playoff observation

Going into this article, let me first admit I'm a bit bias. I would love for one of our coverage area teams to make the trip down state for the state finals in football. It's been a l-o-n-g four-year drought since a team in our coverage area hoisted the state trophy, and it was St. Rita in 2006. Well this year, we have 24 teams in the postseason so there is a good probability of this occurring plus we have good talent. For starters, Homewood-Flossmoor has a powerful offense but an inconsistent defense. The Vikings, despite a 400-yard passing performance from quarterback Tim Williams, fall to Marist on Friday in a barn burner.

In a similar dilemma, Marist offense, that is led by quarterback Ian Woodworth and his stud receivers Nic Weishar, Ryan Carroll and Ryan Meyer. On the other side of the ball, the RedHawks defense, hasn't played up to the standard of the past. Then we have the Caravan entering the postseason with a rare, two-game losing streak. The Mount Carmel, the offense depends on the legs of Brandon Greer and the vision of lil Butkus. Ultimately, Class 8A belongs to Maine South as they extend its state title run to four straight. Now to the 7A, St. Rita's defense in a word... dominating! It's led by Charles Elmore, Will McNamara and Pat O’Connor. But if defense wins games, the Mustangs offense lacks the ability to sell tickets. They don't have that go-to guy. Thornton Wildcats are good and made their mark and name heard around the Chicagoland area, but they are a year away from a state run. OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL PAIRING ARE SET ~ click here to review

We have ranked Lincoln-Way East two for most of this season behind Crete-Monee and they demonstrated each and every week that they deserve to be ranked that high. They not only have an explosive offense, but they can generate points on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Blake Winkler is a franchise-level signal-caller who has two Division-I caliber receivers in J.J. Robertson and Jay Yancy. Running back Tyler Starke can move the chains by way of a ground attack. The defense allowed more than 14 points just once all season and special teams is solid. In other words, the Griffins are without a weakness. Without question, a tough road awaits, with potential land mines in the form of Providence, East St. Louis and O’Fallon.

The news isn’t nearly as joyful in Classes 6A, 5A and 4A.

Crete-Monee, our number one ranked team for most of the season, is led by quarterback Marcus Terrell and wide receiver LaQuon Treadwell. They are ranked number one in their bracket and will control their own destiny and will have a tough time against Danville, but let's not look that far into the future. For right now, the Warriors will continue to represent the Southland conference as a dominate team, at least for the next two weeks and definitely next season.

In addition, be on the look out for Richards... not so much this year, but in years to come with their outstanding sophomore class.

In 5A, Lincoln-Way West and Rich East will both play for one week, while Tinley Park will play two. Marian Central is the team to beat.

In 4A, Evergreen Park’s three-headed monster of Jared Jackson, Vincent Baker and Brandon White will host a second-round playoff game, but their season will end shortly after that..

OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL PAIRING ARE SET ~ click here to review

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