ICE Playoff thoughts and Round 1 games

[Wilmatucky1]

2A

Wilmington #5 (8-1) - Hosting #12 Hamilton West Hancock (6-3) on Saturday. The Titans will have a rough one ahead of them. They only beat one team with a winning record (who they barely beat) and that team is a Illini West, IW did not beat any teams with a winning record. I cannot imagine that a mediocre 2A team will be able to keep it close with the Cats. Wilmington just handled Coal City and gave Morris all they could handle in week 1.

Wilmington 45 Hancock 10

Wilmington was blessed to end up in 2a. While I do think they win the title, I do not think it will be a cake walk. Round 2 they will travel to Seneca and then probably have to run through Taylor Ridge, and either EPG or Farmington to get to the title game. The good news is I think that the Champion of 2a (should it not be Wilmo), will come from the north. I tend to think Maroa will represent the south. While they are always solid, I don't think they will beat Wilmington, or whoever knocks Wilmington off.

3A

Herscher #14 (6-3) - Traveling to #3 Bishop Mac (9-0). Mac already beat the Tigers by 2 scores. While I think Herscher has shown improvement this year and may continue to do so into the future years, they didn't really beat anyone worth a damn, Mac at least beat Aurora Christian and Chicago Hope. Plus with the previous win in week 2, Mac has to be the favorite here. Mac 49 Herscher 28

Should Herscher pull the upset, they would feed into IC or Hope. I feel it will be one and done for them, but either way 2nd round is the best case scenario.


Manteno #12 (6-3) - Traveling to #5 Monmouth Roseville (8-1). Much like Herscher, Manteno really doesn't have a signature win. Their best win was against a solid 1A in GCMS. Monmouth has a few decent wins under their belt. I don't see Manteno making it past the first round. If they do, they will have BCC waiting for them. I like Monmouth in a controlling win. MR 35 Manteno 14


4A

Coal City #5 (7-2) - Hosting #12 Sterling (6-3) on Saturday. Sterling should be a decent game for the Coalers. The Wilmington result has me a bit nervous for them though. I thought they would be much tougher than they showed. Maybe it was a bad week, or maybe Wilmo is just that good. I think Coal City gets the win with control but not dominance. Likely Dixon and Montini will be the next two games and sadly I think that is as far as they go. Dixon will probably be tough for CC too. This week CC 35 Sterling 21

 

[BobbyBoucher9]

2A Wilmington - This team is going to destroy anyone that gets in there way. Seneca might be able to slow the game down if and thats a big if they can move the ball a little in round 2 but I dont even see that happening. Rockridge has a really good QB but he hasnt seen a defense that is going to come at him like the cats do either. As far as 2A South usually wouldnt be against Maroa to come out of the south but they have struggled defensively again physical run teams. A Johnston City or Westville could come out of there.

3A Herscher - A close game the first time around until Mac pulled away late. Mac has the skill kids but they are average up front. Can Herscher play assignement football and not give up the big play against the triple option attack. I dont think they can Mac moves on

3A Manteno - Im going to give them a punchers chance in this one because Im just not sure how good the TRAC is this year. Princeton is usually nails and were just 6-3 this year. As long as they get off the bus and start strong I think they will be in this game.

4A Coal City - Coalers should bounce back this week but their next couple of weeks dont do them any favors. Quarterfinals are within reach.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

A lot of talk about 3A North being stacked and rightly so. However, 2A North is no walk in the park with the likes of Rockridge (9-0), Seneca (9-0), El Paso Gridley (9-0), Farmington (9-0), Tri Valley (7-2), Aurora Christian (7-2). Wilmington (8-1) has their work cut out for them but the good news is, they don't have to beat them all. One week at a time, baby!

Hamilton (6-3) at Wilmington (8-1) - The Cats did a number on CC in the first half, but the second half wasn't nearly as clean allowing the Coalers to hang around. I'm guessing Reents made a list of "things to clean up" which doesn't bode well for the Titans on the road. Wilmo 49 Hamilton 7

Herscher (6-3) at Bishop Mac (9-0) - The Irish have been on fire and I don't see the Tigers being able to bring enough water. Bishop Mac 52 Herscher 13

Manteno (6-3) at Monmouth (8-1) - The Titans are coming off a week nine beat down on Newman Catholic 40-7 ouch. I don't see the Panthers doing any better. Monmouth 45 Manteno 7

Sterling (6-3) at Coal City (7-2) - Don't know what to make of week nine at Wilmo. Are the Cats that good or did the Coalers have an off night? Probably somewhere in the middle. The Golden Warriors usually travel well and I don't see them laying down for anybody. CC 38 Sterling 24

 

[Doctor_D]

Hamilton @ Wilmo

No score prediction, but I predict that every sophomore and older dressed for Wilmo gets some game time.

Manteno @ Monmouth

I think the TRAC is pretty good, and Monmouth is the 2nd best team in the league. Monmouth runs pretty decent wing-T and double wing stuff. I’d love for them to prove me wrong, but I don’t think Manteno is gonna fare too well.

Herscher @ Mac

Herscher was able to score some points in their first meeting, but unfortunately for them they gave up a boat load. Mac doesn’t seem to have the stingiest defense and is probably susceptible a bit up front, but they will limit Herscher enough. I don’t think Herscher can prevent Mac from putting up plenty of points. Same as or worse than the first time for the Tigers.

Sterling @ CC

I know CC was disappointed with how the Wilmo game went, but I think that might help them get refocused to shore up that defense. Another good thing is that it is unlikely that CC will see a 100% ground and pound team in 4A, and Sterling is no exception - I think they run the spread pretty much exclusively. With that said, Sterling plays against much larger opponents and I don’t think this will be a walk in the park for the Coalers. I will pick CC to win by 10.

 

[Comet4Life]

Wilmington not only will win this game they will walk in every round including the title game. The only team in 2A that has a chance is Rockridge and I would put Wilmington as at least 2 score favorites in that game.

Manteno did a nice job this season but I think it will be short lived in the postseason. Monmouth is going to control the ball and clock. This one might get away from the Panthers early.

Herscher has a shot. I think it’s a long shot but still a shot to get it done. Played Mac tough earlier in the year until the athletes at MAC took over late. I’m going with Mac but maybe a little closer than most think.

Coalers get right in this game. Sterling only beat 2 teams with winning records and both were 5-4. Coalers got it tough the next 2 rounds with Dixon and a possible Montini matchup but they get it done in the 1st round.

 

[Coalertown91]

Wimo will handle West Hamilton. Running clock to start the third 56-6
Manteno and Herscher will play respectable but both lose by two scores Somewhere around the 28-14 range
CC needs a bounce back game, that defense got chewed up on the ground last week. Need to get that balanced attack back on track on offense. Coalers rally back for a first round W. 34-14

 

[Golden Warrior 1]

Coalers get right in this game. Sterling only beat 2 teams with winning records and both were 5-4.

this is true. i see that CC also only beat 2 teams with a winning record, both of which were 6-3. < that said, i don't think the schedule of either team will have an impact on Saturday's game.

informed sterling fans know that CC has a strong program and this will be a tough one. i'm looking forward to playing a team and at a location that we've never seen before. it has an old school playoff feel to it.

 

[Coalertown91]

this is true. i see that CC also only beat 2 teams with a winning record, both of which were 6-3. < that said, i don't think the schedule of either team will have an impact on Saturday's game.

informed sterling fans know that CC has a strong program and this will be a tough one. i'm looking forward to playing a team and at a location that we've never seen before. it has an old school playoff feel to it.

Feel the exact same thing about Sterling. Been a very successful program and its always good to play different teams in the post season. This will be a good game

 

[Wilmatucky1]

this is true. i see that CC also only beat 2 teams with a winning record, both of which were 6-3. < that said, i don't think the schedule of either team will have an impact on Saturday's game.

informed sterling fans know that CC has a strong program and this will be a tough one. i'm looking forward to playing a team and at a location that we've never seen before. it has an old school playoff feel to it.

This is for sure the most interesting matchup for ICE schools in the first round. Check out Babe's Tap before or after the game for their Burgers and Bloody Marys.

I agree that the strength of schedule will not impact the game. As it appears to be pretty low for most smaller school teams these days. I do think that CC is the better team, but what do I know.

 

[Golden Warrior 1]

^ we're already exploring the opportunities for post-game food. babe's is one that's in the running!

 

[4Afan]

^ we're already exploring the opportunities for post-game food. babe's is one that's in the running!

Could go north on route 47 and stop in Morris for after game food and drink on your way back to route 80

 

[Doctor_D]

^ we're already exploring the opportunities for post-game food. babe's is one that's in the running!

Babes in CC or McBrides in Morris would be my top 2 recommendations

 

[Anon1760269333]

Where does this Wilmington team rank historically?

 

[Doctor_D]

Where does this Wilmington team rank historically?

You mean historically compared to other Wilmington teams or something else?

 

[Anon1761099340]

Wilmington not only will win this game they will walk in every round including the title game. The only team in 2A that has a chance is Rockridge and I would put Wilmington as at least 2 score favorites in that game.

Manteno did a nice job this season but I think it will be short lived in the postseason. Monmouth is going to control the ball and clock. This one might get away from the Panthers early.

Herscher has a shot. I think it’s a long shot but still a shot to get it done. Played Mac tough earlier in the year until the athletes at MAC took over late. I’m going with Mac but maybe a little closer than most think.

Coalers get right in this game. Sterling only beat 2 teams with winning records and both were 5-4. Coalers got it tough the next 2 rounds with Dixon and a possible Montini matchup but they get it done in the 1st round.

 

[Anon1761099340]

Wilmington not only will win this game they will walk in every round including the title game. The only team in 2A that has a chance is Rockridge and I would put Wilmington as at least 2 score favorites in that game.

Manteno did a nice job this season but I think it will be short lived in the postseason. Monmouth is going to control the ball and clock. This one might get away from the Panthers early.

Herscher has a shot. I think it’s a long shot but still a shot to get it done. Played Mac tough earlier in the year until the athletes at MAC took over late. I’m going with Mac but maybe a little closer than most think.

Coalers get right in this game. Sterling only beat 2 teams with winning records and both were 5-4. Coalers got it tough the next 2 rounds with Dixon and a possible Montini matchup but they get it done in the 1st round.

 

[Anon1761099340]

Wimo will handle West Hamilton. Running clock to start the third 56-6
Manteno and Herscher will play respectable but both lose by two scores Somewhere around the 28-14 range
CC needs a bounce back game, that defense got chewed up on the ground last week. Need to get that balanced attack back on track on offense. Coalers rally back for a first round W. 34-14

Wilmington not only will win this game they will walk in every round including the title game. The only team in 2A that has a chance is Rockridge and I would put Wilmington as at least 2 score favorites in that game.

Manteno did a nice job this season but I think it will be short lived in the postseason. Monmouth is going to control the ball and clock. This one might get away from the Panthers early.

Herscher has a shot. I think it’s a long shot but still a shot to get it done. Played Mac tough earlier in the year until the athletes at MAC took over late. I’m going with Mac but maybe a little closer than most think.

Coalers get right in this game. Sterling only beat 2 teams with winning records and both were 5-4. Coalers got it tough the next 2 rounds with Dixon and a possible Montini matchup but they get it done in the

 

[Anon1761099340]

Wimo will handle West Hamilton. Running clock to start the third 56-6
Manteno and Herscher will play respectable but both lose by two scores Somewhere around the 28-14 range
CC needs a bounce back game, that defense got chewed up on the ground last week. Need to get that balanced attack back on track on offense. Coalers rally back for a first round W. 34-14

Sterling is still a year or two away playing lots of sophomores and Juniors, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this game becomes a shootout.

 

[Coalertown91]

Babes in CC or McBrides in Morris would be my top 2 recommendations

Babes has lost its fastball, The Clubhouse has a better burger, go to Mustachios for good bar food. cold beverages and a good vibe

 

[Phil413]

^ we're already exploring the opportunities for post-game food. babe's is one that's in the running!

Make it a double header. Go watch pre-game festivities and 1st quarter in Wilmington before heading to CC for 4pm kickoff.

 

[Anon1760269333]

You mean historically compared to other Wilmington teams or something else?

Compared to other Wilmington teams

 

[BobbyBoucher9]

JMO but Wilmington's best team might not have even won a state title.

 

[Coalertown91]

Make it a double header. Go watch pre-game festivities and 1st quarter in Wilmington before heading to CC for 4pm kickoff.

I don't think there will be much to see after the first half of Wilmo. They will put that away in the 1st quarter

 

[Wilmatucky1]

JMO but Wilmington's best team might not have even won a state title.

I agree. I'd say of the top 5 teams ever in Wilmo history, 3 maybe 4 did not win a state title

 

[Kevin JCHS 1981]

I don't think there will be much to see after the first half of Wilmo. They will put that away in the 1st quarter

I agree. I'd say of the top 5 teams ever in Wilmo history, 3 maybe 4 did not win a state title

I agree that a couple of their best teams were not state champions, I'm not sure about 3-4 teams, but it's close.

 

[Doctor_D]

Make it a double header. Go watch pre-game festivities and 1st quarter in Wilmington before heading to CC for 4pm kickoff.

In that case, go to Nelly’s/Rt 66 Brewery in Wilmo for a burger and a pint.

 

[Doctor_D]

Compared to other Wilmington teams

I think they’ve had a few teams that were overall more talented that didn’t win state, but this years version has Kettman who is an all timer and a couple of linemen in Ohlund and VanDuyne that are outstanding. Lots of really good players on this team but those are the ones that kinda stand out to me anyway.
Could probably have a long discussion on the topic, but that would be better over a few cold ones.

I will say IMHO, the 2004 team was the best. They had the best defense and I still believe they woulda beat Driscoll if Vercelli didn’t injure his ankle in the 2nd Q.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

I agree that a couple of their best teams were not state champions, I'm not sure about 3-4 teams, but it's close.

I mean it's really hard to compare team to team and there's always the what ifs that come into play. Sometimes a great team runs into a monster team in the playoffs. Here is a short list of some of the Wilmington teams that I rank up there with the greatest ever (no ranked order, and none championship teams only)....if I list a year it is the fall season, not the graduating year

'96 team....only 6 classes......great line on both sides of the ball and two D1 RBs.......I was a young yellow hammer at the time so maybe I am missing more and I was more in awe than anything, but they have to be up there

'02 team.....Great time on both sides of the ball. Great kicker who was a sure 3pts if they couldn't put the ball in the end zone. Banning injury and a few blown calls led to their demise in the playoffs

'03 team.....just out played in the state game

'04 team.....Definitley one of the best......ran into a monster in Driscoll and the Vercelli injury probably. was a big reason they lost

team that lost to Illini-West........always loved this team....balanced.....maybe not a top 5 but they were damn good and if they don't lose on the Sir Whittaker play I would have loved to see what they could have done the last bit of the playoffs

Weavers Sr year......balanced team......the IC team they lost to was absolutely loaded


Of the state winners, I think the Zlomie year was the best of the three....One of the few teams from Wilmo with a true passing attack Great running game to balance it all out. Plus won it in 3A.

I am apprehensive to hype this years team only on the fact of competition. If Coal City ends up losing to Sterling or gets waxed in a later round, all this years team will be able to claim is they almost beat Morris. Any one of those teams I mentioned would have had the same regular season results against this years regular season schedule.

Kettman is a beast (as are ohlund and VD), but I would like to see what happens come Turkey Day.

 

[Patrick Henry]

Where does this Wilmington team rank historically?

The '04 team that lost to Driscoll 14-11 in the qtrs was ridiculous. They would've won it all if not for Driscoll. Vercelli got hurt right before 2nd half (?) but continued to play thru it and if I remember correctly they were up late and Driscoll returned a fumble for a TD, like 90 yards (?). Was there but memory definitely fuzzy.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Pretty tough to pick just one. Everybody has their personal favorite and can make a strong case as to why, but like Doc said, this would take longgggg discussion ....... I'm guessing hours if not days maybe even weeks lol. What's the criteria for "best team" ... the teams with the most talent or the groups who played the best as a team? Factor in strength of schedule, playoff run, did they play in 3A or 2A, defeated opponents, best balance of O and D, etc. Soooo many ways to slice n dice this it's a discussion every program would love to have. A credit to the culture Reents and his staff have built.

I think the original question was where does this year's team stack up? I think you have to wait until the end of the season to see how everything plays out, but right now they have a shot to be ranked "up there somewhere".

 

[Doctor_D]

The '04 team that lost to Driscoll 14-11 in the qtrs was ridiculous. They would've won it all if not for Driscoll. Vercelli got hurt right before 2nd half (?) but continued to play thru it and if I remember correctly they were up late and Driscoll returned a fumble for a TD, like 90 yards (?). Was there but memory definitely fuzzy.

I remember a fair amount of it. We were not up late, but we mounted a comeback.

Vercelli got hurt in 2nd Q. Tried to come back in the 3rd Q but could hardly move.

We hit a deep play action pass to start the game but got stymied inside the 5 and kicked a FG. 3-0 Game was a punt fest for a while.

Somewhere in there, Driscoll pinned us deep and then forced a sack fumble that they converted for a TD. It was like a 1 or 2 yard drive. Driscoll up 7-3.

Also somewhere in there, Roark on a scramble gained a few yards, got wrapped up, then there was a rugby scrum. Everyone thought the whistle would blow, but Driscoll defender came out of the mass of bodies and returned the "fumble" for a TD. I can't remember which TD was first, but either way Wilmo is down 14-3.

In the 4th Q, Driscoll kicker attempted a really long FG. Kid had a great leg, but we blocked it and returned it for a TD. 2 point conversion, now its 14-11.

We had one last shot with the ball in the last minute, but were unable to get down into scoring range. We just missed on a deep pass, had defender beat by a step, but the ball was just out of reach of the WR.

Had to wait ten more years for the elusive first championship.

 

[Kevin JCHS 1981]

I remember a fair amount of it. We were not up late, but we mounted a comeback.

Vercelli got hurt in 2nd Q. Tried to come back in the 3rd Q but could hardly move.

We hit a deep play action pass to start the game but got stymied inside the 5 and kicked a FG. 3-0 Game was a punt fest for a while.

Somewhere in there, Driscoll pinned us deep and then forced a sack fumble that they converted for a TD. It was like a 1 or 2 yard drive. Driscoll up 7-3.

Also somewhere in there, Roark on a scramble gained a few yards, got wrapped up, then there was a rugby scrum. Everyone thought the whistle would blow, but Driscoll defender came out of the mass of bodies and returned the "fumble" for a TD. I can't remember which TD was first, but either way Wilmo is down 14-3.

In the 4th Q, Driscoll kicker attempted a really long FG. Kid had a great leg, but we blocked it and returned it for a TD. 2 point conversion, now its 14-11.

We had one last shot with the ball in the last minute, but were unable to get down into scoring range. We just missed on a deep pass, had defender beat by a step, but the ball was just out of reach of the WR.

Had to wait ten more years for the elusive first championship.

The 3 most painful things I remember that game and year's playoffs.

1) Wilmington seriously outplayed Driscoll with the exception of 2 big plays and one was a questionable call, but big plays are part of the game.
2) Wilmington still outplayed Driscoll after Vercelli got hurt, but were not as dominant.
3) The worst one: Driscoll was Four time defending State Champions in 4A, but dropped down to 3A for their 5th State Title and beat Wilmington's Dream Team. That one was hard to swallow for me, and I was just there as a football fan, with no horse in the race.

EDIT: Could you possibly imagine NAZ moving down to 4A this year, rather than being moved up to 6A due to the Success Factor? That what Driscoll basically did.

 

[Doctor_D]

The 3 most painful things I remember that game and year's playoffs.

1) Wilmington seriously outplayed Driscoll with the exception of 2 big plays and one was a questionable call, but big plays are part of the game.
2) Wilmington still outplayed Driscoll after Vercelli got hurt, but were not as dominant.
3) The worst one: Driscoll was Four time defending State Champions in 4A, but dropped down to 3A for their 5th State Title and beat Wilmington's Dream Team. That one was hard to swallow for me, and I was just there as a football fan, with no horse in the race.

EDIT: Could you possibly imagine NAZ moving down to 4A this year, rather than being moved up to 6A due to the Success Factor? That what Driscoll basically did.

Driscoll got into 3A that year because Manteno choked week 9, losing to Reed-Custer and missing the playoffs.

 

[CCIce10]

I think they’ve had a few teams that were overall more talented that didn’t win state, but this years version has Kettman who is an all timer and a couple of linemen in Ohlund and VanDuyne that are outstanding. Lots of really good players on this team but those are the ones that kinda stand out to me anyway.
Could probably have a long discussion on the topic, but that would be better over a few cold ones.

I will say IMHO, the 2004 team was the best. They had the best defense and I still believe they woulda beat Driscoll if Vercelli didn’t injure his ankle in the 2nd Q.

I think they had them but the killer was when Driscoll failed to even send someone cover the right side WR (Murphy if I remember right) but the QB overthrew the pass. Certain TD with a catch. Another determining play was the alleged fumble which miraculously bounced out and was recovered by the Driscoll CB. Those two plays determined that game. If either had gone Wilmo's way, so would have the result.

 

[Anon1760269333]

I think they’ve had a few teams that were overall more talented that didn’t win state, but this years version has Kettman who is an all timer and a couple of linemen in Ohlund and VanDuyne that are outstanding. Lots of really good players on this team but those are the ones that kinda stand out to me anyway.
Could probably have a long discussion on the topic, but that would be better over a few cold ones.

I will say IMHO, the 2004 team was the best. They had the best defense and I still believe they woulda beat Driscoll if Vercelli didn’t injure his ankle in the 2nd Q.

Kettman is a heck of a baseball player too. I’d be curious to hear how the programs handle weight training. Really frustrates me how a lot of programs don’t let kids workout for football during winter/spring bc they are playing other sports.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Back to this year's playoffs......Wilmo should have 1 home game and 2 away games through the quarterfinals (thinking Downs Tri-Valley will take it to the CPL team they play). Here's to hoping that will get them a Home Semi game. Need Sterling Newman to take care of business.

 

[Doctor_D]

Back to this year's playoffs......Wilmo should have 1 home game and 2 away games through the quarterfinals (thinking Downs Tri-Valley will take it to the CPL team they play). Here's to hoping that will get them a Home Semi game. Need Sterling Newman to take care of business.

There is basically no way around b2b road games in rounds 2 and 3 (other than losing lol)

For all those talking about locks and cake walks, they will have to be road warriors against a slew of undefeated teams to get to the prize.

1.7K views · 14 reactions | The Free Press Advocate was curious as to what happens in the Wilmington woods on Friday nights. We found prayers, chants and a brotherhood. 💜 And my Wildcat fun fact……. When a brother hasn’t been able to run out of the w

The Free Press Advocate was curious as to what happens in the Wilmington woods on Friday nights. We found prayers, chants and a brotherhood. 💜 And my Wildcat fun fact……. When a brother hasn’t been...

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[Carmine Evergreen]

Back to this year's playoffs......Wilmo should have 1 home game and 2 away games through the quarterfinals (thinking Downs Tri-Valley will take it to the CPL team they play). Here's to hoping that will get them a Home Semi game. Need Sterling Newman to take care of business.

Need Chicago Richards to take care of business .... two weeks in a row

 

[Doctor_D]

I think there’s actually a scenario where if Wilmo advances to the semifinal it would be 3 straight road games but the semi would have to be at Farmington and it involves the 10 and 11 seeds getting 1st round upsets.

Edit: might be others but that one seems most plausible

 

[Kevin JCHS 1981]

There is basically no way around b2b road games in rounds 2 and 3 (other than losing lol)

For all those talking about locks and cake walks, they will have to be road warriors against a slew of undefeated teams to get to the prize.

1.7K views · 14 reactions | The Free Press Advocate was curious as to what happens in the Wilmington woods on Friday nights. We found prayers, chants and a brotherhood. 💜 And my Wildcat fun fact……. When a brother hasn’t been able to run out of the w

The Free Press Advocate was curious as to what happens in the Wilmington woods on Friday nights. We found prayers, chants and a brotherhood. 💜 And my Wildcat fun fact……. When a brother hasn’t been...

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That's an awesome view of the Wilmington Wildcats entrance.