Ranks startin' to thin

Some surprises, some no-brainers in the first round of the playoffs.

Color Sly surprised that Kaneland had its clock cleaned by Sycamore tonight. A close loss, Sly could see, but to be picked apart by a team you beat ... makes you go hmmmm, and not in a happy way if you're a Knights fan. Is it time for Kaneland to re-examine what wins you playoff football games?

Sly's also surprised by the final score of the East-Hononegah game. Hononegah's a nice program, but it could be that the Saints started to wear down a little from playing two-way ball all season. Tough way to end a nice season.

While we're being Negative Nellies, two teams that ended last season in Champaign, Aurora Christian and St. Francis, are one-and-done. Hard to stay on that mountaintop, baby.

That other team that was in Champaign in 08, Geneva, crushed a Shepard team that dressed up for Halloween like a 7-2 football team. Regardless of the opponent, it had to be good for Geneva to win big and get a little confidence cookin' for next week at Wheaton Warrenville South. That game could be a bear, but the Vikings have the chance to make a huge statement.

Congrats to coach Gould's North Stars on a big win against South Elgin. This team was better than 6-3, and a couple playoff wins are well within the Stars' grasp, especially with a home game next week against a beatable Elk Grove team.

Sly can't believe North's Huxtable left the game injured. This about as star-crossed a year as you can have. Sure would be nice to see North at full strength for more than a quarter at a time but those backup backs have been playing their butts off all year and know how to do the job.

So we're down to Geneva, St. Charles North and Marmion, with North and Marmion having the best draws ahead for Round 2. Marmion's at Prairie Ridge after yet another CPL flameout.

Also, Sly wants to send along some congrats to some of the other success stories on an eventful Saturday, like Geneva, East and North volleyball, Marmion soccer and all the cross country kids who are headed for Peoria.

Way to represent, one and all.