As we reported again here, Naperville Central might be stuck with only one home game this season as it awaits the renovation of Memorial Stadium. These things eventually happen. The Bears played their 2002 home schedule in Champaign. And whoever buys the Cubs might need to find an alternate site at some point if the new ownership group decides to fix up Wrigley Field.
Central coach Mike Stine doesn't think it will be an issue. Of course, he's supposed to say that, but he's been pretty consistent. Whenever the topics of potential seeding or home playoff games come up in conversation, Stine always says it doesn't really matter. The primary benefit is having the team together from the final bell to opening kickoff.
"Home-field (advantage) in high school sports is a little bit overrated - maybe in all sports," Stine said. "It doesn't really bother me at all playing on the road. (Sometimes) it's actually better. You have the kids' attention from the time school gets out. They don't have time to go home. (Maybe) they're focused a little longer.
"We're not dreading that at all."
What do you think? Is home-field advantage overrated? Will this create problems for Central? In the meantime, look for more football coverage in the print editions later in the week.
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