ICE Opening Round and Playoff Thoughts

[Wilmatucky1]

2A

Friday 7PM #18 Reed-Custer(4-5) @ #15 Stillman Valley (4-5) - Braidwood takes the trip out west to face-off against a familiar I8/ICE opponent in Stillman Valley. However this isn't the Stillman of old. Stillman beat only teams with a losing record, and lost to only teams with a winning record. Their conference is closed however and I do think that matters even if the Big Northern is probably a touch stronger than the ICE. Two of their wins were blowouts against awful teams, and they got blown out by Byron and DuPec. Braidwood is similar in their results blowing out 3.5 of their 4 wins (Streator was 28-0 so I kinda consider that a blowout). Braidwood also lost pretty largely against everyone except Manteno. Since it is a closed conference for the Big Northern we aren't going to see any common opponents, however the points for and points against for these two teams are very similar. All that being said, I just think Stillman is going to have the slight edge at home. Cardinals outfly the Comets. Stillman 28 Braidwood 21

#8 Peotone (7-2) BYE waiting on winner of #9 Illini West and #24 West Hancock - The opening round game has me confused. Illini West is 7-2 and their conference foe West Hancock is 2-7. Week 5 Illini West beat them 46-32. A lot of the wins IW had were closer in score including a 14-13 win over a 1-8 GCMS. I can't see IW losing this one though and I think they will feed into Peotone and we will get an excellent first round match-up that Peotone should be very capable of winning. Second round they will feed into the #1 seed Riverdale so unfortunately I think that is where the Devils bow out this season.

#5 Wilmington (8-1) BYE waiting on winner of #12 Farmington and #21 Pleasant Plains - Pleasant Plains didn't beat anyone with any weight and Farmington is always a solid team. I think Farmington comes to play Wilmo in Round 1. Wilmo has a hell of a draw with Sri-Valley in round 2, Riverdale in Quarters, and EPG in the Semis. This isn't last years Wilmington, but they are still really really good. I could see another title or I could see them losing in the quarters or Semis if I'm being completely honest.

3A

#24 Mendota (3-6) @ #9 Manteno (6-3) - Mendota is 3-6 with a forfeit win. Their other wins were close against teams that aren't very good. I was very high on Manteno until Peotone took it to them, however I do think they get past the opening round game and will then have to play St. Bede. Manteno 35 Mendota 21

#20 Lisle ( 4-5) @ #13 Sandwich (5-4) - An old school I8 match-up between two schools who have fell into the same hard times recently. Lisle has had an impressive comeback, but I think the big loss to Braidwood has me thinking they aren't as good as we all thought. I think Sandwich would beat Braidwood and that is my determining factor. Sandwich 45 Lisle 24

4A

#2 Coal City (8-1) BYE waiting on winner of #15 Leo and #18 Marengo - Leo Marengo is a game that I have no real thought about. I don't think it matters either because CC will handle either. The Coalers lucked out with a great draw. There is no reason they aren't playing Montini in the Semis. CPS schools are littered on the CC side of the bracket. I anticipate Dixon in round 2 and probably Rochelle in the quarters.

Best of luck to all

 

[BobbyBoucher9]

Stillman Valley by a TD
Manteno by 28
Sandwich by 3 TDs

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

BYE WEEK for Wilmington, Coal City, Peotone. I am not a fan. IMO they should have played the "opening round" on Wednesday so we could have everybody in action on Friday.

Reed-Custer(4-5) @ Stillman Valley (4-5) - Gone are the days of SV being a dominant force in IHSA football. Could we be seeing the beginning of the same fate for Lena? SV is not a difficult place to play. The fans are "golf clap" classy and love their cowbells. RC should feel very comfortable playing up there and I think their kids are the more physical of the two. The Comets punch their playoff ticket to Round 2. RC 27 SV 21

Mendota (3-6) @ Manteno (6-3) - I can't even remember the last time I saw Mendota. Probably late 90s early 2's. Nine games in and I still can't get a solid read on Manteno. It's a home game, so I'm guessing the "better" Manteno shows up? Another ICE team advances to Round 2. Manteno 34 Mendota 13

Lisle ( 4-5) @ Sandwich (5-4) - This is a nice match-up and preview for next season's Tier 2 in the ICE. Coaches in the ICE know who Lisle is, so this game will give them an idea of where the Indians are at these days. 2-7 last year and a respectable 5-4 this season, but they did get stomped by Burton and Johnsburg, but who doesn't. I commend the Lions for at least finishing the season in the day n age of forfeits. Sandwich 35 Lisle 20

 

[Wilmatucky1]

I'm with ya, I am not digging the bye week. I don't know the solution in the new format but whatever.

I think the thing I dislike most about the new format is that the regular season games have really lost a lot of appeal in my eyes. The RC-Lisle game had zero impact on either team getting into the playoffs. I counted the other day and it was 14 (I think, I know it was around there) teams that got in at 2-7. For those not in closed conferences, how Many will we see scheduling cupcakes just to get a win or maybe two and then hopefully they have a bottom feeder in their conference.

I really think if they want teams to get one more game maybe they let the 3-6 and 2-7 go into an NIT style tournament or just give them a bonus game at the end of the year against a local team with a similar record.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

I think the thing I dislike most about the new format is that the regular season games have really lost a lot of appeal in my eyes.

I agree 1000% The drive for 5 wins really packed a punch in the regular season. I loved going into Week 9 with 4 win teams/fans knowing they HAD to win in order to have a chance of getting in. I didn't like it when some of the 4-5s started getting in, but that was way better than what they're doing now.

 

[BobbyBoucher9]

I'm with ya, I am not digging the bye week. I don't know the solution in the new format but whatever.

I think the thing I dislike most about the new format is that the regular season games have really lost a lot of appeal in my eyes. The RC-Lisle game had zero impact on either team getting into the playoffs. I counted the other day and it was 14 (I think, I know it was around there) teams that got in at 2-7. For those not in closed conferences, how Many will we see scheduling cupcakes just to get a win or maybe two and then hopefully they have a bottom feeder in their conference.

I really think if they want teams to get one more game maybe they let the 3-6 and 2-7 go into an NIT style tournament or just give them a bonus game at the end of the year against a local team with a similar record.

Totally on board with a 4 week NIT style tournament for the non qualifiers in the 256 team format. Gives them the feel of some tournament football as well as some chance for extra games and development to bring some positive mojo heading into the next year.

 

[4Afan]

I'm with ya, I am not digging the bye week. I don't know the solution in the new format but whatever.

I think the thing I dislike most about the new format is that the regular season games have really lost a lot of appeal in my eyes. The RC-Lisle game had zero impact on either team getting into the playoffs. I counted the other day and it was 14 (I think, I know it was around there) teams that got in at 2-7. For those not in closed conferences, how Many will we see scheduling cupcakes just to get a win or maybe two and then hopefully they have a bottom feeder in their conference.

I really think if they want teams to get one more game maybe they let the 3-6 and 2-7 go into an NIT style tournament or just give them a bonus game at the end of the year against a local team with a similar record.

What is it you don't like about the bye week? I don't think it's fair to judge until at least next weeks games to see how the top seeds perform after the bye. Is it something specific or is it just because you don't have a game to look forward to this week?

 

[Billini]

I think the thing I dislike most about the new format is that the regular season games have really lost a lot of appeal in my eyes. T

I've watched a grand total of 0.0 (Zero Point Zero) games, including those with already qualified teams, where it felt like there was less appeal from the players, coaches or fans. Fans seemed as bonkers as ever, IMO.

I'm not sure what people are watching? I ain't seeing it.

 

[Billini]

What is it you don't like about the bye week? I don't think it's fair to judge until at least next weeks games to see how the top seeds perform after the bye. Is it something specific or is it just because you don't have a game to look forward to this week?

It's just change. Many struggle with change.

 

[4Afan]

I've watched a grand total of 0.0 (Zero Point Zero) games, including those with already qualified teams, where it felt like there was less appeal from the players, coaches or fans. Fans seemed as bonkers as ever, IMO.

I'm not sure what people are watching? I ain't seeing it.

How did you feel less appeal if you didn't watch any games? What coaches and players did you talk to?

 

[Billini]

How did you feel less appeal if you didn't watch any games? What coaches and players did you talk to?

Read it again, sloooooooooow this time.

 

[good_nocall]

I've watched a grand total of 0.0 (Zero Point Zero) games, including those with already qualified teams, where it felt like there was less appeal from the players, coaches or fans. Fans seemed as bonkers as ever, IMO.

I'm not sure what people are watching? I ain't seeing it.

Agree with this completely.

High school football is still a weekly event and the players work hard throughout the week for those 2.5 - 3 hours to perform. I was surprised even with the large fan turnout supporting teams that were really struggling ... maybe because the playoffs were still possible for every team up to week 7 or 8. Coaches still as intense as ever. Players coming off the field as excited for wins and disappointed about losses as in any previous year.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

1) In regards to the bye week, I do agree we will have to see if the teams with a bye come out sluggish or not the next week. I personally just don't like it because it's new and yes people don't like change.

2) In no way did I intend to come across that a game between 2 3-5 teams (or whatever similar scenario) is not meaningful to the parents, students at the school, coaches, and of course players. My take on it is that it is just far less exciting to any fan not involved with those two schools. The week 9 game between Lisle and RC is the example I will be using. In the old format Lisle would have possibly been in with 4 and definitely needed the 5th to be in for sure. RC was 3-5 and would have needed the win just for the CHANCE to be in maybe if the cards fell right. To me that is way more exciting. The same can be said about college football with their expanded playoff system. You are now seeing two loss teams make the playoffs, so you can have a team lose in the conference championship or fall drop a big game in the regular season and the impact isn't nearly as great. I'm just more of a fan of do or die games and not when its a 1-8 vs 2-7

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

We now have one win and two win teams chasing a playoff birth Week 9. It's disrespectful and disgusting to our sport

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

It would be nice if Wilmo had the option to go on the road Rd. 1. I still like their path

 

[Wilmatucky1]

It would be nice if Wilmo had the option to go on the road Rd. 1. I still like their path

I have said that for YEARS........first round higher seed can default the home game if they choose in hopes to set themselves up better in the future rounds. Maybe first two rounds? Because in theory higher seed really doesn't have an advantage as far as home and away. Yes, I know that if both teams have the same number of home games the higher seed will get the home game then, but being a higher seed team in the semis, I feel like you should get home field advantage no matter what.

And before anyone says neutral field, I don't think it's necessary in classes that have a N/S split. I also just think there's something cool about a team hosting a semi, kind of the same reason why I get disappointed when I see big time college games hosted at neutral fields or pro stadiums in the area. I think being on campus for a big game is cool.

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

I look at the news playoffs as this....

Yes, it diminishes the importance of week 9 games for teams on the fringe of the playoffs, but the opening weeks gives them a "week 10" game and if you win, you get an opportunity to play again. Its "do or die" game but just being played a week later.

Bye week not great but I am sure there are some teams out there really enjoying it because it gives them an opportunity to improve skills and get healthy. But it can also completely derail the momentum built up during the season, so maybe it levels the playing field and we get better games. We will have to wait and see.

It's too early to judge how the new system works or doesn't work, especially when a single game has not been played.

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

Reed-Custer vs. Stillman Valley - this will be a good barometer to see who is better, the ICE or thr Big Northern. Both teams are competitive against most conference competition with the exception of the top tier teams. SV isn't what it used to be and RC does have a glorious playoff past. Not sure of SV is still running option but RC struggled vs. run dominant teams. SV 34 RC 22

Mendota vs. Manteno - the battle of the Ms and the only advantage Mendota has is the M on their field is much larger than Manteno. Manteno 45 Mendota 12

Lisle vs. Sandwich - battle of the "took a year off and it seems to have worked out" and the first unofficial game of the new ICE Ten (or ICE T). I would venture to guess this game won't last much longer than 70 minutes and each team will need to make the mout of the few possessions they will have. Sandwich has to have more depth as it seems doesn't have any, and that will be the difference in the game. Sandwich 31 Lisle 26

 

[Doctor_D]

Reed-Custer got walked off. I turned on the game and watched Stillman score and then immediately go to the handshake line so I assume there was no time left. The previous play R-C got a roughing the passer call to stop the clock. No idea what the score was. NFHS feed had no score and no clock.

Reed-Custer doesn't like Ogle County much.

 

[oldfan123]

12 lower seeds won yesterday. Some 2 win teams are better than 6,7,8 win teams

 

[4Afan]

12 lower seeds won yesterday. Some 2 win teams are better than 6,7,8 win teams

One, not some. Rolling Meadows was the only 2 win team to move on last night.

 

[oldfan123]

One, not some. Rolling Meadows was the only 2 win team to move on last night.

Lots more games today

 

[Doctor_D]

So Reed-Custer was definitely competitive with SV and probably would have got the win had their QB not gotten hurt in the 2nd Q. In other news, Dixon kinda struggled to put away Plano. Early indications don’t look great for the BNC. Bago did get a W vs Elmwood and 2 other BNC teams played each other…

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

I saw that RC was up 31-19 with less than 4:00 left in the game. Impressive comeback by the Cardinals.

 

[Doctor_D]

I saw that RC was up 31-19 with less than 4:00 left in the game. Impressive comeback by the Cardinals.

I turned it on about that time but I didn’t know exactly what was going on because there was no scoreboard on the stream.
R-C went for a 4th and about 5 at midfield and got stopped right before the final drive.
From the news article, it sounded like they were scoring at will until the QB went down with an injury.

Tough break for R-C. They’ve played 3 games up that way in the past 5 or so years and lost each one in the final seconds….

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

R-C went for a 4th and about 5 at midfield and got stopped right before the final drive.

And there it is right there. No starting QB .... could have punted, pinned them deep, and turned the game over to the defense.

 

[Doctor_D]

And there it is right there. No starting QB .... could have punted, pinned them deep, and turned the game over to the defense.

Yeah. It was definitely a questionable call. Idk if any injuries compromised their punt team and they felt like going for it gave them the best chance…

 

[Coalertown91]

Braidwood did what Braidwood does. Bad coaching, dumb penalties. Their big "Weapon" thrown out of the game in the fourth quarter. They are an embarrassment to the Conference

 

[Coalertown91]

Also saw Manteno painted purple and white checkerboards in their endzones like Wilmo odes. How long have they been doing that?

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Braidwood did what Braidwood does. Bad coaching, dumb penalties. Their big "Weapon" thrown out of the game in the fourth quarter. They are an embarrassment to the Conference

I saw some twitter videos posted by RC faithful, and we all know Ol' Wilmatucky will take any chance he can to bash on Braidwood, but Stillman looked dirty in that game.

Now, could they be leaving out the incriminating videos that make RC look bad, absolutely. But I saw two videos where Stillman players looked like complete trash. One of them the RC kid is backing up after a play is over to get away from Stillman kid and the Stillman kid chases him down like 10-15 yards away and starts head butting him and is in his face.

Tough loss either way, and RC faithful are bashing the refs, which I am not all about. If you wanna call out a dirty kid on the other team, go for it. But when you lose just take it for what it is.

I did not see any "bad calls" in the videos just for what it's worth.

If anyone can post the videos go for it. I have no idea how to do that being as I don't know my twitter password to log in on here and I have no idea where I even found the videos, they were part of my algorithm.

**EDIT**
I found the video again. It's on my TikTok feed. Which again I have no idea what the password is and how to get on my computer. However the user's name is tpayne958 if you care to look

 

[BobbyBoucher9]

Should be a 4-0 weekend for the ICE.

Coal City should be in the Semi's with a rematch with Morris
Manteno should win this weekend and have a tough matchup with Richmond Burton in round 2.
Peotone could very well make a run into the quarterfinals and play Wilmington again. I see them winning this week and I think they match up just fine against both EPC and Riverdale.
Wilmo working towards that Semifinal showdown with EPG

 

[Doctor_D]

Braidwood did what Braidwood does. Bad coaching, dumb penalties. Their big "Weapon" thrown out of the game in the fourth quarter. They are an embarrassment to the Conference

I didn’t realize they had an ejection on top of losing the QB in 2nd Q…. Stillman wasn’t very good.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

I didn’t realize they had an ejection on top of losing the QB in 2nd Q…. Stillman wasn’t very good.

Who got ejected?

 

[Coalertown91]

Who got ejected?

The Cline kid