Unless you know something I don’t, Marist over Mt. Carmel is a head scratcher. And that isn’t a knock on Marist.
All.... Not that they should be in the preseason top ten list at this early time but should the Hilltoppers with their overall schedule make the postseason even at 5-4 well you won't want to draw them in an early round game. They would likely be in the south bracket of 16. Chatham versus JCA in a first round playoff game anyone?
RatsyNo need too, The Flyers will show up and show out. I think they will be better than last years team
Week 2 vs Lincolnway West will be a revealing outcome to anticipate in Week 2 - for both teams.
Although
Although I can see Marist with a legit Number #1 preseason ranking in two or three years, they're still rebuilding a bit and I don't see how they can be at the top this year.
The list represents predicted end-of-season rankings. Marist may lose a game early in the year because, admittedly, they have several skill-position players to replace. However, in my humble opinion Mike Fitzgerald is the best football coach in the state. Others are certainly more accomplished. Fitzgerald has not won a single state championship. Still, he turns around programs faster and gets more production out of less talent better than any other coach.
In years past I have provided preseason rankings that sort of melded the two concepts of best teams overall and best teams relative to class level. Consequently, there usually were several teams from outside the Chicago metropolitan area that made the list. This year I decided to just rank teams purely on overall ability. The result is that the list, whether top 10 or top 20, will be dominated by 8A and 7A teams.
Thanks, much appreciated.
On what planet has Marist surpassed MC? That is crazy talk!
I understand a reasonable amount of homer-ism from a fan. But the two claims you made here (Fitz is the best coach in the state and Marist had passed MC) is borderline insane. There's no rationale argument to be made for those two statements.
I'm not sure why you think I'm displaying "homer-ism". I have no affiliation with Marist whatsoever and have never even visited the school a single time.
Marist surpassing MC as a program because of one game last season is crazy. I don't believe that to be a rationale argument. Fitz playing (and losing) more competively to LA than MC does not make him the best coach in the state. I don't believe that to be a rational argument.
That is gonna be a tall order with their schedule. They very well might start off 0-5 and still have to play MC. Playing 4 ranked 8A teams is not a good formula for success for a 5A team that only returns a handful of starters.All.... Not that they should be in the preseason top ten list at this early time but should the Hilltoppers with their overall schedule make the postseason even at 5-4 well you won't want to draw them in an early round game. They would likely be in the south bracket of 16. Chatham versus JCA in a first round playoff game anyone?
I like the fact that the Rockets are willing to play up against tougher competition... But playing and winning against better competition is very different. Batavia is rock solid and have been for a millenium so the Rockets will be licking their wounds. A loss to the Bulldogs is a win as well. You can NOT replicate talent like Batavia in practice or against other CS8 teams. Chatham is close to that but the key word is "close!" In the end the Rockets will benefit from playing against Batavia! One could say that Rochester is the Boise St of Illinois football. They will play anyone anywhere...
I think you are not looking at the games correctly. Do you think LA wasn't stoked to play Mt. Carmel? Yes they were. Now do you think these young boys from LA saw Marist as just a bump in the road towards their goal??? 99% of players who beat Mt Carmel would have look past Marist. Its common. Had Mt Carmel defeated LA or played a tighter game I believe the LA players would've received a clear, loudly stated lecture from their coaches warning of a let down. Obviously, LA overlooked Marist.
It will be a challenge to say the least, one which I'm happy to wait until next season to think about.
Is this the First ever meeting, Hilltoppers vs Hilltoppers? I don't remember playing them before, but my memory is not the greatest.
You normally did OK with your pre-season top 10 but c'mon here.....Marist? They benefited from Ritter transferring from LWE add a strong D-Line. All have graduated. I didn't read every comment but what's your reasoning behind this? The Coach? Outside of their OT I haven't haven't read about many of their players....maybe top 15.
All... If past content doesn't arrive back here is the Massey preseason (top 20) on the dedicated subject thread I posted a couple of months ago. I had Calpreps as well but they are now a pay site only. The latest. Ratsy
Not sure there is much to argue with them being #5 considering the teams ahead of them.
Logan Abrams at RB is the main piece. He was injured and missed the playoffs last season. Numerous Linemen, skilled players and a nearly unstoppable offense.
