Round Two Playoff Predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (8-2) at No. 2 Wilmington (10-0)

Last meeting: Wimington def. St. Joseph-Ogden, 41-6 (Oct. 31, 2008).

This will be the rubber game in the SJ-O vs. Wilmington playoff rivalry, as the two teams have met each of the last two seasons. The Spartans were victorious in 2007 and the Wildcats took home the victory in 2008. This game is expected to be a very competitive one, matching the Spartans' defense against the vaunted Wildcats' offense. The unit that comes up more successful will win the game, plain and simple. The only problem I see in this game is the winner has to play Illini West, and nothing good can come from that.

I think the Spartans will hang with the Wildcats Saturday because they've seen enough of them the past two years. The SJ-O coaching staff knows what they're up against and they'll have the team ready to play. The Spartans should be able to score a little, but they'll need the defense to make some stops to keep them close. I think they will, but in the end the Wildcats and their home-field advantage is just a little more than the Spartans can handle.

No. 2 Wilmington 30, St. Joseph-Ogden 26.

No. 7 DuQuoin (9-1) at No. 4 Unity (10-0)

Last meeting: None on record.

This has the potential to be a great playoff game, but it's somewhat unfortunate it's being played in the second round. Between you and I, I think DuQuoin and Unity are the two best teams in the 3A south bracket, and I think the winner of the game will play in Champaign no matter who they are. Undefeated Greenville could be tough, but I don't see them having the firepower to take down Unity or the Indians.

As important as home-field advantage normally is, I think part of the Rockets' edge will be neutralized due to the Indians' incredible following and fan-base. They'll fill the south stands and then some, and I wouldn't be surprised to see DuQuoin bring more than 1,000 fans. That said, the Rockets will have that many, too, so Saturday afternoon's game will be a raucous affair. When it comes right down to the action on the field, I think the Rockets just score too many points to be stopped. If Unity's defense can keep the Indians from long, back-breaking touchdown drives that kill the clock, they should be fine.

No. 4 Unity 36, No. 7 DuQuoin 22.