Saturday, June 14, 2014

It's early, but I may be...

...getting close to deciding on which high school football games to see in Week One.*

On Friday, August 29, four contests immediately jump out at me (last year's records in parentheses):

Providence (7-5) @ Joliet Catholic (10-2)
Montini (13-2) @ Maine South (9-3)
Crystal Lake South (5-5) @ Marian Central (8-3)
Oak Park and River Forest (9-2) @ Lincoln-Way East (9-3)

Providence will be looking to avenge last year's 42-35 loss to the Hilltoppers while Maine South will be in a similar bad mood after the 21-19 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Broncos in 2013.

Why Crystal Lake South and Marian Central? (Last year the Hurricanes crushed the Gators, 28-2.) To get an early look at Marian's quarterback Billy Bahl, above. (Great name, right?) The 6'4", 214-pound senior has a ton of interest from colleges. (Marian Central turns out good quarterbacks; remember Chris Streveler? He may start for the University of Minnesota this year.)

But it's that last game that has me really intrigued. After interviewing Coach John Hoerster of OPRF I am extremely high on this program. Do I really think the Huskies can travel down to Frankfort to give Rob Zvonar and the Griffins a good game? Absolutely.

Saturday, August 30, is a no-brainer:

Wheaton Warrenville South (8-3) @ Glenbard West (11-2)

Last year the Tigers defeated the Hitters at home, 17-14. This is an annual grudge match that every fan should attend.

And on Sunday night, August 31, we have a bonus game!

Simeon (9-5) vs. St. Rita (12-2) @ Toyota Park

The Mustangs defeated the Wolverines, 35-20, in last year's Prep Bowl. How will St. Rita do this year without quarterback Tommy Mister? Just fine, I'll bet. I can't remember his name, but I saw a junior come in for Mister near the end of the Willowbrook game last year and remember being very impressed. Was it C.J. Weydeman? Or Scott Procter? Neither name sounds familiar. (Both of these guys went to Dawes Elementary, by the way. What's with that place, is it a mini Marian Central or something?)

Only 77 days left. Get your car filled up.

* All subject to change, of course.

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