Bolingbrook-Sandburg rematch is on

Updated: November 25, 2012 11:41AM

In one of many rematches that will take place during the playoffs, defending state champion Bolingbrook will face Sandburg in a Class 8A first-round game Friday night in Orland Park. The two teams met in Week 7, when Raiders quarterback Aaron Bailey sat out his second game with a knee sprain, a game Bolingbrook lost 13-6 in overtime.

It’s unknown if Bailey will play Friday. If he doesn’t, the Raiders are in good hands with Quincy Woods. Bailey has mentored Woods, a sophomore, and it showed with five touchdowns in the Raiders’ past two games.

“Quincy Woods has done a great job filling in,” Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow told WJOL-AM (1340) on Saturday. “There was a point where he was a backup. He was a sophomore and now he’s a junior.”

The injury toll

Joliet Catholic coach Dan Sharp thinks the Hilltoppers had at least “eight or nine” starters out with injuries, including USC recruit Ty Isaac.

“We still have someone playing with a cast on their hand,” Sharp said.

Even though the Hilltoppers are 5-4, they could do some major damage in the 5A bracket. Joliet Catholic plays Saturday at Elmwood Park.

“We’re hoping we are healthy because we become a much better football team,” Sharp said. “I think we’re battle-tested and that may help us going into the playoffs.

“A lot of guys have had opportunities to play because of the injuries and they’re better.”

Streaking

Bolingbrook makes its 21st consecutive playoff appearance this year and its 25th since 1985.

Wilmington is making its 17th consecutive appearance, Morris its 12th straight (25th overall since 1987) and Coal City its 23rd overall since 1987.

High numbers

Even though Plainfield East did not make the playoffs, linebacker Brennen Rompa ended his last campaign with high numbers. Rompa finished with 152 tackles, 71/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss.

Rompa also had a team leading seven touchdowns. He’s led the Bengals in tackles each of the past two years.

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