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Morgan Park quarterback Aaron Warren (0) keeps the ball and gains a first down against Amundsen. | Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun-Times

After a record 24 Chicago Public Schools football teams qualified for the state playoffs, just three survived the first round. And only one is playing in Chicago this weekend.

After a record 24 Chicago Public Schools football teams qualified for the state playoffs, just three survived the first round. And only one is playing in Chicago this weekend.

Morgan Park coach Chris James believes that’s going to help his team against Kankakee at Gately Stadium on Saturday.

“We represent CPS now,” James said. “I know what Gately can feel like with everyone there supporting a team. It might be a big rivalry with Simeon but now that we are the only show in town everyone will be rooting for us.

The Mustangs (7-3) traveled to Central Illinois and beat Peoria 50-42 in the first round. The game was played at Peoria Stadium, a venue with grass and no working scoreboard.

“Getting a win like that on the road gave my young team confidence,” James said. “We are trying to take the city with ust. We represent CPS. Especially with the amount of teams that played in the first round and got knocked out. That was unfortunate.”

Morgan Park quarterback Aaron Warren rushed for six touchdowns and had 310 total yards. Sophomore Tysean Griffin had 22 carries for 88 yards.

“Aaron could probably have had a lot more if the conditions were better,” James said. “The field was terrible after all the rain so the footing was bad.”

The Kays (10-0) also impressed in the first round, winning 38-7 against Carbondale. They are the top seed in the bracket and have a nice Week 9 win against a very talented Crete-Monee team.

“It will be fast. We both have athletes,” James said. “There will be a ton of future college players on the field. We are battle-tested, been through some ups and downs this season and I feel like we are hitting our stride.”

Here’s a quick look at the other two state playoff games involving CPS teams:

Class 4A: #6 Phillips (8-2) at #3 Kewanee (9-1), Sat. 1

The Wildcats will travel to a city of 13,000 about 40 miles southeast of Moline. Kewanee is the smallest school in the Class 4A field.

The Boilermakers were down 14-0 at halftime and came back to win 17-14 on a 40-yard field goal with 3.6 seconds left.

Kewanee charged through most of their regular season, only challenged in a 24-22 win at Spring Valley Hall and then a Week 9 loss to Newman Central Catholic.

Phillips’ athletes should present a problem for the Boilermakers. The Wildcats have quietly gone about their business this season, beating all seven Public League teams they played and losing at Batavia and Mount Carmel.

Quarterback Tyler Turner has a big arm for and junior running back Desean Hill is an effective running back. The Wildcats, used to playing up a few classes, could be too much for most Class 4A opponents.

Class 3A: #5 Clark (9-1) at #4 Reed-Custer (9-1), Sat. 1

Clark will face a juggernaut in Braidwood. The Comets average 42 points and have allowed just 10 per game. Reed-Custer’s program isn’t a traditional power however. This Is the first state playoff appearance for the Comets since 2010.

Clark dominated most of its Public League opponents this season but hasn’t even played a game outside of Chicago, so the road trip will be a total first. Last week’s 28-16 win against Elmwood-Brimfield was the Eagles’ first win in the state playoffs. They rely on a run-heavy offense, with running back Willie Taylor and Keondre Pitts doing most of the damage behind a talented offensive line.

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A person was fatally shot Novermber 3, 2021 in Chicago. | Sun-Times file photo

The male, whose age wasn’t known, was in an alley about 12:30 p.m. in the 1600 block of North LeClaire Avenue when someone inside an off-white BMW fired shots.

A person was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon in Austin on the West Side.

The male, whose age wasn’t known, was in an alley about 12:30 p.m. in the 1600 block of North LeClaire Avenue when someone inside an off-white BMW fired shots, Chicago police said.

The man was struck in the chest and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. He hasn’t been identified.

Area Five detectives are investigating.

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A man was critically wounded in a shooting Nov. 3, 2021, in Grand Crossing. | Sun-Times file photo

He was standing on the sidewalk in the 7200 block of South Woodlawn Avenue when someone in a vehicle fired shots at him, Chicago police said.

A man was shot to death Wednesday night in Grand Crossing on the South Side.

The 33-year-old was standing on the sidewalk about 5:20 p.m. in the 7200 block of South Woodlawn Avenue when someone in a vehicle fired shots at him, Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

He was struck in the head and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His name hasn’t been released.

There was no one in custody.

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Kirby Dach entered Wednesday with just two even-strength points this season. | Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Dach’s hesitancy to shoot hampered his production during his first two NHL seasons, but his slow start this season stems from a different issue.

In his first two NHL seasons, center Kirby Dach struggled to be assertive with his shot. He’d forgo too many shooting opportunities for passes when the former was a better option.

Eleven games into his third season, however, Dach, 20, is proving more willing than ever to shoot, but he’s struggling with accuracy.

“I feel more confident in my shot and my ability to score from everywhere,” Dach said this week. “It’s just about putting pucks on net instead of missing the net.”

Dach was one of the Blackhawks’ most noticeable and effective players, even while the rest of the team seemed completely lost, during their opening road trip. The work he put in over the summer to fully heal his surgically repaired wrist and refine his skating technique — improving his edge control, increasing his acceleration and connecting his upper-body movements to his stride — made an immediate difference.

But Dach’s opening-week momentum has morphed into an early-season malaise.

Entering Wednesday, his even-strength production consisted of only one goal and one assist through 10 games (with an additional two power-play goals). While Dach still looks improved from last season, and his overall influence on the game has been larger, he still hasn’t quite unlocked his dominant potential.

“It’s a lot of responsibility we’re putting on him,” coach Jeremy Colliton said. “It’s his third year, but in age, he’s still a young, young guy. We’re asking him to take the top matchup almost every night, and he’s playing in all situations, and it’s difficult.

“But he’s getting better all the time. There’s more there, for sure; he’s got more to give. He’s such a big body, and he’s so strong on the puck. When he brings that every shift, he’s a force out there. He’s really hard to defend, [and] he’s excellent defensively. It’s just a matter of . . . trying to do [that] more consistently every minute he’s on the ice.”

The game Saturday against the Blues showed how close Dach is to breaking through as well as how he’s not taking full advantage of his opportunities yet. Dach unleashed four shots toward goalie Jordan Binnington, of which three were credited as scoring chances, but none actually forced Binnington to make a save.

“I had four [shots] that went over the net or missed the net wide,” Dach said. “I’m getting the chances; I’ve just got to put it there and get it on net instead of missing the net wide. I don’t think . . . [I’m] slipping. I just didn’t hit the net.”

That game was the third in a row in which Dach didn’t have an even-strength shot on goal, a streak he finally broke with two Monday against the Senators.

It’s not for a lack of trying. Dach’s even-strength shot rate has risen from 10.8 and 9.1 in 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively, to 11.1 this season (entering Wednesday). Those shots are more threatening than ever, too: 77.8% have been considered scoring chances, up from 60.7% previously.

But the percentage of those attempts making it on goal has dropped from 55.7% his first two seasons to 44.4%. The NHL average, by comparison, is 54.9%.

Colliton is at least encouraged by Dach’s frustration with his substandard results in that regard, saying his “awareness of that shows [he’s] moving in the right direction.”

And Dach does sound more trigger-happy this fall, not only for himself but also for the Hawks. He cited the “need to shoot” more frequently as the key to jump-starting the offense.

“We’re passing up too many opportunities,” he said. “When you’re in a slump like this, the best thing for our group is to get pucks on net, go there and score greasy goals to get the ball rolling.”

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Six people were shot November 3, 2021 in Chicago. | Sun-Times file photo

The attacks included a drive-by shooting in Austin that left a man in critical condition.

Six people were wounded in shootings in Chicago Wednesday.

A 24-year-old man was attacked in Bronzeville on the South Side around 2 a.m. He was walking on the sidewalk in the 4300 block of South Vincennes Avenue when he was shot in the foot, Chicago police said. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.
A man was hurt in a shooting in West Garfield Park around 8:15 a.m. The man, 24, was standing near the sidewalk in the 4200 block of West Jackson Boulevard when someone fired shots, police said. He was hit in the hand and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.
A man was wounded in Englewood on the South Side around 10 a.m. The 32-year-old was walking on the sidewalk in the 5600 block of South Princeton Avenue when someone in a two-door Chrysler Sebring opened fire, police said. He was struck in the foot and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said.
A man was shot in a drive-by shooting in Austin around 12:30 p.m. He was in the 1600 block of North LeClaire Avenue when someone in an off-white BMW drove by and fired shots, police said. He was struck in the chest and was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
A man was critically wounded in Grand Crossing on the South Side around 5:20 p.m. The 33-year-old was standing on the sidewalk in the 7200 block of South Woodlawn Avenue when someone in a car fired at him, police said. He was struck in the head and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
A 45-year-old man was shot in Woodlawn on the South Side around 9:45 p.m. He was standing in a vacant lot in the 6600 block of Blackstone Avenue when someone fired shots, police said. He was hit in the hand and taken in good condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Two people were killed and four others were shot Tuesday in Chicago.

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After an uneventful and rather disappointing NFL trade deadline, the main storyline going forward for the Chicago Bears is just how soon head coach Matt Nagy will be fired. Historically, the Bears have not fired coaches in the middle of the season. So, at the very least, Nagy will last through the rest of the […] Chicago Bears: 10 Matt Nagy replacements to start watching closely – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

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Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Scorpio.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Today both the Sun and the moon are opposite wild, wacky Uranus, which will create hiccups related to finances, shared property, inheritances, taxes and debt. Check out these areas to make sure something hasn’t gone awry. (Especially check banking.) Stay on top of things!

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Your relations with partners and close friends will be disrupted by something unexpected. Someone might make unusual demands? They might do something that surprises you, or they might introduce you to someone who is “different”? One thing is certain: It’s not a boring day.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Something might interrupt your work routine. Staff shortages, power outages, canceled appointments, late deliveries — could be anything. It could be an announcement that surprises everyone. To be safe, give yourself extra time for whatever you have to do so that you have wiggle room to cope with the unexpected.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Parents: Please know this is an accident-prone day for your kids, which means you need to be extra vigilant. Be aware of potential hazardous situations. Know where your kids are at all times. Meanwhile, social occasions might be canceled or suddenly changed. Be on guard to avoid sports accidents.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Your home routine will be interrupted. Small appliances might break down or minor breakages could occur. Perhaps someone unexpected will appear at the door? Brace yourself. Get dressed and prepare to deal with something you didn’t think would happen. “Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Please be aware this is an accident-prone day for you. We’re talking physical accidents or verbal accidents. Obviously, an accident doesn’t have to happen and will probably not happen — but the odds do exist. Therefore, pay attention to everything you say and do. Be smart.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Keep an eye on your finances and your possessions today because something unexpected could affect these areas. You might find money; you might lose money. Make an effort to protect what you own against loss, theft or damage. Be on guard!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Something surprising might occur in your closest one-to-one relationships today. Someone might suddenly speak up about something that they are unhappy about. They might make a radical suggestion. Something surprising could occur. Personal freedom will likely be an issue with someone. Patience.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You feel restless today. You have that feeling you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Indeed, something surprising in your personal life or something going on behind the scenes might catch you off guard. Be wise and pace your day so that you can handle the unexpected.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This is an interesting day because a friend or a member of a group might do something that amazes you or blows you out of the water. Admittedly, it could be minor; however, it could be major! You might be ejected from a group. You might be involved in a protest.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Parents, bosses, VIPs and the police might do something that surprises you or catches you off guard today. Be prepared for this. If you think something unusual might happen, it will. If you are challenged by authority, be polite. Never underestimate the power of courtesy.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Travel plans might suddenly change today. They could be canceled, or, alternatively, you might suddenly have to travel. Likewise, school schedules might change. People will be excited about politics, religion and racial issues. This is a tricky, stimulating day with lots of unexpected detours.

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actor Matthew McConaughey (1969) shares your birthday. You are hardworking and take pride in your achievements. You are determined and in control of what you do; however, beneath this calm exterior, you are a sensitive person. You have a dry wit that others appreciate. This year is slower paced as you concentrate on your closest relationships. Take extra time for yourself and concentrate on your own needs.

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The Hurricanes rallied to beat the Blackhawks 4-3 on Wednesday. | Stacy Revere/Getty Images

“[It was] hard to watch it happen, hard to be a part of,” a discouraged coach Jeremy Colliton said after the Hawks’ 4-3 loss Wednesday.

For 32 minutes Wednesday night, the Blackhawks looked like they’d actually turned a corner during Monday’s weight-lifting win.

Then everything reverted back to normal.

The Hawks blew a two-goal lead, squandered eight minutes of third-period power-play time and lost 4-3 to the Hurricanes. The Hawks fell to 1-8-2, the Hurricanes improved to 9-0-0 and all was status quo in the NHL once again.

“[It was a] very disappointing way to lose,” said coach Jeremy Colliton afterward, looking the most discouraged he has yet this season. “It’s a terrible feeling when you put yourselves in a great position [then] give them life, give them momentum, give them their goals.

“We gift-wrapped them an opportunity to get back in the game. [It was] hard to watch it happen, hard to be a part of… We need to understand the difference between winning and losing, and why you win and why you lose.”

After two Alex DeBrincat goals helped the Hawks grab a 3-1 edge, a horribly timed Erik Gustafsson pinch led to a Hurricanes breakaway goal that flipped momentum, and two more strikes 3:09 apart early in the third turned the game for good. The Hawks produced very little during a late four-minute power play.

Colliton had been preaching that results would eventually reflect the Hawks’ recent improvement. Admittedly, they kept Wednesday’s contest far more competitive than their 6-3 beatdown in Carolina last week.

But it still wasn’t good enough, and that’s something the Hawks — who still somehow believe they can “get back in this race,” to use DeBrincat’s words — cannot afford whatsoever.

“We have to be able to lock it down, make simple plays and not beat ourselves,” Seth Jones said. “That’s what you see happening through these first [11] games: We’re beating ourselves.”

“It’s such a wasted opportunity,” Colliton added. “If you’re not extremely upset with what went on, I would question that.”

Outbreak lingers

Just as the Hawks’ COVID-19 outbreak seemed to be ending, the virus threw another wrench in the team’s plans.

Forward Henrik Borgstrom, the last of the five players involved in the team’s initial outbreak, was activated from COVID protocol and participated in morning skate Wednesday. But forward Tyler Johnson (already sidelined with a neck injury) and defenseman Isaak Phillips were shortly thereafter added to COVID protocol for the first time.

Sopel’s thoughts

All summer, Brent Sopel was arguably the most outspoken member of the Hawks’ 2009-10 team regarding the sexual assault cover-up. But when he watched Beach tell his story publicly last week, he broke down and cried.

“Nobody should ever have to go through that,” Sopel told the Sun-Times. “But he’s a hero [for] speaking out to every victim out there. It was an amazing thing what he did.”

Watching the nationwide reaction, Sopel believes that — if another assault somehow happened now in another NHL organization — it would have “a better chance being dealt with today than it did two weeks ago.”

But the league and hockey culture still needs to make a lot of progress.

“Each team having an employee or somebody who [players] can turn to and not worry about the organization getting mad, whether [that’s regarding] drugs and alcohol or abuse,” Sopel said. “All four major sports need to get better — the world needs to get better — [so] that victims can feel like they can come and talk about it. The more victims come and talk about it, hopefully this will happen less and less.”

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