Coach Sly endorses the public option, and more playoff talk

Coach Sly is wondering how much to emotionally invest in these football playoffs.

Sly knows you're supposed to live in the present, so first-round wins should be enjoyed, but who around here has the team, and the draw, to make a major run at Champaign this year?

Anyone?

Geneva and St. Charles East are conference championship teams, but both teams would be looking at monster opponents in the second round ...  Geneva would probably play Wheaton Warrenville, East would probably play Glenbard West. Yikes, and doubles yikes.

St. Charles North probably has the best draw when it comes to the Tri-Cities teams but the North Stars haven't risen to the challenge too often against their top opponents. Then there's the question about all the moving parts on offense, and whether there's enough time to click and do something special. Sly wouldn't put it past them to at least win a couple.

This time of year, if you're a suburban team, you generally want to see a whole lot of "Chicagos" in front of your opponents' name. Health insurance debate notwithstanding, "the public option" is the one you want in the IHSA playoffs, so if Marmion can get by Huntley, there might be some runnin' room for the Cadets in 6A, at least until Cary-Grove comes into play in the semis.

Coach Sly is as curious about Kaneland as anyone. Playin' in 5A, you'd think the Knights have the football weaponry to make a major push, but it's also tough to win close games without much of a running game. If Kaneland can get past the Sycs, Sly thinks a potential second-round game against Hillcrest in the south burbs could be a great ballgame. The Knights better bring their track shoes if they make it to that one.

Enough of Sly's blather. Let's hear it, loud and proud! Playoff time, starting Friday night and continuing in earnest on Halloween!