Class 7A Round 1 Bracket Breakdown
Overall impressions of the Class 7A state playoff field? I see some very good teams, some not so very good teams and in most cases I'm also seeing some very nice and potentially good paths for a handful of 7A powers. Class 7A no question I feel is a bit less this year compared to the past few years. Now don't get all bent out of shape...this is still a very good class to follow this playoff season with some very strong teams at the top. The different between say 8A and 7A in 2016? In 8A the lower seeds might be as good over in some cases even better than the higher seeded teams. In 7A? I see a much better chance for the chalk (favorites) to advance here especially in the early rounds.
So which Top Seeds have a good path in Class 7A?
#1 seed Bradley (9-0)- The Boilermakers have simply been on of the top stories in the state for 2016. Bradley ran the table in the Southwest Suburban conference and drew the top seed in 7A. Bradley could potentially face the likes of say a Plainfield North (7-2), then winner from St. Rita (5-4)/Auburn (8-1) or say St. Charles North in the quarterfinals? Regardless, the Boilermakers drew one of the best overall brackets in any class last Saturday night. Nothing will come easy in the state playoffs, but also every potential game here is very winnable for Bradley.
#4 seed Fenwick- The Friars (8-1) also fared pretty well at the IHSA bracket table. Much like Bradley, Fenwick could face some real potholes along the way but I also see nothing they haven't seen already this season. If Fenwick gets by Hononegah (5-4) in Round 1 no question a showdown potentially with say Lake Zurich (7-2) could be a dandy. Yet if the Friars squad can get past a Lake Zurich early they have a terrific chance of making a deep run on this side of it's bracket.
#2 seed East St. Louis- I like that the Flyers drew a decent opening game in Lincoln-Way West (6-3) in Round 1. The Warriors should be able to give the Flyers a strong Round 1 game and a good early test. Now that potential Round 2 showdown with Glenbard North (7-2)? The Panthers have one of the state's top defensive backs going against East St. Louis WR Jeff Thomas and company? Huge game and test no question for the East Siders. I feel that the winner form that potential East Side/GBN game could wind up in Champaign.
#3 seed Rolling Meadows- The Mustangs (9-0) have rolled this season yet everyone will be down from the opening round on out mainly based off of a perceived lack of conference strength (Mid Suburban East). In all honesty I feel Rolling Meadows has about the same shot on this side of the bracket as anyone here. Thornwood (5-4) will bring a ton of speed and will no question test the Mustangs. I can also see 2-3 other teams in this 8 teams grouping who could easily wind up in the 7A state semifinals as well.
So who could be the Top Seeds to fall in Class 7A?
#3 seed Rolling Meadows (9-0)- Again not trying to pile on here whatsoever, yet here are the facts. Rolling Meadows and head coach Matt Mischer just play the schedule they have and have been strong especially on defense all regular season long. Yet just posting 25 playoff points is a huge red flag. The Mustangs most impressive win came back on Week 1 over St. Viator (5-4) and the only other team in the playoffs that Meadows defeated was Wheeling (5-4). On the positive side the Mustangs side of the bracket as mentioned is as wide open as any portion of Class 7A.
#5 seed Lincoln Park (8-1)- I can hear it all now..EDGY dissing the Chicago Public League. The IHSA playoff reality is that CPL teams from the Chicago division generally haven't fared well outside of the CPL. True, the Lions did win two games against Illini conference teams in Lindblom (4-5) and Payton (8-1). Yet I'm always more than a bit nervous for any CPL teams that don't at least stick it's toe in the suburban waters in non-conference play.
#7 seed Glenbrook North (8-1)- The Spartans and head coach Bob Pieper always seems to be in the hunt in the Central Suburban North along with being a very familiar team in Class 7A. Glenbrook North also has some real weapons on offense in QB Kevin Burnside and junior RB Jimmy Karfis. Yet the Spartans will get seriously tested starting in Round 1 against Simeon (5-4).
Tomorrow? Top Sleepers Teams and best Round 1 Match-ups in Class 7A.
