Addison Trail has something to prove against Glenbard West
Outside of Blackhawk Nation, please stand up if you predicted West Aurora's overtime victory over Waubonsie Valley.
Yeah, didn't think so.
If you're not yet convinced that 2014 is a football season to expect the unexpected, it's time to wake up to the truth.
Heed the advice of Eyes on Five and buckle up for the final two weeks of the regular season.
1. Blazing a trail:
For the 12th time in program history, Addison Trail's earned itself at least seven wins in a season. The Blazers, in fact, are 7-0 for the first time.
Their Friday win over Proviso East helped eclipse the 6-0 start in 2011 that wound up being thwarted in a loss to Glenbard West. Which brings us to this Saturday.
The Blazers head to Duchon Field in Glen Ellyn with an opportunity to prove they're a legitimate player in the playoff picture. A win over the fellow unbeaten Hilltoppers would be their first since 2006.
It's the best start in program history, but is this the best team? A win on Saturday would make a grand argument in favor.
"It's great for the kids," said Blazers coach Paul Parpet Jr. "This is a game they've been looking forward to all season. They want that chance to prove themselves."
The proof, of course, is in the playoffs.
Regardless of a Saturday win, the Blazers have a long march ahead in trying to earn the honor of best team in program history. That distinction belongs to the 1983 and 1997 teams that reached the Class 6A championship game.
If Addison Trail beats Glenbard West, though, the Blazers will convince any skeptics that they have the potential to reach another state final.
2. Rivers and Valleys:
After looking at DuPage Valley Conference playoff scenarios last week, today we take a peek at the five DuPage County teams in the Upstate Eight Conference.
Luckily for us the picture's much more clear. The one complication, and it's significant, is the number of head-to-head matchups between the teams.
In the Valley Division, despite last week's surprising loss to West Aurora, Waubonsie Valley's already clinched a playoff berth by virtue of its six wins.
Glenbard East (3-4) - after three straight losses by a combined 10 points - becomes playoff eligible with wins over Metea Valley and West Aurora, but the Rams may still be in trouble. They have 27 playoff points, which is a strength-of-schedule number representing the total number of wins by the nine opponents on a team's schedule.
Because there will be so many 5-4 teams and not enough available playoff spots, the IHSA will use playoff points to determine which 5-4 teams qualify. With the cutoff expected to be in the upper 30s, approaching 40, Glenbard East may not be able to earn enough points.
Neuqua Valley is 5-2 and playoff eligible with games remaining against Waubonsie Valley and Metea Valley. With 30 playoff points, they appear in decent shape to qualify with five victories. A win in either of the final two games clinches a berth.
Metea Valley is 4-3 with games remaining against Glenbard East and Neuqua Valley. With 33 playoff points, a win in either game should make the Mustangs good to go for the playoffs.
Perhaps the most interesting case is West Chicago in the River Division. At 3-4 the Wildcats must beat Streamwood and St. Charles East to become playoff eligible. With 30 points right now, they could find themselves on the bubble for their first postseason appearance since 2002.
Food for thought as we enter another critical week of games.
3. In the archives:
If you're a sports history buff, you'll want to check out something pretty cool the IHSA is doing.
The IHSA Archives YouTube channel was created to give fans of every sport the chance to see footage from state tournaments of the past. To "get the ball rolling" last week, the IHSA uploaded footage from Hebron's stunning run to the 1952 state basketball championship.
As of Tuesday afternoon there were about 20 videos on the YouTube channel. Chess, cross country, swimming, basketball and, of course, football are available right now for your viewing pleasure.
The archive can be found at www.youtube.com/user/IHSAArchives. To suggest games and events to be uploaded, you can email archives@ihsa.org or mention @IHSAArchives on Twitter.
4. Thoughts and prayers:
Benet football coach Pat New calls Andrew Valadka "one of those people everyone really likes."
It's why those who know Valadka are having a difficult time with what happened Friday night during the Redwings' football game against Carmel.
Valadka, a senior defensive back for Benet, suffered a spinal fracture while tackling an opponent. After undergoing numerous procedures the last few days, he remains hospitalized as family, friends and a growing community of supporters hope and pray for his recovery.
Most of all, though, they wait.
"The frustrating thing is not knowing," New said. "We're in a waiting situation right now."
New said it'll be days before Valadka's condition is better known. Please keep him in your thoughts.
5. Stat time:
After six teams learned their playoff fates in Week 6, three more did the same last weekend.
Naperville Central joined Addison Trail, Glenbard West and Waubonsie Valley in clinching a postseason berth with a sixth win, while Naperville North and Wheaton North unfortunately joined Downers North, Lisle and Willowbrook in being eliminated with a fifth loss.
A whole mess of teams can clinch with a sixth win this weekend: Benet, Downers South, Glenbard South, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Lake Park, Neuqua Valley and St. Francis.
IC Catholic Prep and Wheaton Warrenville South staved off elimination with wins last week, but they remain in must-win mode with four losses. Glenbard North joined them by suffering its fourth loss.
Follow Kevin on Twitter @kevin_schmit