Can you believe the regular season is over? We’ve made it through nine weeks filled with great performances, thrilling finishes, jubilation and heartbreak.
Twenty-three Southland teams are still standing and ready to begin their march toward the state championship games in Normal.
It’s time for the five best weeks of the fall. It’s time for playoff football.
Let’s take a look at what we can expect and what we learned in Week 9. Here are my takeaways from the end of the regular season.
State championship favorites? That picture got a bit fuzzier.
Before Friday night, I would have confidently declared that our area has the clear, odds-on state championship favorite in both Class 8A with Lincoln-Way East and Class 7A with Mount Carmel.
But one score raised multiple questions: Loyola 31, Mount Carmel 7.
I didn’t see that one coming at all. Yes, I’m sure the Caravan had senior quarterback Jack Elliott on a short leash, restricting his running and trying to protect him for the playoffs.
But the Ramblers have looked more vulnerable than they have in ages this season. They were not competitive in a season-opening 34-7 loss to East St. Louis and lost 35-21 at home to Wheaton St. Francis, with senior quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald out for the latter game.
So, Loyola’s resounding win over Mount Carmel makes things way more interesting in both of the highest classes.
First of all, are the Ramblers back? They seem to be peaking at the right time. They obviously can not be counted out. Class 8A suddenly has another powerhouse rounding into form.
And in Class 7A, can Mount Carmel get back into high gear and run the table over the next five weeks? Will the Caravan be able to fully unleash Elliott?
If not, this could be a wide-open bracket.
Southland will have multiple state champions
So, now that I’ve raised some doubts, let me assure you that I remain confident there will be plenty of hardware coming back to the Southland on Thanksgiving weekend.
First of all, it’s Lincoln-Way East’s year. The Griffins are clearly the best team in the state.
They’ve blown everyone out all season, and I do expect them to end up in a close game in the fourth quarter at some point in the playoffs, but I’m confident they’ll be ready to respond.
Most of the state wants to see a Lincoln-Way East vs. Loyola semifinal, but don’t overlook a potential second-round showdown between the Ramblers and Marist. The RedHawks are good enough to win that game.
When it comes to Class 7A, I’ll still take Mount Carmel vs. the field.
If the Griffins or Caravan falter, we have other teams capable of making big runs.
Some possible sleepers? In 7A, if Brother Rice can get through a tough opening-round game with Fenwick, look out. The Crusaders can beat anyone.
I loved Lincoln-Way West’s roster going into the season, and the Warriors seem to finally be playing their potential at the perfect time. This team could top last year’s quarterfinal run.
Look for some local fireworks in Class 5A, too. In a few weeks, I can easily see an all-Southland semifinal between Morgan Park and Joliet Catholic.
A tip of the cap
To a team that did not come close to making the playoffs this season but made a strong final impression even in defeat.
Marian Catholic was set to receive a forfeit victory from De La Salle in Week 9. The Spartans, sitting at 2-6 through eight weeks, could have easily taken the win, made the record books look a little better and packed it up for the winter to lick their wounds after a tough season.
Instead, Marian went looking for a game and found one with Rochelle. The Hubs (8-1) have had a fantastic season and are a major contender in Class 5A.
The Spartans made the long trip west and put up a strong fight together on the field one more time before losing 48-23.
It’s a big win in my eyes.
Most eye-opening score
Morgan Park 42, Simeon 6.
Yep, the Mustangs are for real. I didn’t really doubt that before this week, but Morgan Park hadn’t been tested since a 29-16 loss to Marist in the season opener.
This game was the measuring stick we’ve been waiting for, and did the Mustangs ever pass the test in dismantling a good Wolverines team.
Morgan Park is one of the most talented teams in the state. Make no mistake about it, the Mustangs are a major state title contender in Class 5A.
