IHSA says they can play

The IHSA has removed the "must forfeit" tag it placed on the North Chicago football program September 10th after a fight broke out against Simeon on September 4th. A fight that I might add, included both players and fans, on the field, with several minutes left in the 1st quarter, with Simeon leading the way 21-0.

Though the North Chicago program, varsity to freshman, has been given the nod to play, seven of the North Chicago players involved in the brawl will still be suspended.

North Chicago (0-3) will battle at Zion-Benton (0-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. This game, no matter the circumstances, is always a fierce fight. Maybe even one of the biggest rivalries in the state. I don't even want to think about the pent up tensions of players from both teams having to deal with not yet winning a game. It might get nasty. But, it might also show that the boys at North Chicago aren't as remedial as many think.

My Pick: North Chicago 28, Z-B 13

Game of the Week

After two weeks of football, there has been so much action to watch and read about. Be it from Lake Forest's Tommy Rees turning in that 526 yd. passing performance last week, the death of Curie player Quaashi A. Chandler or the ridiculous fights at the Simeon vs. North Chicago and the Niles West vs. Niles North games.

But no matter what we are feeling as humans, be it happiness or pain, we have to move on.

And tonight, everybody will be trying to do that.

There is much talk that the Game of the Week will be played between (15) Joliet Catholic and (19) Nazareth or (14) Providence and (17) Loyola. Can JCA turn around after the loss to the Celtics last week? Will the Celtics keep their motors running against Loyola this week? It doesn't matter. The Game of the Week will be played between (6) Hinsdale Central at (8) Glenbard West.

Both schools have great QB's in John Whitelaw (Hinsdale Central) and Tyler Warden so watch for both to have big yards via land and air.

Pick: Glenbard West 24, Hinsdale Central 22

North Chicago brawl hands "W" to Vernon Hills

North Chicago and Simeon players and fans duked it out for close to 15 minutes last weekend with under six minutes remaining in the first quarter. The fight may have been a result of the score; Simeon 21, North Chicago 0.

Perhaps those involved from North Chicago were upset or embarrassed by the score. Or they might have been feeling poorly about the way their season has been going. Maybe the were ashamed by being outscored 63-6 so far this season. And remember, that total, 63, could have and would have been much higher if this game continued.

The IHSA has determined that all levels of North Chicago football must forfeit this weekends games. They are, however, allowed to keep practicing. While the team practices, eight members of the team will not. Six players have been suspended for one game, two players for two.

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