Talking with ‘Edgy’ Tim: Order restored in the North Suburban, looking back on Geneva-Batavia, Montini’s title chances

It’s time again to talk with “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran.

The Rivals prep football expert is back to discuss the latest local news from the gridiron. “Edgy” and Daily Herald columnist Kevin Schmit break down the North Suburban Conference, the best player in last week’s Geneva-Batavia game and Montini’s three-peat quest among other subjects.

Let’s dig in.

Kevin Schmit: After a wild first few weeks, has order been restored in the North Suburban Conference with Lake Zurich, Libertyville and Warren settling in at the top of the standings?

“Edgy” Tim: It’s a good point and, yeah, I think so. There have been a couple quality wins there, and I think things have kind of slipped. Interesting end of the season for them, though. Lake Zurich’s on the road for all three: at Lake Forest, at Libertyville, at Warren. So they’ll definitely get tested. But I think they’ve been pretty consistent on defense.

They look like they’re on track, just like Libertyville. Although those are also an interesting couple of games at the end with Lake Zurich and Zion-Benton.

But the way that conference has been, I’ll probably be dead wrong (laughs). We’ll probably end up with four teams at 5-4 or something. But I think it’s settled in. Zion and Mundelein have kind of fallen back a couple games, but this week is important. Especially for Lake Zurich against Lake Forest.

KS: Looking back on last week’s amazing game between Geneva and Batavia, a 56-49 victory by the Vikings, who do you think was the best player on the field that night?

ET: It really was a great game, but I’d have to go with (Geneva running back and linebacker) Nelson Wendell. He never left the field, made some major impact plays on defense, and he rushed for over 300 yards.

I expected a lot more passing from Geneva, honestly, but the running game was working so well.

But I can’t do this without also mentioning (Batavia quarterback Michael) Vander Luitgaren. The biggest difference with his game this year is his running ability. I talked with him in the offseason, and that was a big focus for him. He thought he could run it more. It adds a whole different dimension to his game. He single-handedly almost beat them. He was pretty spectacular.

But with what Wendell did, and the way he plays both ways, I don’t know how he did it. Somehow he sucked it up for that last touchdown that won the game. You saw him coming to the sideline and he was absolutely gassed. But he’s a tough kid. Give him credit.

KS: Montini has lost to two larger schools in Sandburg and St. Rita by a total of eight points. Even though they lost, are the Broncos’ chances for a third straight state title even stronger because of how close they were?

ET: I was at the Sandburg game, and I think they are on track. The Sandburg game, for whatever reason they just couldn’t execute on a handful of plays. But it was early in the year. And I’ll be honest, I don’t think that Hoopeston game in Week 1 really prepared them for Sandburg. I think they were still trying to figure everything out.

In Class 4A, it’s probably going to be Rochester they need to go up against in a state title game. With the north-south bracket, that’s what it’ll probably be. Rochester doesn’t have (Montini quarterback) Izzy Abrams, but they’re still effective on offense.

It’ll probably be their biggest test. There’s always someone in that north bracket that’ll be a test for them, but in terms of style and explosiveness, Rochester would be a really good matchup for them.

But I do think the games they’ve played in the regular season really help them.

KS: Batavia plays Wheaton North this week in the DuKane Conference. Which team bounces back from a tough rivalry loss?

ET: Batavia, because I think the offense is going to be there every week. Wheaton North’s defense is generally very good, and I know they’ve kept scores down against a lot of teams, but, man, that’s a lot to cover and a lot to ask against Batavia.

Against Batavia, you’ve got to be all hands on deck. Batavia’s going to want to get in a shootout, and I don’t know if Wheaton North can stop them. If I’m Wheaton North, I’m running the ball after seeing the way Batavia defended the run last week.

It could be closer than people think. Maybe Wheaton North just takes the air out of the ball. That’s probably the way to beat Batavia now.

KS: I kind of already know the answer to this, but where are you headed this weekend?

ET: My daughter, Shannon, is getting married on Friday. It’s the first time in 33 years I will not be at a Friday night football game in the fall. It’s very weird.

Saturday I’m going to Loyola to see them play St. Ignatius. Pretty good game for a Saturday.

I got clearance from the wife and my daughter to go to a game Saturday. I may be “Edgy” Tim but I’m not “Crazy” Tim.