York doesn't want to break Curie streak

Lucky No. 14?

York hopes not.

The Dukes, seeded sixth in the upper bracket of Class 8A, open the playoffs against a Curie team that in 13 prior playoff appearances is 0-13.

This ugly truth did not escape first-year Condors coach Tyson LeBlanc, who stressed to his players the importance of "being remembered."

"Quite frankly," LeBlanc said of his 6-3 squad, "it's us against the world, because I don't think anybody in the state of Illinois thinks we're going to win this game."

York (7-2) enters on four straight wins, unbeaten since Week 5 to Lyons Twp., who shared the West Suburban Silver title with the Dukes.

Before the season began coach Bill Lech believed his offense would at least equal that of his 2006 semifinalist.

His prediction panned out. Junior quarterback Tom Judge lends passing ability York could have used last season. Tailbacks Mike McNulty and Spencer Ingle have combined for 1,602 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Dukes haven't matched last year's unit, to be expected after graduating every 2006 starter but nose tackle Anthony Piszczor and linebacker Steve Cripe.

Against No. 11 seed Curie, that defense will try to contain a shotgun offense Lech colorfully describes as resembling "grass basketball."

LeBlanc said Curie first-year quarterback and "difference-maker" Keith Lewis is capable of the 75-yard run -- or the mad-scrambling loss.

York will work to contain Lewis and create turnovers that killed Curie in losses to De La Salle, Stagg and Illini-Red Bird conference mate Whitney Young.

The Dukes' big offensive line will try to wear out a defense that allowed more than 100 yards only three times.

"Offensively, it favors us," Lech said. "Defensively, it's going to be a challenge, I think. It's going to be a fun challenge. It's just a matter of playing our responsibilities on defense and on special teams."