Even IHSA, Lake Zurich can't spoil DVC's day
CHAMPAIGN -- So it wasn't the championship bonanza the DuPage Valley Conference expected.
It was still pretty cool.
Three DVC football teams enjoyed something they'd never done before. They each played for a state title Saturday as Wheaton Warrenville South took on Lake Zurich in the Class 7A final and conference foes Naperville North and Glenbard North followed in the big daddy of 8A.
What a night.
Even though WW South fell short in its bid for a sixth state title, the Tigers showed the class of a champion by trying to welcome both DVC rivals onto the field for their 8A tilt.
I say "trying" because the best laid plans unfortunately went awry.
After a crushing 7-3 loss WW South displayed tremendous heart by forming human tunnels for both 8A teams -- reliving the 1992 moment when the Tigers, after their Class 5A game, formed a tunnel for Naperville North prior to its 6A game.
The IHSA, however, ruined what was going to be another memorable moment by forcing the Tigers players to go up in the stands for the postgame team picture.
Despite that disappointment the Tigers managed a few hugs and well-wishes before being dragged away from their DVC brothers.
It was still pretty cool.
This is what DVC football is all about. Game week during the regular season puts total focus on pounding the rival. It's different in the playoffs, where these teams legitimately root for each other -- as long as they're not facing each other.
That's why it became dicey for the 8A game. Naperville North and the Panthers sincerely were glad the other advanced to the title showdown, but this week turned into the classic case of be careful what you wish for.
In the DVC there's a good chance you'll get it.
There is such extreme pride in the conference -- how many teams make the playoffs, how many advance to certain rounds. The more, the better.
Dominance in the DVC traditionally comes in waves.
West Chicago christened the tournament in its first year with a title in 1974. Wheaton North won three championships after that, WW South added five more, including four in the 1990s.
Naperville North and Central got into the action with a title each. Success bred success as toughened-up teams thrived.
With the success, though, also came DVC droughts.
A five-year break between titles, then a six-year break. The biggest drought ended last year when WW South won the conference's first title in seven years.
The Tigers' 2006 crown signaled the DVC is back. Saturday reinforced the signal.
Naperville North and WW South each won titles in 1992, and in 1995 the Tigers beat Naperville Central in an epic title game. Saturday put us in the midst of the latest in a string of glory days for the conference.
How long will it last? With the cyclical nature of the sport, nothing's guaranteed.
In other words enjoy it now.
And when the DVC does hit another championship drought, which is bound to happen, remember this weekend.
Remember the sight of three DVC teams, despite being fierce rivals, standing as one.
Remember the sound of that "D-V-C" chant ringing through Memorial Stadium as Naperville North celebrated the league's latest state title.
Even though the DuPage Valley of Champions came home a title short of expectations, it was still pretty cool.