That's more like it
Silly me. Silly, silly me.
Late in the regular season, I wrote about being concerned for our area high school football teams. Concerned, because it was looking as if we may not enjoy our accustomed level of success in the postseason.
But here we are, entering the quarterfinal round, and six of our schools not only are alive, but also playing at home this weekend. All six of them.
In Class 8A, Lincoln-Way East (9-2) will entertain Naperville North (10-1) in a much-anticipated matchup at 7 p.m. Friday. Our other Friday game is in 4A, Coal City (11-0) hosting Harvard (10-1).
Four of our games are Saturday, with the Normal Community (11-0) at Providence Catholic (7-4) battle set for 1 p.m. The others are at 6 p.m. Joliet Catholic Academy (10-1) entertains Rock Island (10-1) and Lemont (9-2) welcomes Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge (11-0) in 6A. Morris (9-2) hosts Belvidere (9-2) in 5A.
So, how many winners might we have?
First, remember this assessment comes from a scribe who not long ago wondered if we would have even 2-3 teams alive at this point. Perhaps it is matchups, perhaps our teams are playing to their potential now when I wasn't so sure that would happen. At any rate, we have a shot at six victories. Wouldn't that be something, six semifinalists?
The biggest concern probably is Lincoln-Way East, the amazing program that has won a state title and has been in the playoffs each of its seven years of varsity football. The offense was strong in last week's win over Neuqua Valley, and the Griffins always are tough defensively, especially against the rush.
The problem is the guys on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Naperville North is as good as it gets. The Huskies' only loss was the 42-41 triple-overtime thriller to Wheaton Warrenville South, which may well win 7A.
Meanwhile, the loss may have served to make Naperville North that much more determined. Witness last week's 37-14 victory over a very good Bolingbrook team.
Elsewhere, Lemont's defense will face a huge test against Prairie Ridge, and of course, you have to say Providence will face a monumental task as it attempts to derail defending 6A champ Normal Community.
Prairie Ridge has been scoring points in bunches, not unlike JCA. And Normal, of course, has been rated No. 1 in 6A all season. This will be another of those true tests for Providence and the mighty Chicago Catholic Blue.
JCA also will be tested by Rock Island. But until someone slows down that Hilltoppers' offense, which is averaging 47.5 points and 475.6 yards, how can you beat 'em?
Morris, now there's a team benefitting from playing larger schools all season. Right now, the Redskins are as good a bet as anyone to win 5A.
Silly me, for not recognizing what a difference a few weeks can make.
Dick Goss can be reached at dgoss@scn1.com