Can Central's defense hold Bailey to one touchdown, like Mount Carmel did in its 21-7 loss in the second round of the playoffs? Can they hold him to two touchdowns, like Lincoln-Way East did in its 20-14 upset in Week 6? You can be sure that Central's coaches have been watching films of those games all week.
Or will Bailey run wild and score five touchdowns, like he did against Downers Grove South last week? In Bolingbrook's 11 victories, the Raiders have averaged over 39 points a game.
To be fair, Raider running backs D. J. Pruitt, Jaden Huff and Omar Stover have stepped it up in the playoffs. And the defense, led by Florida-bound linebacker Antonio Morrison and defensive backs Darien Brown, Tevin Teamer and Diaron Rhodes, has been excellent.
And Central is no slouch, either. They belong in the semifinals. As I've mentioned, quarterback Ian Lewandowski and running backs Matt Randolph and Nick Thomas will manufacture points for the Redhawks.
But let's just say what everybody else is thinking: It's all about Bailey. (This guy has to be my Player of the Year.) And I think he'll make all the difference.
Now I'll say something that not everyone is thinking: The winner of this game will defeat Loyola in the finals. I just don't think the Ramblers have played anyone as good as either of these two teams. There. I said it.
BOWG prediction: Bolingbrook 28, Naperville Central 21.
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