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Scott Powers

  (8:03 PM)

Hi, all. Welcome to our weekly preps chat. Feel free to ask anything about any sport.

John (Chicago)

Who was the most surprising player in Week 1?

Scott Powers

  (8:05 PM)

Elk Grove quarterback Nick Meyer probably had the biggest game. He had a 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns and had two interceptions. Plus, it came in a close game. Pretty amazing stuff.

Frank (Wheaton)

What do you see as the most compelling matchup this weekend?

Scott Powers

  (8:11 PM)

I think there are a bunch this weekend. Stevenson at Mount Carmel, Naperville Central at Marist, Downers Grove South at Bolinbrook, Warren at Loyola, St. Rita at Marian Catholic, Crystal Lake South at Lake Zurich, Danville at Richards and Morgan Park at Lemont are all intriguing to me.

John (Orland Park)

What was most exciting game of last weekend?

Scott Powers

  (8:13 PM)

There were a number of those. I think for the top spot is a tie, though. It'd be tough to pick between Glenbrook South beating Notre Dame on a fourth-down conversion, and Wheaton Academy topping Hillcrest in overtime.

Tom (Chicago)

What was the biggest upset in your mind from the first round?

Scott Powers

  (8:19 PM)

Hinsdale Central losing had to be the biggest one. I had the Red Devils go pretty far. No one really knew quarterback John Whitelaw was going to have to sit due to a concussion last week. He makes all the difference in the world for that team.

David (Elgin)

Who do you see winning 7A?

Scott Powers

  (8:26 PM)

I still think East St. Louis is the favorite, though, the Flyers' 50-43 comeback win over Bradley-Bourbonnais wasn't the most reassuring result.

Ralph (Lake Zurich)

What did you think of Lake Zurich's win over Rolling Meadows?

Scott Powers

  (8:30 PM)

I was impressed with the Bears. I thought going into the weekend that was one of the few interesting games, and it lived up to the hype. I was bouncing around games on Saturday, but I saw the first half of that one. I really liked the ability of Jacob Brinlee, and the defense held Rolling Meadows' explosive offensive in check. They're a good team.

jim (naperville)

do you think naperville north can win the state championship?

Scott Powers

  (8:32 PM)

Jim, I assume you mean Naperville Central. Naperville North lost to Fremd on Friday. I'm not sure Naperville Central can win state, but it has a chance of making a run. I think this week's game of Naperville Central at Marist is one of the more intriguing ones for the second round. Both quarterbacks are among the best in the area.

Josh (Joliet)

Who's your sleeper pick for the weekend?

Scott Powers

  (8:35 PM)

I think after seeing Lake Zurich that the Bears could give Crystal Lake South a game. I also think Downers Grove South has a chance of upsetting Bolingbrook. Those two teams met earlier in the season with Bolingbrook pulling out the win. In 6A, I think Richards has the ability to upset No. 1 seed Danville.

George (New Lenox)

Do you think Providence will win 6A?

Scott Powers

  (8:39 PM)

Providence is my pick to win 6A, but the Celtics are also the sort of team I wouldn't be surprised if they lost in a close game and were upset. They've been finding ways to pull out wins all season, and you keep wondering, 'How did they do it?' But they keep doing it. They could be this year's team of destiny.

Brian (chicago)

It's early, but who do you think is going to be the best basketball team this year?

Scott Powers

  (8:44 PM)

I think it's a toss up right now between Whitney Young and Waukegan. Whitney Young lost its two top players in Chris Colvin and Marcus Jordan, but the Dolphins have plenty returning, including Ahmad Starks and Anthony Johnson. Waukegan loses Colin Nickerson, who was an all-star guard, but the Bulldogs have the best player in the state coming back in Jereme Richmond. I think there are other teams that can compete, but those are two tops ones at least when the first polls come out.

Scott Powers

  (9:03 PM)

Thanks all for your questions. See you next week.