The game is the thing. Ratings and listings can be fun, interesting, provocative. The scores indicate relative strengths and often offer a does of reality.
The news earlier this week than the college football top division will increase its number of teams in postseason playoffs from four to 12 teams was both expected and disappointing. The preliminary report indicated the increase to 12 teams would begin as early as the 2024 season and no later than the 2026 season. The good news is that there will more than the current four teams in the playoffs. The bad news is that four teams will receive byes which is regrettable. The thought that the top four ranked teams have earned byes and rest ignores that four teams will change routines and may not be ready psychologically. If 16 teams are unworkable, the next best way is to have eight teams to play for a national championship.
• Batavia was defeated by Lincoln-Way East, 31-16 in week two. Joliet Catholic Academy, Naperville North, Wheaton North, and Glenbard West are among the schools with 2-0 records. Batavia will seek to recover at Wheaton North, 2-0.
• East Aurora, which made a run for the football playoffs last year, moved to a 1-1 record with a home victory, 20-14, in overtime, against Elgin Friday, Sept. 2 in the Upstate Eight Conference. “Our defense forced several turnovers to keep us in the game,” East Aurora head coach Nick Kukuc said. “We walked away with three interceptions and a forced fumble. Our team stayed focused and fought through adversity. When things went wrong our team stuck together.”
• West Aurora (1-1) head coach Nate Eimer: “We are starting to figure out what it takes to win games (following a 35-0 victory at Romeoville).”
• Yorkville (2-0) head coach Dan McGuire: “Every player has played every game and contributed.”