Under the newly expanded football playoff structure in Illinois, Little Illini Conference football fans expect to see more teams qualify for the playoffs. After all, there are now 384 spots to be filled in the eight-class state tournament – 128 more than last year. Just how many more LIC teams? Consider this…
The IHSA’s weekly list of playoff clinchers and hopefuls lists every team with four, five, or six wins as in the playoffs already. Mt. Carmel and Paris are now on that list. But with half the league’s teams sporting a 3-3 season record, or just one win shy of being on the playoff list, it’s not hard to envision six LIC teams – and yes, maybe more – making the post-season show. That makes the Week 7 slate of games ultra-important if only for resume building purposes.
Undefeated Mt. Carmel is in the driver’s seat at the top of the league standings, with the Golden Aces eyeing a possible first-round playoff bye under the new post-season format. They may need to run the table to accomplish that.
Here is the lineup for this weekend, including conference and season records, kickoff times (CDT). plus predictions:
Friday, Oct. 2
Olney (3-1, 3-3) at Paris (2-2, 4-2), 7:00 p.m.
Massey says: Olney by 7 points
Our prediction: Paris 33-29
Newton (2-2, 3-3) at Robinson (2-2, 3-3), 7:00 p.m.
Massey says: Newton by 13 points
Our prediction: Newton 36-21
Mt. Carmel (4-0, 6-0) at Casey-Westfield (2-2, 3-3), 7:00 p.m.
Massey says: Mt. Carmel by 21 points
Our prediction: Mt. Carmel 35-8
Saturday, Oct. 3
Marshall (2-2, 3-3) at Lawrenceville (0-4, 0-6), 2:00 p.m.
Massey says: Marshall by 11 points
Our prediction: Marshall 26-15
