Day 1 takeaways

[OnVikings!]

1. Lena-Winslow and Wilmington are small town football dynasties. Although I’m a city boy and have CCL blood in my veins, I thoroughly enjoy watching teams like this play in the finals every year.

2. Everyone was wrong about Byron walking all over Tolono Unity. What an exciting game and finish. Byron is also a dynasty and an example of a public school program that operates and performs as well as any private school powerhouse in the state pound for pound.

3. Derek Leonard (although having the worst case of “punch me face” I’ve ever seen ) is as good as any coach, past or present, in the state of Illinois. His offense consistently runs like a well-oiled machine and he makes above average athletes look elite. Another game that was supposed to be a blowout that ended up coming down to the wire. Montini was the better team but they also got a gift with the refs missing that late Abrams fumble or that game could’ve had a very different ending.

4. The IHSA should’ve been more prepared to deal with the current postponement debacle. This weather has been in the forecast all week. A lot of the current scrambling and schedule adjusting could’ve been lessened or avoided altogether.

 

[Gestalt45]

2) Byron abandoned the counter and lead very early in a 6 man box (reasons unknown) and tolono is legit, did not blink. 3) the refs were clearly in over their heads in the 4a game, very embarrassing. Marking off a holding call on montini incorrectly and missing two holds on Rochester in the first half.

 

[RockSoop]

1. Lena-Winslow and Wilmington are small town football dynasties. Although I’m a city boy and have CCL blood in my veins, I thoroughly enjoy watching teams like this play in the finals every year.

2. Everyone was wrong about Byron walking all over Tolono Unity. What an exciting game and finish. Byron is also a dynasty and an example of a public school program that operates and performs as well as any private school powerhouse in the state pound for pound.

3. Derek Leonard (although having the worst case of “punch me face” I’ve ever seen ) is as good as any coach, past or present, in the state of Illinois. His offense consistently runs like a well-oiled machine and he makes above average athletes look elite. Another game that was supposed to be a blowout that ended up coming down to the wire. Montini was the better team but they also got a gift with the refs missing that late Abrams fumble or that game could’ve had a very different ending.

4. The IHSA should’ve been more prepared to deal with the current postponement debacle. This weather has been in the forecast all week. A lot of the current scrambling and schedule adjusting could’ve been lessened or avoided altogether.

Solid list. But on #4, I can grant some grace to the IHSA and I am not an IHSA apologist but they were in an unenviable situation

Sure, they could’ve game theoried some plan B scenarios with the forecast but I think they really planned to play through it to the detriment to quality of play and attendance until ISU made the tough but correct decision to shut the campus down for the day.

I’m not privy to any of the conversations they had all day or all week. One day we’ll get the full story but in the end, 8 deserving teams will be crowned champions and for an upcoming tough weather day, first responders will have one less major gathering to attend to while being maxed out with possible traffic accidents, the stranded and unfortunately shoveling/stress emergencies that may happen later today

 

[PowerI66]

Between the 4 champs, now 23 total championships.

 

[crusader_of_90]

3. Derek Leonard (although having the worst case of “punch me face” I’ve ever seen ) is as good as any coach, past or present, in the state of Illinois. .

So it is not just me.

 

[crusader_of_90]

I had the opportunity to meet Ken Leonard, at an off-track betting parlor. We had a beer together and chatted. This was around the time of Althoff and Rochester battling seemingly annually. I told the old man, “Your son annoys the hell out of me.“

His response was, “well, he’s passionate.“

 

[pjjp]

In 4A, I expect a rematch in the title game next year.

 

[CCL65]

In 4A, I expect a rematch in the title game next year.

Unless montini gets SF’d to 5

 

[4Afan]

Unless montini gets SF’d to 5

I think they need one more trophy in 4A first. Don't think the SF rule applies when their title game appearances were in two separate classes.

 

[Dave Brody]

I think they need one more trophy in 4A first. Don't think the SF rule applies when their title game appearances were in two separate classes.

Something needs to be done about this!!!

 

[CCL65]

I think they need one more trophy in 4A first. Don't think the SF rule applies when their title game appearances were in two separate classes.

I’d like to re-read the new SF rule, but it seems as if the IHSA has strategically hidden it. If anyone can find a link, let us know

 

[Silver Rain]

3. Derek Leonard (although having the worst case of “punch me face” I’ve ever seen

Mike Ditka had a very clear case of "Don't punch me face."

 

[Anon1751544614]

I had the opportunity to meet Ken Leonard, at an off-track betting parlor. We had a beer together and chatted. This was around the time of Althoff and Rochester battling seemingly annually. I told the old man, “Your son annoys the hell out of me.“

His response was, “well, he’s passionate.“

wow, thanks for mentioning me that made this possible. net-se.

 

[crusader_of_90]

wow, thanks for mentioning me that made this possible. net-se.

I was protecting your identity!

 

[ACleverName]

1. Lena-Winslow and Wilmington are small town football dynasties. Although I’m a city boy and have CCL blood in my veins, I thoroughly enjoy watching teams like this play in the finals every year.

2. Everyone was wrong about Byron walking all over Tolono Unity. What an exciting game and finish. Byron is also a dynasty and an example of a public school program that operates and performs as well as any private school powerhouse in the state pound for pound.

3. Derek Leonard (although having the worst case of “punch me face” I’ve ever seen ) is as good as any coach, past or present, in the state of Illinois. His offense consistently runs like a well-oiled machine and he makes above average athletes look elite. Another game that was supposed to be a blowout that ended up coming down to the wire. Montini was the better team but they also got a gift with the refs missing that late Abrams fumble or that game could’ve had a very different ending.

4. The IHSA should’ve been more prepared to deal with the current postponement debacle. This weather has been in the forecast all week. A lot of the current scrambling and schedule adjusting could’ve been lessened or avoided altogether.

It will be exciting to see them play next season. Looked like on Facebook that IC Catholic was trying to subtly get Wilmington's attention for a game 1 as well. That would be fun for them.

 

[Doctor_D]

It will be exciting to see them play next season. Looked like on Facebook that IC Catholic was trying to subtly get Wilmington's attention for a game 1 as well. That would be fun for them.

Did not realize IC was looking to schedule Wilmo week 1.
Now THAT would be a killer first two weeks. Vs ICCP and then at Lena-Winslow!

 

[ACleverName]

Did not realize IC was looking to schedule Wilmo week 1.
Now THAT would be a killer first two weeks. Vs ICCP and then at Lena-Winslow!

Don't know how likely it would be, but someone that looked to be from IC staff commented on a Wilmo piece talking about our open game 1 spot and how IC would love to fill it. I agree, thats a killer season opener. LW may be 1A but they're a Wilmo type team and I think that would be a great game too. I guess we'll find out what Reents wants to do.

 

[cornerrat#1]

It will be exciting to see them play next season. Looked like on Facebook that IC Catholic was trying to subtly get Wilmington's attention for a game 1 as well. That would be fun for them.

All.... They aren't the only one. Ratsy

 

[ACleverName]

All.... They aren't the only one. Ratsy

Inquiring minds want to know....