Caravan ready for playoff run
Thoughts and observations heading into the state playoffs:
First down
Mount Carmel’s absence from the playoffs last season and absence fromthe Super 25 for a good chunk of this season has Caravan fans up in arms. There are several reasons for both slights, but if Friday was any indication, things could be on the upswing for the city’s legendary football program.
Alek Thomas has played running back and receiver the last two games, with Radomir Premovic taking over at quarterback.
Thomas led the Caravan back from a 13- point halftime deficit Friday against Providence. He stood out at receiver, with four receptions for 102 yards, including a 49- yard touchdown catch. He also had seven carries for 81 yards.
Mount Carmel ( 6- 3) will travel to Moline ( 7- 2) for the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs. If the Caravan advance, they would face the Downers Grove North-Normal winner, with powerhouse East St. Louis ( 8- 1) possibly looming in the quarterfinals.
Second down
It’s way past time to pay some attention to Crete- Monee and quarterback Isaiah Rucker.
The Warriors lost to No. 1 Lincoln-Way East in Week 1, then beat Brother Rice 33- 25 in Week 2. They weren’t challenged again the rest of the season. They’re averaging 46 points for and 14 against.
Rucker, a 6- 6, 225- pound senior, has been a sensation. He holds the school record for completions and passing yards and is seven touchdown passes away from holding that record. He’s a three- year starter who led Crete- Monee to the Class 6A title game in 2015.
The Warriors ( 8- 1), who are the top seed in the south in the Class 6A bracket, will host dangerous Hinsdale South ( 5- 4) in the first round.
Third down
It’s a vast and complicated city, but almost everyone seems united in disgust over the situation at Hope Academy. First, it was St. Francis that refused to play the Eagles at Altgeld Park. That was Week 7. Then, Bishop McNamara followed suit in Week 9.
It all stems from a shooting that occurred blocks away from Altgeld Park in Week 6 against Providence. Since then, the Hope Academy administration and the city have taken every measure possible to make sure Altgeld Park is safe during football games, but the suburban schools still refuse to come.
Hope Academy now heads into the playoffs having played just once in the last three weeks. The Eagles ( 7- 2) host Orr ( 7- 2) in the first round in Class 2A. The Spartans will show up to play.
Fourth down
Some streaks were extended and some broken when the playoff field was announced. Stevenson ( 6- 3), which is making its 29th consecutive postseason appearance, owns the longest Class 8A playoff streak.
Buffalo Grove ( 8- 1) is back in the postseason for the first time since 2003, and Maine West ( 7- 2) qualified for the first time since 2002.
Back of the Yards ( 8- 1) and Ag. Science ( 6- 3) are in the playoffs for the first time.