Lincoln Way East

[Cross Bones]

Obviously I don't have to say much. We're talking about a program that may be a healthy AJ Henning away from being back to back 8A champions as we speak. Last 30 games? LWE is 29-1 and the 1 was a Herculean effort from Loyola who many would call the top program in the state.

I don't have to tell you that LWE is 11-4 all time against The Brook and that they've won the last 5. The Griffins roster is about 2x the size with backups that may be able to start if they were at The Brook. Furthermore there was a time when even though LWE had better depth The Brook may have the top couple players or so. However, today in the days of Henning and others even that advantage has evaporated.

All we have is some kids who will play their hearts out up against immeasurable odds. And it is in that context that I reach out to Coach Z and ask my annual favor of Mercy this upcoming Friday. Something like last season will be fine except maybe with some points for us this time.

Calpreps predicts 26-8 LWE. I would be ecstatic with that and a clean bill of health afterwards.

 

[WIU@78]

And......bags are awaiting the arrival of the sand from the Harvey gravel quarry pit...traffic on I-80 has been brutal today. Stay tuned.

 

[anon_4vszfu35bv677]

Here we go...

 

[Cross Bones]

You all said that last year. Last year Coach Z gave AJ and the starting RB the night off. East won 31-0 and took it easy in the 1st half.

This is the no sandbagging zone.

 

[anon_4vszfu35bv677]

Sorry Bones when you cry wolf too many times it won’t work anymore. We’re not buying it

 

[The Outfit]

EAST by 21.

No challenges until they run into someone who can run the ball on them.
That being said is a herculean task!

 

[Corey90]

Sorry Bones when you cry wolf too many times it won’t work anymore. We’re not buying it

We have never bought into it. Too funny, Bones your resilient I will give you that. LMAO

 

[WIU@78]

We still love you Bones. Just too much respect for The Brook and the program as a whole. Coach Ivlow is the man as well!

 

[Cross Bones]

#neverforget

 

[NSCfb]

There’s a lot of talk about AJ Henning, but not many talk about Stevie containing AJ week 1. Had 10 receptions (mostly bubbles and receptions that could’ve counted as rushes) for 53 yards.. one TD which came from another bubble, but was one of his few good plays of the night.. I’m more impressed with #1 & #6... which in hindsight have less attention on them because of A.J., but still are great players.

 

[Bowie50]

There’s a lot of talk about AJ Henning, but not many talk about Stevie containing AJ week 1. Had 10 receptions (mostly bubbles and receptions that could’ve counted as rushes) for 53 yards.. one TD which came from another bubble, but was one of his few good plays of the night.. I’m more impressed with #1 & #6... which in hindsight have less attention on them because of A.J., but still are great players

They have so many weapons and their QB can run and throw. As stated earlier, he reminds me of LWE’s 2017 QB BMo. AJ is spectacular and their defense is amazing. They are the best team in IL IMO. Then, LA, Naz, ESL in no particular order. I believe LWE, NAZ and LA are the few teams in IL that can beat ESL and vice versa.

 

[NSCfb]

They have so many weapons and their QB can run and throw. As stated earlier, he reminds me of LWE’s 2017 QB BMo. AJ is spectacular and their defense is amazing. They are the best team in IL IMO. Then, LA, Naz, ESL in no particular order. I believe LWE, NAZ and LA are the few teams in IL that can beat ESL and vice versa.

Yeah they have a bunch of weapons. But once again just going off week 1 (which isn’t always the best idea because it’s week 1), the QB didn’t impress me, but rather #1 and #6, plus both ends (mainly the bowling green commit who I believe is #8) were the players that caught my eye.

 

[markmacaluso]

Look fellas, I like to laugh at Bones' sandbagging just like anyone else but this week isn't a sandbagging. LWE is just too good on both sides.

 

[WIU@78]

Slow down sports fans on this years LWE team. How can we win the sandbag bowl with Crossbones with this kind of crazy talk? Heck, the star at Naperville Central didn’t gain a yard vs. Bradley Friday night. You never know.

 

[CaravanMan]

Slow down sports fans on this years LWE team. How can we win the sandbag bowl with Crossbones with this kind of crazy talk? Heck, the star at Naperville Central didn’t gain a yard vs. Bradley Friday night. You never know.

It is good to see you humbled on beast this year, especially after last year's title...

 

[playboymixx]

They have so many weapons and their QB can run and throw. As stated earlier, he reminds me of LWE’s 2017 QB BMo. AJ is spectacular and their defense is amazing. They are the best team in IL IMO. Then, LA, Naz, ESL in no particular order. I believe LWE, NAZ and LA are the few teams in IL that can beat ESL and vice versa.

You don't think that Mount Carmel could possibly beat ESL? I sure didn't think that Mount Carmel could beat ESL last year, but they proved me wrong.

 

[Corey90]

You don't think that Mount Carmel could possibly beat ESL? I sure didn't think that Mount Carmel could beat ESL last year, but they proved me wrong.

It would be tuff for me not to pick MC. Just saying.

 

[Bowie50]

You don't think that Mount Carmel could possibly beat ESL? I sure didn't think that Mount Carmel could beat ESL last year, but they proved me wrong.

I definitely agree with you. Unintentional omission. The Hitters could probably give them a game, too. See my post about MC v LA game on different thread. I know the MC guys on here know how much I respect the Caravan.

 

[Undercenter3rd1]

From what I have seen I think Loyola and Warren are top 2 teams in 8A.When I watched LWE the QB play wasn’t there.But it’s a long season!I definitely think Warren defense could shut down LWE.

 

[Bowie50]

From what I have seen I think Loyola and Warren are top 2 teams in 8A.When I watched LWE the QB play wasn’t there.But it’s a long season!I definitely think Warren defense could shut down LWE.

Warren is another team that I think could beat ESL. Man they are good and fun to watch. That Barrington game was great!

 

[playboymixx]

I definitely agree with you. Unintentional omission. The Hitters could probably give them a game, too. See my post about MC v LA game on different thread. I know the MC guys on here know how much I respect the Caravan.

Mount Carmel is one of those teams that plays with just as much of a chip on their shoulder as Eastside. I've been a Flyer fan for pretty much my whole life and so I hope that other Flyer fans don't take this the wrong way, but sometimes ESL struggles a bit when they play teams that just aren't intimidated by their legacy. Teams, especially in the southern IL and St. Louis area will often times essentially spot ESL points with bad play because they are intimidated, especially in the first half. I don't really see that as much when ESL plays some of the Chicago private schools like Mount Carmel and Montini or even public schools like Wheaton Warrensville South that also have very strong legacies.

 

[Cross Bones]

Look fellas, I like to laugh at Bones' sandbagging just like anyone else but this week isn't a sandbagging. LWE is just too good on both sides.

Truthfully no week am I sandbagging, but especially LWE week. I really just don't want to see a running clock and no injuries.

 

[LHSTigers94]

Mount Carmel is one of those teams that plays with just as much of a chip on their shoulder as Eastside. I've been a Flyer fan for pretty much my whole life and so I hope that other Flyer fans don't take this the wrong way, but sometimes ESL struggles a bit when they play teams that just aren't intimidated by their legacy. Teams, especially in the southern IL and St. Louis area will often times essentially spot ESL points with bad play because they are intimidated, especially in the first half. I don't really see that as much when ESL plays some of the Chicago private schools like Mount Carmel and Montini or even public schools like Wheaton Warrensville South that also have very strong legacies.

I disagree. Mt Carmel played at home in their elements both times. Right after that they went on the Road and lost. Even last year they almost lost to LZ on the Road. Only a handful of teams in Illinois are successful on the road during playoffs. Are you saying Batavia was intimidated? How about Benet in the 16 Semis? What about the Hitters in the 08 Semi. What about PC in the 13 Qtr or both years of the home and home series. In 17 without the starting QB, ESL wasn’t that good however they had an opportunity to drive the field with 2 mins left. Last year MC played the perfect game and ESL had 5 forced turnovers. MC deserve all the credit. There still was a home field advantage which is playoff football. You have to love it.

 

[LHSTigers94]

Warren is another team that I think could beat ESL. Man they are good and fun to watch. That Barrington game was great!

I get it, you don’t like ESL. Some of the teams you are naming will not beat this years team period! In fact some of the teams you name will face NV and Batavia which will tell us all we need to know.

Naz lost to CR which eliminate them from any part of top team conversation.

 

[Corey90]

I get it, you don’t like ESL. Some of the teams you are naming will not beat this years team period! In fact some of the teams you name will face NV and Batavia which will tell us all we need to know.

Naz lost to CR which eliminate them from any part of top team conversation.

It has nothing to do with liking them or not. ESL gave up 48 points to a NV team that may or may not be that good. That is the big question mark.

 

[LHSTigers94]

It has nothing to do with liking them or not. ESL gave up 48 points to a NV team that may or may not be that good. That is the big question mark.

Yes they did. They also was on their second trip to the burbs in three weeks on a wet grass field. Elements and conditions play a major role. Also NV return 9 starters from last year on offense. I am not saying things shouldn’t be questioned, I actually agree with the discussion. Naming teams that have never had success or limited success is laughable. It’s levels to this and most will agree. How often has a one time school won in 7A or 8A?

 

[playboymixx]

I disagree. Mt Carmel played at home in their elements both times. Right after that they went on the Road and lost. Even last year they almost lost to LZ on the Road. Only a handful of teams in Illinois are successful on the road during playoffs. Are you saying Batavia was intimidated? How about Benet in the 16 Semis? What about the Hitters in the 08 Semi. What about PC in the 13 Qtr or both years of the home and home series. In 17 without the starting QB, ESL wasn’t that good however they had an opportunity to drive the field with 2 mins left. Last year MC played the perfect game and ESL had 5 forced turnovers. MC deserve all the credit. There still was a home field advantage which is playoff football. You have to love it.

Uh yeah... I'm saying that some (I didn't speak in the absolute) teams are intimidated by Eastside. That's not some kind of secret. lol Some teams are intimidated by Mount Carmel and some of the private school powerhouses as well. The difference I think is that playing in a tougher conference can get you better prepared for playing teams in the playoffs that aren't intimidated by your legacy. That's not a knock on Eastside in any way. Eastside always tries to schedule tough non-conference opponents, but playing in the Southwestern Conference can also get you used to playing teams that are intimidated by you. A team like Mount Carmel plays in a conference with other teams that have a chip on their shoulder, even during down years. Again, that's not a knock on Eastside at all. The Southwestern Conference just doesn't provide the same level as competition for Eastside as the private school conferences do for teams like Mount Carmel. I'm not saying this necessarily determines the outcome, but it's just a variable, just like you mentioning home field advantage (which would benefit ESL as well right?).

 

[LHSTigers94]

Uh yeah... I'm saying that some (I didn't speak in the absolute) teams are intimidated by Eastside. That's not some kind of secret. lol Some teams are intimidated by Mount Carmel and some of the private school powerhouses as well. The difference I think is that playing in a tougher conference can get you better prepared for playing teams in the playoffs that aren't intimidated by your legacy. That's not a knock on Eastside in any way. Eastside always tries to schedule tough non-conference opponents, but playing in the Southwestern Conference can also get you used to playing teams that are intimidated by you. A team like Mount Carmel plays in a conference with other teams that have a chip on their shoulder, even during down years. Again, that's not a knock on Eastside at all. The Southwestern Conference just doesn't provide the same level as competition for Eastside as the private school conferences do for teams like Mount Carmel. I'm not saying this necessarily determines the outcome, but it's just a variable, just like you mentioning home field advantage (which would benefit ESL as well right?).

Absolutely. Point to the St Rita game in 08. Home field works both ways. I understand your point with the conference however, ESL and Edwardsville only lose to the “heavy hitters” in 7A or 8A when they have good teams.

 

[Corey90]

Yes they did. They also was on their second trip to the burbs in three weeks on a wet grass field. Elements and conditions play a major role. Also NV return 9 starters from last year on offense. I am not saying things shouldn’t be questioned, I actually agree with the discussion. Naming teams that have never had success or limited success is laughable. It’s levels to this and most will agree. How often has a one time school won in 7A or 8A?

They both played on the same field so I don’t buy the field conditions. I will give you the travel schedule. You lost me with the one time school question?

 

[playboymixx]

Absolutely. Point to the St Rita game in 08. Home field works both ways. I understand your point with the conference however, ESL and Edwardsville only lose to the “heavy hitters” in 7A or 8A when they have good teams.

Well, Edwardsville doesn't intimidate other conference opponents quite like Eastside does. lol

 

[LHSTigers94]

They both played on the same field so I don’t buy the field conditions. I will give you the travel schedule. You lost me with the one time school question?

How often does a team that has never won state win in 7A and 8A?

 

[crusader_of_90]

Well, Edwardsville doesn't intimidate other conference opponents quite like Eastside does. lol

Nah ... AJ was a treat ...

 

[Corey90]

How often does a team that has never won state win in 7A and 8A?

Not often but eventually they may. What team are you talking about?

 

[LHSTigers94]

They both played on the same field so I don’t buy the field conditions. I will give you the travel schedule. You lost me with the one time school question?

Come on Corey, you cant be serious about playing on the same field can you. So a team that play and practice on grass don’t have an advantage over a team that play and practice on turf?

 

[Bowie50]

I get it, you don’t like ESL. Some of the teams you are naming will not beat this years team period! In fact some of the teams you name will face NV and Batavia which will tell us all we need to know.

Naz lost to CR which eliminate them from any part of top team conversation.

I do not have any problem with ESL great program and good people. Got to chat with a lot of ESL fans in champagne in 2016. Wonderful fans! Someone posted that ESL was the best team in Illinois and that schools are “scared” to play them - I have humbly disagreed all day. What’s your beef guy?

 

[playboymixx]

Nah ... AJ was a treat ...

lol true, but how many AJ's has Edwardsville had year in and year out? Eastside on the other hand...

 

[LHSTigers94]

Not often but eventually they may. What team are you talking about?

According to some pretty much every team can beat ESL this year.

 

[crusader_of_90]

lol true, but how many AJ's has Edwardsville had year in and year out? Eastside on the other hand...

That big fullback a decade ago who played DT in the league.

And AJ’s lil bro.

 

[Corey90]

Come on Corey, you cant be serious about playing on the same field can you. So a team that play and practice on grass don’t have an advantage over a team that play and practice on turf?

So every time NV plays on turf they are at a disadvantage? I get what your saying but this
shouldn’t be an excuse for giving up 48 points.
To be honest I believe ESL is one of the top teams in Illinois but they now have a big question mark because of their defense.

 

[Corey90]

According to some pretty much every team can beat ESL this year.

No not a chance but I do believe they will struggle with some of the 7 & 8A teams that play sound D.