Loyola hasn’t lost a game since 2014, Glenbard West has a 32-game conference winning streak, and Homewood-Flossmoor probably has more individual talent than either.
The top three teams in the Tribune Top 20 all find themselves in matchups with 4-0 teams this weekend, and it’s hard to make a case for any of them losing.
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But that kind of talk is unwelcome here. It’s downright un-Sometimes-Weekly-Picks-Blog-like is what it is. Picking the favorite all the time defeats the purpose. It’s a waste of valuable internet space.
In that spirit, someone’s gotta fall this weekend, whether I mean it or not.
No. 1 Loyola (4-0) at No. 12 Fenwick (4-0): The Friars are the best of the three opponents, already having defeated two 2015 state champions in Phillips and Montini. They’re also the easiest to make a case for, as Loyola’s pass defense was suspect against Maine South, and Fenwick has a good quarterback in Jacob Keller. But there’s also the matter of this policy I have about picking against Loyola. Loyola 34-28.
No. 2 Glenbard West (4-0) vs. Lyons (4-0): Since 2008, Chad Hetlet’s second season as head caoch, Glenbard West has lost two regular-season games. Let me restate that in slightly different manner. Hetlet has a regular-season record of 74-2 over the past nine-plus seasons. One of those losses was to Lyons, and that 2010 contest was the last West Suburban Silver game Glenbard West lost. It was Week 9 of that season, and those Lions were battle-tested. These Lions prepped for the Hitters with victories over Warren, Morton, Proviso West and Leyden. Glenbard West 28-7.
No. 3 Homewood-Flossmoor (4-0) vs. Lincoln-Way West (4-0): I guess it’s you, Lincoln-Way West. I just wish your victories inspired a little more confidence. It would take a powerful decoder to see a 14-0 victory over 0-4 Stagg as a sign that the Warriors are ready to take down H-F. Including Stagg, three of West’s first four opponents are winless. And I just can’t do it. Maybe I’ll have to revoke my membership to the Sometimes-Weekly Picks Blog union. Maybe I can make up for it with some crazy-go-nuts picks down the road. For now, here’s some riveting analysis. The best teams should win this weekend. H-F 44-20.