DuKane Playoff Debut Thread

[ClownBaby]

The Dukane Conference makes its first play off appearance starting this Friday will the it dazzle or disappoint?

#19 Belleville (West) (7-2) at #14 Wheaton Warrenville South (8-1) Friday 6:00 pm
BVW looks very good on film but will it show on the field after a 5 hour bus ride? WWS may be short a player or two but have been extremely resilient all year and the defense will keep them in the game, Tigers in a back and forth 4 point game.

#29 Granite City (5-4) at #4 Batavia (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm
Congratulations to Granite City on making their first playoff appearance in 7 years unfortunately the euphoria will be gone by 7:20pm, Bulldogs big in this one.

#31 St. Charles East (5-4) at #2 Lincoln-Way East (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm
The Saints showed some good fight last week and have a very dangerous running game that can put up points and eat the clock two things they will need to have any chance of pulling the upset. After nearly upsetting the LWE last year this year won't be as kind as LWE pulls away big after a competitive first half.

#22 St. Charles North (6-3) at #11 Normal Community (8-1) Saturday 1:00 pm
The beginning of the North Stars march to the semifinals, unfortunately The Ironmen didn't get the memo. After losing a 1 point game to Neuqua Valley and dominating their conference Normal Community reminds the Chicago area there is football in Central IL with a 7 point victory.

What you guys think?

 

[markmacaluso]

Nice thread start @ClownBaby!

SCE isn’t going to be a popular upset pick in this David v Goliath type matchup. I will say this though, the Saints will play hard, they will respect their opponents and they won’t give up. As a fan (and a father), I’ll be in the stands happy to be watching one more game no matter what the final scoreboard says.

WWS AND BAT will move on. Sending good mojo out to the tigers and bulldogs.

SCN loses a close game.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

Hello from China.

WWS
Batavia
LWBeast
Normal.

 

[Falcon86]

WWS
Batavia
LWE
Normal

 

[Nape]

#19 Belleville (West) (7-2) at #14 Wheaton Warrenville South (8-1)

What a turnaround at South this year. It’s always good to see a proud program get right. I don’t know a lot about BW but it seems they are talented yet sometimes don’t play as such. Gimme the Fighting Grange’s in a good one.


#29 Granite City (5-4) at #4 Batavia (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

Yea. Next....

#31 St. Charles East (5-4) at #2 Lincoln Way East (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

Again. Next....

#22 St. Charles North (6-3) at #11 Normal Community (8-1) Saturday 1:00 pm

The NV/NC game was Perhaps the game of the year that no one N of I-80 saw (outside of 60564). Back and forth all night with Normal scoring the go ahead TD with 35 seconds left. Neuqua’s Stare returns the kickoff for a TD and NV goes for two and the win, 36-35.


Gimme the Ironmen in this one. I’ll be pulling for them for as long as they go. They are gonna be a tough out.

 

[PowerI66_]

WWS
Batavia
LWE
Normal

For the same reasons everyone else said

 

[King MJ_rivals]

Ill go with the pack

WWS
Batavia
LWE -- closer than you think
Normal --- not particularly close

 

[pjjp]

Same here....

WWS....could make a run
Batavia....nice draw
LWE....terrible draw for STCE to say the least
Normal....the above referenced loss tells me they can make a run in 7A

 

[prince_of_pilfer]

WWS-well because it's WWS and Ron Muhitch is still there
Batavia-they will boat race Granite City
LWE-not a cool match up for SCE, however they will get to see how they stack up with arguably the state's best team
SCN-you guys must not of got the memo, they are going to the semis and in order to get to the semis they have to win a few games. Besides having a coach that can't shut his big mouth this is a team that could of been 8-1 and DuKane Conf champs. I'll take them in a close game.

* I'm pulling for that WWS/SCN rematch btw.

 

[Gene K.]

Voodoo: Be careful in China. We don't want you to become a political hostage! Keep telling everyone you hate Trump and you'll be okay!

 

[markmacaluso]

#31 St. Charles East (5-4) at #2 Lincoln Way East (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

Again. Next....

So you’re telling me there’s a chance...

 

[ClownBaby]

 

[FalconPadre]

Very impressive group of linebackers and that doesn't include the kid from WWS that got injured.

 

[FalconPadre]

Bummer to be on the outside looking in this year but that is what was expected with just 17 Seniors. Should be much better for the next several years with lots of great young talent coming up. I thought 4 wins was a long shot. The kids played tough. My choices for round one:

WWS: Will be close but the D should hold. They have pretty decent path to the Semis if they stay healthy and get some kids back.
Batavia
LWE. Last year's narrow escape will be motivation enough to make this a 2nd half blowout.
SCN. I am not sure Normal has seen Nubin level talent this season. SCN will win this game though with their defense.

 

[watkins978]

Belleville West @ Warrenville South - If it stays dry tonight in Wheaton I think Belleville West will be in the game all night and may pull off the upset with the big play potential of Soph WR Dominic Lovett. If it rains I'll take Warrenville South by two scores. Belleville West didn't seem to stick with the passing game in wetter conditions against Edwardsville and it cost them. Dry-West 31-28, Wet-WWS 35-20.

Granite City @ Batavia - I doubt Granite City's offense will be able to score in this one against Batavia's Defense, but take a look at Granite QB Freddie Edwards as he is very exciting to watch. Batavia 52-0

St. Charles East @ Lincoln Way East - Not close this time around. LWE 47-7

St. Charles North @ Normal Community - Normal Comm gave us a decent read on their abilities in their lone non conference game against Neuqua Valley. In my opinion, this will be one of the best games of the weekend. I'll take Normal Comm in a nail biter 31-28.

 

[dapiech]

Good Stuff Guys...My 2 cents with my swag at odd smaking. (Unofficial of course)

#19 Belleville (West) (7-2) at #14 Wheaton Warrenville South (8-1)

WWS has a handful of starters out, but I anticipate them being ready to take care of business and will bring a few lineup surprises that I will refrain from mentioning publicly. Their D and Special teams are tops in IL, but if their offense scores 24, they should win.

WWS -5.5
Over/Under-33

#29 Granite City (5-4) at #4 Batavia (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

This will be over in the 2nd Quarter. I'm not convinced Batavia is good enough to go all the way, but this game is gonna get ugly.

Batavia -24 (And that's being generous to Granite City)
Over/Under-41

#31 St. Charles East (5-4) at #2 Lincoln Way East (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

This will be over in the first 15 minutes. SCE won't be able to muster anything on the ground, and then will try to pass and it will get worse and will end up with less than 100 yards of O. LWE is so far above any team in IL this year its not even funny. This should be a shutout and if Vegas gave me odds on that, I'd take it.

LWE -38
Over/Under-47

#22 St. Charles North (6-3) at #11 Normal Community (8-1) Saturday 1:00 pm

Lots of people are picking Normal for this one based on how they played Neuqua. I think SCE will take care of business here, but not gonna bet my house on it. Normal has a good tradition and track record the last few years, but not sure they can hang with SCE here. SCE's 3 losses came to teams with a combined record of 24-3.

SCE -7
Over/Under-31

 

[PowerI66_]

Good Stuff Guys...My 2 cents with my swag at odd smaking. (Unofficial of course)

#19 Belleville (West) (7-2) at #14 Wheaton Warrenville South (8-1)

WWS has a handful of starters out, but I anticipate them being ready to take care of business and will bring a few lineup surprises that I will refrain from mentioning publicly. Their D and Special teams are tops in IL, but if their offense scores 24, they should win.

WWS +5.5
Over/Under-33

#29 Granite City (5-4) at #4 Batavia (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

This will be over in the 2nd Quarter. I'm not convinced Batavia is good enough to go all the way, but this game is gonna get ugly.

Batavia +24 (And that's being generous to Granite City)
Over/Under-41

#31 St. Charles East (5-4) at #2 Lincoln Way East (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

This will be over in the first 15 minutes. SCE won't be able to muster anything on the ground, and then will try to pass and it will get worse and will end up with less than 100 yards of O. LWE is so far above any team in IL this year its not even funny. This should be a shutout and if Vegas gave me odds on that, I'd take it.

LWE +38
Over/Under-47

#22 St. Charles North (6-3) at #11 Normal Community (8-1) Saturday 1:00 pm

Lots of people are picking Normal for this one based on how they played Neuqua. I think SCE will take care of business here, but not gonna bet my house on it. Normal has a good tradition and track record the last few years, but not sure they can hang with SCE here. SCE's 3 losses came to teams with a combined record of 24-3.

SCE +7
Over/Under-31

I'm confused...doesn't a plus number say mean you are picking them to lose by less than that number? Hence, cover.

 

[dapiech]

I'm confused...doesn't a plus number say mean you are picking them to lose by less than that number? Hence, cover.

I think you're right. Minus means you're giving points...Fixing

 

[markmacaluso]

#31 St. Charles East (5-4) at #2 Lincoln Way East (9-0) Friday 7:00 pm

This will be over in the first 15 minutes. SCE won't be able to muster anything on the ground, and then will try to pass and it will get worse and will end up with less than 100 yards of O. LWE is so far above any team in IL this year its not even funny. This should be a shutout and if Vegas gave me odds on that, I'd take it.

LWE -38
Over/Under-47

So point of clarification...it will be over in the first 15 minutes of game clock or real time? I'm getting depressed.

 

[markmacaluso]

Well I guess I’ll just say the LWE v SCE game went as most expected it would go. That team had an army of players and the second string would likely be starting on most other playoff teams. They even had enough for a full set of fourth stringers. They are exceptional on both sides of the ball. I’d be shocked if they aren’t playing for a championship this November. It got to a point that I just had to sit back and admire how well they executed in all facets of the game. Probably the best HS football team I’ve watched ever.

 

[King MJ_rivals]

Tough way to end a season and career. Those kids deserved better.

Out of curiosity, do you think Bryce will be back next year?

Well I guess I’ll just say the LWE v SCE game went as most expected it would go. That team had an army of players and the second string would likely be starting on most other playoff teams. They even had enough for a full set of fourth stringers. They are exceptional on both sides of the ball. I’d be shocked if they aren’t playing for a championship this November. It got to a point that I just had to sit back and admire how well they executed in all facets of the game. Probably the best HS football team I’ve watched ever.

d

 

[markmacaluso]

Tough way to end a season and career. Those kids deserved better.

Out of curiosity, do you think Bryce will be back next year?



d

I’m going to keep this answer objective, I think he will. 3 straight years of making the playoffs (even though the last 2 seasons are trending downward) will buy you some additional time. However, If the current trend continues...

 

[King MJ_rivals]

I’m going to keep this answer objective, I think he will. 3 straight years of making the playoffs (even though the last 2 seasons are trending downward) will buy you some additional time. However, If the current trend continues...

Probably right. That said , I know for a fact many alumni / boosters aren’t happy. Beyond results, bigger issue is lack of numbers in programs and many freshmen leaving program after one year.

My guess is next year will be his last. Given talent in program and Dukane schedule. Not sure I can see them winning more than 3 next year.

 

[ClownBaby]

Probably right. That said , I know for a fact many alumni / boosters aren’t happy. Beyond results, bigger issue is lack of numbers in programs and many freshmen leaving program after one year.

My guess is next year will be his last. Given talent in program and Dukane schedule. Not sure I can see them winning more than 3 next year.

I noticed StE had very low roster numbers for a school of 2500, many schools have low numbers right now but StE seemed really out of whack.

 

[markmacaluso]

I noticed StE had very low roster numbers for a school of 2500, many schools have low numbers right now but StE seemed really out of whack.

Roughly 45 varsity players at beginning of the season. A few injuries and a couple kids quit during the season leaving them with about 40 players. Take that and combine it with the resurgence of WWS and the consistency of Batavia and SCN. WN beat the Saints and barely missed the playoffs. Then add the probability that Geneva, GBN and LP will improve over the next 2 seasons. Doesn’t paint a rosy picture.

 

[King MJ_rivals]

I also believe frosh and sophomore are very low too. Varsity could be even lower next year

 

[markmacaluso]

SCN has a favorable match up at home this week against undefeated Rolling Meadows. RM has only beaten 1 team (Hersey) that finished with a winning record and they won that one in a nail biter. Barely squeezed by a 5-4 Alton team in Round 1.

If WWS can survive at Rockton (who barely beat a 5-4 Buffalo Grove team last week), those two teams could be ready for another showdown, this time at WWS perhaps?

 

[King MJ_rivals]

SCN has a much better chance of winning than south. Hononegh is a good team from underrated conference. They beat boylan who is very good and who is my sleeper to win 5a

 

[ClownBaby]

SCN has a much better chance of winning than south. Hononegh is a good team from underrated conference. They beat boylan who is very good and who is my sleeper to win 5a

[2018] Wheaton-Warrenville South (Wheaton, IL) 27, [2018] Hononegah (Rockton, IL) 13

[2018] Rolling Meadows (IL) 31, [2018] St. Charles North (St. Charles, IL) 22

If you believe Cal Preps WWS is in much better position to win on Saturday. Hononegh is huge probably as big as a HS team I have seen in few years but no where near as talented as the Belleville team the the Tigers played in the first round.

 

[markmacaluso]

#13 Moline (H.S.) (9-1) at #4 Batavia (10-0) (map), Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm

#14 Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) (9-1) at #3 Rockton (Hononegah) (10-0) (map), Sat., Nov. 3, 3:00 pm

#6 Rolling Meadows (10-0) at #22 St. Charles (North) (7-3) (map), Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm

So all 3 games on Saturday afternoon and my guess is that all 3 Dukane teams will move on.to the quarterfinals. 2 of the 3 are hosting. That would be a pretty impressive Dukane debut to have 3 out of 8 teams in the state quarters.

 

[prince_of_pilfer]

#13 Moline (H.S.) (9-1) at #4 Batavia (10-0) (map), Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm

#14 Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) (9-1) at #3 Rockton (Hononegah) (10-0) (map), Sat., Nov. 3, 3:00 pm

#6 Rolling Meadows (10-0) at #22 St. Charles (North) (7-3) (map), Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 pm

So all 3 games on Saturday afternoon and my guess is that all 3 Dukane teams will move on.to the quarterfinals. 2 of the 3 are hosting. That would be a pretty impressive Dukane debut to have 3 out of 8 teams in the state quarters.

Agree, get this conference off on the right foot.

WWS/SCN rematch the following week in Wheaton would bring back some memories of the glory days of WWS playing at home this late in the season....don't you think Clown?

 

[ClownBaby]

Agree, get this conference off on the right foot.

WWS/SCN rematch the following week in Wheaton would bring back some memories of the glory days of WWS playing at home this late in the season....don't you think Clown?

If they can get to the quarter finals it will be great for the program but glory days will be back over the next few years. WWS has a lot of talent at the lower levels and if they have a little more playoffs success it will help numbers in the program. This year has exceed expectations and they are playing a lot of JRs so things are trending up.