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Q,

Great post and a source of what I am sure will be some great debate.

I would prefer to eliminate the whole "elite" thing from this debate, as I believe it to be a very subjective term and not easily defined for this type of discussion. I would merely suggest that the question be, does the CHSL continue to warrant inclusion in the debate of what most concur as the top leagues in the State - CHSL, MAC, OAA & OK. In that regard, the answer is a resounding yes!

The difficulty in this sort of year to year debate and the projections of the coming years, is to factor the overall level of play of the rest of the state. I would contend that the overall level of play, particularly in the top 3 divisions, was at a very high level and in that environment, the CHSL proved to be at the top of their respective game. To look into next year, one would have to know what the level of overall play will be and thus how the CHSL will compare, but that is nearly impossible to predict until we see it in action. We can, though, through the insight of the knowledgable posters who are intimately familiar with various CHSL teams, predict the anticipated level of play of those respective teams and, with inexact science, provide some cogent analysis of those teams with respect to how they might potentially compare in 2010 to thier 2009 counterparts.

I like to think that I have some overall insight that I can provide, along with that of coachd (DC), foggy (CC), prepseer (BBR), Boeing (UD/DLS) and maybe dallas can get in contact with some alum and provide some insight into OLSM. You add in the insight from the "connected" BG, pav, diesel, blue, BigDVI and of course yourself and we can likely put togehter a pretty accurate snapshot of what is potentially to come in 2010, within the context of a + or - analysis from team to team. But again, without really knowing how the potential level of play will be from the rest of the state (and particularly that of the teams from the traditionally stronger leagues), there is no way to accurately predict how the CHSL will rate and perform one a statewide and/or playoff basis.

If I had to throw out a plus or minus for the individual 2010 teams as they compare to their 2009 counterparts......

CC - obviously a very high bar was set by the 2009 team and for that alone, you would have to predict a minus, but that minus, I believe, only relates to a potential repeat. What alot of people don't understand about CC football, is that it all starts with attitude. I know that sounds very simplistic, but it cannot be understated. A prevailing attitude of tradition, pride, history, weight room and workman like approach - embraced from all involved, is and will always be the precursor to success on the field for CC. That attitude seemed "lost" for a couple of years, but was the trademark for this years team and past history and success of CC football has come from that particular attitude becoming infectuous. I think you will see that in the years to come and specifically in next years team. Of course it takes talent, combined with that attitude and I think CC brings back enough of both to again compete for division championship. With enough starters (D'Agostino, Nelson, Doneth, Darany, Tammaro), significant contributors (Messner, Erickson) and talent waiting in the wings (Birney, Monarch, etc - foggy can fill in here with existing JR's and current JV players), CC will definately compete for the league next year.

BBR - I give a plus. (step in any time prepseer) - It appeared that over the course of the year, at some point or another, Rice started or had significant contribution from a number of underclassmen. to name a few (Pickens, Anderson, Hamilton, Lendzion, Hart & Dunn and I am sure others that prep can provide). Combine that with consecutive quality incoming classes (and a pipleline from a great St Regis CYO program), and Rice will continue to be Rice. I do agree that last couple of defenses have not been as (Riceish) as in the past. I think part of that is that they have not settled on a "base" defense in the past 2 years, running both a 3-5 and 4-3 based on their talent (particularly from the LB postion) from the past few years.

DLS - I give an equal. I think that DLS is here to stay. Consistent quality incoming classes (St Anne's has been a great feeder) and you are seeing "program" take solid root there. They proved, that although the Martinez twins were invaluable to that program, they could still have success without them. Injury at the QB position ultimately hampered their ability to get to the finals, but that experience will pay huge dividends for Morris in the coming years, along with the great experience that fellow Frosh Lilly gained. (boeing/DVI can provide personell details).

OLSM - potentially a minus for next year, but the pipeline is strong (GREAT Freshman class). I cannot speak to what is coming back for next year, but it does not hurt when you can build a team around a talent like James Ross.

UD - plus. It may be reflected in their league record next year, but I see UD as being more and more competeitve with each passing year. They made strides this past year, notching some nonleague wins and I believe that Putnam will continue to establish the program like atmosphere that has not been there since the early Merchant years. The debated limitations will always be there (stringent academic standards - history of high profile transfers). That balancing act will always be a challenge, but Merchant proved that it can be done. Boeing - please add.

DDC - I will need coachd for a complete analysis, but it will be tough to replace a QB of the talent that Mitchell possessed. Plus or minus will be relative to their move to the lower division. They may have better regular (league) season success, but will they be a better team? The advantage that they will have is a more consistent road to the playoffs. If they can prove successful in future playoff runs, it will only improve their program and potentially draw a few more kids into the fold.