2002 8A Playoff Central

Throughout the playoffs this page will be updated with the most recent information and playoff out looks. Follow scores and rankings at Playoff Central & The Big 30.

Brackets & Scores
1A / 2A / 3A / 4A / 5A / 6A / 7A / 8A

Last Years Champ; Downers Grove (South) (12-2) Runner-up;Naperville Central (13-1)

2002 Title Game Date & Time; Nov. 30th 4pm

Favorites to win the title; Downers Grove (South), Wheaton (North) & Hinsdale (Central)
Other Title Threats; Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) , Naperville (North), Lockport (Twp.) & Park Ridge (Maine South)
Sleeper teams: Chicago (Lane Tech)& Harvey (Thornton)

Favorites to win the title;
Downers Grove (South) (9-0) - The reigning Champs are just that. Which means that they are not the Champs this year, not yet at least. DGS should make quick work in rounds 1 & 2, but a possible matchup with Lockport (Twp.) in the quarterfinals could be the upset of the playoffs in 8A. Then onto possibly Hinsdale (Central) & a title game with Wheaton (North). The Mustangs have their work cut out for them.

Wheaton (North) (9-0) - The Falcons are flying high this season. And they have every reason to be with QB Zach Ullrich & a cast of the states top prospects. Look for the Falcons to make their way back to the finals for the first time since 1986 5A Championship.

Hinsdale (Central) (9-0) - Top ranked Red Devils may be the number one team in the state. With QB Brad Bower & over achieving RB Brian Grzelakowski. No one should be surprised if they take home the title.

Other Title Threats;
Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) (8-1) - The pride of Frankfort, if these guys aren't the envy of every other new program in the state then there's a problem. A complete offensive & defensive set of returning starters. After battling through the SICA (Blue) with a loss to Lockport, the Griffins only excuse for not bringing a trophy back to Lincoln-Way is that they got stuck with one of the toughest possible playoff scenario in the class. Starting withChicago (Brother Rice), most likely Harvey (Thornton) then Hinsdale (Central). If they make it that far it's most likely Downers Grove (South) or Lockport (Twp.) before the Champaign.

Naperville (North) (8-1) - The DuPage Valley conference may be having an off year, but the Huskies could care less, they're all about avenging the lone loss on their record, but to do that they have to make it to the finals & hope Wheaton (North) does the same. Corey McKoen's two way play will be crucial as the traditional role for leadership, the QB, is being filled by sophomore Greg "Wonder Kid" Wunderlich, who will be the next big thing, but needs the help of his seniors if they want to bring the title back to Naperville.

Park Ridge (Maine South) (8-1) - The Hawks may find themselves in a good position to be in the semifinals if Gurnee (Warren) (8-1) isn't the real deal. Wheaton North may be the lone obstacle for the Hawks, but (RB) Neil Sherlock needs to step up as sophomore QB Sean Price will be making his first playoff appearance.

Sleeper teams:
Chicago (Lane Tech) (9-0) - The Chicago Public teams really get a bum rap, but with all due respect to many teams from the CPL falter once playoff time comes around. The Indians are consistent if they are one thing. They have made the playoffs 18 times. The only problem is they've yet to make it past the quarter finals & the last time they made it that far was in 1989. We will give the Indians the benefit of the doubt, if there's a 9-0 tea, out there that is going to shock anyone by making the quarterfinals it the Indians.

Harvey (Thornton) (6-3) - Talent, talent, talent. The Wildcats have a lot of it. But if talent won championships then Donvan McNabb would have 2 rings on his fingers from winning the state title with Chicago (Mt. Carmel), but he doesn't. The Cats can go far, but they have to go up hill the whole time. Harvey can score, they average 34.7 a game & 14.6 points allowed on defense isn't shabby, if Thornton can dominateLaGrange (Lyons) and win the rematch with Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) , it might have a shot at Downers Grove (South) or Lockport (Twp.).