Before I get into the guts of that contest, let's focus on tonight's Game of the Week, Wheaton North at Wheaton Warrenville South. Both teams are undefeated and highly-ranked, both are in the vaunted DuPage Valley Conference, but -- most important -- these kids will be playing for bragging rights in their home town.
Everyone knows Wheaton is the home of the legendary Red Grange, above. (I just like an excuse to print his picture.) But the two programs are also known for turning out high-quality quarterbacks. South has given the world Jon Beutjer, and North is the alma mater of Kent Graham, Chuck Long and Rick Johnson. Wow!
And this year is no different: the Tigers will have Ryan Graham (any relation to Kent?) facing off against the Northwestern-bound Clayton Thorson, arguably the best quarterback in the state.
Or will this contest be decided on the sidelines? Falcons' coach Joe Wardynski is 38-18 in five seasons at the helm, but South's Ron Muhitch is entering his thirteenth year with an eye-popping 110-26 lifetime record.
Wheaton North won last year's matchup, of course, 23-13. But what about previous years? Who holds the edge? Here's a rundown of the series dating back to 2004 (home team in CAPS):
2011: SOUTH 27, North 13
2010: SOUTH 42, North 14
2009: South 45, NORTH 0
2008: SOUTH 45, North 14
2007: South 32, NORTH 20
2006: SOUTH 31, North 7
2005: South 40, NORTH 27
2004: SOUTH 40, North 28
Whoa. I think I see a pattern here. (South usually wins the game.) So if I were a betting man I think I'd take the Tigers. But if I had said that last year I would have lost. Maybe we'll just have to go to the game and see for ourselves.
Can't make it out there? Going to Richards (2-0) at Lemont (1-1) instead? Or Glenbard West (1-1) at Downers Grove North (2-0)? No problem! I'll be live tweeting the game @boringoldwhtguy.
Otherwise, I'll see you there!
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