CS8 Predictions Week 10

[rocketnation]

8 CS8 teams qualified for the playoffs.

3 teams have a Week 10 bye. All are in the 4A South Bracket. #3 Rochester will face the winner of Waterloo at Taylorville, The Rockets faced Taylorville in the 1st round of the playoffs last year and Waterloo in the 2nd Round. #4 SHG will face the winner of Jerseyville at Peoria Notre Dame. #6 Jacksonville will face the winner of East Peoria at Cahokia. The Crimsons faced Cahokia last year in the 2nd round of the playoffs.

5 teams play this weekend. QND, Lincoln, and MacArthur all are in the 4A South Bracket. Springfield is in the 5A South Bracket, and Chatham is in the 6A South Bracket.

Friday
4A #17 QND (4-5) at #16 Bethalto Civic Memorial (BCM) (4-5)
The winner will face Centralia. BCM lost to Taylorville last week 25-24 when a potential game winning FG was blocked on the final play. The Eagle faced and lost to 4A playoff teams Centralia, Breese Central, and Freeburg during the regular season. QND has lost to each of the three CS8 teams with Week 10 byes. QND's schedule included 5A and 6A playoff teams along with SHG, Rochester, and Jacksonville. The biggest school BCM faced was Centralia (853 enrollment) and they lost to the Orphans 49-7 Week 2. QND 28 Bethalto 14. (Massey: QND 36-16).

4A #23 Lincoln (3-6) at #10 Highland (6-3)
The winner will face Freeburg. Lincoln won Week 1 then were outscored 326-13 in Weeks 2 through 7. Making the playoffs seemed highly improbable. After a season long revolving door at QB, the Railers gave the keys to a Freshman Week 8, while also moving a previous QB to RB-WR. They beat Lanphier and Southeast by a combined score of 69-12 to finish 3-6 and make the playoffs for the first time since 2023. Highland has averaged 42 points per game, while also giving up 39 per game. They scored 63 against Mount Vernon and gave up 70 to Carbondale. Lincoln now has something to build on for next year. Highland 55 Lincoln 14. (Massey: Highland 50-12).

Saturday
6A #18 Chatham (5-4) at #15 Chicago Brooks (5-4) (2 PM)
The winner will face Normal West (NW). Chatham lost to NW Week 1 35-26. Brooks played an all Chicago Public League schedule and won three of the last four weeks. The Titans Week 5 game at Rock Island turned out to be good preparation for this long road trip. Chatham 42 Brooks 7. (Massey: Chatham 42-7).

5A #23 Springfield (3-6) at #10 Carbondale (7-2) (2 PM)
The winner will face Thornton Fractional North. Springfield lost starting QB Jacob Scheffler to injury in the 2nd half against 1-8 U High last week and trailed 14-6 in the 4th Quarter before rallying to win 22-14. RB Tyree Sullivan ran for over 175 yards and had the winning TD. Both teams have lost to QND. Springfield lost 37-14 Week 6. Carbondale lost 28-22 Week 2. The Terriers have a very productive QB in Davin Wooley who has passed for over 2,000 yards and rushed for more than 600. He has a total of 38 TDs. WR Javion Oliver has almost 1,000 yards receiving and 12 TDs. The Senators will need to run the ball like last week and cut down on the penalties (a season long problem) to be competitive. Carbondale 34 Springfield 14. (Massey: Carbondale 41-14).

4A #24 Effingham (2-7) at #9 MacArthur (7-2) (6 PM)
The winner will face Mount Zion. Effingham faced 7 playoff teams during the regular season and lost to all of them. Their tough schedule did allow them to have 55 playoff points and be one of the 2-7 qualifying teams. The Flaming Hearts two wins came against 0-9 Charleston and 2-7 Mattoon. Mac's 4-game winning streak was halted last week when Jacksonville beat them handily 49-6. The margin of the Generals loss was surprising as I expected it to be much closer. The loss cost Mac a Week 10 bye. MacArthur 35 Effingham 7. (Massey: MacArthur 38-14).

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Another great breakdown!~

What Im looking at is how these 2-7 and 3-6 teams do... I think we will see that this was a terrible idea! Example: Effingham and DMac... Unless the wheels come off the bus, DMac wins this ugly! Same for Lincoln and Highland...

Im looking forward to QND against Centralia... Centralia is tough but as you pointed out, QND is battle tested.

Chatham got a gift seeding and path to a 4th game IF... I think a rematch with West will be interesting... I'm NOT saying they get past the first round but...

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Another great breakdown!~

What Im looking at is how these 2-7 and 3-6 teams do... I think we will see that this was a terrible idea! Example: Effingham and DMac... Unless the wheels come off the bus, DMac wins this ugly! Same for Lincoln and Highland...

Im looking forward to QND against Centralia... Centralia is tough but as you pointed out, QND is battle tested.

Chatham got a gift seeding and path to a 4th game IF... I think a rematch with West will be interesting... I'm NOT saying they get past the first round but...

I'd agree about the 2-7/3-6 lot, but in the case of Effingham/Mac... Mac looked AWFUL last week against Jax, according to my buddy Ben who was at the game. He was bummed because he'd hoped Mac game would be similar to QND in that Jax would have to fight a bit. He made it sound like the wing offense ate Mac alive, Mac couldn't connect thru the air, and the defense just couldn't get off the field. He also said, and I quote directly... "Mac needs to just give the ball to #5 twice, maybe 3 times, every 4 downs." Referring to Sr RB Cayden Brown...

QND needs to beat Bethalto soundly before I'll even entertain a Centralia game, let alone a competitive one. Last time QND faced Bethalto was in 2021, a 17-20 loss at home. A rather embarrassing loss too the way it went en route to an early exit in round 1 against the 11th seeded Eagles. Goal #1 = leave Bethalto with a W... preferably a convincing W so we can have some hope for Round One.

QND has been far too inconsistent both offensively and defensively. We've been without any meaningful minutes or snaps from starting senior RB Abel Berhorst for 4 weeks. We need him to be able to go this week and beyond. I was told his limited snaps were precautious... but that was 3 weeks ago. He was clearly not 100% in Chatham 2 weeks ago. Still favored it a bit last week against Rochester. An obvious nagging injury at this point. Venvertloh has struggled without his elite WR core from a year ago. I personally believe going with Marth at QB will be the best play at this point. His confidence is higher and the offense has been incredibly efficient with him at QB versus Ververtloh the past 2 weeks as they've split some of the snaps. Hate to say that, but this time of year you gotta roll with your best option. Marth gives us a preview of next year's offense for sure, more of a dual threat QB. I hope, more expect, to see the switch to Marth early if Venvertloh struggles again at Bethalto. Defensively, QND has to find a way to stop teams from dumping the ball for big chunks downfield thru the air. A problem for decades at QND as we've always had undersized and less athletic guys at those positions, and nowadays they go both ways usually. But we need the front 8 to do their job and get some pressure in the backfield both versus the run and pass. When QND has success at the front of that defense, they generally remain in games and/or win. When our D-line gets pushed around, go watch the Chatham tape, it's time to settle in for a quick painful death.

I unfortunately will not be able to get to Bethalto as I've got an event with my daughter at her school until 6:30pm. I'll likely high-tail it to another game in the area... possibly make the drive down to Taylorville to see them face Waterloo. St. Teresa is at home I believe, and after beating QND, I wouldn't mind seeing the Bulldogs again after 9 weeks have passed... about the same distance to Decatur or T'ville... Warrensburg is also at home, my bro-in-law is an AT there, always like to keep an eye on the teams he's working for.

Saturday... going to be a long football day. Was given a couple tix to the Illini/Oregon game in the 77 Club level last week from a family friend who cannot attend. With parking pass! Yes please! Then hoping to leave there around 5 or 530 to catch MacArthur game at 6 in Decatur on the way back.

 

[Anon1751544614]

i'm going with cg, qnd and dec mac as running clocks. bcm is not the team of 2021.

i'm also picking shs over carbondale by 1.

highland clocks the railers.

 

[618account]

Civic has the athletes at the skill positions to be a decent offense along with a decent QB, but it just hasn't clicked for one reason or another. Think the line play struggles and they don't have an effective run game. Defense isn't very good either.

Highland can put up some video game numbers on offense, but are prone to turning the ball over. Really good running back. Just don't play a lick of defense. Would be a scary team to face if they are clicking on offense. I'd expect them to lose to Freeburg in a shootout again like last year, because Freeburg has just enough athletes on defense and I don't think Highland will be able to stop their run game.

Waterloo hasn't been the same since they lost their QB, who I believe was hurt in the Breese game. He finished that game and hasn't played since and he was essentially their entire offense. Their Defense isn't very good either. Breese lost both their starting LT and RT(only 2 line returners from last year) in that game as well, but should have both back come postseason.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Civic has the athletes at the skill positions to be a decent offense along with a decent QB, but it just hasn't clicked for one reason or another. Think the line play struggles and they don't have an effective run game. Defense isn't very good either.

Highland can put up some video game numbers on offense, but are prone to turning the ball over. Really good running back. Just don't play a lick of defense. Would be a scary team to face if they are clicking on offense. I'd expect them to lose to Freeburg in a shootout again like last year, because Freeburg has just enough athletes on defense and I don't think Highland will be able to stop their run game.

Waterloo hasn't been the same since they lost their QB, who I believe was hurt in the Breese game. He finished that game and hasn't played since and he was essentially their entire offense. Their Defense isn't very good either. Breese lost both their starting LT and RT(only 2 line returners from last year) in that game as well, but should have both back come postseason.

QND could say the say much of the same... probably why they're both 4-5! lol Thanks for the info, 618account!

Hoping to find a game or 3 of BCM's to watch leading up to Friday. Surely there's some on-demand to view out there, just haven't looked yet. Do they have the same HC as 2021? Just curious, I remember their offense a bit, if it's the same as it was. If so, I think QND will be better equipped to handle it this time.

Also going to be trying to find a game on Waterloo to watch leading up... Always think they're one of the tougher programs from that area and they gave SHG fits in 2022 or 2023, I can't remember the year. Always an intriguing team to see this time of year.

Last time I saw Highland they were taking QND to the wood shed in round 1... 45-0 at their place. Spent the game talking with a guy who bitched on and on about Althoff the entire 2nd half... I finally had to tell him I was a QND guy because apparently the QND football hat wasn't enough, he changed his tone real quick and avoided throwing much more shade at "the privates" lol Anyways... was worth the drive and the butt kicking just to see LaPorta in person. No shock he wound up a pro-bowler in the league after that day.

 

[618account]

QND could say the say much of the same... probably why they're both 4-5! lol Thanks for the info, 618account!

Hoping to find a game or 3 of BCM's to watch leading up to Friday. Surely there's some on-demand to view out there, just haven't looked yet. Do they have the same HC as 2021? Just curious, I remember their offense a bit, if it's the same as it was. If so, I think QND will be better equipped to handle it this time.

Also going to be trying to find a game on Waterloo to watch leading up... Always think they're one of the tougher programs from that area and they gave SHG fits in 2022 or 2023, I can't remember the year. Always an intriguing team to see this time of year.

Last time I saw Highland they were taking QND to the wood shed in round 1... 45-0 at their place. Spent the game talking with a guy who bitched on and on about Althoff the entire 2nd half... I finally had to tell him I was a QND guy because apparently the QND football hat wasn't enough, he changed his tone real quick and avoided throwing much more shade at "the privates" lol Anyways... was worth the drive and the butt kicking just to see LaPorta in person. No shock he wound up a pro-bowler in the league after that day.

About Civic, they run a spread type offense and I believe they've had a couple coaching changes in the last 5 years. Wish I could tell you more, but other than them being in our conference now, I dont know much about them. Their game with Freeburg is on youtube, but the picture is so bad it is almost unwatchable. If QND can hang with SHG and Rochester, they shouldn't have a problem with Civic.

Waterloo was primarily a running team when they almost shocked SHG a couple years ago and last year when they beat MTZ and hung with Rochester a bit. This year they can't run at all outside of their QB. Their original starter was 6'2 230 and could keep drives alive throwing and passing. Their backup is an undersized sophomore that is a bit overmatched. Their defense always seems to be good too, but this year they've really struggled. Must've been hit really hard by graduation.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

About Civic, they run a spread type offense and I believe they've had a couple coaching changes in the last 5 years. Wish I could tell you more, but other than them being in our conference now, I dont know much about them. Their game with Freeburg is on youtube, but the picture is so bad it is almost unwatchable. If QND can hang with SHG and Rochester, they shouldn't have a problem with Civic.

Waterloo was primarily a running team when they almost shocked SHG a couple years ago and last year when they beat MTZ and hung with Rochester a bit. This year they can't run at all outside of their QB. Their original starter was 6'2 230 and could keep drives alive throwing and passing. Their backup is an undersized sophomore that is a bit overmatched. Their defense always seems to be good too, but this year they've really struggled. Must've been hit really hard by graduation.

Well, QND "hung" with SHG, sort of I guess but SHG shut them out, Rochester pummeled them from the 2nd quarter on to a 49-7 drumming. QND did beat Carbondale week 2, 28-22 final. The only "southern" school we've played in some time. We're hopeful it helps to have seen the size, speed, and talent we do in the CS8 for sure, not just from the Rockets and Cyclones but the rest the league as well... namely Jacksonville this year. Very good football team this season.

 

[rocketnation]

SJR Staff Predictions
Chatham 35 Chicago Brooks 21
Carbondale 28 Springfield 21
Highland 35 Lincoln 14

South County Mr. Pick'Em Predictions
Chatham 28 Chicago Brooks 14
Carbondale 39 Springfield 26
Highland 31 Lincoln 21
QND 21 Bethalto Civic Memorial 10
MacArthur 35 Effingham 14

Additional Picks With CS8 Week 11 Implications
SJR
Taylorville 27 Waterloo 20

South County
Waterloo 36 Taylorville 22
Peoria Notre Dame 41 Jerseyville 13
Cahokia 45 East Peoria 21

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

SJR Staff Predictions
Chatham 35 Chicago Brooks 21
Carbondale 28 Springfield 21
Highland 35 Lincoln 14

South County Mr. Pick'Em Predictions
Chatham 28 Chicago Brooks 14
Carbondale 39 Springfield 26
Highland 31 Lincoln 21
QND 21 Bethalto Civic Memorial 10
MacArthur 35 Effingham 14

Additional Picks With CS8 Week 11 Implications
SJR
Taylorville 27 Waterloo 20

South County
Waterloo 36 Taylorville 22
Peoria Notre Dame 41 Jerseyville 13
Cahokia 45 East Peoria 21

I want what they are smoking!!!!!

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

SJR Staff Predictions
Chatham 35 Chicago Brooks 21
Carbondale 28 Springfield 21
Highland 35 Lincoln 14

South County Mr. Pick'Em Predictions
Chatham 28 Chicago Brooks 14
Carbondale 39 Springfield 26
Highland 31 Lincoln 21
QND 21 Bethalto Civic Memorial 10
MacArthur 35 Effingham 14

Additional Picks With CS8 Week 11 Implications
SJR
Taylorville 27 Waterloo 20

South County
Waterloo 36 Taylorville 22
Peoria Notre Dame 41 Jerseyville 13
Cahokia 45 East Peoria 21

If Lincoln scores 21 Highland will have 90 on the board!~
I hope Im not giving the CS8 more respect than they deserve but Dmac should score 40+...
Waterloo handled Bethalto by 10 while Taylorville needed a miracle!~
If Carbondale scores 39 SHS will only score 14...

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Good luck, safe travels tonight week 10'ers... The bums of the league we are!

Hopefully we see a few wins out of the 5... The more the merrier they say... A good chance for the league to prove it's worth moving forward nonetheless...

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Good luck, safe travels tonight week 10'ers... The bums of the league we are!

Hopefully we see a few wins out of the 5... The more the merrier they say... A good chance for the league to prove it's worth moving forward nonetheless...

Y'all be safe traveling!!! Idiots and cell phones kill people!!!

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

QND falls to Bethalto on the road 24-28

 

[rocketnation]

Final Scores
Highland 56 Lincoln 12

Waterloo 34 Taylorville 28
The Tornados gave up a Hail Mary on the last play of the 1st half to trail 28-3 and it was costly., Taylorville made a nice 2nd half comeback to get within 28-25 early in the 4th Quarter and had Waterloo pinned deep in their own territory. The Bulldogs completed a long pass that kept the drive going and ultimately scored to increase the lead to 34-25. Taylorville kicked a FG with under a minute, but the Bulldogs recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.

Cahokia 47 East Peoria 0

 

[Travelin Fan]

Waterloo @ Rochester Friday Oct 30 at 7pm

 

[Formicidae13]

QND falls to Bethalto on the road 24-28

Following the score updates, it sounds like this one was wild.

Civic Memorial went up 14-0 in the first 9 minutes before QND scored 24 unanswered. Down 24-14, Civic then scored 14 unanswered in the final 9 1/2 minutes, including the game winning score in the final two minutes

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Waterloo @ Taylorville - Rochester. Ratsy

Waterloo's First Half Lead Just Enough To Earn Date With Rochester | Channel 1450

 

[Anon1751544614]

cahokia at jacksonville sat 10/31 1:30.