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Nonconference schedule leaves DVC in tough spot

Three weeks in and already we're in must-win territory.

Well, at least some of us are there.

Eyes on Five looks at trouble in the DuPage Valley Conference and other issues on the mind.

1. Peaks and Valleys:

In past seasons winning the DuPage Valley Conference title was the equivalent to wearing a badge of honor.

Now it's a means to an end.

"I don't know how many of us are thinking about winning the conference," said Naperville Central coach Mike Stine. "We're all just trying to figure out how to get to the playoffs."

This week the six DVC teams begin playing each other, but this week's games won't count in the standings. The games we see Friday will repeat in Week 9, and those rematches will count in the standings.

But that's all window dressing to the real issue. Who among the six teams will reach five victories and a near-guaranteed playoff berth, and how will they get there?

More than any other season in recent years, the typically tough slate of nonconference games brutalized the DVC. Wheaton North lost to Cary-Grove, Joliet Catholic and Simeon. Wheaton Warrenville South lost to Glenbard West and Maine South. Glenbard North lost to an unbeaten Ohio team and Batavia.

The DVC enters play against each other with a cumulative .500 record. Not good for a league accustomed to dominating outside competition.

The standings may gather another week of dust, but make no mistake. This week's games count. Big time.

By the end of the weekend - only four games into the season - we'll have a much better idea of where the DVC stands playoff-wise.

2. Power games:

When the DVC expands to nine schools next year with the addition of Metea Valley, Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley, brutal nonconference games won't be as much of an issue.

Except for a handful of games, they won't exist anymore. It'll be eight conference games with either one nonconference game or an Upstate Eight Conference crossover to fill the lone hole in the schedule.

The fallout will be noticeable and a trend will continue.

Because state powers struggle to find nonconference games - few teams want to risk an early loss that'll harm playoff chances - they wind up playing each other. It's great for the fans who get to see stellar early-season matchups but not so great for teams getting battered before they even hit their stride.

Glenbard West is a perfect example. Expansion in the DVC means the Hilltoppers won't play their historic season-opening game against WW South anymore. Because other opponents aren't easy to find, they'll play another power - Bolingbrook.

Montini, which faced Maine South and East St. Louis in nonconference play, is another example. But like Glenbard West, the Broncos traditionally don't struggle to qualify for the playoffs because of their success in conference. In the Chicago Catholic Green, qualification again shouldn't be a problem for Montini.

So some powers can afford to schedule heavy-hitters while others, like many DVC teams, can't.

Starting next season we'll find out if the DVC's trade of the three District 204 schools for recent nonconference matchups will make a difference come playoff time.

3. Weather woes:

There's no way to sugar coat the Friday night weather this season. It's been bad. Real bad.

Has it affected the level of play? Specifically, has it affected the way teams play?

Based on submitted stats from 27 DuPage County schools, teams are averaging 158 rushing yards and 127 passing yards a game. Nothing out of the ordinary, although better weather and developing offenses should help the passing games expand.

The bottom line is most teams aren't significantly changing their style of play, regardless of the weather. Glenbard North, York, Waubonsie Valley and Downers North aren't about to stop running the ball most of the time, and Wheaton North, Willowbrook and Montini aren't about to stop passing it.

Weather may temporarily shift the offensive focus, but so far it doesn't appear to be a game-changer.

4. State of the game:

At home with the IHSA and nationwide with the NFL, football is in a precarious state.

By now you've heard about the disturbing domestic abuse allegations directed at Ray Rice, recently cut by the Baltimore Ravens, and the child abuse allegations directed at Adrian Peterson, who was inactive last week for the Minnesota Vikings.

NFL observers labeled last week as the worst in league history. Banners flown over stadiums last weekend called for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to be fired.

High-profile league sponsors are expressing deep concern about the direction of the NFL, and more than a few fans are questioning their allegiance to the sport.

Closer to home, you can't help but notice the dwindling participation numbers in youth football leagues and on lower-level high school teams. Concussion concerns and other health issues - another glaring historical problem in the NFL - are causing parents to turn their kids away from football.

More than ever, football's very existence is being questioned by those who feel the risks aren't worth it.

I'm not suggesting football will cease to exist, but legitimate concerns are raising serious questions at every level of the sport.

Where does football go from here? What will it look like in five or 10 years?

5. Stat time:

The IHSA released its first playoff outlook of the season and Hinsdale Central tops DuPage County with 20 playoff points, a strength-of-schedule number representing the total number of wins by the nine opponents on a team's schedule. No team in the state has more than 20 points.

Wheaton North sits with 19 points, and the Falcons' tough schedule shows mostly in its opening games. Their first four opponents have a combined record of 10-2.

Follow Kevin on Twitter @kevin_schmit

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