The Oracle ranks the potential opponents GBS will face in the upcoming 8A playoffs. Schools with Football Enrollments over 2597 are classified as 8A

1. Mt. Carmel (8-0)

Regarded as the favorites to take home the state title, the Caravan remain undefeated despite close calls with Loyola and Joliet Catholic. Linebacker Steve Filer is expected to receive All-American honors and has already orally committed to play at Notre Dame next fall.

2. Naperville North (8-0)

The Huskies have cruised through an easy schedule this season, holding opponents to less than seven points a game. This may all change tonight, when the Huskies travel to defending 8A champion Wheaton Warrenville South to finish their season.

3. Fremd* (8-0)

Outside of a 27-20 victory over Lake Zurich to start their season, the Vikings have enjoyed a relatively easy schedule. The Viking defense is regarded as one of the state’s best, holding opponents to a mere 11 points a game, including a four interception performance in their 37-7 rout of Hoffman Estates.

4. Loyola* (6-2)

The Ramblers went blow for blow with Mt. Carmel, coming up short 31-24 in the double overtime thriller. Quarterback Peter Badovinac leads one of the state’s best offenses, but a 20-17 loss to Providence earlier in the season will hurt the Ramblers come seeding time for playoffs.

5. Downer’s Grove South (8-0)

Impressive victories over Bolingbrook and York to start the season initiated the momentum the Mustangs needed to contend for an undefeated season.

6. Maine South* (7-1)

The Hawks proved that their 13-10 loss to Glenbrook North earlier in the season was a fluke when they edged out the Titans 28-21. Last week,the Hawks thumped New Trier 42-7.

7. Bolingbrook (6-2)

The Raiders improved to 6-2 with a 44-8 victory over Joliet. Athletic quarterback Shadonta Travis leads an offense that features a three headed running game led by Wisconsin recruit Erik Smith.

8. Lyons* (7-1)

The Lions have shut out three opponents this season, and had an impressive 32-8 victory over York.

9. Lincoln Way East (6-2)

The Griffins wilted in the second half last week, blowing a 22-7 halftime lead to get edged out 23-22 by Sandburg.

10. Lincoln Way Central (6-2)

The team caught a bad break when Jake Wieclaw broke his ankle in a freak accident at home. Wieclaw has a state record of 48 career field goals, and has arguably been the Knights’ best receiver with 30 receptions for 485 yards and four touchdowns.

* – Projected to be in the Northern Bracket with GBS