West Suburban Silver Week 9

[kitty_bintingot]

GOW: DGN @ York: This is the only game with playoff implications on the line, so it's GOW. DGN will give its all to get into the 7A bracket, but York has some pride at stake in this one. The Dukes lost a string of games to GW, HC, Willobrook and OPRF, effectively shutting the door on their playoff hopes. But careful spectators know that they are not a pushover team, and so I suspect that the players and staff over there will want to demonstrate that this weekend. However it also seems that the injury bug has gotten significantly worse per @Dual-triple_threat 's recap of the win vs PW. So I find myself lacking confidence in trying to predict this one. Assuming that York's two O-tackles are still out, along with RB/LB #7 and QB 2 (who's not really a backup), I'm gonna take DGN in a close one. But if all those guys are playing then the match up advantages York would have might be too much. So, tentatively, I'm going with DGN: DGN 14 York 13

GW @ PW: GW 49 PW 8

LT @ OPRF: LT defense will not be able to contain the trio of McGill, Robinson and Bryant on the ground. OPRF defense firing on all cylinders going into week 10: LT 0 OPRF 41

HS @ HC: Hinsdale South's only losses were tight games versus Kaneland and Willobrook, both teams that are having good years and might make noise in the playoffs. So this is not a pushover game for HC and I'm sure that HC would not like to have to go on the road in week 10. The HS QB reminds me of McGill insofar as he is a WR/RB-converted-to-QB, except he is bigger than McGill. However he, like McGill, has been inconsistent throwing the ball (from the little that I've seen, I should say), and the HC defensive backfield is good enough where they don't let QBs get away with bad mistakes. Defensively HS has been decent, allowing only 20 vs Willobrook, but also gave up 28 to a struggling AT offense. One thing for sure is that they have athletes on both sides of the ball and they are well coached. Mike Barry has done a tremendous job over there. That all being said I think it's uncontroversial to say that HC has the match up advantages up front offensively and that HS will have to play a really great game to upset the Red Devils. I think HS will put up a darn good fight as they usually do against HC, but that the Devils pull away in the second half: HS 14 HC 38

Any thoughts on this week's games are welcome as always, plus any general thoughts about the WSS, what the conference will look like going into 2019, performances of the lower levels in the conference, and so on. Happy week 9 everybody.

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

OPRF should roll past LT. Huskies can smell a share of the conference title and they won't squander it. That said, it is a rivalry game and the Lions will bring their best - they'd love nothing more than to ruin OPRF's chances. But the Huskies are too locked in to let that occur. May be close in the first half but OPRF gradually will pull away and celebrate its first conference title since 1998. OPRF 42 LT 14

DGN at York: Really pulling for DGN. If they sneak into the playoffs, the Trojans will be a tough out because of their grinding style of play. Won't be easy to win at York, but I suspect DGN gets it done. DGN 21 York 14

GW at Proviso West: very self-explanatory. Hitters will come out with extra fire in their bellies after losing to OPRF and pound the Panthers. GW 56 PW 6

HC at HS: another rivalry game in which anything can happen. Both schools are already in the playoffs and could use a win to improve its seeding. In a close one, I'll take HC. HC 24, HS 21

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

Looking at Steve Soucie's projections for 8A, Hinsdale Central is a #10 seed and hosting Waubonsie Valley in the first round. OPRF is #17 and on the road at Plainfield South. Glenbard West is #18 and on the road at Bartlett.

There could be some tough second-round matchups if both the Huskies and Hitters advance. OPRF would probably face Lincoln-Way East and GW likely Brother Rice. LWE is #1 and Rice #2. The saving grace is that both the Huskies and Hitters would host those games. Still, those are tough draws.

However, there is a slight possibility that GW and HC could have a rematch in the quarterfinals - if both win their first two games, that would be the matchup.

I would say looking at Soucie's projections, HC has the best chance of the soon-to-be tri-champions of the WSS to advance to the quarters. Of course, getting past Waubonsie is not a given, but should the Red Devils win, either Oswego East or South Elgin would be next.

We'll know for sure Saturday night who's facing who and where, but the Souc has been proven to be largely accurate with his projections in recent years.

 

[capnbillhitters]

OPRF should roll past LT. Huskies can smell a share of the conference title and they won't squander it. That said, it is a rivalry game and the Lions will bring their best - they'd love nothing more than to ruin OPRF's chances. But the Huskies are too locked in to let that occur. May be close in the first half but OPRF gradually will pull away and celebrate its first conference title since 1998. OPRF 42 LT 14

DGN at York: Really pulling for DGN. If they sneak into the playoffs, the Trojans will be a tough out because of their grinding style of play. Won't be easy to win at York, but I suspect DGN gets it done. DGN 21 York 14

GW at Proviso West: very self-explanatory. Hitters will come out with extra fire in their bellies after losing to OPRF and pound the Panthers. GW 56 PW 6

HC at HS: another rivalry game in which anything can happen. Both schools are already in the playoffs and could use a win to improve its seeding. In a close one, I'll take HC. HC 24, HS 21

Stop sandbagging. OPRF 49 LT 0

BTW - I like Soucie’s new brackets. GW on the road against Bartlett and if they pull that off, home against Brother Rice. Of course BR will bring one of the top teams in IL, but if GW pulls it off, it might be GW-HC in the qrts. Yowsa!

EDIT - Sorry this was redundant but our posts passed in the night

 

[kitty_bintingot]

Stop sandbagging. OPRF 49 LT 0

BTW - I like Soucie’s new brackets. GW on the road against Bartlett and if they pull that off, home against Brother Rice. Of course BR will bring one of the top teams in IL, but if GW pulls it off, it might be GW-HC in the qrts. Yowsa!

I think GW fans wouldn't be too bummed about that draw. They'd roll Bartlett on carpet. BR is good, to be sure, but anything that isn't the BEAST would be enough to satisfy me. And that'd be a nice long drive out to Lake Ellyn for the Crusaders. Oh boy just thinking about Hetlet giving that pre game hype talk gives me the chills.

I'd bet the house on OPRF if they played PS. And there would be no shame in bowing out to the Beast in a November game.

WV is super tough defensively and has weapons on offense. Would be a slugfest against HC. But ya gotta be happy with the draw. Whoever would win that one would be on a straight shot to the quarters.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

I think I would rather have Bartlet or Plainfield south in the first round and then BR in round 2 at home. That would be a huge upset if Bartlett or Plainfield beat GW, HC, OPRF, or WV.

I’m not liking a repeat of the 2016 first round with WV and HC. WV a big underdog in that matchup. The winner of that game plays who?

Edit. Just looked it up. I’ve changed my mind. I like the HC/WV matchup in the first round! Winner gets OE in round 2 and I think both WV/HC would be favored to win that round 2 game (HC more so than WV). But I really like that round 2 of either South Elgin or OE!!

 

[kitty_bintingot]

Edit. Just looked it up. I’ve changed my mind.

Yeah I feel the tension between preferring the easier first round opponent and having BR round 2, as opposed to seeing a tougher first round opponent (HC or WV) and then an easier 2nd round. On the one hand you might just want to get to the 2nd round, even if it's against the #2 seed. I'm not sure what the more reasonable preference to have is.

But WV isn't Naperville Central and neither South Elgin nor Oswego East is anything in the vicinity of a LWBeast, BR or Maine South. So I can't complain. That's not to say that the match up vs WV doesn't give me the willies...I'm currently having flashbacks to Charles Robinson streaking down Dickinson towards 55th....ahhhh....

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

Yeah I feel the tension between preferring the easier first round opponent and having BR round 2, as opposed to seeing a tougher first round opponent (HC or WV) and then an easier 2nd round. On the one hand you might just want to get to the 2nd round, even if it's against the #2 seed. I'm not sure what the more reasonable preference to have is.

But WV isn't Naperville Central and neither South Elgin nor Oswego East is anything in the vicinity of a LWBeast, BR or Maine South. So I can't complain. That's not to say that the match up vs WV doesn't give me the willies...I'm currently having flashbacks to Charles Robinson streaking down Dickinson towards 55th....ahhhh....

I think if you are HC or WV you have to want the current layout and a realistic path to go for the deep run. Take the tougher round 1 and if you get a win ensure you get the easier round 2 game. That clears a path for a quarter final appearance and even being the underdog in the quarters - anything can happen in a one game matchup!

Both schools have been to the playoffs many times and should have higher aspirations than just a round 1 win and then off to winter sports type mentality.

That said - I would feel so much better if week 10 showed Bartlett on my bracket! and then the winner of OE/South Elgin as my round 2. How can the stars align to make that happen! (For WV)

 

[kitty_bintingot]

Both schools have been to the playoffs many times and should have higher aspirations than just a round 1 win and then off to winter sports type mentality.

Great point.

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

Yes, the Beast would be the obvious favorite against OPRF. But Hoerster is 2-0 against the Beast, beating the Griffins in 2014 and 2015. So he is very familiar with LWE's style and has had success. And anything is possible in the playoffs. Then again, those LWE teams were merely very good - this year's team is outstanding. OPRF's defense would do enough to keep the game close, but the Huskies would need an absolutely perfect game on offense to pull off amajor upset.

 

[Duck of Death]

Having seen the three teams from WSS who will head into the playoffs, I would have to say OPRF might have been the most impressive. They have really progressed and improved from the beginning of the year, and depending on the draw, has a chance at the deepest run.

Preseason I was very high on HC, but the injury bug bit, and bit hard. I still have hopes to see HC make a deep run, and their defense gives them a legitimate chance.

GBW is always a scary team to face in the playoffs, and this year’s team is especially scary. While they might not have the great linemen that they’ve had in the past...Cox and company are one of the best backfields in the state this year. At least in my opinion.

Now onto this week’s GOW ...the York Dukes....at least one if not both OT’s are out, but I think RB #7 is back. A couple of uncertainties on new injuries on defense but I don’t know the status so... But overall it seems like the Dukes are hungry for one more win, and I think they are up to the task this week.

 

[krock the house]

this Rice Team will bring their lunch pails and hard hats wherever and whoever they play.

 

[capnbillhitters]

this Rice will bring their lunch pails and hard hats wherever and whoever they will play.

No one would assume otherwise. Their season has been enormously impressive. I toy around with GW being in any bracket other than the Beast. H-F and Oswego have monster athletes and momentum. A perfect word would be Glenbard East staying in 8A and GW getting them in the 2nd round. Getting BR at Duchon would be fun as they are one of the few premier programs that have yet to visit since Hetlet arrived.

 

[Cross Bones]

No one would assume otherwise. Their season has been enormously impressive. I toy around with GW being in any bracket other than the Beast. H-F and Oswego have monster athletes and momentum. A perfect word would be Glenbard East staying in 8A and GW getting them in the 2nd round. Getting BR at Duchon would be fun as they are one of the few premier programs that have yet to visit since Hetlet arrived.

The 7-2 mosh pit is going to be a blood bath. There will be some great matchups in rd 1.

 

[Duhawk44]

...I'm currently having flashbacks to Charles Robinson streaking down Dickinson towards 55th....ahhhh....

That kid was Superman. 6 receptions for 4 TDs. Simply unstoppable. Went to NIU I believe.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

That kid was Superman. 6 receptions for 4 TDs. Simply unstoppable. Went to NIU I believe.

Yes but went JUCO for 2018-2019 and unfortunately tore his ACL from what I heard. Hopefully we will see him at NIU in the fall of 2020 assuming his grades are in order etc.

 

[HSFootballfan_007]

DGN is very physical team and I think they beat York

 

[Magnum Opus]

DGN is very physical team and I think they beat York

Agreed! York simply never recovered from the GBW massacre. Sad...York really had an opportunity this year. There are/were good players all over the field for York this season. Greats kids who worked their butts off. With that, it should be a great game!

 

[chuck998]

Not sure GW will be a factor this year, after last week's performance against OPRF. But, as hope always springs eternal, I'm reminded of the following quote, "There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the **** kicked out of you - Woody Hayes". If applied to GW, perhaps last week's soul cleanse will get 'em going.

 

[chuck998]

Not sure GW will be a factor this year, after last week's performance against OPRF. But, as hope always springs eternal, I'm reminded of the following quote, "There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the **** kicked out of you - Woody Hayes". If applied to GW, perhaps last week's soul cleanse will get 'em going.

So, after a 28-6 win over PW, I'm more pessimistic than before about the prospects of a single GW win in the playoffs. This is a softer, gentler way of playing football.

 

[SilverHelmets]

I wouldn’t read anything into that result. No threat to ever lose and not much prove. Hopefully they got healthy and are ready for a round one road game

 

[chuck998]

I wouldn’t read anything into that result. No threat to ever lose and not much prove. Hopefully they got healthy and are ready for a round one road game

I'd like to think that, too. But, their performance has been spotty this season. Not consistent. Players and coaches. I love Coach Hetlet, and respect what he does for the kids and the school. I know a lot of the kids. They should be sailing into the playoffs. They're crawling. Something is wrong, at the worse possible time of the season. Injuries would be an excuse, but not an explanation.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

I'd like to think that, too. But, their performance has been spotty this season. Not consistent. Players and coaches. I love Coach Hetlet, and respect what he does for the kids and the school. I know a lot of the kids. They should be sailing into the playoffs. They're crawling. Something is wrong, at the worse possible time of the season. Injuries would be an excuse, but not an explanation.

You think that is bad? I just watched the most painful offensive performance against a horrible defense in my life. WV 14 MV 0. Predictable play calls (a mom yelled out what play was going to be run before the snap and Nailed it multiple times), multiple turnovers, zero points inside the 5 yard line twice. I cannot go on for fear of driving me to drink to excess.

Waubonsie will not score an offensive point in the playoffs if they don’t get some things figured out on that side of the ball and quickly. They might get a defensive TD or a turnover that leads to a 3 and out FG.

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

Just came from OPRF's rout of LT. The Lions looked like they were ready for the season to be over as the Huskies dominated from start to finish by a score of 48-0. Naz Bryant and Jaden McGill with two rushing touchdowns apiece. The win gives OPRF a share of the West Suburban Silver Conference title - its first since 1998.

Even more encouraging news - head coach John Hoerster coached from the sideline for the first time this season since he suffered that heart attack. Up until now, he'd been coaching from the press box. Great to see him back prowling on the sidelines

 

[chuck998]

You think that is bad? I just watched the most painful offensive performance against a horrible defense in my life. WV 14 MV 0. Predictable play calls (a mom yelled out what play was going to be run before the snap and Nailed it multiple times), multiple turnovers, zero points inside the 5 yard line twice. I cannot go on for fear of driving me to drink to excess.

Waubonsie will not score an offensive point in the playoffs if they don’t get some things figured out on that side of the ball and quickly. They might get a defensive TD or a turnover that leads to a 3 and out FG.

Wait until next year. We'll have thing figured out by then!

 

[Magnum Opus]

Great to see York play well! 14 - 7 winner vs DGN. DGN has a lot to look forward to next season. They have one of the best players in the conference coming back...#7.

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

Stop sandbagging. OPRF 49 LT 0

You almost nailed this - final was 48-0

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

Just looked at Soucie's latest projections a few minutes ago. He has Hinsdale Central hosting Edwardsville and OPRF hosting Glenbard West in the 8A first round

 

[SilverHelmets]

Those projections do not look promising for the conference. Hopefully there is some sort of upset today

 

[Duhawk44]

Those projections do not look promising for the conference. Hopefully there is some sort of upset today

Not a good draw for OPRF and GWB, but not too bad for HC, no? Admittedly, I haven’t followed many downstate teams so I don’t know what type of team Edwardsville is. (Other than losses to ESL and Wabonsie V,)

 

[kitty_bintingot]

Not a good draw for OPRF and GWB, but not too bad for HC, no? Admittedly, I haven’t followed many downstate teams so I don’t know what type of team Edwardsville is. (Other than losses to ESL and Wabonsie V,)

I haven’t seen them play but my thinking is that if they were competitive versus ESL and WV then it won’t be an easy game to win. But this is 8A so you wouldn’t expect otherwise.

Also, still not entirely sure that LWE will get that #1 seed. If they go to 2 and all else holds then the draw becomes pretty favorable for the WSS.

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

Not a good draw for OPRF and GWB, but not too bad for HC, no? Admittedly, I haven’t followed many downstate teams so I don’t know what type of team Edwardsville is. (Other than losses to ESL and Wabonsie V,)

WV and Ed’s was early in the season (game 3) score was WV 21 and Ed’s 7. But that is very deceptive.

WVs Offense only put up 14 points. I think the 3,rd TD was a defensive TD pick 6. Ed’s only had 100 yards of offense but their D1 dual threat QB got knocked out of game in 2nd quarter and ended up with only 9 yards on 9 carries or something like that. WVs QB was also knocked out of game. The 21 points the WV O and D combined put up was the 3rd highest point total WV has managed to muster so far this year. Scary. WV’s 24 vs OPRF is #2 and 31 on NN with some Defensive scoring help is #1.

Ed’s is tough. Their offense with the QB and the changes to the O they have made have them running on all cylinders right now. I think they put up 65 points in week 9 and also in the 50’s against CBC. You can probably put up some points on their D (if WV can put up 14 most other normal teams should be able to get to 28 or so) but will that be enough against that revamped offense?

 

[kitty_bintingot]

Soucie just updated his 8A projection and writes: "You cannot break the tie between Minooka, Plainfield South and Oswego East other than by random generator. So those teams could end up on the 12-13-14 seed lines."

I do not understand what that means. But I do see that LWE gets bumped to south part of bracket. GW gets Bartlett and then the Beast. OPRF gets New Trier and would face BR 2nd round. HC still gets Eds and winner gets winner of Conant-Warren.

In case anyone hasn't seen this: https://www.theherald-news.com/2018...e-soucies-latest-playoff-projections/adzo8jh/

 

[Duhawk44]

WV and Ed’s was early in the season (game 3) score was WV 21 and Ed’s 7. But that is very deceptive.

WVs Offense only put up 14 points. I think the 3,rd TD was a defensive TD pick 6. Ed’s only had 100 yards of offense but their D1 dual threat QB got knocked out of game in 2nd quarter and ended up with only 9 yards on 9 carries or something like that. WVs QB was also knocked out of game. The 21 points the WV O and D combined put up was the 3rd highest point total WV has managed to muster so far this year. Scary. WV’s 24 vs OPRF is #2 and 31 on NN with some Defensive scoring help is #1.

Ed’s is tough. Their offense with the QB and the changes to the O they have made have them running on all cylinders right now. I think they put up 65 points in week 9 and also in the 50’s against CBC. You can probably put up some points on their D (if WV can put up 14 most other normal teams should be able to get to 28 or so) but will that be enough against that revamped offense?

I did see the Ed QB has offers the Notre Dame and a few Big10s.

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

I do like OPRF's potential draw a little bit better now. If the Huskies were to get past New Trier (which wouldn't be easy BTW), I would think they'd have a better shot at beating Rice because the game would be at OPRF. I think Rice played 6 regular-season home games this year and OPRF had 5. Remember starting with the second round the school that had fewer home games hosts, and this would apply with a potential OPRF/Rice game

 

[Voodoo Tatum 21]

I do like OPRF's potential draw a little bit better now. If the Huskies were to get past New Trier (which wouldn't be easy BTW), I would think they'd have a better shot at beating Rice because the game would be at OPRF. I think Rice played 6 regular-season home games this year and OPRF had 5. Remember starting with the second round the school that had fewer home games hosts, and this would apply with a potential OPRF/Rice game

I think it is home games just in the playoffs.

If both teams have hosted the same amount of playoff home games. (Ie round 1 both teams were at home) then the best seed hosts round 2. Then in next round they do the same comparisons to deterimine which team hosts the game.

 

[krock the house]

I think it is home games just in the playoffs.

If both teams have hosted the same amount of playoff home games. (Ie round 1 both teams were at home) then the best seed hosts round 2. Then in next round they do the same comparisons to deterimine which team hosts the game.

That is correct
Rice should have the first two games at home.
Either way I think this rice team would play in a parking lot and careless
It's doesn't matter to this group

 

[kitty_bintingot]

Weekend Takeaways:

York 14 DGN 7: Glad to see York finish a tough season off on a high note. Bummed to see DGN go down and the WSS not have a representative in 7A. The best way to vindicate the toughness and respectability of these two teams will be for the WSS to represent well in 8A. @Dual-triple_threat and @Magnum Opus What was the game like? Which players played? Also, if it's not asking too much, could you guys give some thoughts about what to expect from the Dukes in 2019? Been a pleasure to have your contributions this year and hope we can do it again next fall.

PW 6 GW 28/35: I've seen both scores so not sure which the official one is. Anyways, I know @chuck998 expressed some disappointment with the outcome of this one. Could you say more about it? Did the GW offense struggle? @SilverHelmets seems to have more of an optimistic look on it. What're you guys thinking about a Bartlett match up? Looks like the Beast might await round 2. As always would love to get a sound byte from @capnbillhitters

HS 12 HC 21: Hinsdale South is a good 6A team, a good team in general. They have a couple tall and athletic WRs. Their QB was likely the best athlete on the field last night, and his throwing confidence seems to me to have increased remarkably since I last saw him versus LT earlier on this season. However other than the QB scrambling around and making guys miss to pick up chunks of yards the HC defense was more or less dominant. The HC D also had to bail out the offense on a couple bad turnovers, one coming almost immediately after a long defensive series by HC, which led to the first HS TD. HC brought their safeties real deep into the box on the first couple plays of the 2nd half and HS rifled off an easy 70 yard TD run on a read option give to RB up the middle. After that the HS offense didn't threaten in the 2nd half. Offensively HC had a decent size advantage and the oline produced as they have every game. They also passed the ball well. RB #5 Bobak looked the best I had seen him this year and had a handful of eyebrow raising trucks, including 3 on a nice 44yd TD run. I hope he brings that same level of intensity next week.

As of now Soucie has HS playing ND round 1. That will be a hell of a game. Soucie just redid 8A and has Nequa Valley traveling to Hinsdale Central. That will also be one hell of a game. I'm stoked.

LT 0 OPRF 48: As expected. Tough year for LT and I'm sure those boys will be getting into the weight room with a big chip on their shoulder heading into the winter and spring months. Father @Guido Sarducci , any thoughts about what to expect from LT going into 2019? I'm wishing for the best for the boys who weren't able to play much this year going forward (the talented LT QB in particular), and pray that there is a reason by which it was all for the best.

@OPRF Illini 96 , New Trier is not a pushover and of course neither is Brother Rice, but I assume you've got to be feeling relieved by the Beast going down to the other half of the bracket (Edit: just saw your most recent post). After a huge win at GW and a no non-sense running clock over LT plus Horester back on the sideline, I am inclined to believe that OPRF is ready to turn a corner here. The defense can stop the run versus just about anybody with that Dfront. If McGill can make the right reads and runs his tail off, who knows?

 

[OPRF Illini 96]

@OPRF Illini 96 , New Trier is not a pushover and of course neither is Brother Rice, but I assume you've got to be feeling relieved by the Beast going down to the other half of the bracket (Edit: just saw your most recent post). After a huge win at GW and a no non-sense running clock over LT plus Horester back on the sideline, I am inclined to believe that OPRF is ready to turn a corner here. The defense can stop the run versus just about anybody with that Dfront. If McGill can make the right reads and runs his tail off, who knows?[/QUOTE]

Absolutely, New Trier is definitely a good team that won't be easy to beat. But provided that the Huskies get past the Trevians, I'd like their chances better against Rice than I would against The Beast. When you think about it, take away The Beast, and 8A really is wide-open. There will be several lower-seeded teams winning in the first two rounds.

I also think your Red Devils can make a nice run. With all due respect to Glenbard West's defense, I feel the HC and OPRF defenses were the best in the WSS this year.

 

[HSFootballfan_007]

OPRF is the best team in WSS in my opinion after seeing them. Big, fast, and athletic but need to make a run in the playoffs

HC is one dimensional and will have a hard time in playoffs.

GBW is still the Hitters and always tough in the playoffs.

The rest who didn’t make it, I would expect both York & DGN to be better next year. LT & PW will prob be the bottom 2 again