Class 5A Quarterfinal: The Underdog Teams
Class 5A Underdog Teams to Watch
At this late stage of the IHSA playoffs no one is really what I would consider a true sleeper anymore. Yet we will have favorite teams and teams that will be underdogs so this piece is more of a focus on the those teams looking to be upset minded underdogs this week.
Lower Seeds to Watch
#6 seed Cary-Grove– The Trojans and veteran head coach Brad Seaburg always has the Trojans ready for a deep post-season run. Cary Grove has been running the triple option going back to the Bruce Kay days with great success. The 2025 Trojans got of to an 0-2 start as a combination of missing FB Logan Abrams along with a younger skill position players took a few weeks to lock in. Cary Grove has now won 9 straight games and has been playing well at the right time of the season. Cary Grove senior FB/LB Logan Abrams is an impact player and a multi-year starter along with being one of the hardest fullbacks in the state to tackle.
More Class 5A Underdog Teams to Watch
#15 seed Providence Catholic– The Celtics are yet another team from the Chicago Catholic League that has played a rough regular season schedule which added to the lower seeding. Providence this season lost to Lincoln Way Central (9-2), Wheaton St Francis (8-3) and Joliet Catholic (4-6) . The Celtics have the pieces in place to have a remaining playoff run. The PC offense is led by a balanced offensive attack. The Celtics start with a big, physical and experienced offensive line anchored by senior OL Bryce Tencza. Junior QB Dominic Vita has a strong and accurate arm and the running game is anchored by junior RB Broden Mackert and senior WR Xavier Coleman is a twitchy, speed slot/receiver and a big play threat.
#3 seed Peoria The Lions and head coach Aaron Montgomery are also looking for big things this post-season. The Lions have a strong senior class that has also logged a ton of playoff miles over the last four seasons. Peoria senior QB Breon Greene is a speedy, explosive dual threat quarterback who is also a hard player to tackle in the open field. The Lions also are stacked with speedy athletes all over the field. Peoria is still very much the same program that was rebuilt under former head coach Tim Thornton. The Lions seldom if ever punt, they will always attempt an on sides kick on every kickoff and the playbook remains loaded with various looks and formations. Football in Peoria is far from routine or boring.
Class 5A Sleeper/Underdog Who Could Make a Deeper Run?
In all honesty I’m split between the Celtics here along with Cary Grove. I’ll stick with the Celtics for now mainly becauseI feel the path is slightly better for Providence Catholic here. The Celtics will get a test from Washington on Saturday, but in the end the Celtics will find a way to dent the Panthers defense for the win. I liked the Providence overall talent level here along with the offensive balance. This team is very capable of putting it all together and if they do? They can win a state title. A potential rematch with say Wheaton St. Francis for a state title would be a very intriguing state title game.
Class 5A’s Most Dangerous Quarterfinal game?
#2 Belvidere (North) (11-0) at #6 Cary (Grove) (9-2), Fri., Nov. 14, 7:00 pm
In my mind this game is more of a trap for the #2 seed Belvidere North Blue Thunder on Friday night. Cary Grove is battle tested, has deep playoff experience and will face a Belvidere North team that does nothing that the Trojans haven’t faced this season. Do not let the seeding fool you. Cary Grove is a pretty big favorite in this game.
Tomorrow? Playmakers on each team along with Top 5 unsung names playing this weekend in Class 5A.