Championship drought for Southland

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:30PM

It's been four long years since one of our own has hoisted a state football title trophy - St. Rita turned the trick against Lake Zurich in 2006 - a championship drought of massive proportions when you consider the amount of talent the Southland has developed during that period.

Oh, we've had teams performing the turkey trot to state championship games in Champaign on Thanksgiving weekend.

But we've had to settle for the role of bridesmaid four times the past two years, including twice last season.

Marist, in Class 8A, and Providence Catholic, in 6A, thrilled loyal fans and the region with memorable playoff runs in 2009.

But the opposition proved too mighty in each instance, leaving our local heroes in the runner-up spots.

Of course, second place in state remains a noteworthy, if not spectacular, accomplishment.

However, a region drowning in championship tradition, not to mention NFL talent, should never get accustomed to second-best.

"Hopefully this is the year someone wins one," St. Rita coach Todd Kuska said. "There's so much competition throughout the state, as well as right here on the South Side. You have to beat so many quality teams to just qualify for the playoffs. But it does prepare you for what's ahead in the playoffs."

For the second consecutive season, St. Rita grabbed the top spot in the SouthtownStar's preseason poll.

The Mustangs had plenty of competition for top honors and if a slip-up occurs, which should not surprise observers considering St. Rita's potent schedule, a handful of squads are ready to make a move to the coveted top spot.

One of those teams is Lincoln-Way East.

"We have a ways to go, but I like our team's potential," said Griffins coach Rob Zvonar, whose team sits at No. 2. "We have high expectations of ourself every season. Last season left a bad taste in our mouth. The kids are motivated."

Which shouldn't bode well for opponents.

Being a part of the preseason Top 10 is one thing, remaining in it is quite another.

Teams who fell just short of making our Top 10 - Lincoln-Way North, Andrew, Sandburg, T.F. South and Brother Rice - likely will make their way in during the regular season. And only a fool would discount tradition-rich Thornton. One of the Wildcats' sister schools, Thornridge, appears on the brink of making some serious noise as well.

It all begins for real Friday.

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