Several teams need strong finishes to make playoffs
Yes, it's October -- a time when leaves change their colors, pumpkins are everywhere, children dress up in their favorite costumes and go door-to-door to promote tooth decay, and I get one year closer to receiving my AARP card.
National Football League teams have arrived at the quarter pole and are looking forward to the final three-quarters of the regular season.
College football teams are nearing the midway point of their seasons.
Things are progressing faster for high school football teams.
With six games already in the books, the regular season is two-thirds of the way completed.
Two local teams -- Aurora Christian and Geneva -- have already secured postseason berths.
Led by junior quarterback Jordan Roberts, Aurora Christian carries a 6-0 record into Saturday's Private School League contest against Walther Lutheran (5-1). The winner will likely capture the PSL title.
The Eagles, who will be making their sixth consecutive state playoff appearance later this month, are out to improve upon their best-ever Class 1A state quarterfinal showing in 2004.
Geneva, which sealed its fourth straight playoff berth with last week's 43-14 rout of DeKalb, still has plenty of work ahead in its aim at an unbeaten regular season and Western Sun championship.
The Vikings, who face Rochelle (5-1) tonight, finish the regular season with back-to-back road games against their biggest rivals -- Kaneland and Batavia.
Six more area squads still harbor playoff aspirations. Here's a look at their prospects:
Batavia (3-3):Å’No team has experienced more ups and downs than the Bulldogs this season.
Six days after a 30-7 season-opening loss to St. Charles East, Batavia crushed West Chicago 41-0. Three weeks ago, the Bulldogs couldn't overcome a 24-0 halftime deficit during a 36-31 loss to Rochelle. Last week, the Bulldogs built a 27-3 halftime lead and went on to defeat Yorkville 47-3.
"Prior to last Friday, we hadn't played a complete game," said Batavia coach Mike Gaspari. "But I feel great about where we're at. We're really just eight points from being 5-1 right now."
With the emergence of junior tailback JR Kabba and growth of junior quarterback Jordan Coffey, Batavia begins its playoff push tonight at Sycamore.
"Our primary focus each week is just to improve," said Gaspari. "In our conference, you have to be prepared to play each week. Look at what has happened the last few weeks. Sycamore knocked off (previously unbeaten) Rochelle last weekend. And DeKalb beat Sycamore earlier in the season."
Kaneland (2-4): In order for the Knights to extend their streak of 12 consecutive postseason appearances, they'll have to run the table against DeKalb, Geneva and Yorkville.
Two positives in the Knights' favor -- their offense, engineered by senior quarterback Jody Henningson, averages four touchdowns per game. Plus, they already own a 31-28 victory over Batavia.
On the downside, the Knights' defense has allowed 36 points per contest.
Marmion (3-3): While the Cadets were outscored 111-0 during their brutal three-game stretch against Driscoll, Marian Central Catholic and Montini, they've proven that they can win the close ones.
After outlasting Kaneland 42-38 in Week 2, Marmion rallied to edge St. Francis 7-5 last weekend. Bobby Winkel's 20-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown run snapped a 15-quarter scoreless drought against the Spartans.
With remaining games against Immaculate Conception, Aurora Central Catholic and St. Edward -- teams with a combined record of 3-15 -- the Cadets have a legitimate shot at closing the season with four straight victories and a 6-3 record.
St. Charles East (5-1): Perhaps this season's biggest surprise has been provided by St. Charles East. Despite losing the majority of their offensive line, the Saints find themselves one win away from their third straight playoff berth.
Anchored by defensive lineman Dave Mashal and linebacker Pat Friel, the Saints' stingy defense has allowed just 9 points per game. Coach Ted Monken's Saints cleared a major hurdle last weekend with their 17-14 victory over longtime nemesis Neuqua Valley. With wins over South Elgin and St. Charles North, St. Charles East will capture its first Upstate Eight Conference crown with a perfect 6-0 record. Even with a loss in one game the Saints will have at least a share of the title.
St. Charles North (3-3): The North Stars have also experienced somewhat of a roller coaster ride this season. Two weeks ago, they suffered a disappointing 37-6 Homecoming loss to Bartlett. Last week, they rebounded with a 34-7 win over South Elgin.
Despite season-opening losses to Cary-Grove and McHenry, the North Stars should pick up valuable playoff points over the final three weeks.
However, the question remains --can they win two of three against Larkin, St. Charles East and Neuqua Valley?
West Aurora (3-3):Å’Buck Drach's squad has already accomplished something it couldn't do last season -- win a DuPage Valley Conference game (beating Glenbard East 9-6).
But the Blackhawks need to win at least two of their final three games to keep their postseason dreams alive.
Their hopes may hinge on a Week-9 showdown at Glenbard North (3-3) -- with both teams possibly needing a win to secure a playoff spot.
csb4k@hotmail.com