‘Edgy’ Tim O’Halloran: What’s your prep football team up against in the next round?
Now that the opening round of IHSA football playoffs is in the book, it's time to lock back in and get ready for another batch of games (confusingly called the first round by the IHSA) this coming weekend. Several Daily Herald area teams will be fighting for a win and a ticket to play another week.
I'll give you a few key names to watch this weekend from your opponents. Who knows? You might just impress your family and friends at the game.
Class 8A
No. 24 Barrington (6-4) at No. 9 Sandburg (7-2)
Barrington got its act together late in the regular season and have now won six straight games after an 0-4 start. Sandburg (7-2) has several key names on offense led by senior quarterback Sean Ruisz (6-foot-2, 195 pounds). Ruisz is a punishing runner operating a shotgun spread RPO look. He’s also a very capable passer. The remaining skills for the Eagles are a strength: NIU commit Lucas Matykiewicz (6-5, 220 pounds) is a top receiver. I saw in person the quickness of Sandburg’s defense in a 35-28 win over Montini. They chased around standout Broncos quarterback Israel Abrams for four quarters.
No. 23 Conant (7-3) at No. 10 Homewood-Flossmoor (7-2)
Conant posted a solid 21-12 win over Dundee-Crown, the school’s first playoff win since 2013. Homewood-Flossmoor and head coach Troy McAllister have a stable of talented players to watch. Look out for senior defensive tackle David Hill (6-3, 300 pounds), a four-star ranked recruit by Rivals. Hill, who has 21 FBS offers and has been committed to Wisconsin since May, is a strong, quick and explosive interior lineman. Hill is capable of sniffing out plays and taking on double and triple teams. Conant has been a run-heavy team this season. Look for the Cougars to have a plan to keep Hill somewhat under wraps.
Class 7A
No. 25 St. Charles North (6-4) at No. 8 Brother Rice (7-2)
The North Stars will have a big-time challenge traveling to Chicago to take on the Crusaders. Brother Rice, the defending Class 7A state champions, are back again with a loaded roster. The defensive line is a particular area of strength for the Crusaders. Junior defensive end Kameron McGee (6-5, 250 pounds), a five-star recruit, is already physically college ready, moves like a running back and will cause havoc with his pass rush and run defense. St. Charles North’s offense will know where McGee is on every snap. He has scholarship offers from literally every Power Four school in the nation.
Class 6A
No. 11 Joliet Catholic (6-4) at No. 6 Wheaton Warrenville South (6-3)
Two traditional power football programs here. While we could only hope to see a repeat of the 1992 Class 5A state championship game, a 40-34 double-overtime win for WW South, a few things will seem familiar to older Tiger fans. Joliet Catholic still runs the football a ton and the Hilltoppers’ uniforms are still very much the same as the early 1990s. Joliet Catholic senior running back-linebacker Derrick Pomatto (6-foot, 220 pounds) is an impact player on both sides of the football. He runs with power and speed. And when JCA needs a big play or a short-yardage gain, look for him to get the football.