Providence @ Nazareth

AmbroseBlack

Junior
Jul 10, 2016
200
259
63
Just in case
toilet GIF
 

JCHillmen10

Junior
Jul 29, 2025
146
214
43
I see a 5-4 finish for the Celtics and an early exit. The media circus will not go away unless the school responds which they wont. Cause they seem to be in the wrong. And as the losses stack up the lock room will go from bad to worse.
They may finish 5-4, but I would still be shocked if they don't win 5A. Look at the field. It may be the weakest class I can remember in years. Cary Grove is down from their usual and Prairie Ridge is really bad for the first time in forever. SF seems to have dropped off a fair amount from last year. Sycamore is in free fall.

Realistically, Wheaton Academy and Kankakee are the biggest unknown variables to perhaps have a "if everything goes right, they may have a chance to knock PC off." Down south, Mahomet, Morton, Triad, and SHG seem to be the best of the bunch. SHG would need to improve a ton from the unit we saw week 2 to have a chance. The others are interesting, but would still likely be double digit dogs to the Celtics.

The only way PC plays a game within single digits in 5A is if Montini is bumped to 5A.

I could see the weird scenario happening where they win a watered down 5A after limping into the postseason and then watch the transfer portal open in December.
 

Colin2299

Junior
Aug 13, 2025
533
371
63
They may finish 5-4, but I would still be shocked if they don't win 5A. Look at the field. It may be the weakest class I can remember in years. Cary Grove is down from their usual and Prairie Ridge is really bad for the first time in forever. SF seems to have dropped off a fair amount from last year. Sycamore is in free fall.

Realistically, Wheaton Academy and Kankakee are the biggest unknown variables to perhaps have a "if everything goes right, they may have a chance to knock PC off." Down south, Mahomet, Morton, Triad, and SHG seem to be the best of the bunch. SHG would need to improve a ton from the unit we saw week 2 to have a chance. The others are interesting, but would still likely be double digit dogs to the Celtics.

The only way PC plays a game within single digits in 5A is if Montini is bumped to 5A.

I could see the weird scenario happening where they win a watered down 5A after limping into the postseason and then watch the transfer portal open in December.


Good points.

FYI - Wheaton Acd ain’t it
 

pjjp

All-Conference
Aug 26, 2001
5,764
3,027
113
They may finish 5-4, but I would still be shocked if they don't win 5A. Look at the field. It may be the weakest class I can remember in years. Cary Grove is down from their usual and Prairie Ridge is really bad for the first time in forever. SF seems to have dropped off a fair amount from last year. Sycamore is in free fall.

Realistically, Wheaton Academy and Kankakee are the biggest unknown variables to perhaps have a "if everything goes right, they may have a chance to knock PC off." Down south, Mahomet, Morton, Triad, and SHG seem to be the best of the bunch. SHG would need to improve a ton from the unit we saw week 2 to have a chance. The others are interesting, but would still likely be double digit dogs to the Celtics.

The only way PC plays a game within single digits in 5A is if Montini is bumped to 5A.

I could see the weird scenario happening where they win a watered down 5A after limping into the postseason and then watch the transfer portal open in December.
Wonder if the Provi decision makers saw it as you do. They saw a likely 5A state title for the Celtics and knew it would be tough to fire the HC after winning a title, so they made the move in the middle of the season.
 

chitown-irish

Sophomore
Sep 21, 2011
341
186
43
They may finish 5-4, but I would still be shocked if they don't win 5A. Look at the field. It may be the weakest class I can remember in years. Cary Grove is down from their usual and Prairie Ridge is really bad for the first time in forever. SF seems to have dropped off a fair amount from last year. Sycamore is in free fall.

Realistically, Wheaton Academy and Kankakee are the biggest unknown variables to perhaps have a "if everything goes right, they may have a chance to knock PC off." Down south, Mahomet, Morton, Triad, and SHG seem to be the best of the bunch. SHG would need to improve a ton from the unit we saw week 2 to have a chance. The others are interesting, but would still likely be double digit dogs to the Celtics.

The only way PC plays a game within single digits in 5A is if Montini is bumped to 5A.

I could see the weird scenario happening where they win a watered down 5A after limping into the postseason and then watch the transfer portal open in December.
I hear your point but I think the team is extremely fractured. Think its going to have lingering effects. Also agree think there will be a ton of transfers and their struggling enrollment is going to I take an even bigger hit.
 

Running_Clock

Redshirt
Nov 18, 2025
37
44
17
My buddy is there and says that Providence has 12 sophomores up on varsity and not enough to field a sophomore team.

Regardless, 6pm KO is broke back.


Hearing this too, and sounds like it was one of the issues with Plantz. I’m honestly shocked at the numbers at Provi’s lower levels. Are they really struggling that much to get kids out for football?


Before COVID, and when I had relatives there, every level had starters, second team, third team, scout team, etc. There were a ton of kids in the program. If the numbers have really dropped that much, it’s a shame to see.
 

cornerrat#1

Senior
Jul 1, 2025
744
766
93
They may finish 5-4, but I would still be shocked if they don't win 5A. Look at the field. It may be the weakest class I can remember in years. Cary Grove is down from their usual and Prairie Ridge is really bad for the first time in forever. SF seems to have dropped off a fair amount from last year. Sycamore is in free fall.

Realistically, Wheaton Academy and Kankakee are the biggest unknown variables to perhaps have a "if everything goes right, they may have a chance to knock PC off." Down south, Mahomet, Morton, Triad, and SHG seem to be the best of the bunch. SHG would need to improve a ton from the unit we saw week 2 to have a chance. The others are interesting, but would still likely be double digit dogs to the Celtics.

The only way PC plays a game within single digits in 5A is if Montini is bumped to 5A.

I could see the weird scenario happening where they win a watered down 5A after limping into the postseason and then watch the transfer portal open in December.
They may finish 5-4, but I would still be shocked if they don't win 5A. Look at the field. It may be the weakest class I can remember in years. Cary Grove is down from their usual and Prairie Ridge is really bad for the first time in forever. SF seems to have dropped off a fair amount from last year. Sycamore is in free fall.

Realistically, Wheaton Academy and Kankakee are the biggest unknown variables to perhaps have a "if everything goes right, they may have a chance to knock PC off." Down south, Mahomet, Morton, Triad, and SHG seem to be the best of the bunch. SHG would need to improve a ton from the unit we saw week 2 to have a chance. The others are interesting, but would still likely be double digit dogs to the Celtics.

The only way PC plays a game within single digits in 5A is if Montini is bumped to 5A.

I could see the weird scenario happening where they win a watered down 5A after limping into the postseason and then watch the transfer portal open in December.
All.... Speaking of 5-4 that might get your Hilltoppers a trip again to Chatham. Maybe that will work out better this time around..... Ratsy
 
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chitown-irish

Sophomore
Sep 21, 2011
341
186
43
Hearing this too, and sounds like it was one of the issues with Plantz. I’m honestly shocked at the numbers at Provi’s lower levels. Are they really struggling that much to get kids out for football?


Before COVID, and when I had relatives there, every level had starters, second team, third team, scout team, etc. There were a ton of kids in the program. If the numbers have really dropped that much, it’s a shame to see.
The school only has 650 kids it used to be 1200. I dont think its a plantz issue with the lack of numbers . Its an enrollment issue. And this is just another black eye on the school that is going to hurt enrollment even more.
 
Aug 7, 2024
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They may finish 5-4, but I would still be shocked if they don't win 5A. Look at the field. It may be the weakest class I can remember in years. Cary Grove is down from their usual and Prairie Ridge is really bad for the first time in forever. SF seems to have dropped off a fair amount from last year. Sycamore is in free fall.

Realistically, Wheaton Academy and Kankakee are the biggest unknown variables to perhaps have a "if everything goes right, they may have a chance to knock PC off." Down south, Mahomet, Morton, Triad, and SHG seem to be the best of the bunch. SHG would need to improve a ton from the unit we saw week 2 to have a chance. The others are interesting, but would still likely be double digit dogs to the Celtics.

The only way PC plays a game within single digits in 5A is if Montini is bumped to 5A.

I could see the weird scenario happening where they win a watered down 5A after limping into the postseason and then watch the transfer portal open in December.
Are Cary Grove and Prairie Ridge 5A this season?
 
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JCHillmen10

Junior
Jul 29, 2025
146
214
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All.... Speaking of 5-4 that might get your Hilltoppers a trip again to Chatham. Maybe that will work out better this time around..... Ratsy
5-4 is a best case scenario for my Hilltoppers. They're just an average team at best this year until their performance proves otherwise.

It seems like you are taking my comment on SHG as a knock. I am not sure why. That game week 2 looked like two programs who are still trying to get their feet underneath them and maybe be state contenders in a year or two. I don't think that is controversial or that anyone from either program would really dispute that observation. I have been wrong before and maybe one of them will be a true 5A or 6A contender through either vast improvement or a weaker than expected field. I wish for both schools to be contenders, but don't have the evidence yet to convince me that will be the case.
 
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pjjp

All-Conference
Aug 26, 2001
5,764
3,027
113
Hearing this too, and sounds like it was one of the issues with Plantz. I’m honestly shocked at the numbers at Provi’s lower levels. Are they really struggling that much to get kids out for football?


Before COVID, and when I had relatives there, every level had starters, second team, third team, scout team, etc. There were a ton of kids in the program. If the numbers have really dropped that much, it’s a shame to see.
Seems like Plantz’ approach was to target higher end kids and offer financial help via his family’s foundation. Did that turn off families/kids who were not getting the same deal? Thus, the overall numbers in the program took a hit.
 

cornerrat#1

Senior
Jul 1, 2025
744
766
93
5-4 is a best case scenario. They're just an average team at best this year until their performance proves otherwise.

It seems like you are taking my comment on SHG as a knock. I am not sure why. That game week 2 looked like two programs who are still trying to get their feet underneath them and maybe be state contenders in a year or two. I don't think that is controversial or that anyone from either program would really dispute that observation.
All..... Ok .A question if I may. Are you the same JCHillmen that posted for years under the name "JCHillmen? Ratsy
 

JZ1983

Redshirt
Oct 10, 2025
36
20
8
I see a 5-4 finish for the Celtics and an early exit. The media circus will not go away unless the school responds which they wont. Cause they seem to be in the wrong. And as the losses stack up the lock room will go from bad to worse.
Disagree. I saw this game and the next two losses prior to the firing. Naz needed this win bad and won by 10. By no means a blowout. Anyone know why vita wasn’t in?
The school only has 650 kids it used to be 1200. I dont think it’s a plantz issue with the lack of numbers . It’s an enrollment issue. And this is just another black eye on the school that is going to hurt enrollment even more.
school has close to 800 kids
 

JCHillmen10

Junior
Jul 29, 2025
146
214
43
All..... Ok .A question if I may. Are you the same JCHillmen that posted for years under the name "JCHillmen? Ratsy
We've been through this before my man. Two years ago you pulled a direct quote from me in 2013 when I predicted a convincing Montini win over SHG. Montini had four consecutive titles and perhaps one of their most talented rosters in terms of D1 talent. . SHG won by 10 in that title game.

I was wrong. Wasn't the first time and won't be the last. We left off with me perplexed as to why you still had message board material on hand a decade later and why you thought a bold yet quite popular prediction of a Montini convincing victory is proof of some animus toward your school.

I count SHG as a school I generally root for, just as I do many of my former ESCC brethren and a few local public schools.

In 2013 I thought Montini was clearly better than SHG. I was wrong that year. I've moved on. Can you?
 
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chitown-irish

Sophomore
Sep 21, 2011
341
186
43
Disagree. I saw this game and the next two losses prior to the firing. Naz needed this win bad and won by 10. By no means a blowout. Anyone know why vita wasn’t in?

school has close to 800 kids
Official enrollment is 712 so closer to the number is said 650 than 800.
 

Gestalt45

Sophomore
Oct 26, 2023
170
133
43
I see a 5-4 finish for the Celtics and an early exit. The media circus will not go away unless the school responds which they wont. Cause they seem to be in the wrong. And as the losses stack up the lock room will go from bad to worse.
Or maybe Naz is underrated ? I saw swarming defense from the roadrunners until the lucky broncos last week pulled another one out of their *** …at least from the pass rush and run defense.
 

cornerrat#1

Senior
Jul 1, 2025
744
766
93
We've been through this before my man. Two years ago you pulled a direct quote from me in 2013 when I predicted a convincing Montini win over SHG. Montini had four consecutivr titles and perhaps one of their most talented rosters in terms of D1 talent. SHG won by 10.

I was wrong. Wasn't the first time and won't be the last. We left off with me perplexed as to why you still had message board material on hand a decade later and why you thought a bold prediction of a Montini convincing victory is proof of some animus toward your school.

I count SHG as a school I generally root for, just as I do many of my former ESCC brethren and a few local public schools.

In 2013 I thought Montini was clearly better than SHG. I was wrong that year. I've moved on. Can you?
All.... You don't have it quite correct. I would like to say I can't remember what I did a few hours ago much less in the past. But oddly one thing has stuck with me for years as the most idiotic statement I have ever heard on this board. And trust me I have heard plenty.

Yapping" Montini would beat SHG 19 times out of 20" is well something one doesn't easily forget. Have a pleasant evening. Ratsy
 

MsDavis10

Sophomore
Nov 9, 2019
168
183
43
Seems like Plantz’ approach was to target higher end kids and offer financial help via his family’s foundation. Did that turn off families/kids who were not getting the same deal? Thus, the overall numbers in the program took a hit.
You cannot give athletic scholarships in the state of IL. There are criteria that you may select for the recipients but athletics is not one of them. If the $ the Plantz family donated to the school was in the form of an endowed scholarship in their name -- opposed to capital funds-- and the head coach of the football team was deciding who gets said scholarship... well that's a giant no-no. *this happens everywhere folks, but you rarely hear the quite part out loud, even on a message board*
 
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JCHillmen10

Junior
Jul 29, 2025
146
214
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All.... You don't have it quite correct. I would like to say I can't remember what I did a few hours ago much less in the past. But oddly one thing has stuck with me for years as the most idiotic statement I have ever heard on this board. And trust me I have heard plenty.

Yapping" Montini would beat SHG 19 times out of 20" is well something one doesn't easily forget. Have a pleasant evening. Ratsy
It's called making a wrong prediction. Most pundits had Montini over SHG. Most would have probably predicted Montini to win 60%, 70%, even 80% of the time. Would 95% be more wrong or even hyperbolic? Yes, and I am acknowledging that SHG was better than I gave them credit for back then. Hats off to that team 13 years ago. Seriously. They were talented and played well.

What level of confidence in Montini would not have been "idiotic?" 90? 80? 70? SHG exceeded my expectations and the expectations of most neutral observers in that title game because most had predicted Montini, many convincingly. Whether we were wrong because of clouded judgment from how good Montini had looked, Montini's past success, lack of exposure to SHG, or ignorance of SHG's roster doesn't really matter. We were wrong.

Calling that take anything more than wrong or very wrong seems overly sensitive.

And I am always happy to be proven wrong when it leads to a Montini loss, like in 2013. I would like nothing more than to see SHG prove me wrong and beat Providence Catholic in November 2026.

I would still "pick" Providence this year. After seeing a struggling SHG offense week 2 and then watching PC beat up on my Hillmen the next week, I would probably even predict PC to win 70%, 80% or 90% of the time if they matched up with SHG (I will stop shy of the 95% prediction because I do learn from my mistakes). I could be wrong and would hope I am. I would be rooting for SHG in a matchup with Providence. I just don't think they would win. I hope my take is as "idiotic" as it was in 2013 and SHG derails the Celtics.

On a side note, prior to the 2021 SHG-JCA title game, I saw it as a relative coin flip and think I settled on JCA winning 55-60 percent of hypothetical matchups. That was "idiotic" in the other direction as that game played out much more convincingly than I ever predicted. Bottom line, I am wrong often both in favor of and against various schools for various reasons. Ignorance? Sure. Animus? No. Idiotic? Well, that's just an unnecessarily harsh word choice for something that was not ever personal.

Have a great night. And remember to save the receipts for large purchases. Not predictions on high school message boards.
 
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4Afan

All-Conference
Sep 15, 2001
4,555
4,063
113
You cannot give athletic scholarships in the state of IL. There are criteria that you may select for the recipients but athletics is not one of them. If the $ the Plantz family donated to the school was in the form of an endowed scholarship in their name -- opposed to capital funds-- and the head coach of the football team was deciding who gets said scholarship... well that's a giant no-no. *this happens everywhere folks, but you rarely hear the quite part out loud, even on a message board*
Because there's no work arounds or loopholes that would make this possible?
 

MsDavis10

Sophomore
Nov 9, 2019
168
183
43
Because there's no work arounds or loopholes that would make this possible?
Always work arounds. Take your pick: the owner of the scholarship asks to see eligible recipients and chooses the kid based on a suggestion from Coach X not the business office. The school is in on it and doesn’t care. An angel alum covers tuition (the most common). So on and so forth.

The game is the game - Stringer Bell
 
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