High school football update...

...and predictions for next week.

In Saturday's results, in 8A, there were two big defensive struggles: Barrington defeated New Trier, 7-2, and it was Brother Rice over Belleville East, 9-7. Dark horse Schaumburg upset my personal favorite Warren, 55-21. And Loyola fell to no. 1-ranked Maine South, 26-7. The only thing worse for Rambler fans than being eliminated is being eliminated by Hillary Clinton's alma mater.

In 7A, the winners included Geneva, Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake South, Glenbard West, and East St. Louis. Fenwick and De La Salle were sent home for the season.

So for the weekend I was eleven for seventeen, for a .647 winning percentage, or .625 including last week. That'll work; but it's in the quarterfinals that the rubber meets the road. Only the very best teams make it past the second round; from here on out, anyone can win.

So with that caveat, here goes. In 8A, Bartlett will end Schaumburg's Cinderella run; Maine South will continue to roll, this time over Barrington; Hinsdale Central will upset Brother Rice; and, although I said I wouldn't fade Mt. Carmel, I kind of like upstart Marist in this match-up of south side Catholic schools.

7A should see Cary-Grove defeat Crystal Lake South; Geneva edge Carmel; and St. Rita over East St. Louis in a battle for the ages. I have to pick at least one upset a week, so I'll go with Downers Grove North over Glenbard West.

So there you have it, for good or ill. I'll try to take in at least one game next weekend, probably Maine South vs. Barrington. Let's see what the weather is like.