The regular football season has reached its midpoint. In Week 5, a major upset took place as Providence suffered a 17-7 defeat to Nazareth, marking Providence’s first game since the departure of their head coach, Tyler Plantz. Oak Lawn and Lincoln-Way East maintained their perfect records with standout performances from Jayden Schlosser of the Spartans and Jayden Cawthon of the Griffins.
Postseason Prospects: Breaking Playoff Droughts
With five weeks completed, attention turns to the postseason. The expanded playoffs offer opportunities for teams that have struggled in previous years. Certain teams are set to break long-standing playoff droughts. Leo, with a 3-2 record, is on the path to its first playoffs since 2013. Bloom, also 3-2, aims for its first playoff appearance since 2017. Similarly, Thornton, at 3-2, hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2019, but looks poised to return.
Marian Catholic, having a 2-3 record, can nearly guarantee its return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 with a win against St. Viator, who is currently 0-5. These teams are making headway toward playoff qualification, not based on last-minute wins in Week 9, but with strong performances by Week 5.
Southland Teams: Close to Securing Spots
Most Southland teams appear nearly assured of playoff spots, with only eight teams at risk of missing out. De La Salle, Bremen, Eisenhower, Argo, and Thornridge are among those facing significant challenges. However, three teams merit further discussion on their potential playoff prospects.
Richards aims to build on its momentum, following a strong victory against Homewood-Flossmoor where Eric Jacobs shone. St. Laurence, 1-4, requires a crucial win in Week 7 against Marmion and may rely on their Week 9 game against DePaul Prep for a possible third victory. Rich Township, another 1-4 team, achieved a dominant win over Bloom, bolstered by Ortez Johnson’s impressive performance. Meanwhile, the Stagg Chargers, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2005, must secure additional victories to make their playoff aspirations a reality.
The Quest for a Bye Week Intensifies
As almost every team approaches a playoff berth, the race for a bye week in the first round becomes increasingly important. Teams typically need seven wins to comfortably secure a bye, though some six-win teams might qualify based on the strength of their opponents.
Lincoln-Way East, Oak Lawn, Mount Carmel, and Morgan Park look set to achieve this milestone, given their impressive records. T.F. North and Evergreen Park, both at 4-1, are in favorable positions. However, teams like Providence, Lincoln-Way Central, Brother Rice, and Richards are in precarious spots where the outcome of a single game could significantly impact their paths.
The Week’s Remarkable Result
A surprising score emerged as Hillcrest defeated Lemont 38-20. Hillcrest’s early season struggles with an 0-3 start and poor offensive performance were overshadowed as they rattled a notable win. Senior Ladell Ross made a successful transition from receiver to quarterback, leading Hillcrest to a competitive standing in the South Suburban Blue division this fall.