Disabato: Local playoff matchups present early challenges

Would you like the good news or the bad news first?

Since I’m a glass-is-half-full type of guy, let’s start things off on the positive side. Twenty-two of our local football teams qualified for the 256-school postseason party. From Evergreen Park in Class 4A all the way up to 8A, the Southland is represented. That’s a pretty solid achievement.

The bad news? That number will significantly be reduced after the first-round by way of multiple head-to-head local matchups. Go ahead. Pound your fist on the table — just don’t spill that morning cup of coffee. Let out a frustrating scream or two, void of profanity, of course.

All I ask is to please direct your angst at the IHSA, not your local sports columnist.

I am merely the messenger. Until the IHSA prioritizes on-the-field excellence — say, returning to a 1-thru-32 seeding in each class, ahead of regional representation at the state finals, the early local matchups will continue.

Look on the bright side — you’re not Batavia. The defending Class 6A state champion, which beat Richards 34-14 in the title game in 2013, is in 7A this postseason. Batavia’s reward for compiling an 8-1 record is a first-round matchup against two-defending state champion Mount Carmel. Yes, the Caravan squeaked in at 5-4. But Mount Carmel has won three games in a row and no one, and I mean no one locally, wanted a first-round date with the 11-time state champ.

In 5A we have No. 14 St. Laurence and No. 3 Joliet Catholic. The Vikings qualifying for the playoffs is a great story, but likely a short-lived one if the 13-time state champion Hilltoppers play up to their potential.

In 6A, Lemont earned the No. 1 seed by way of an undefeated regular season. The Indians reward? A first-round date with No. 8 Thornton. Without question, a tough draw for Lemont. Generally, a home game is a major plus. But I’d temper my excitement Indians fans. Thornton’s speed on Lemont’s Field Turf could prove hazardous for the Indians. Ditto for No. 2 seed Lincoln-Way West hosting No. 7 Morgan Park. The Warriors are healthy and boast a dynamic offense, highlighted by running back Javier Montalvo. The Mustangs, though, possess serious speed and can’t be taken lightly.

Also in 6A, a rematch from a regular season encounter between No. 6 Oak Forest and No. 3 Richards. Back in Week 6, Richards drilled Oak Forest 39-14. Coaches always stress how difficult it is to beat a team twice in one season — Richards coach Tony Sheehan is no different in this regard.

“It’s never easy playing a team twice,” Sheehan said. “Sometimes when you’ve beat a team already, the kids can get complacent. We’ll make sure our kids don’t take them lightly.”

In 7A, No. 15 Lincoln-Way Central and No. 2 Lincoln-Way East will meet again. In Week 2, East squeaked out a 23-15 win, which ignited an eight-game winning streak. The Knights, on the other hand, have limped into the playoffs, having lost three out of their final four games.

No matter. East coach Rob Zvonar is weary of a rematch.

“Playing a team twice isn’t what you want to do, especially a district (210) rival,” he said. “We’re going to get our team prepared the best we can. But it’s not something we’re looking forward to.”

I have a strong feeling T.F. South coach Tom Padjen and Reavis coach Tim Zasada have similar sentiments regarding their first-round 7A rematch. The No. 10 Rebels crushed the No. 7 Rams 34-14 in Week 8.

What about the SouthtownStar’s No. 1, Providence? The Celtics will host No. 16 Quincy. Last season, the Celtics traveled to Quincy and claimed a lopsided 55-27 win. Expect a similar outcome in Round 1.

In 8A, there was much discussion of a potential first-round matchup between Brother Rice and Homewood-Flossmoor. Put those fears to rest. Instead, No. 5 Rice, which earned a share of the Catholic Blue title along with Providence, plays defending champion Naperville Central on the road, and the Vikings, a No. 3, will host Neuqua Valley.

Let the playoffs begin.