High School Sports RSS: Football

Don�t overlook these unsung heroes

BY TAYLOR BELL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

You may not be familiar with their names, but that�s only because they�re playing in the shadow of bigger headliners. But make no mistake. Players, such as Aurora Christian's Lewis Gaddis, are big reasons why their teams are still playing.

Knights' Cronin prevails in quarterfinals vote

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Immaculate Conception QB Will Cronin was voted the top player of the state quarterfinals by YourSeason.com readers. Cronin beat out Antioch standout running back Cameron White.

Providence's Houlihan has earned his nickname

BY BILL SCHEIBE -- HERALD NEWS — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football postseason: If he keeps his helmet on after practice, Pete Houlihan can walk through the hallways of Providence in perfect anonymity, just another 5-foot-8, 160-pound junior cornerback and kick/punt returner shaking the snow from his uniform and cleaning the mud from his cleats.

Bartlett has one last hurdle

BY RJ GERBER -- COURIER NEWS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

One last hurdle remains before Bartlett football can arrive in the Class 8A state title game. Maine South visits the Hawks at 7:08 Saturday night for a televised state semifinal clash of unbeatens at Millennium Field in Streamwood.

Zielke has kept Eagles offense and defense humming

BY JIM OWCZARSKI -- BEACON NEWS — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Long before the season started, Aurora Christian coach Don Beebe gave his thoughts on the guys the cornerbacks, and how good they were going to be. Especially David Zielke -- a guy not on the radar of many observers.

Coaches set tone for survivors

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Watch Mark Coglianese on the sideline Saturday afternoon, when his Providence team entertains Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin in a Class 6A semifinal. Then head to Lemont for the other 6A semifinal against Antioch and watch how Indians coach Eric Michaelsen goes about his business. In each case, there is a calm the head coach brings to the mix.

Hopkins picks Iowa

BY TAYLOR BELL — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

St. Rita linebacker Marty Hopkins gave an oral commitment to Iowa on Tuesday. The 6-3, 240 pound senior led the Mustangs to the Catholic League Blue title and the Class 7A state quarterfinals.

Bartlett-Maine South game to be televised

COURIER NEWS STAFF REPORTS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Bartlett's Class 8A state semifinal playoff football game against Maine South on Saturday night will be televised by the Illinois High School Association TV Network.

Rashee's return helps Lane stun Mustangs

BY PATRICK Z. MCGAVIN — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Allen Rashee returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown, sparking Lane to a 14-6 win over Morgan Park Monday in the Public League semifinals.

Hubbard pulls away to beat Simeon

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Hubbard withstood a second-half rally by Prairie State foe Simeon before pulling out a 30-14 victory Monday in the Public League semifinalsat Gately Stadium.

Bartlett gains respect for Upstate 8

BY ERIK JACOBSEN -- COURIER NEWS — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

For several weeks now, each Bartlett football victory has broken new ground in program history.

Steve Tucker's Super 25 after quarterfinals

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

The quarterfinals are over, so be sure to check out Steve Tucker's updated Super 25 heading into the semifinals. Mount Carmel and Hinsdale Central have moved up ... but other teams have dropped.

Break it Down: Big wins in the quarterfinals

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Break it Down recaps the quarterfinals of the state football playoffs. Be sure to vote for the top player of the quarterfinals and to see what area teams are making their first semifinal appearances.

Eagles end Driscoll's state title streak at 7

BY CARTER CRANE — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Aurora Christian held off a Driscoll comeback to win 24-17 Saturday in a Class 4A quarterfinal and end the Highlanders' run of state championships at seven.

Maine South's fast start buries Broncos

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Charlie Goro, Matt Perez and the rest of Maine South made it look easy as the Hawks rolled past host Barrington 42-0 in the Class 8A playoffs.

Lutz's boot carries Devils past Rice

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

David Lutz�s field goal with 17.8 seconds remaining, hit the junction of the crossbar and the upright and fell over to give Hinsdale Central a 17-14 victory over host Brother Rice before a standing-room crowd of 6,000 in a Class 8A quarterfinal Saturday night.

Surging Celtics blank Rock Island

BY CURT HERRON — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Providence advanced to the semifinals for the 12th time in 15 years after rolling to a 38-0 win over Rock Island in a Class 6A quarterfinal game in New Lenox on Saturday.

St. Francis gains revenge vs. Montini

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

St. Francis, which allowed 41 points and lost to Suburban Catholic rival Montini by a 20-point margin in Week 4, turned the tables on Saturday by stunning the Broncos 28-14 in Lombard in the quarterfinals of the Class 5A playoff.

Ratay rambles on for Geneva vs. Carmel

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Michael Ratay ran for 134 of his 190 yards in the second half and scored three touchdowns as Geneva knocked off Carmel 35-21 Saturday in the Class 7A quarterfinals.

Sequoits win in OT, earn first trip to semis

BY TINA AKOURIS -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Cameron White ran for one touchdown and threw the game-winning TD in overtime Saturday as Antioch beat Glenbard South 28-27 in Class 7A quarterfinal play.

Gators edge Cary-Grove in OT

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Crystal Lake South�s Derek Mortensen went airborne in overtime to land the Gators in the Class 7A semifinals with a 14-7 win over Cary-Grove on Saturday.

Bartlett advances on Karys' field goal

BY BRIAN BOWN — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Dan Karys' 25-yard field goal with seven seconds left lifted Bartlett to a 38-35 victory Saturday against host Schaumburg in the Class 8A quarterfinals.

Flyers' comeback shocks St. Rita

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

St. Rita couldn't hold a 21-point lead, losing 35-28 to host East St. Louis in a Class 7A quarterfinal on Saturday.

Hayes, Lemont race past Grant

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Danny Hayes scored four touchdowns to lead unbeaten Lemont past Grant 35-14 Saturday in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

Kays' run continues with win over Morris

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Led by Jalon Banks, Kankakee erased an early deficit by scoring 30 unanswered points en route to a 36-21 win over Morris Saturday in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Cronin's running, passing paces Knights

BY ALAN FERGUSON — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Will Cronin passed for 137 yards and ran for 91 more as 15th-seeded Immaculate Conception rolled past Bureau Valley 41-8 Saturday in the Class 2A quarterfinals.

Ramblers reach Catholic League final

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Jack Begley knew it was going to be much harder the second time around. �This is the second time this year we played them, and it�s tough to beat a good team twice,� said Begley.

Saturday's football roundup

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's football action.

Live blog: Carmel vs. Geneva

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

The Beacon News' Jim Owczarski was live at Geneva, where the Vikings defeated Carmel 35-21 in the Class 7A quarterfinals. Be sure to check out his blog.

Live blog: Hinsdale Central at Brother Rice

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

YourSeason.com was live at the Hinsdale Central-Brother Rice game in the Class 8A quarterfinals. Check out all the reader comments in the blog.

Caravan rumbles past Marist into semis

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:30 CST

Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti pointed to a �young and inexperienced� offensive line as a reason the Caravan didn�t deserve the No. 1 preseason ranking that everyone gave them. The line is not green or inexperienced any more.

Hilltoppers end Downers North's run

BY TINA AKOURIS -- SUN-TIMES — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Downers North, which earlier in the playoffs had upset a strong Wheaton Warrenville South team, couldn�t find the same magic against Glenbard West and dropped a Class 7A quarterfinal matchup 35-7 Friday in Downers Grove.

3-5-3 defenses go on attack vs. spread

BY ADAM JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:30 CST

As more teams switched to spread-style offenses over the years, it was inevitable that a defense would develop to offset it. Enter the 3-5-3, a defensive scheme predicated on speed, adaptability and confusion, and using five linebackers.

Geneva set for quarterfinals

By PAUL JOHNSON Special to The Beacon News — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football playoffs: Geneva's football team plays in what seems like its annual state quarterfinal game today at 1:30 p.m. against Carmel at Burgess Field. In the last five years, the Vikings have made the playoffs every year.

De La Salle 'D' rebounds vs. Friars

BY CRAIG LYNCH — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:30 CST

After being torched for 46 points last week, De La Salle�s defense pitched its third shutout of the season in a 9-0 victory over visiting Fenwick Friday night. The win puts the Meteors (8-4) in the Catholic League finals against either St. Laurence or Loyola, who meet Saturday in Wilmette.

South emerges from Glenbard shadows

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:30 CST

Ever since it opened in 1972, Glenbard South in Glen Ellyn has played second fiddle to the district�s three other schools � Glenbard West, Glenbard North and Glenbard East.

Live blog: Marist vs. Mount Carmel

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:30 CST

The Sun-Times' Adam L. Jahns was live at Gately Stadium for the Marist-Mount Carmel game in the Class 8A quarterfinals. Mount Carmel rolled to a 42-7 win, but be sure to check out the blog and all its reader comments.

Gone, but not forgotten

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Steve Tucker: You could get a migraine listening to the exchanges between football fans of the DuPage Valley Conference and the Chicago Catholic League Blue. This season, the Catholic Blue, which again sent all five of its teams to the state playoffs, has four remaining, while the DVC has none.

This weekend's spotlight games

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Spotlight games for the Sun-Times include: Marist vs. Mount Carmel; St. Francis at Montini; Antioch at Glenbard South; and St. Rita at St. Louis. Also check out preview capsules from the Sun-Times News Group.

Marist and Mount Carmel in "neighborhood game"

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

"It's a neighborhood game," Marist coach Pat Dunne said of tonight's clash between the RedHawks and Mount Carmel at Gately Stadium.

For Brother Rice, this one has something familiar

BY PAT DISABATO -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Brother Rice coach Steve Nye is aware Hinsdale Central has considerable motivation heading into Saturday night's Class 8A quarterfinal showdown. And it's not all about moving a step closer to a state finals appearance.

St. Rita out to show its 'brand'

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

In 1983, the Mustangs traveled to East St. Louis for a Class 6A state semifinal. They traveled home 8-0 losers to the Flyers. East St. Louis went on to capture the state title with a 13-0 victory over Addison Trail.

Lemont not taking Grant for granted

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

A year ago, Lemont handed Grant its first loss and ended its season in the process. The Indians won a second-round contest in Fox Lake, 21-7, on their way to the Class 6A state championship game.

Another mountain to climb for Providence

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Undefeated Rock Island will be traveling more than two hours Saturday to play its Class 6A quarterfinal against Providence Catholic in New Lenox. When it comes to making a long journey on the gridiron, Providence senior defensive tackle Colin Waller has everyone beat.

Keys to a Carmel win? There's only one

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

You don't need to write a book to cover everything it will take for Carmel High's football team to beat Geneva on Saturday in the IHSA Class 7A playoffs. In fact, it won't even take a short story to get the message across.

Tight ends give Bartlett a boost

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football playoffs: Think of Bartlett tight ends Matt Pashawitz and Greg Partyka as lethal but rarely used weapons. Most of the time the duo toils in anonymity as blockers along the offensive line, helping buy time for standout quarterback Josh Hasenberg.

How about four Joliet area winners?

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

A couple of weeks from now, when Wilmington High School is playing for the Class 3A state football championship, we will be able to look back and say there is no way the Wildcats traveled an easy path.

Standout Brown leads Mustangs' stampede

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Led by quarterback DaRon Brown, Morgan Park scored five unanswered touchdowns in a 54-13 win over Robeson Wednesday afternoon at Gately Stadium in the Public League playoffs.

Simeon line secures victory over Curie

BY SCOTT POWERS — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Simeon�s defensive line rushed Curie quarterback Andy Chmenia and forced an incompletion on the Condors� two-point conversion in overtime to lead the Wolverines to a 29-28 win at Gately Stadium on Wednesday.

Brother Rice linemen in a class by themselves

By Pat Disabato, Staff Writer — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:00 CST

The Brother Rice offense averages 28 points per game and 262 yards of total offense and its linemen not only produce on the field, but also in the classroom. Four members of the Crusaders O-line boast grade-point averages above 4.0 and are ranked in the top 40 of their 279-member senior class.

Wilmington's success relies on defensive captains

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football playoffs: When Wilmington football coach Jeff Reents named his captains for the defense, seniors Tom Courtney, Steve Heino, Matt Russell and John Van Duyne were listed on a sheet of paper as lickety-split as lightning during a summer thunderstorm.

Motyka, Rothstein stand guard for Lemont

BY BILL SCHEIBE -- HERALD NEWS — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

At left offensive guard, a future chef prepares his blocks better than Wolfgang Puck creates in the kitchen. At right offensive guard, a future Army officer commands with the attitude of a modern-day John Wayne. Together, they give guarded optimism to the Lemont football team.

Ousted area teams earn kudos

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

As the state high school football playoffs continue, we media types naturally cover those left standing. The teams that have been ousted become an afterthought.

Eagles put trust in Beebe

BY PAUL JOHNSON -- FOR THE BEACON NEWS — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

In May 2004, Don Beebe took over an Aurora Christian football program that was still in its infant stages, though it was coming off consecutive playoff trips.

Scary times lie ahead

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

You want scary? In Rock Island's 41-36 win over Oswego last weekend in Round 2 of the Class 6A state football playoffs, the Rocks needed 29 offensive plays to pile up 471 yards -- all on the ground.

Break it Down: Kickers star in second round

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Sun, 9 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Break it Down recaps the second round of the state playoffs. Be sure to check out the top players from the second round and to vote for the top star. YS also looks at which conferences have the most teams left in the playoffs.

Steve Tucker's Super 25 after second round

Sun, 9 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Maine South remains No. 1 in Steve Tucker's Super 25 heading into the quarterfinals, but there are changes elsewhere in the rankings. Glenbard West moves up to No. 2, followed by Geneva, Bartlett and St. Rita.

Wright's kick lifts Celtics to OT win

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Pat Wright's 27-yard field goal in overtime lifted No. 20 Providence past No. 15 Joliet Catholic 24-21 Saturday in a Class 6A second-round game.

Venson's quick strikes spark Hilltoppers

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Bryant Venson scored two touchdowns in a span of 27 seconds in the first quarter to set the tone for No. 4 Glenbard West as the Hilltoppers walloped Fenwick 56-14 in a Class 7A second-round matchup Saturday afternoon in Glen Ellyn.

Maine South runs past Ramblers

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Matt Perez rushed 18 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns as top-ranked Maine South trounced Loyola 26-7 Saturday in the Class 8A playoffs.

Lemont's defense stymies Morgan Park

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Linebacker Ryan Fejedelem stripped the ball, Matt Anzalone recovered, and it led to a tiebreaking touchdown in the fourth quarter as No. 16 Lemont knocked off Morgan Park 21-7 Saturday in a Class 6A second-round playoff game at Gately Stadium.

Saturday's football roundup

Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's football second-round action.

Raiders knock out Hubbard

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

A roughing-the-kicker penalty against Hubbard changed the momentum and helped Glenbard South send the last Public League team in the state playoffs back to the Prep Bowl playoffs.

St. Francis outsprints Roadrunners

BY TINA AKOURIS -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

It took about six minutes for St. Francis running backs Mark Kachmer and Stan Bobowski to show they meant business against visiting Nazareth Saturday afternoon in Wheaton.

'Noble' effort keeps Crusaders alive

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Sean Noble kicked a 25-yard field goal with 15.4 seconds remaining to lift Brother Rice to a 9-7 win over Belleville East (7-4) in the second round of the 8A playoffs at Belleville West High School.

Knights, Rodriguez ramble into quarters

BY ALAN FERGUSON — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Carlos Rodriguez ran for 191 yards and three touchdowns before halftime as Immaculate Conception routed Lena-Winslow 43-22 Saturday to advance to the Class 2A quarterfinals.

Defense leads Broncos past New Trier

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

All season long, Barrington�s defense has had to take a backseat to the high-powered Broncos offense. But this weekend, Barrington�s offense was buying the pizza. The Barrington defense picked off five passes en route to the win.

Ratay, Geneva topple Hononegah

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Michael Ratay scored four touchdowns, threw a touchdown pass and set up another touchdown with a 59-yard kickoff return to power the Vikings� in 46-28 win over host Rockton Hononegah (8-3).

Zajeski, Red Devils race past Raiders

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

It took Hinsdale Central�s Rich Zajeski a month to get back on the football field after sustaining a high ankle sprain. It took him less than a minute to find the end zone.

Caravan picks up steam, ousts Griffins

BY DAN RUANE — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

It was the kind of game that 5,000 screaming fans stand out in the freezing cold to see. Perennial power Mount Carmel won the second half and defeated No. 7 Lincoln-Way East 34-31 in Frankfort before a capacity crowd.

Marist field goal knocks out Huskies in OT

BY TINA AKOURIS -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Ben Falloon's 21-yard field goal in overtime gave No. 24 Marist a 28-25 upset of defending Class 8A state champion Naperville North Friday night.

Bartlett heads to quarters for first time

BY RANDY WHALEN — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Josh Hasenberg scored two touchdowns and passed for another as No. 6 Bartlett advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time ever with a 21-7 victory over No. 21 Fremd in a Class 8A playoff game at Streamwood.

Marciano does it all in Mustangs' win

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

There wasn�t much St. Rita�s Dave Marciano didn�t do in the Mustangs� 21-13 win over Thornton.

Trojans' defense stymies Pirates

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

To Downers Grove North coach John Wander, there was one thing the Trojans had to do to beat Proviso East Friday in the second round of the Class 7A playoffs.

Corsairs' 'D' stands tall vs. Woodstock

BY MATT LE CREN — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Carmel�s high-powered offense played a key role in the Corsairs� success this season, but it was their defense that came up big in Friday�s 10-7 win over host Woodstock in a Class 7A playoff game.

Grant's late touchdown edges Huntley

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Grant quarterback Justin Cokefair demonstrated that you are never down until you are really down.

Quinn essential to Geneva defense

By PAUL JOHNSON Special to The Beacon News — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football playoffs: In football, a lot of lip service is given to players being "blue-collar" or "bringing their lunch bucket to the field." In the case of Geneva senior linebacker Brennan Quinn, he's taking that to the extreme.

Aurora Christian's Gaddis an ideal wing man

By CHRIS PALL Special to The Beacon News — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football playoffs: Playing tailback behind the IHSA's most prolific passer in history, Aurora Christian's Lewis Gaddis is not the focal point of opposing defenses -- but he is certainly Mr. Reliable for the Eagles.

Vikings trump Leo

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

St. Laurence defeated Leo 41-0 in the first round of the Catholic League playoffs on Friday. Josh Hodur carried 28 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings.

Devils' defense never rests

By Dave Masterson DMASTERSON@scn1.com — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The 3-5-3 defense of the Warren Blue Devils is a fast, swarming mass of close-knit buddies who react to the ball and each others' talents with startling effectiveness.

Bartlett banks on trust

BY ERIK JACOBSEN -- COURIER NEWS — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Speed, size and talent are all attributes visible to the naked eye for an observer of Bartlett's defense. However, there's one intangible that might be the biggest reason behind the Hawks' consistent defensive success this season.

Class 8A preview capsules

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

The Sun-Times New Group breaks down this weekend's Class 8A second-round games.

Class 7A preview capsules

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

The Sun-Times News Group breaks down this weekend's Class 7A second-round games.

Class 6A preview capsules

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

The Sun-Times News Group breaks down this weekend's Class 6A second-round games.

Class 5A, 4A, 3A preview capsules

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

The Sun-Times News Group breaks down this weekend's second-round games in Class 5A, 4A and 3A.

Carmel, Grant have lot in common

By Dave Masterson dmasterson@scn1.com — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Carmel, the final 7A school still alive in the county, is a favorite on the road. Meanwhile, Grant's Bulldogs hope that some of the magic of last week's win over Vernon Hills still lingers when it hosts powerhouse Huntley.

Red Raiders riding high

By BRANDON MANGIA Special to The Courier News — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football playoffs: Things were going a little too smoothly for Huntley football through its first seven games. While the 7-0 record was no surprise to the players and coaches, the Red Raiders knew they wouldn't beat their opponents by an average of 27 point per game like they had been.

Lifka steps up for Huskies

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football playoffs: To watch Nick Lifka move around a football field, to see this imposing physical figure pursuing a running back ready to drive him into the ground, is to spy the future. But the best thing for Naperville North isn't what Lifka might do in a year or two. It's what the sophomore linebacker has already done for the Huskies.

Yes, we can win again

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Seven second-round games are scheduled this weekend, involving eight area schools. The winner of the Joliet Catholic Academy at Providence Catholic 6A battle at 1 p.m. Saturday will be a threat to reach the championship game Thanksgiving weekend at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Who that winner will be, your guess is as good as anyone's.

Schaumburg, Proviso East on watch list

BY TAYLOR BELL — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

What do Proviso East, Schaumburg, Warren and Highland Park have in common? They haven't been very successful in the state football playoffs. But they are making up for lost time this season.

First-round vote goes to Ruske

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Loyola quarterback Lucas Ruske was voted the top star of the first round by YourSeason.com readers. Marist running back Bill Seiler came in second.

Pitcher Plese packs punch on gridiron for Hilltoppers

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Prep football: Longtime defensive coordinator Cory McLaughlin leaned back in his chair and laughed, describing last year's layoff as "he decided he wanted to be a major-league pitcher." While defensive tackles seldom land in that Jake Peavy-like limelight, Joliet Catholic's A.J. Plese still aimed to please.

Momentum on Schaumburg's side

NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

While many people are comparing the malls in Gurnee and Schaumburg heading into Saturday's IHSA Class 8A second-round playoff football game between the host Saxons and visiting Warren at 5 p.m., there is one other similarity between the two squads.

Weather could play huge role

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 17:00 CST

Have you checked the weather forecast for the next few days? That's right, Round 2 of the state high school football playoffs -- more specifically, the games involving our area teams -- may be played in less than ideal conditions.

Celtics have 'Wright' man for job

BY BILL SCHEIBE -- HERALD NEWS — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Lonely is the life of a high school kicker. On the Providence sideline, Pat Wright walks around constantly with a football in his right hand, watching for a few stolen moments as the Celtics' backup quarterback before returning to his special teams role of solitary confinement.

Playoff quarterbacks have all the answers

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Together, these six players have passed for more than 7,100 yards. Upward of 70 times, plays that began with the ball in their hands finished with it in a receiver's hands in the end zone.

Road to 8A title not an easy one

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

When an area football team blows through the Class 5A or 6A playoffs and wins a state championship, the discussion invariably arises: How would said team have done in the 8A bracket?

Grayslake N. may get artificial turf

BY ED COLLINS -- SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-SUN — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Installing artificial turf on the football field at Grayslake North is a strong possibility.

Huntley-Batavia shootout: One for the ages

BY PAUL JOHNSON -- SPECIAL TO THE BEACON NEWS — Tue, 4 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

It took a couple of days to step back from Friday's 70-63 Batavia loss to Huntley in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs to truly realize what a historic game I had just witnessed.

Allen, Zelinsky land Upstate Eight honors

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football: St. Charles East senior Wes Allen and Bartlett senior Kyle Zelinsky have impressed throughout their three-year varsity careers, and on Monday the duo was honored by the Upstate Eight Conference's coaches for their outstanding play during the 2008 season.