Coach Big Pete's 2022 Classes 1A-8A IHSA Playoff Talk - IHSA Releases Playoff Pairings Reaction
It begins #IHSA Football Family... The quest for glory as all 8 classes fighting for one spot and to be in the IHSA history books. Again, we had normal regular season, but there is something about this year's playoffs that could be just like 2021. Also, again coaches if you use me as bulletin board material, I would like a cut of your paycheck for the help. LOL!!!! Again, there is a reason we play the game!!! On the bottom have two videos 1-4 A and 5-8A. Let's first show the pairings below and will provide a Darkhorses, Favorites, ETC....
TWO VIDEOS ON BOTTOM 1A-4A & 5A-8A
IHSA Class 1A Playoff - Coach Big Pete's Take - Lena Winslow's Championship Game to lose. Very top-heavy bracket and do not sleep on Chicago Hope Academy because they are on fire this season. South Bracket is going to be anybody's guess to be honest.
Favorite- Lena Winslow & Ridgeview Lexington
Darkhorses- Camp Point Central & Sesser Valier
Watch Out For- St. Bede, Marquette, Chicago Hope Academy
IHSA Class 2A Playoff - Coach Big Pete's Take - Maroa Forsyth and St. Teresa are the favorites. But Wilmington, Johnston City could ruin those chances. Much better playoff than 1A and much more of a challenge that 1A as well. Again, I'm keeping a close eye on those Black Diamond teams these playoffs.
Favorite- Maroa Forsyth vs St. Teresa Championship Game
Darkhorses- Carmi-White & Shelbyville
Watch Out For - Johnston City & Wilmington
IHSA Class 3A Playoff - Coach Big Pete's Take - ICCP is by far the more talented team in this Class. BUT not so fast on crowning them.... Reed Custer, Stillman Valley, Seneca, Eureka, Prairie Central, Byron want an upset. Eureka & Seneca have been the pleasant surprises in this class.
Favorite - ICCP
Darkhorses - Eureka, Genoa-Kingston, Du-Pec
Watch Out For- Reed Custer, Prairie Central, Bryon, Stillman Valley, Mt. Carmel
Big Question: Can we get a Southern Illinois team in the state final for 3A?
IHSA Class 4A Playoff - Coach Big Pete's Take - This Class is not fair and going to featuring a lot of compelling games. Along with the Leonards, we got a stacked St. Francis, and a Richmond Burton team that is taking teams to the woodshed. Oh, and don't forget Providence Catholic, Joliet Catholic, Wheaton Academy, and Carterville. North Division is going to be a pain meanwhile the south division the Leonards are licking their chops.
Favorites: SHG vs Richmond Burton Title Game
Darkhorses: Wheaton Academy, Providence Catholic, Geneseo
Teams You Need To Watch: Carterville, St. Francis
IHSA Class 5A Playoff - Coach Big Pete's Take - Very tough to see but Morgan Park has one hell of a shot at the title. Mahomet Seymour to me could be good for one huge run towards a title. Sycamore has proven they belong, but do they have the skill players. Glenbard South could emerge, but they got a horrible pairing in with the first round against Nazareth. Peoria is another contender if they can get their defense down. What Kankakee are we going to get?
Favorites: NOBODY
Darkhorses: Nazareth, Carmel, Mt. Vernon
Teams You Need To Watch: Mahomet Seymour, Morgan Park, Morris, Sycamore
Prairie Ridge and St. Ignatius will be those pain in the ass teams for defenses in this 6A pairing. East St. Louis is the favorite, but they have questions. Simeon & Lemont both have proven they are the cream of the crop in this class. Normal West defense is challenging and could be a huge strength in dynamic offensive class. Main the question what team we are going to get with Belvidere North, Kaneland, and Niles Notre Dame in the playoffs. Crete-Monee could give Simeon a run for its money with its defense.
Favorite: East St. Louis
Darkhorses: Normal West & Crete Monee
Teams You Must See: Simeon, Lemon, Glenwood
Caravan, Caravan, Caravan...... Mount Carmel is that damn good this season and have clear shot for championship. The only teams I see playing spoiler could be St. Rita, St. Charles North, Batavia, Hersey, Pekin, Lake Zurich, Wheaton North. Prospect, Pekin, Jacobs are only good as there passing attack can take them. Brother Rice, Geneva, Collinsville need a spark to go far.
Favorite: Mount Carmel
Darkhorses: Batavia & St. Charles North
Great Stories: Argo, DGN, Geneva
Lincoln Way East could be the favorite but still have questions that need to be answered. York needs to win a playoff game first. Plainfield North is the more stable team in 8A, but can they challenge Loyola? Loyola Academy is that good but still have questions as well.
Favorite: Loyola Academy vs Lincoln Way East (VERY SLIM)
Darkhorse: South Elgin
Teams To Watch: Naperville North, Plainfield North, Warren Township
Coach Big Pete's Pick from Preseason: Warren Township (I'll eat crow if I'm wrong)
Coach Big Pete's Reactions To 2022 Class 1A-4A IHSA Playoff Talk
(VIDEO 1)
Coach Big Pete's Reactions To 2022 Class 5A-8A IHSA Playoff Talk
(VIDEO 2)
Remember Deep Dish Football Is Just Not About Recruiting
But About The Love Of The Game Of IHSA Football
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