While I'm still drying out from a wet Friday night, I'll offer a few quick thoughts on what happened around the area in the final week of the regular season.
For Jacobs, a 21-7 win against rival Dundee-Crown was the perfect way to bookend what was otherwise a rough campaign.
The Golden Eagles opened the season with a thrilling triple overtime win at Moline, but the lost seven games in a row. All of us here at the Courier had them pegged as underdogs going up against the Chargers, but they managed to prove us wrong.
Now Jacobs owns six straight wins against its District 300 rival and can try to tie the longest winning streak in series history next year. Give the Eagles a lot of credit for coming to play on a sloppy night and fighting to the finish of a season that went awry long ago.
For D-C, three turnovers in the third quarter loom large. The Chargers held a 7-0 lead at halftime thanks to an impressive 13-play, 85-yard drive in the final three minutes of the second quarter. They couldn't hold on to that momentum - or the ball for that matter - in the second half as the last two of those three turnovers let the Golden Eagles take and extend their lead.
I overheard one D-C student near the sideline say "At least there's still basketball."
Those sentiments are shared by me as I look forward to what is always a heated affair when D-C and Jacobs meet on the hardwood.
However, before turning our attention to hoops, there's still some unfinished football business. And I don't just mean the playoffs.
I got away from the trend in recent weeks, but it's time for me to reveal who impressed and surprised me Friday night.
MOST IMPRESSIVE WIN
I've enjoyed the St. Edward story all season long, and the Green Wave deserves a lot of credit for improving to 4-5 with an impressive 20-8 win at Marmion.
However, I was more impressed with St. Charles North's 20-0 win at Neuqua Valley. The Wildcats needed a win to reach the playoffs, but their prolific passing attack couldn't get anything going against the North Stars. North coach Mark Gould had his team ready to play after being shut out the previous week by rival St. Charles East.
In my opinion, this win is a big statement for North, which might just surprise some people with a lengthy run in the Class 7A playoffs.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
There's no doubt on this one. I was stunned to see Huntley lose 17-7 against Johnsburg. The Skyhawks are no pushover thanks to a high-octane passing game, but the Red Raiders had passed every other test up to this point, and I saw no reason that wouldn't continue.
Perhaps Huntley had a letdown after last week's thrilling triumph against Prairie Ridge. Now the Raiders must quickly get over the fact that their perfect season is over and get to work trying to right the ship before the start of the Class 6A playoffs next week.
Regarding St. Edward, I'd like to submit that their 4-5 record in no way defines the strength of this team or the program developed by Mike Rolando & his dedicated coaching staff. Despite the fact that every team in the rugged S.C.C. knew the Green Wave would run, virtually no one could stop their punishing ground attack! They nearly beat Montini despite the lack of a significant passing game & easily won the rushing battles against Driscoll & St. Francis. In most other area conferences, St. Edward would have been playoff bound. Victories over Marmion (who had victories over decent Kaneland & South Elgin teams) & playoff bound Hampshire are evidence of this.
For the first time in years, the Wave's defense also yielded fewer points than it's offense generated despite the strength of schedule. I believe Coach Rolando deserves serious consideration for Coach of the Year. This program was left for dead, but his optimism & enthusiasm has breathed new vitality into it. In the process, they have triumphed over great adversity. Under the guidance of "Coach Ro" & staff, the future is indeed bright for St. Edward football!