DVC still has something to prove
Anyone hungry?
Judging by the three-week results in the DuPage Valley Conference, the feisty nine-team league must be starving. So much so that the teams are feasting on each other.
At what cost? This week's Eyes on Five takes a look at the damage already done.
1. Feeding frenzy:
Three weeks into a nine-week DuPage Valley Conference schedule, and Naperville Central is the lone unbeaten.
The parity's been that evident so far.
With only one winless team, that means seven teams are rumbling in the middle with one or two victories. Expect the trend to continue as everyone jockeys for position and the ultimate goal of five wins and a playoff berth.
The danger is that the DVC teams will cannibalize each other to the point where it'll cost the league spots in the playoffs.
Who will make it through? Tough to say right now because much depends on how the DVC fares in its crossover games against the Upstate Eight Conference.
So far the DVC is 0-3 in nonconference competition, including last week's debut DVC-UEC crossover between South Elgin and Lake Park, which lost 10-7 to the Storm. Naperville North lost to Sandburg in Week 1 and Wheaton North fell to Joliet Catholic in Week 2. Glenbard North faces UEC foe Glenbard East on Friday in the hope of giving the DVC its first nonconference win.
The DVC is doing a fine job beating up on each other. Now it needs to do a better job in its limited chances to beat up on others.
2. How good?:
This quote from venerable Montini coach Chris Andriano leaps off the page.
"There aren't too many teams that are going to be able to match up," he said of the Broncos' speed after Friday's 38-7 win over St. Rita.
What to take from the comment? Montini might be scary good this season.
The Broncos have handled a trio of perennial playoff powers in Maine South, East St. Louis and the Mustangs, and not just because of speed. It's the total package.
Speed, however, is the true killer. Guys like running back Prince Walker, quarterback Justin Blake, receiver Tyler Millikan and defensive back Mitch West can flat-out fly.
It's a dimension Montini hasn't had to this degree. And when combined with the physical play of bruisers like linebacker John Embrey, the Broncos have the potential to be devastating.
It'll be interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds for Montini - especially that Week 7 showdown with unbeaten St. Francis.
3. Randomness:
This week the IHSA released the first edition of its playoff outlook. While not a whole lot can be gleaned from only three weeks worth of games, there's still some interesting stuff in there.
First random thought ... Whether it's in Class 8A or 7A (the IHSA has it listed as the second-biggest school in 7A), Glenbard West is looking like a No. 1 seed in the 1-to-32 seeding format. If the Hilltoppers go unbeaten for the sixth time in eight years, they'll leap to the top of their class thanks to a strength of schedule that includes two of the better West Suburban Gold teams (Hinsdale South and Addison Trail), Bolingbrook and a Silver slate with four unbeaten teams.
Another random thought ... Five wins won't guarantee the DuPage Valley Conference a playoff berth. Lake Park unfortunately proved that theory last season, but it'll be even more of an issue this year because of the league's parity.
Final random thought ... On the opposite side of the optimism spectrum, the East Suburban Catholic Conference is poised to advance another big batch of teams into the playoffs after sending six of 10 teams last year. Five wins will qualify with ease, and seven teams already have at least two.
4. Lead the way:
Not a week goes by that we don't receive an email or phone message from a company trying to publicize a new piece of football equipment designed to increase player safety.
From eyewear, mouthguards and helmets to neck gear, face masks and wireless gizmos ... it's enough to make your head spin.
I can't imagine what prep football programs go through trying to navigate the different sales pitches. When it comes right down to it, though, the best pitch in the world won't matter.
Even if they wanted to invest in cutting-edge equipment, teams and football families simply can't afford $400 mouthguards.
Football budgets are generous compared to other sports, but it's still incredibly expensive. Teams need help keeping up with the costs.
That's where the National Football League should step up.
I realize the NFL already pours cash into various initiatives, but we're talking about a league where the 32 teams are valued at a combined $45 billion. That's billion with a "B."
If the NFL is concerned about the long-term health of its product, it needs to pay more attention to the long-term health of its future players.
5. Stat time:
With 132 points in three games, Glenbard East leads DuPage County in scoring. The Rams are just ahead of Hinsdale Central's 126 points.
St. Francis leads the area defensively with only 7 points allowed, but the Spartans' stats are a little skewed because of their Week 2 forfeit win over Hales. Again, Hinsdale Central's defense is right behind with 21 points allowed.
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