ICE Round 2

[Wilmatucky1]

2A

#5 Wilmington (9-1) @ #4 Seneca (10-0) - I was shocked to see Reents put sos many up in last weeks game. And it is absolutely at no fault to him. The Cats are simply rolling and looking at Seneca's opponents from the regular season they really haven't beaten anyone that stands out to me as a signature win. They are a program that has been reborn and they are undefeated but I do not think that the they can seriously threaten to beat Wilmington. It may be a closer game at first, but I think it will end up being one sided before the final buzzer. Wilmo 56 Seneca 21


4A

#5 Coal City (8-2) @ #4 Dixon (9-1) - Coal City had a nice bounce back after losing in week 9. Same as Seneca, Dixon really hasn't beat anybody that stands out to me. I think this week will be tougher for CC, but they still end up winning by 2 touchdowns. CC 35 Dixon 21

Looks like the bracket shook out to Get Wilmo a home Semi game. CC will travel to Montini next week. Probably the end of the line for them though.

 

[Doctor_D]

Looks like the bracket shook out to Get Wilmo a home Semi game. CC will travel to Montini next week. Probably the end of the line for them though.

I think Rockridge losing would be a fairly big upset, but if Wilmo and Tri-Valley both win, round 3 is at Wilmo.

 

[Doctor_D]

Both of these games feature teams that play very similar styles of offense.

Wilmo and Seneca both are gonna pound it. CC and Dixon are both spread with good RBs. I think CC might be a bit more balanced, but either way, they run similar looks.

I like both ICE teams to advance to the quarterfinals.

Wilmo is really clicking and they are executing offense at a really high level. Their line play has been phenomenal and the backs know what to do with it. I love Seneca’s power T offense. They are tough and well coached. I don’t think they are quite as good as a couple years ago, but they are good enough to keep it interesting. I’ll take the Cats pulling away late.

CC and Dixon I think could be a great game. These teams seem very evenly matched. CC will have to slow down Knigge, who has about a million rushing yards this year. On offense they will have to do their thing with Natyshok, Henline and company. I will pick the Coalers to win by a TD in a back and forth game.

 

[4Afan]

2A

#5 Wilmington (9-1) @ #4 Seneca (10-0) - I was shocked to see Reents put sos many up in last weeks game. And it is absolutely at no fault to him. The Cats are simply rolling and looking at Seneca's opponents from the regular season they really haven't beaten anyone that stands out to me as a signature win. They are a program that has been reborn and they are undefeated but I do not think that the they can seriously threaten to beat Wilmington. It may be a closer game at first, but I think it will end up being one sided before the final buzzer. Wilmo 56 Seneca 21


4A

#5 Coal City (8-2) @ #4 Dixon (9-1) - Coal City had a nice bounce back after losing in week 9. Same as Seneca, Dixon really hasn't beat anybody that stands out to me. I think this week will be tougher for CC, but they still end up winning by 2 touchdowns. CC 35 Dixon 21

Looks like the bracket shook out to Get Wilmo a home Semi game. CC will travel to Montini next week. Probably the end of the line for them though.

Who did Coal City beat that stands out?

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

I think Rockridge losing would be a fairly big upset, but if Wilmo and Tri-Valley both win, round 3 is at Wilmo.

It wouldn't be that big of an upset. TV may have a few losses but a few players were out in those losses, and they were still by a combined 4 points.

Rockridge certainly has the edge but never count TV out.

 

[Doctor_D]

It wouldn't be that big of an upset. TV may have a few losses but a few players were out in those losses, and they were still by a combined 4 points.

Rockridge certainly has the edge but never count TV out.

Well aware of what TV brings to the table. 3 out of the last 4 years, Wilmo went 2A, and each of those years they played TV.
So it would be basically keeping up tradition if Wilmington and TV were to both win round 2 and meet yet again.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Coal City (8-2) @ Dixon (9-1) - This game is going to be a S L U G F E S T with 4A instant classic potential. Natyshok and the Coalers really took it to Sterling which surprised me after seeing CC struggle a week ago. Everybody knows how good Dixon is (and physical) and they're at home. I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict a few fans will show up for this one Hide your eyes women and children, these two teams are going to be throwing haymakers until the final whistle. The Coalers emerge from behind the woodshed. CC 35 Dixon 34

Wilmington (9-1) @ Seneca (10-0) - The rematch from 2023 when Wilmo barely escaped with the victory on their way to a 2A state title. It's the Double Wing vs. the Power T. It's two teams that can play some DEFENSE. It's the legendary hof head coach vs. the future hall of famer. It's two communities that pride themselves on grit and toughness. It's a game that deserves to be played in November. I have great respect for the Irish and what Coach Maxwell has done to resurrect their football program, but Reents has the Cats playing on a whole other level in 2025. Wilmo 38 Seneca 27.

FWIW - I think Tri-Valley knocks off Rockridge setting up a Wilmo home game in the quarters. Like Doc said above, these two teams have a LOT of recent playoff history and it's only fitting they meet again!

 

[Comet4Life]

Wilmington will win comfortably. Seneca is decent but close games against St Joe and Riverdale let me know they aren’t ready for what’s coming. Cats Big in this one.

Coal City beat a very avg Sterling team but beat them handily. Dixon is another animal. One loss and it was to Byron. I believe the edge in this game goes to the home team. Dixon gets revenge from last years 20-13 loss. Dixon Dukes edge out the Coalers.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Who did Coal City beat that stands out?

Nobody. Their schedule is weak also. Just my simple justification to pick them to win. I don't know much about Dixon other than they are usually pretty tough. CC is too though. If I'm way off then I'll eat crow.

 

[Coalertown91]

Wilmo @ Seneca - Don't really see anyone giving the Cats an issue in 2A this year. This game two years ago was a doozy. Kettman and company will be too much for the Irish Cats 56 Irish 14

CC @ Dixon - Coalers played their best defensive game last week up front. Been waiting for that all year. Natyshok was a horse, didn't need much pass game. Watching the Dukes and I think their offense is pretty one dimensional. Good quick running back but not going to beat you with the pass. Dixon has a solid defense. Love the Coalers here. CC 42 Dixon 21

 

[Doctor_D]

Both ICE teams move on to round 3.

CC/Dixon was everything I expected and more. Just a great back and forth game with big plays and lots of momentum swings.

Wilmo/Seneca was pretty miserable. Just awful weather. Seneca got off to a rough start holding onto the football and things got out of hand with a Wilmington score right before half to go up 28-0.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

The CC score delivered. The Wilmo score surprised me. The EPG score shocked me!

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

CC did enough to win but run defense is highly suspect.

Wilmington is playing well on both sides of the ball. Seneca looked like they lost interest pretty early in the game.

TV stole one yesterday from Rockridge. They played opportunistic football and capitalized on RRs mistakes. A few big plays kept TV in the game then a big pass play after an RR missed FG sealed the deal.

EPG vs Farmington will be a fun game, I expect some points to be put up in this one.