Talking with ‘Edgy’ Tim: Breaking down the opening round of the IHSA football playoffs

It’s time to find out what Rivals prep football expert “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran really thinks about the opening round of the IHSA playoffs this weekend.

This edition of Talking with “Edgy” dives into best and worst draws, and the possibility of a 2-7 team actually making a run. There’s much to discuss with Daily Herald columnist Kevin Schmit, so let’s get to it.

Kevin Schmit: Which area teams have the best playoff draws?

“Edgy” Tim: In Class 8A it’s Huntley, believe it or not. I know their reputation of not always having a great postseason, but I like their draw. They probably play Oswego in the quote-unquote first-round game next week, that’s my guess. Win that, play the winner of South Elgin-Lane Tech. Win that, probably run into Homewood-Flossmoor or New Trier. So obviously things get tough after that second game. But I think they can at least get the a quarterfinal.

In 7A I’d say Downers Grove North. Not as easy, but they’ll end up playing West Chicago. Interesting, though, that West Chicago kind of runs a double wing. Then Downers North likely plays St. Rita, but I think that’s a good matchup. It’s a great second-round game but I think that game’s winnable. Then they might run into Jacobs or Richards, and that might be easier than St. Rita.

In 6A it’s Geneva. Probably play Carmel in the second round, then Wheaton North, which they’re obviously familiar with from the DuKane Conference. Fenwick probably in the quarters and after that it’s wide open.

Cary-Grove in 5A. Hinsdale South, then probably King after that. Then you probably run into Kankakee or St. Francis. It’s not terrible.

KS: Now the bad news … which area teams have the worst playoff paths?

ET: Downers Grove South in 8A, playing potentially York in their first game. York’s on a roll and they’re starting to figure it out now.

In 7A, I’d say Batavia. Probably play Lincoln-Way Central. I think they could give Batavia a game. Then after that they’d run into Brother Rice, and that’s tough.

Kaneland in 5A. First game probably against St. Francis. In 4A, Montini may have the worst draw of anyone. Second round, at Morris. But Montini has a history with this kind of thing. I remember a couple years ago they had to play at Byron in the second round and they won it on a goal-line stand. It was actually one of the better games I’ve seen. Very memorable game.

KS: Do you see any 2-7 area teams that might have playoff legs?

ET: In the state it’d be Prairie Ridge. They’re the ones that could actually go a ways. It’s very winnable and they were young this year.

For the Daily Herald (area), I mean, Lake Park is a possibility, but I don’t think they’ll beat Hinsdale Central. Benet has a shot at Moline just because I don’t know how good Moline is and I don’t know how good the Western Big Six is. It’s another conference that’s been disappointing in the playoffs.

The other one that stands out is Rolling Meadows at Addison Trail. That’s probably the one I’d go with.

KS: What are the best area games in the opening round?

ET: Probably Stevenson at Lockport. That could be really good. And then I thought Maine West at Niles Notre Dame could be interesting. Notre Dame is always a scrappy team. No matter what their record is, they always play people tough. And Maine West is a little down this year, but traditionally they’ve been pretty good. Maybe they get a little postseason boost here and make it a game with Notre Dame. I find that matchup intriguing.

KS: Where are you going this weekend?

ET: Friday I’ll see Warren at Naperville Central. Neither had great years but they’re both traditionally good programs. So maybe we get a close game and a fun one to cover.

Mt. Vernon at Providence is at 2 p.m. on Saturday and it’s relatively close to home. There aren’t a lot of Saturday games, and I don’t want to go to Edwardsville or O’Fallon to watch a game.