You have to feel for Oak Forest, which finished 8-1 with a No. 2 seed. And who did the Bengals draw in the first round? None other than Providence, perhaps the most dangerous 5-4 team in the state. Traditionalists are keeping their fingers crossed for a Providence-Joliet Catholic matchup in the second round. Those two schools have won 22 state championships between them. Lemont (9-0) is the team to beat in the upper bracket. Lemont caught a break when Cary-Grove (9-0) was bumped up to 7A.
Who’s hot: After losing its first two games, Joliet Catholic — led by running back Tyler Hudetz — is focused on winning title No. 14. The Hilltoppers could collide with Rock Island (9-0) in the quarters. Lemont, last year’s runner-up, could face dangerous Morgan Park in Round 2.
Who’s not: Rich East started 6-0, then lost two of its last three games. Lake Forest stumbled down the stretch.
Dark horse: Morgan Park (6-3) in the upper bracket and Providence (5-4) in the lower bracket. Two of Morgan Park’s losses were to 8A powers Lincoln-Way East and Brother Rice.
Projected champion: Downstate fans already are clamoring for undefeated Rock Island and 8-1 powers Bloomington and Normal. But Joliet Catholic could knock out Rock Island in the quarterfinals and either Bloomington or Normal in the semis. Lemont is ready for a return trip to Champaign. Joliet Catholic over Lemont.
