Nine lives for Joliet area in Round 2

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As I reviewed the matchups in the nine second-round playoff football games involving area high schools, a thought occurred.

Honestly, virtually every game can go either way.

What that means is there is reason for concern for area schools, but there also is reason for optimism. You do what you need to do, you execute, and you have a chance to live to see Round 3.

Let's take a look at what could put our teams over the top.

Downers Grove South (8-2) at Bolingbrook (9-1) – The Class 8A rematch of the season opener may be just as close. Bolingbrook escaped 16-14 the first time around.

Both teams have very good quarterbacks, Brad Geever for the Raiders and University of Illinois-bound Chandler Whitmer for Downers Grove South.

The Mustangs have won eight straight but barely escaped Waubonsie Valley 22-21 last week. Bolingbrook had to struggle to get past Lyons 17-10.

Watch for Geever to outplay his counterpart. That may be necessary for the Raiders to advance.

Lincoln-Way East (9-1) at O'Fallon (7-3) – O'Fallon opened the 7A playoffs with a 16-0 victory over Lincoln-Way Central, scoring touchdowns on a blocked punt and a fumble return.

With due respect to the Knights, shutting down East will be a taller order. The Griffins' offense has not been stopped much all year, and the defense has been strong except for the Bolingbrook game, a 46-24 loss. Don't look for any sort of relapse in this one.

Minooka (8-2) at East St. Louis (8-2) – A week ago, East St. Louis was a the next thing to a shoo-in in 7A. Then the Flyers hosted Bradley-Bourbonnais in the opening round of the playoffs and escaped in a wild one 50-43. Thank you, Bradley.

That does make you wonder whether Minooka, which relies on its running game and strong defense, may have a shot after all. The keys will be preventing the Flyers' big plays and moving the ball consistently without turning it over, thus keeping that potent East St. Louis offense on the sideline.

Easier said than done, of course. But Minooka's offensive line can be huge in deciding how this plays out.

Morgan Park (9-1) at Lemont (9-1) – These two met in Round 2 a year ago at Gately Stadium, and Lemont prevailed 21-7, though it was anything but easy. This time figures to be a battle to the wire as well. Lemont's defense has been outstanding, but it will be tested by Morgan Park's explosive offense.

What may work for Minooka at East St. Louis probably would be a winner for Lemont in this one. Move the chains and avoid turnovers to keep that Morgan Park offense on the sideline.

Providence (9-1) at Oswego (8-2) – On first glance, you might say Providence is primed to blow past everyone in 6A after finishing 8-1 in the regular season against the state's toughest schedule. However, Oswego is one of those teams that keeps games close with outstanding defense.

But there is another side to the story. The Panthers have not been scoring much against teams that play good defense themselves, and Providence certainly does that. The Celtics also have been masters at scoring points with their defense and special teams. You wonder how Oswego can score enough to win this one.

JCA (8-2) at Cahokia (9-1) – JCA's physical play along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball is a major reason the Hilltoppers could have the advantage in the 5A matchup. Cahokia is explosive, loves to throw the ball and in many ways is a scary opponent.

On the other hand, outside of Sacred Heart-Griffin in the Week 9 slop, the Comanches have not seen many offensive lines, defensive fronts or linebackers to match watch what JCA will put out there. And don't forget, the Hilltoppers have speed as well -- junior Josh Ferguson is rolling.

Mendota (8-2) at Morris (6-4) – Morris will be facing a strong running game when 4A opponent Mendota comes to town. The Trojans feature a quartet of backs who are fast and powerful.

Of course, Morris is adept at shutting down running games, and the Redskins have done a little more offensively in recent weeks. Plus, it is never easy for an opponent to win at Morris.

Coal City (8-2) at Richmond-Burton (9-1) – Defense is the name of the game for Coal City in the 3A matchup. Richmond-Burton can put 30-40 points or so on you in the drop of a hat. Peotone learned that the hard way last week.

You don't anticipate the Coalers' offense being shut down, but the defense will have to step up big time.

St. Joseph-Ogden (8-2) at Wilmington (10-0) – This is getting to be routine, a playoff game between these two 3A adversaries at Wilmington. St. Joseph-Ogden won 26-7 in Round 2 in 2007 and Wilmington got revenge 41-6 in the playoff opener a year,

St. Joseph-Ogden figures to put a Wilmington defense that has been outstanding all season to the severe test. The Spartans, featuring sophomore quarterback Blake Hoveln and junior tailback Jake Bock, can move the ball in the air or on the ground.

Of course, so can Wilmington. Look for Wildcats quarterback Colin Webb to make some big throws and help lead the Wildcats into Round 3.

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