5A CPS State Football Playoffs Take

 

Marcel Kirkmambey (sr) of Lakes High School in North Suburban Lake Villa

CPS Football State Playoffs Pairings

Class 5A

#15 Lake Villa (Lakes) (5-4) at #2 Chicago (Senn) (8-1)
#10 Chicago (Orr) (6-3) at #7 Woodstock (H.S.) (6-3)
#11 Chicago (Brooks) (6-3) at #6 Vernon Hills (7-2)

#15 Lake Villa (Lakes) (5-4) at #2 Chicago (Senn) (8-1)

This is a winnable game for the Senn Bulldogs. First of all Lakes is not exactly a football power. Their only state playoff game was in 2006 and they lost that game Robeson, a CPS team. So, the CPS has a 100% winning percentage against Lakes in the state playoffs. Furthermore, Lakes is 5-4 is part of the North Suburban Prairie - home of football giants (LOL) Wauconda and Round Lake. Not helping Senn, is that Senn could not even win the Chicago Great Lakes conference, losing to Dyett on the final game of the regular season. Senn is led by running back Cody Gilliard and quarterback Terrance Brand. Brand is a dual threat athlete who can run and also throw the ball.

Neilski's take - Senn 15  Lakes 14

#10 Chicago (Orr) (6-3) at #7 Woodstock (H.S.) (6-3)

Orr surprised even me by taking the Illini Heartland conference with an undefeated record. Orr played Wauconda from the North Suburban Prairie competitively in a 14-7 loss early in the season. But Woodstock is not Wauconda. Woodstock won the competitive Fox Valley Conference. Woodstock is loaded with 6-4 230lb Western Michigan bound running back Mike Liedtke and star 6-3 quarterback Logan Kunzie. Liedtke is big enough to play a line man position for most high schools. Orr is led by running back Carl Young.

Neilski's take - Woodstock 48 - Orr 10

#11 Chicago (Brooks) (6-3) at #6 Vernon Hills (7-2)

Brooks has some athletes in running back Joanthon Selley and rising freshman quarterback Amad Bradshaw. But Vernon Hills may be just a bit too much for Brooks of the south side. Vernon Hills is the conference champion of the North Suburban Prairie conference with Lakes. This game will not be a blowout. Vernon Hills may be surprised by the speed of Brooks. Too bad this is not a basketball game, I would have Brooks favored by 21.

Neilski's take - Vernon Hills 17 Brooks 7

Brooks may surprise Vernon Hills a bit with it's size and speed.

Comments

[are u nuts?]

Neilski,

I'm not sure what you're putting in your Kool-Aid, but, let me have some as you're high on something.

First, Senn has 13-15 players and played in a conference which looked like flag football with equipment. My prediction: Lakes 44 Senn 0

Secondly, Brooks will be playing a well-coached and prepared Vernon Hills team with a very strong junior class. My prediction VH 50 Brooks 0

[Dyett Football]

Don't count out Dyett:

http://yourseason.suntimes.com/football/1845383,102509-dyett-football.article

Apparently you have never seen a Brooks game. They have 50-60 players. Big for a CPS team. They are a biot turnover prone but if they control it, they could give Vernn Hills a game.

Lakes is not and not will be a football power. They're a small school from a sleepy small town up in the lakes up north. Into fishing, camping, friday fish fry's but not into football. Senn will give them somewhat of a game. It will not be a blowout.

[Ray Mertens]

My experience is the Chicago public schools have always had superior athletes but lacked the discipline and coaching to win against other opponents.In the last few years coaching has significantly improved but the system still has no stomach for mandating discipline. I don't understand why their football is so unlike their basketball. Is it the coaches? Incidentally Lakes 17-14 over Senn Running clock by Woodstock. Vernon by 14