Before I go dark...

...for a few days (I'll be traveling), here are my picks for the quarterfinals this weekend.

In 8A, I expect at least one upset from the following three games:

Glenbard North at Maine South;
Palatine at Loyola; or
Mount Carmel at Lyons.

I'll take the easy way out and pick the home team Lions, above. (But don't be too surprised if the Panthers and/or the Pirates prevail as well. Could be a wacky weekend.)

Oh, and Neuqua Valley will defeat Waubonsie Valley -- again.

In 7A, Glenbard West should beat Wheaton North; Lake Zurich's defense will tame Rockford Boylan; Downers Grove North will end Benet's Cinderella run (and extend their own); and Lincoln-Way East will win a (surprisingly) hard-fought battle over Edwardsville.

In 6A, look for Cary-Grove, Notre Dame, Lemont and Crete-Monee to all advance.

And in 5A, Joliet Catholic's offense will be too much for Lincoln-Way West; Montini will upset Marian Central on the road (Broncos have so much playoff experience); and Morris and Sacred Heart-Griffin will round out the bracket.

P. S. Edgy Tim is right: there is no substitute for attending a game in person. Sure, the traffic's a drag, the weather may be cold (and rainy) and the food isn't as good as your favorite neighborhood hangout -- but the experience is well worth the trouble. So go to a game near you! (Go for those of us who can't.)