is 8-0. Here are their games...

Richards (5-3) 30-29
@Sandburg (6-2) 27-14
@Thornwood (1-7) 47-12
Thornridge (1-7) 42-8
@Bradley-Bourbonnais (5-3) 28-14
@Andrew (3-5) 53-22
Thornton (7-1) 28-26
@LWC (4-4) 45-18

I would be interested in hearing who you think their quality win/s is/are against. Richards? A one point win over a 5-3 team. Sandburg? Sandburg hasn't beaten any team with a current winning record. B-B? Meh. Thornton? A two point home win over a good team. A quality win, but not a decisive or dominant one.

Funny how LWN has beat (4) playoff teams (including a very good Thornton team) but their wins aren't good enough to make the DSR, yet a team like Montini (which has only one quality win against a very good Main South Team and no other wins against a team with a winning record or that may even make the playoffs) is ranked 5th and nobody questions that.

Main South (6 - 2) 20 -17
@ ESL (3 - 5) 24 - 14 (and yes I am aware forfeits were involved with this team)
St. Rita (3 - 5) 38 - 7
De La Salle ( 4 - 4) 38 - 0
@ Leo (1 - 7) 41 - 0
@ St. Joseph (1 - 7) 42 - 0
Wheaton St. Francis (4 - 4) 27 - 8 (only 31 playoff points so may not make playoffs with 5 wins)
@ Fenwick (3 - 5) 48 - 7

I will take the LWN schedule over the Montini Schedule any day plus LWN takes on a quality LWW team (7 -1) in week 9 vs. Montini who tales on a Marmion (3 - 5)
 

Dino brown

Freshman
Aug 30, 2015
396
59
0
Funny how LWN has beat (4) playoff teams (including a very good Thornton team) but their wins aren't good enough to make the DSR, yet a team like Montini (which has only one quality win against a very good Main South Team and no other wins against a team with a winning record or that may even make the playoffs) is ranked 5th and nobody questions that.

Main South (6 - 2) 20 -17
@ ESL (3 - 5) 24 - 14 (and yes I am aware forfeits were involved with this team)
St. Rita (3 - 5) 38 - 7
De La Salle ( 4 - 4) 38 - 0
@ Leo (1 - 7) 41 - 0
@ St. Joseph (1 - 7) 42 - 0
Wheaton St. Francis (4 - 4) 27 - 8 (only 31 playoff points so may not make playoffs with 5 wins)
@ Fenwick (3 - 5) 48 - 7

I will take the LWN schedule over the Montini Schedule any day plus LWN takes on a quality LWW team (7 -1) in week 9 vs. Montini who tales on a Marmion (3 - 5)
Montini would put a runing clock on LWN.
 

Dino brown

Freshman
Aug 30, 2015
396
59
0
I
Funny how LWN has beat (4) playoff teams (including a very good Thornton team) but their wins aren't good enough to make the DSR, yet a team like Montini (which has only one quality win against a very good Main South Team and no other wins against a team with a winning record or that may even make the playoffs) is ranked 5th and nobody questions that.

Main South (6 - 2) 20 -17
@ ESL (3 - 5) 24 - 14 (and yes I am aware forfeits were involved with this team)
St. Rita (3 - 5) 38 - 7
De La Salle ( 4 - 4) 38 - 0
@ Leo (1 - 7) 41 - 0
@ St. Joseph (1 - 7) 42 - 0
Wheaton St. Francis (4 - 4) 27 - 8 (only 31 playoff points so may not make playoffs with 5 wins)
@ Fenwick (3 - 5) 48 - 7

I will take the LWN schedule over the Montini Schedule any day plus LWN takes on a quality LWW team (7 -1) in week 9 vs. Montini who tales on a Marmion (3 - 5)
exaggerated a bit there but definitely beats LWN by three scores.
 

DeanOfSelection

All-Conference
Sep 24, 2002
118,578
1,834
0
In terms of MC we will see what they have Sat at LA. They tend to do well as an underdog. I really have no idea what to expect with what they have been dealing with and the layoff.
I would pick Montini over LWN but that would be a good game. Montini though might have to beat PR CG back to back before that. 6A actually really interesting. Really interesting week 9 games: LWW-LWN, Rochester-SHG, PR-Crete, MC-LA
 

Bwm57

All-Conference
Sep 12, 2011
3,723
1,087
103
No kidding, I'm really interested in seeing the PR and Crete result.
Two teams that have been quietly building momentum.
 
May 31, 2013
272
145
0
LWN has a lot to prove in the playoffs no doubt about that. How does everyone feel about LWW? If North were to win is that a quality win? Or do they need to dominate a 7 win team for that to be considered quality?
 

badfrog68

Freshman
Oct 12, 2014
164
61
0
I

exaggerated a bit there but definitely beats LWN by three scores.

Dino,

My post was not to say that LWN is better than Montini (even though if that game ever happened I will easily accept LWN + 21). It was to reply to Ramblin saying that if you are complaining that LWN doesn't deserve to be on the DSR due to a poor schedule than Montini doesn't either. You can argue all you want that Montini is better than LWN but you can't argue that their schedule is better than LWN. It is not and it will be even worse after the week 9 games.
 

BretEpic

Heisman
Jan 27, 2005
16,866
22,189
113
Funny how LWN has beat (4) playoff teams (including a very good Thornton team) but their wins aren't good enough to make the DSR, yet a team like Montini (which has only one quality win against a very good Main South Team and no other wins against a team with a winning record or that may even make the playoffs) is ranked 5th and nobody questions that.

Main South (6 - 2) 20 -17
@ ESL (3 - 5) 24 - 14 (and yes I am aware forfeits were involved with this team)
St. Rita (3 - 5) 38 - 7
De La Salle ( 4 - 4) 38 - 0
@ Leo (1 - 7) 41 - 0
@ St. Joseph (1 - 7) 42 - 0
Wheaton St. Francis (4 - 4) 27 - 8 (only 31 playoff points so may not make playoffs with 5 wins)
@ Fenwick (3 - 5) 48 - 7

I will take the LWN schedule over the Montini Schedule any day plus LWN takes on a quality LWW team (7 -1) in week 9 vs. Montini who tales on a Marmion (3 - 5)
Look at the scores...
 

BretEpic

Heisman
Jan 27, 2005
16,866
22,189
113
It also shows you missing a #8 ranked team

1. Glenbard Wine & cheese
2. Home of the Future world champs
3. Lifelong Anger towards peons
4. Montini & Prosciutto
5. Naperville Classists
6. Hinsdale Country-clubbers
7. give me Libertyville or Give Me Death
8. Brother Rice < potatoes
9. Many many many many Champioships
10. Oh Please Rsvp For the house tour
 

ramblinman_rivals165935

All-Conference
Jul 18, 2001
9,102
2,802
0
Funny how LWN has beat (4) playoff teams (including a very good Thornton team) but their wins aren't good enough to make the DSR, yet a team like Montini (which has only one quality win against a very good Main South Team and no other wins against a team with a winning record or that may even make the playoffs) is ranked 5th and nobody questions that.

Main South (6 - 2) 20 -17
@ ESL (3 - 5) 24 - 14 (and yes I am aware forfeits were involved with this team)
St. Rita (3 - 5) 38 - 7
De La Salle ( 4 - 4) 38 - 0
@ Leo (1 - 7) 41 - 0
@ St. Joseph (1 - 7) 42 - 0
Wheaton St. Francis (4 - 4) 27 - 8 (only 31 playoff points so may not make playoffs with 5 wins)
@ Fenwick (3 - 5) 48 - 7

I will take the LWN schedule over the Montini Schedule any day plus LWN takes on a quality LWW team (7 -1) in week 9 vs. Montini who tales on a Marmion (3 - 5)

ESL and their forfeits is the wild card in all of that. The fact is that Montini played and beat ESL a week after ESL played and beat Simeon, a top tier CPL team. I think if the DSR voters had looked at those forfeit losses as regular losses, then Montini would have been ranked lower.

I disagree that the LWN schedule is that much tougher than Montini. Montini defeated MS. I think MS beats LWN AND everyone else who LWN played this year.

You might look at Montini's 38-7 win over Rita and say that doesn't mean much because Rita is 3-5. But Rita being 3-5 is not the same as Andrew (one of LWN's opponents) being 3-5. Rita's losses were to MC, Loyola, Providence. Montini, and a 5-1 school from PA. Andrew, on the other hand, lost to 1-7 Stagg...by 26...AT Andrew!!!

Rita for sure makes the playoffs this year if they played LWN's schedule.
 
Last edited:

Dino brown

Freshman
Aug 30, 2015
396
59
0
Dino,

My post was not to say that LWN is better than Montini (even though if that game ever happened I will easily accept LWN + 21). It was to reply to Ramblin saying that if you are complaining that LWN doesn't deserve to be on the DSR due to a poor schedule than Montini doesn't either. You can argue all you want that Montini is better than LWN but you can't argue that their schedule is better than LWN. It is not and it will be even worse after the week 9 games.
I agree with you on that.