Singing the playoff blues in the DuPage Valley
What happened?
How did the DuPage Valley Conference go from the football penthouse a year ago to, well, a far less pleasant residence in 2008?
It seemed so easy last November: Five of the eight DVC teams made the playoffs, three advanced to state title games and Naperville North won the Class 8A crown.
With Glenbard North, Wheaton Warrenville South and Naperville North all state-ranked at the start of this season, equal success seemed imminent.
Then something strange happened - the playoffs.
Four of the five DVC qualifiers went down in the first round, including a stunning upset loss by WW South to Downers Grove North. Naperville North, the lone DVC team to win its playoff opener, lost last week to Marist.
Just like that, the DVC was out of the postseason.
It's the first time no conference team has advanced to the quarterfinals since 1985.
Several explanations seem reasonable, the most unattractive being that the DVC was overrated. Considering WW South lost by just a point and Naperville North fell by a field goal in overtime, "overrated" is a bit strong.
More likely it came down to the (bad) luck of the draw.
Wheaton North lost to unbeaten Glenbard West while Naperville Central, Glenbard North and Naperville North all lost to strong private school teams.
Sugarcoating aside, though, there's no escaping the tremendous disappointment within the conference.
WW South made it to the semifinals in each of the previous four seasons. For all the excitement during Glenbard North's run last year, the mood with the Panthers is equally sour with a first-round exit this year. Same with Naperville North on the heels of the 2007 8A state title and a DVC title this fall.
It'll be interesting to watch as the entire conference looks to redeem itself a year from now.
The football power, meanwhile, has shifted elsewhere in DuPage County. At least for this postseason.
The West Suburban Silver boasts three state quarterfinalists, two represented in tonight's 7A showdown between Glenbard West and host Downers North. Hinsdale Central, still thriving in 8A after a dominant win over Bolingbrook, looks to reach the semifinals with a Saturday victory at Brother Rice.
No conference this side of the Chicago Catholic Blue has earned more postseason success this year than the Suburban Catholic. All four qualifiers, spread throughout three classes, are still alive.
With Montini and St. Francis playing each other in 5A, the SCC is guaranteed at least one semifinalist. Immaculate Conception continues to surprise as a 15th seed in 2A while Driscoll, in its drive toward an eighth straight state title, faces a stiff test against top-seeded Aurora Christian in 4A.
Finally, there's Glen Ellyn - the football capital of DuPage County this season.
Not only is Glenbard West a major player in 7A, Glenbard South is in the 6A quarterfinals for the first time since 1999. An upset win Saturday over unbeaten Antioch would put the Raiders in the semifinals for the first time in program history.
Eight DuPage County teams still playing, and none of them from the DVC.
Strange days, indeed.
But as the power shifts elsewhere in the county as other teams compete for a Thanksgiving weekend trip to Champaign, know one thing.
The DVC is already plotting its resurgence in 2009.
kschmit@dailyherald.com