doctor:
But again, why would these folks want to see the game if they thought IC would get stomped? Some ill will?
I can not explain with any degree of accuracy posters' motivations, but I tend to believe some think IC would give LWE a game, and some would witness a brutal beatdown. I also think you would enjoy the teams meeting to achieve a sense of vindication over your postulating IC could successfully challenge or beat higher-level teams and, possibly, the Griffins.
I am not sure when you joined the forum, but I would like to give an example of a lower-level-class school confronting an 8A school. In 2011 Montini played Loyola at LA. There was much discussion here as many members of the forum anticipated the meeting with the understanding Montini was fielding, arguably, its best team ever.
For the Ramblers, it was a very good team, but not its best team in recent memory.
At the end of the first quarter, the score was 21-0 in favor of the Ramblers. At half, it was, I believe, 28-7. When the final gun sounded, LA triumphed 41-20. Montini was never in the game, ever. I also believe one could make the argument LA removed its foot from the gas pedal and had it not, LA's margin of victory would have been wider.
LA went on to appear in the 8A title game, which it lost to Bolingbrook, and Montini continued on its path to annihilate JCA in the 5A title game.
I believe a hypothetical meeting between IC and LWE would end similarly with LWE earning the victory.
I am looking forward to IC beating Rochester soundly in the 4A title game. I do not believe the Success Factor selective application is justified, and Rochester has made a mockery of this ridiculous concept.
I don't know if IC will beat Rochester, but it is possible, if not likely. For IC, should it reach the 4A title game and win, it would be quite a feat for a 2A team kicked up two classes.
What I would prefer is teams which demonstrate a dominance in once class over a three-year period voluntarily moving up. This would be ideal over the IHSA strong-arm tactics. Unfortunately, I don't anticipate voluntary movement because some coaches prefer the luxurious confines of lower classes in which they dominate over the mettle to play in higher classes.
If Phillips and ESL, two public schools, can petition up, then some successful Private schools can follow their lead.
I would venture to ask: Does a team finally figure its rightful classification when its dominance ends?