*Hypothetical/Entertainment Only* SHG vs Normal Community

[Cycs21]

Got into a downstate football discussion with a close friend recently, so thought I'd pose the question here for fun. (For context I attended SHG, he attended NCHS).

The crux of the argument centered around how the Cyclones would fare against the Ironmen year in, year out. He was of the sentiment that the Cylones' accomplishments in the last ~25 years are largely due to smaller/weak postseason classes. He maintained that should SHG play with the "big boys", things would not shake out as favorably. He specifically cited the Cycs trip to Normal in 2023, where the Ironmen won 54-14 (the only meeting between the two teams).

Naturally, I disagreed and cited the Cyclones' 1) Success in 6A - semis appearances, runner up, and a state championship. 2) Strong opponents in smaller classes - 2022 JCA, 2013/2014 Montini, etc. 3) Talent profile - multiple former Cyclones that went on to be contributors at high level NCAA programs, and eventually made NFL rosters.

I have limited knowledge of the NCHS program, but it certainly looks like they are consistently seeded well in 6A/7A. I'd like to think that my Cyclones could hold their own, but maybe I'm looking through some black and gold glasses that are clouded by nostalgia.

Would appreciate input from any downstate football fans! Good luck to all teams still alive this week!

 

[FB1976]

Depends on the year. Most years I think NC wins close games to 3 score wins. This year I think SHG would win.

However, instead of pondering hypotheticals, SHG may want to focus on how to beat Rochester at Rochester on Saturday.

 

[rocketnation]

The 2023 game was an outlier in my view. SHG was very young that year, returned only a handful of starters from the '22 championship team, had a new head coach, and it was a Week 1 road game.

Most seasons this is probably no more than a 7-10 point spread one way or the other. If they played 10 times, one team probably wins 6-4.

 

[Cycs21]

Depends on the year. Most years I think NC wins close games to 3 score wins. This year I think SHG would win.

However, instead of pondering hypotheticals, SHG may want to focus on how to beat Rochester at Rochester on Saturday.

I wasn't aware that an alumni's comment on a relatively obscure message board would impede John Allison, his staff, and his players from preparing for the biggest game of his tenure this week. I'll be sure to let them know to steer clear of this page!

 

[RoaminCatholic]

Depends on the year. Most years I think NC wins close games to 3 score wins. This year I think SHG would win.

However, instead of pondering hypotheticals, SHG may want to focus on how to beat Rochester at Rochester on Saturday.

Yeah, instead of spending time in the Cahokia/Breese thread, teeing up 4A south semi-final games we all know won't be meaningful matchups? It's a Rocket Tradition though.

 

[Alexander33]

The 2023 game was an outlier in my view. SHG was very young that year, returned only a handful of starters from the '22 championship team, had a new head coach, and it was a Week 1 road game.

Most seasons this is probably no more than a 7-10 point spread one way or the other. If they played 10 times, one team probably wins 6-4.

For example, this year 5A Peoria hosted both 7A Normal Community and 4A Morris. Peoria defeated Normal by 22 points and lost to Morris by 7 points. Morris and Sacred Heart - Griffin are both 4A quarterfinalists this year.

 

[raf2242]

I played at normal. Always a solid down state program. SHG is solid as well. Normal was not that good this year. SHG wins this year. Over history...normal might get the nod. I feel normal gets alot of wins being a 7a school in an area of lower class schools. However....most years they get a couple rounds in the playoffs. I also feel normals coaching is in decline. They will always win in this area due to size. I can say...sophomore year at nchs we beat SHG soundly. I remeber how hyped our coaches were after the game. I had no idea the SHG tradition. Fun conversation 2 solid down state teams.