The VVC through the Opening Round: A Detailed Analysis
There were 5 Vermilion Valley teams that played Saturday night, two 1A and three 2A. There were also two 1A squads representing the VVC on bye. Here’s a deep-dive summary of what happened in the opening round.
Clifton Central / Salt Fork (1A)
The Comets (8–1) and Storm (7–2) did not compete Saturday, not because of failure to make the expanded bracket, but because they received an opening round bye. Central will play a strong Marquette (7–3) team, while Salt Fork is set up to play a tough Villa Grove (7–3) squad as well in the first round.
Momence (1A)
Momence’s season ended Saturday night in a tough 46–12 loss to Lena Winslow. It was 46–0 by halftime. While the season ended in a bit of an embarrassing fashion, I believe Momence should be proud of themselves for what they accomplished this season. Junior QB Grayson Cantwell had a very solid season, and he will continue to improve into his senior year.
Oakwood (1A)
The Comets won in dominant fashion against Pleasant Hill/Western, winning 53–12 at home in the opening round. They will move on to play @ Greenfield this Saturday. I had the chance to have a talk with receiver/defensive back Jaethan Perez this evening, a standout player for the Comets, catching 37 passes for 669 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, including Saturday night’s game where he scored 2 touchdowns, brought in 6 balls for 139 yards, and had a season long 76 yard reception. He is also a key player on the Oakwood defense, recording 6 interceptions (tied for 64th most in the nation, as well as tied for 3rd most in Illinois). When asked about his smaller size relative to other varsity players, he mentioned that he has gained 10 pounds since summer and made “large strides” in the weight room. He also stated that, “Saturday was a great team win… but the team knows we have a lot more we want to accomplish.” Jaethan also recognized that, “Greenfield is a tough team, especially coming off of a bye…” He said that the team is ready to suit up Saturday against a very strong 7–2 Greenfield coming off of a bye.
Get Vermilion Valley Conference Football Journalism’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Westville (2A)
Westville lost on Saturday in a tough 35–27 upset at home against a 3 (now 4) win Oregon. Oregon’s “spotty” offense seemed to put on a show, and Westville simply couldn’t keep up.
Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin (2A)
The Blue Devils (now 7–4) did not disappoint Saturday, winning against 4 win Chicago Marshall 51–14. Going up 37–0 in the first half, Bismarck dominated every phase of the game. They go on the road to play a very tough 8–1 Tri-Valley team next week, who is coming off of a bye.
Georgetown (2A)
The Buffaloes went into Warrensburg, and while they gave it their all, went down 42–19. It is hard to win football games when you’re down 29–0 in the second quarter and down 42–6 at half. Yet, Georgetown still had a historic season, making their first postseason appearance since 2018.
Overview
Georgetown, Momence, and Westville lost, Salt Fork and Central were on bye, and Oakwood and BHRA won. This Saturday, we learn who will be representing the VVC in Round 2. Yes, this round that was just played is called the opening round, and the upcoming round is called round 1. This is for “historical consistency” among IHSA playoff tournaments. It’s strange, yet it is what it is. Enough ranting. Congratulations to Oakwood, BHRA, Salt Fork, and Central on making it to the first round.
