Hinsdale South’s only real chance of making the playoffs is winning the West Suburban Gold championship.
Entering the final week of the regular season, the Hornets (4-4, 4-1) and Willowbrook (6-2, 4-1) are tied for second place behind Downers Grove South (5-3, 5-0). A win by Hinsdale South over Downers South, and a victory by Willowbrook over Addison Trail (2-6, 2-3) will set up a three-way tie for the title.
Hinsdale South Athletic Director Kimberly Malone explained in an email how the scenario would play out.
The tie-breaker becomes fewest points allowed in the games involving the three teams. Hinsdale South allowed 35 points to Willowbrook; Downers South allowed 14 points to Willowbrook; and Willowbrook allowed a total of 75 points to Hinsdale South (28) and Downers South (47).
Hinsdale South needs to allow fewer than 40 points (to beat Willowbrook’s total) but must also win by at least 21 (to beat DGS’s total). If you win by 21 or more you’re likely going to give up fewer than 40 points anyway, so the bottom line is, the Hornets need to beat DGS by 22 points to assure them of the crown.
While Willowbrook needs to beat Addison Trail to be part of the three-way tie, the score is irrelevant as it does not affect the tiebreaker.
