Small School Classes

1A Football Guy

Freshman
Jun 28, 2022
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I didn't do a deep dive into all the loss that Lena and Winslow have faced but this is the tip of the iceberg...

The manufacturing and dairy processing industries have experienced significant declines and departures across Illinois, directly impacting small, rural communities like Lena and the broader Lena-Winslow area. [1, 2, 3]
Historically, Northwest Illinois was a thriving hub for local agricultural manufacturing and dairy/cheese production plants (such as the historic Kolb-Lena Bresse Bleu operations). Over the last few decades, corporate consolidation, rising state-level regulatory costs, and shifts to larger regional hubs have caused many of these blue-collar job providers to dry up or relocate. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The loss of these stable industries has hurt the Lena-Winslow towns by shrinking the local tax base that funds critical public services and school districts like Lena-Winslow CUSD #202. This industrial decline has left the area more vulnerable to economic stagnation, making it harder for the community to absorb major localized hardships

This can be true for many smaller schools... As I have preached before... Small towns are drying up and people are moving to larger cities... Look back the the past 40 years and see how many schools are not playing small town football as stand alone teams...
Oh I’m sure some of that is with this. But this run they’ve been on is unprecedented. It was a matter of time for this to happen. They’ll be back eventually. Hell they may even make a run as a “scrappy underdog”
 
Aug 7, 2024
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Greenfield has lost 15-13 on a last second FG to CPC and lost to Hardin 14-3 and stopped the Warriors 6 times inside the red zone... Greenfield, in a 1-32 seeded playoff would do damage in the playoffs.... Yes their O had issues with Calhoun. Surprise!!! Everyone has issues with Calhoun's D!!!
 
Sep 9, 2026
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Seen two Hillsboro games now... Hillsboro is fraudulent. They nearly lost to Vandalia, but Vandalia had a kick return called back with about :30 on the clock in the 4Q. They may get an easy draw and make quarters/semis, but they are not a state contender. Will get picked apart by any competent passing attack. Williamsville, Unity, Monticello in the south will eat them up
 
Jul 3, 2025
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1A... Brown County should make a run... but like I've said, I prefer the CPC coaching staff all day. So my faith in BC is limited. Although seeing them in person this past week did help solidify that they're in fact a very good 1A team. Then of course, Lena... oh Lena... It's probably already etched...

2A... Wilmo v. Maroa... I can't find another path that doesn't have these two meeting

3A... IC Catholic... unless Richmond-Burton is the real deal? The south may as well just have the parade for 2nd the week leading up to the game.

4A... same as 3A just put Rochester on the title line, the North can do as the 3A south rep can. Derek Leonard just doesn't get outcoached folks...
 
Sep 9, 2026
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1A... Brown County should make a run... but like I've said, I prefer the CPC coaching staff all day. So my faith in BC is limited. Although seeing them in person this past week did help solidify that they're in fact a very good 1A team. Then of course, Lena... oh Lena... It's probably already etched...

2A... Wilmo v. Maroa... I can't find another path that doesn't have these two meeting

3A... IC Catholic... unless Richmond-Burton is the real deal? The south may as well just have the parade for 2nd the week leading up to the game.

4A... same as 3A just put Rochester on the title line, the North can do as the 3A south rep can. Derek Leonard just doesn't get outcoached folks...
Wilmo v Maroa meeting in the semis in the North? I believe MF goes North. I also believe this isn't the best Maroa team they've fielded recently. Would not be surprised to see them drop their last two against both Olympia and Williamsville
 

1A Football Guy

Freshman
Jun 28, 2022
108
85
28
1A... Brown County should make a run... but like I've said, I prefer the CPC coaching staff all day. So my faith in BC is limited. Although seeing them in person this past week did help solidify that they're in fact a very good 1A team. Then of course, Lena... oh Lena... It's probably already etched...

2A... Wilmo v. Maroa... I can't find another path that doesn't have these two meeting

3A... IC Catholic... unless Richmond-Burton is the real deal? The south may as well just have the parade for 2nd the week leading up to the game.

4A... same as 3A just put Rochester on the title line, the North can do as the 3A south rep can. Derek Leonard just doesn't get outcoached folks...
BC to me is basically the same team as last year. Better at the QB position, worse at ILB and FB, line play is the same? Left side might be worse than last year. But with that said they got there last year. But I truly believe if they play a 2nd time. CPC will beat them. Losing Fullerton was a massive deal for them and those other kids aren’t him. The Sefton kid is legit. Any word on how number 11 is I know he is in a boot
 

1A Football Guy

Freshman
Jun 28, 2022
108
85
28
Greenfield has lost 15-13 on a last second FG to CPC and lost to Hardin 14-3 and stopped the Warriors 6 times inside the red zone... Greenfield, in a 1-32 seeded playoff would do damage in the playoffs.... Yes their O had issues with Calhoun. Surprise!!! Everyone has issues with Calhoun's D!!!
If GNW BC CPC and Calhoun get into different quadrants. 4 WIVC teams in the quarters.
 

1A Football Guy

Freshman
Jun 28, 2022
108
85
28
1A... Brown County should make a run... but like I've said, I prefer the CPC coaching staff all day. So my faith in BC is limited. Although seeing them in person this past week did help solidify that they're in fact a very good 1A team. Then of course, Lena... oh Lena... It's probably already etched...

2A... Wilmo v. Maroa... I can't find another path that doesn't have these two meeting

3A... IC Catholic... unless Richmond-Burton is the real deal? The south may as well just have the parade for 2nd the week leading up to the game.

4A... same as 3A just put Rochester on the title line, the North can do as the 3A south rep can. Derek Leonard just doesn't get outcoached folks...
Also I wouldn’t etch Lena in just yet. Stockton looks to be the best team in the NUIC. We will find that out this week for sure. But Stockton looks VERY legit.
 
Jul 3, 2025
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Wilmo v Maroa meeting in the semis in the North? I believe MF goes North. I also believe this isn't the best Maroa team they've fielded recently. Would not be surprised to see them drop their last two against both Olympia and Williamsville
Idk if you saw the film of the Billville, them boys looked LOST against Olympia. I for one cannot agree with your statement. But we've seen crazier... One thing is for certain, Maroa never looks out of nearly any game before state. Well coached.
 
Jul 3, 2025
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100% agreed but it's Roamin so you have to word things carefully
Ahh, yes, A-a-non coming in with a what he will proclaim is a banger of a comment over a hot take he feels confident on in the small ball section of the forums. It's almost like that's what we all do here, prospector. Another northern fanboy perhaps? Regardless, I'm impressed, personally. What gall... 🥴

You sound as lame as the much of the contingent on the old site. If I didn't know any better... nahh, couldn't be...

But yeah, chips on EPG... from the mighty Heart of CI-Grande. You know it's funny, I never see any of these guys at state either. EPG... who's staple win this year was W1 against a 1A power. Impressive. I guess we can count TV since they were undefeated at that point. History matters to you though... clearly. And history tells us one or all of the Grande teams will lose to Wilmo before any of this matters. 🤷‍♂️
 

1A Football Guy

Freshman
Jun 28, 2022
108
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28
Ahh, yes, A-a-non coming in with a what he will proclaim is a banger of a comment over a hot take he feels confident on in the small ball section of the forums. It's almost like that's what we all do here, prospector. Another northern fanboy perhaps? Regardless, I'm impressed, personally. What gall... 🥴

You sound as lame as the much of the contingent on the old site. If I didn't know any better... nahh, couldn't be...

But yeah, chips on EPG... from the mighty Heart of CI-Grande. You know it's funny, I never see any of these guys at state either. EPG... who's staple win this year was W1 against a 1A power. Impressive. I guess we can count TV since they were undefeated at that point. History matters to you though... clearly. And history tells us one or all of the Grande teams will lose to Wilmo before any of this matters. 🤷‍♂️
EPG is just very improved I’ll still take Wilmo but won’t be shocked if they make it a game vs them this year.
 
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Doctor_D

All-Conference
Oct 9, 2016
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EPG is just very improved I’ll still take Wilmo but won’t be shocked if they make it a game vs them this year.
EPG looks definitely better. All those sophs are a year older, and they have nice wins vs Stockton and Tri Valley.

Wilmo can sling it a little bit this year, but they are just not quite as dominant as last year. They are still very good, just not quite averaging over 10 ypc as a team good like last season.

As far as whether Maroa loses in the quarters or semis is just a matter of luck and seeding. I think they will play until they run into EPG or Wilmo.
 
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Sep 9, 2026
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Ahh, yes, A-a-non coming in with a what he will proclaim is a banger of a comment over a hot take he feels confident on in the small ball section of the forums. It's almost like that's what we all do here, prospector. Another northern fanboy perhaps? Regardless, I'm impressed, personally. What gall... 🥴

You sound as lame as the much of the contingent on the old site. If I didn't know any better... nahh, couldn't be...

But yeah, chips on EPG... from the mighty Heart of CI-Grande. You know it's funny, I never see any of these guys at state either. EPG... who's staple win this year was W1 against a 1A power. Impressive. I guess we can count TV since they were undefeated at that point. History matters to you though... clearly. And history tells us one or all of the Grande teams will lose to Wilmo before any of this matters. 🤷‍♂️
We used to go round and round on IHSS. You're just fun to mess with. But you give really wordy, dare I say loqaucious, responses, like above. I never said Maroa wasn't well-coached, I just said I believe they're going to struggle with their last two games of the regular season. And if someone disagrees with you, well, here goes the "banger of a comment over a hot take he feels confident on..." etc., it gets old, man.

So, no, not a northern fanboy. Centrally located, enjoy small school ball 1-3a, have been coaching for near-on a decade now. Can only tell you what I've seen on Hudl and with my own eyes. Including QND against DST. QND had a misstep there, but since DST beat a 4a "power", everyone has them rated in the top 12... QND wins 99/100 times that game is played, and 100/100 times if it is not week 1.

I don't want you to believe a word I'm saying if it goes against anything you believe strongly in. I just don't think Maroa beats Williamsville this year, especially since Maroa and Olympia could not be more vastly different in offensive philosophies. Flexbone triple versus spread, well, almost any modern defensive coordinator is going to feel more confident in defending a spread offense than lining up against a well-coached flexbone.
 
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Jul 3, 2025
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They looked lost against a triple option team. Maroa is not that.
Sure... I was trying to give you the out after the EPG support. Historically speaking, of course, EPG couldn't muster a point last year, but we're confident they're head and shoulders above Maroa at this point in the season? And we're supposed to believe they're on par with Wilmo... who dogged them 41-0 nothing last year?

All I was getting at is I'm not buying it, clearly you took offense to something and for that I apologize big guy. Williamsville and Olympia aren't it, imo, that much I'm confident we can for write down. Maroa still has a chance to prove either side of the convo wrong.


EPG looks definitely better. All those sophs are a year older, and they have nice wins vs Stockton and Tri Valley.

Wilmo can sling it a little bit this year, but they are just not quite as dominant as last year. They are still very good, just not quite averaging over 10 ypc as a team good like last season.

As far as whether Maroa loses in the quarters or semis is just a matter of luck and seeding. I think they will play until they run into EPG or Wilmo.
The question is the same here... is EPG able to close a 41pt gap between last year's Wilmo? I don't see it at this point, personally. Especially, in this instance, given the history of the programs, since that means so much to so many about a current season.
 
Sep 9, 2026
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Sure... I was trying to give you the out after the EPG support. Historically speaking, of course, EPG couldn't muster a point last year, but we're confident they're head and shoulders above Maroa at this point in the season? And we're supposed to believe they're on par with Wilmo... who dogged them 41-0 nothing last year?

All I was getting at is I'm not buying it, clearly you took offense to something and for that I apologize big guy. Williamsville and Olympia aren't it, imo, that much I'm confident we can for write down. Maroa still has a chance to prove either side of the convo wrong.



The question is the same here... is EPG able to close a 41pt gap between last year's Wilmo? I don't see it at this point, personally. Especially, in this instance, given the history of the programs, since that means so much to so many about a current season.
Sorry Roamin, I like you. But sometimes the tone and moral superiority just bleeds through the monitor. I would agree that neither Maroa nor Williamsville are it... for now.
 
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STIX815

Sophomore
Oct 4, 2021
87
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1A... Brown County should make a run... but like I've said, I prefer the CPC coaching staff all day. So my faith in BC is limited. Although seeing them in person this past week did help solidify that they're in fact a very good 1A team. Then of course, Lena... oh Lena... It's probably already etched...

2A... Wilmo v. Maroa... I can't find another path that doesn't have these two meeting

3A... IC Catholic... unless Richmond-Burton is the real deal? The south may as well just have the parade for 2nd the week leading up to the game.

4A... same as 3A just put Rochester on the title line, the North can do as the 3A south rep can. Derek Leonard just doesn't get outcoached folks...
Don't forget about Byron in 3A. Defending champions and they are really good again. I think both Byron and RB would have a good chance to upset IC who will be favored over both. Once the bracket comes out, we'll see who gets the favorable side of it. Byron and RB will more than likely be the 1 and 2 seeds (both 9-0) so they will not be on the same side. One of them will have to beat IC before playing the other in the semi's. RB had the easiest road last year but Byron was a notch above both IC and RB. I agree in that whoever comes out of the north will be beat anyone from the southern bracket.
 
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Jul 3, 2025
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We used to go round and round on IHSS. You're just fun to mess with. But you give really wordy, dare I say loqaucious, responses, like above. I never said Maroa wasn't well-coached, I just said I believe they're going to struggle with their last two games of the regular season. And if someone disagrees with you, well, here goes the "banger of a comment over a hot take he feels confident on..." etc., it gets old, man.

So, no, not a northern fanboy. Centrally located, enjoy small school ball 1-3a, have been coaching for near-on a decade now. Can only tell you what I've seen on Hudl and with my own eyes. Including QND against DST. QND had a misstep there, but since DST beat a 4a "power", everyone has them rated in the top 12... QND wins 99/100 times that game is played, and 100/100 times if it is not week 1.

I don't want you to believe a word I'm saying if it goes against anything you believe strongly in. I just don't think Maroa beats Williamsville this year, especially since Maroa and Olympia could not be more vastly different in offensive philosophies. Flexbone triple versus spread, well, almost any modern defensive coordinator is going to feel more confident in defending a spread offense than lining up against a well-coached flexbone.
A hunch is always right. I had a feeling... There's a 33% chance I know which one of you this is, but clearly anonymity means much to you. How conservative-cute of you. There's no flock cameras in here though, dawg. Ease up... On the chance you are 2 of the 3 I have in my head, I'll play nice, they were tolerable, almost enjoyable most the time. That 3rd one... well I can DM you and we can figure it out... but you don't seem like that old Prince Beatrice. I am proven wrong constantly, and I admit it at every turn. The only time you seem me riled up is when it becomes personal. I made the banger comment because you felt the need to make it about your personal feelings towards me out of deep right center field. So you kind of brought this on yourself, I guess, is the point I'm getting at. Precede me more often, daddy. 😁

Idk what QND has to do with this. We don't call ourselves a 4A power, btw. Never have, likely never will. Like I say all the time, we just want folks to know we're coming to compete. If the folks in the 2A bubbles are calling the QND win that impressive for DST, let me show them the Rochester score in a few weeks against a real 4A power... Appreciate the thoughts on the DST game though... I'd agree but I'm a homer with moral superiority. ;)

Here we go, I like the ending...
I can see your points, flexbone, wing-T, triple-option, they all suck to defend if they're ran well btw. That we can agree on. But Billville hadn't played a soul worth mentioning prior to the Olympia game. Olympia had a head scratcher week 2 against an inflated PORTA who is fallacy, not formidable foe this year. Maroa clobbered 'em... They've also both given up double the points to the same closed conference to this point as Maroa. And I know, you're not sold on Maroa's defense, but I think it's better than you're letting on. I'm just saying I can't agree that Maroa doesn't stand to beat both soundily this season given what we've seen thus far. We see it differently, that's kind of the fun part dude!

FWIW, Massey has Maroa in both 44-26, 38-28.

But, the Catholic rat always likes to use these too... so we can tread lightly on them. He would have seen some astronomical blowout I'm sure prior to kickoff at 10th and Jackson this past week... All he got was a 19-0 road trip snooze fest and more questions about Coach Allison's ability to, well, actually coach. But he says he had a good time in the Q! What a creature, honestly. If he's happy, we're all allowed to be miserable, I think that's how he'd say it. Darnit, there goes that moral superiority again. Is there a specialist I can see for this? :sick:
 
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Sorry Roamin, I like you. But sometimes the tone and moral superiority just bleeds through the monitor. I would agree that neither Maroa nor Williamsville are it... for now.
Sooooo no? No EPG cannot close a 41 pt blowout loss this year? That's what I'm taking away from this because I'm superior, morally, to you. 😁 Again, you kind of did this to yourself. I'll stop after this one. Promise. The discussion here is more fun than which enormous ChicagoLand suburb is going to thump the other suburb or thinks they have a chance against the CCL elites.... surely we can all agree on that.

I'll give you this... at this moment it's EPG 42-26 per massey. I don't believe that personally, but you have a point siding with the less historically dominant program to this point. I do not think, at this time, Olympia and Williamsville will be the barometers for Maroa's postseason success like you seem to though. But I could be proven wrong in 3 weeks time...
 
Sep 9, 2026
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A hunch is always right. I had a feeling... There's a 33% chance I know which one of you this is, but clearly anonymity means much to you. How conservative-cute of you. There's no flock cameras in here though, dawg. Ease up... On the chance you are 2 of the 3 I have in my head, I'll play nice, they were tolerable, almost enjoyable most the time. That 3rd one... well I can DM you and we can figure it out... but you don't seem like that old Prince Beatrice. I am proven wrong constantly, and I admit it at every turn. The only time you seem me riled up is when it becomes personal. I made the banger comment because you felt the need to make it about your personal feelings towards me out of deep right center field. So you kind of brought this on yourself, I guess, is the point I'm getting at. Precede me more often, daddy. 😁

Idk what QND has to do with this. We don't call ourselves a 4A power, btw. Never have, likely never will. Like I say all the time, we just want folks to know we're coming to compete. If the folks in the 2A bubbles are calling the QND win that impressive for DST, let me show them the Rochester score in a few weeks against a real 4A power... Appreciate the thoughts on the DST game though... I'd agree but I'm a homer with moral superiority. ;)

Here we go, I like the ending...
I can see your points, flexbone, wing-T, triple-option, they all suck to defend if they're ran well btw. That we can agree on. But Billville hadn't played a soul worth mentioning prior to the Olympia game. Olympia had a head scratcher week 2 against an inflated PORTA who is fallacy, not formidable foe this year. Maroa clobbered 'em... They've also both given up double the points to the same closed conference to this point as Maroa. And I know, you're not sold on Maroa's defense, but I think it's better than you're letting on. I'm just saying I can't agree that Maroa doesn't stand to beat both soundily this season given what we've seen thus far. We see it differently, that's kind of the fun part dude!

FWIW, Massey has Maroa in both 44-26, 38-28.

But, the Catholic rat always likes to use these too... so we can tread lightly on them. He would have seen some astronomical blowout I'm sure prior to kickoff at 10th and Jackson this past week... All he got was a 19-0 road trip snooze fest and more questions about Coach Allison's ability to, well, actually coach. But he says he had a good time in the Q! What a creature, honestly. If he's happy, we're all allowed to be miserable, I think that's how he'd say it. Darnit, there goes that moral superiority again. Is there a specialist I can see for this? :sick:
We still didn't meet the word count for the essay.. anyways, agreed on most everything. You'd be surprised at the sentiment around DST currently. They believe they can beat anyone in 2a because they beat QND. Boat raced by Monticello and BCC though. Not sure how Ottawa Marquette is, or St Bede, but they'll lose to Westville.

I'm sure MF is better than I give them credit for, I was just suspicious of them after the 39-20 Auburn game. We shall see how both Williamsville and MF fair to end out the regular season. If MF finishes 9-0 after that Olympia/Williamsville game, I'll eat my hat.

And no, I'm none of Neon, Orange-Blue, etc... just a guy :)
 
Jul 3, 2025
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We still didn't meet the word count for the essay.. anyways, agreed on most everything. You'd be surprised at the sentiment around DST currently. They believe they can beat anyone in 2a because they beat QND. Boat raced by Monticello and BCC though. Not sure how Ottawa Marquette is, or St Bede, but they'll lose to Westville.

I'm sure MF is better than I give them credit for, I was just suspicious of them after the 39-20 Auburn game. We shall see how both Williamsville and MF fair to end out the regular season. If MF finishes 9-0 after that Olympia/Williamsville game, I'll eat my hat.

And no, I'm none of Neon, Orange-Blue, etc... just a guy :)
:ROFLMAO: Don't you go counting my words... my free hand is just longer, and my mouth runs wider... you know this! Man I can't wait til we get back down to 2A :ROFLMAO:
James Corden Football GIF by The Late Late Show with James Corden


In jest, good sir. We both know we'll crash out of that party again before state... probably to the damn Trojan Men from Macon County... again.

Alas, he explains himself!!! The Auburn game. They still cooked em by 20, ish (it was 19) but did struggle much the game. Couldn't we also look at Olympia/PORTA game like I've already mentioned? (insert stank face), I mean Billville only beat Auburn by 23... Are we underselling Auburn? Nah, we're probably not. Sorry, that was uncalled for.

We should have both led with the Sangamo is a bit down this year overall. That lends in your favor here for sure.
awkward kobe bryant GIF


As for DST... I could have told you they'd struggle against real comp... I said it that night and I'll say it again, that was quite possibly the worst 4 qtrs of QND football you'll ever witness. Idk what happened... but it happened.

Awe... dang, NeonDieon was definitely one of the 3 in my head... Dcaudle would be proud we remember at all... and he'd probably still pick DST to beat QND... as he should.

Just a guy you'll be then. I won't press on it. But I swear to my dog that died when I was 9... if you're one of them Nashville boys... Let's have a few... them's good people. lol

Will Ferrell Frank The Tank GIF by ADWEEK


I decided my novel didn't have enough illustration for some. It's a work in progress, Anon... You count the words, I'll count the pictures. It's a 3 from me, sir.
 
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BC to me is basically the same team as last year. Better at the QB position, worse at ILB and FB, line play is the same? Left side might be worse than last year. But with that said they got there last year. But I truly believe if they play a 2nd time. CPC will beat them. Losing Fullerton was a massive deal for them and those other kids aren’t him. The Sefton kid is legit. Any word on how number 11 is I know he is in a boot
I'd would agree.

No sir, I do not have word on injury myself. That will likely be the only BC or CPC game I see this season. I was just avoiding what I thought was going to be a 63-0 pounding from SHG for QND...
 
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Don't forget about Byron in 3A. Defending champions and they are really good again. I think both Byron and RB would have a good chance to upset IC who will be favored over both. Once the bracket comes out, we'll see who gets the favorable side of it. Byron and RB will more than likely be the 1 and 2 seeds (both 9-0) so they will not be on the same side. One of them will have to beat IC before playing the other in the semi's. RB had the easiest road last year but Byron was a notch above both IC and RB. I agree in that whoever comes out of the north will be beat anyone from the southern bracket.
All I keep hearing is wait til you see RB... But you right, tough to count out Byron before the games are played. They're always right there.
 

1A Football Guy

Freshman
Jun 28, 2022
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I'd would agree.

No sir, I do not have word on injury myself. That will likely be the only BC or CPC game I see this season. I was just avoiding what I thought was going to be a 63-0 pounding from SHG for QND...
Yeah I don’t know what to think of BC. I know NUIC Football was at the game as well. And he himself feels as thought CPC learned more from that game then BC. I’ve also seen how BC Scored the first play. They are very fortunate little bounced it after it was stuffed
 
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