Sports questions come first. Answers follow. That’s what make projections and predictions interesting, even if well off base at times.
• Can the Chicago White Sox overcome a .500 season and climb back into strong contention in the American League Central Division. It is difficult to overtake two teams and with little more than 30 games remaining the Sox are put to the test.
• Will the Chicago Bears continue winning after a 3-0 preseason start. Winning creates a positive attitude, however, the regular season is far different than the preseason. We shall know a great deal following the first three pivotal games against San Francisco, Green Bay, Houston. Injuries, attitude, coordination, will be revealing. Who truly can predict?
• Can the Chicago Sky come back again after faltering in game one to Connecticut in the WNBA semifinal best-of-five series? The Sky were a step slow at times in game one which revealed Connecticut wanted the victory more than the Sky and were more fully prepared mentally to take victory from the opponent. The mental approach to most sports is both of far greater importance than just physical, and far greater than most fans realize. The Sky lost its first game in the quarterfinals and came back for victory. Can they do it again? That’s how champions are made.
•High school sports are in full swing in more than football. Early important boys and girls cross country meets will be telling as well in girls volleyball.
The Chicago Bears are not the only football team to be set for a challenge in the first three games of the season. The Batavia Bulldogs will play their first three games on the road while their stadium is absorbing new construction of the stands and surrounding amenities.
Batavia defeated host Phillips in Chicago, 43-6, Saturday and will play at always-competitive Lincoln-Way East in Frankfort Friday. Predictions and rankings reach high school sports. Batavia is ranked No. 3 in the State by MaxPreps behind East St. Louis and Loyola Academy. Mt. Carmel in Chicago is No. 4 and Joliet Catholic Academy is No. 5. Lincoln-Way is No. 16. Other schools in the top 25 include No. 10 Wheaton North, No. 12 Immaculate Conception in Elmhurst, No. 18 Glenbard West, No. 20 Neuqua Valley, and No. 25 Bolingbrook.
Batavia has built a winning tradition, has talent, depth, excellent coaching, coordination. Weeks two and three will be revealing for all teams. Other key games coming up in week two will include Bolingbrook at Chicago Simeon and IC Catholic Prep at Joliet Catholic.
• There will be a game and a big ceremony Thursday, Sept. 8 in Aurora. We will have the declaration of Ormond Stadium at West Aurora High School named after the venerable Neal Ormond for nearly 60 years as radio broadcaster, booster leader, Board president.