Jacob Rainwater
WIDB SPORTS

The first round matchups for the IHSA playoff just around the corner, it’s time for my picks for the state champions in classes 1A-8A from Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Classes 1A-4A will play on Friday, November 25, and classes 5A-8A will tangle on Saturday, November 26.

1A – Sidell (Jamaica) (Salt Fork Co-op)

2A – #1 Sterling (Newman Central Catholic)

3A – #1 Aurora (A. Christian)

4A – #5 Rock Island (Alleman)

5A – #1 Maple Park (Kaneland)

6A – #2 Chicago (Hyde Park)

7A- #2 Rockford (Boylan Catholic)

8A – #2 Park Ridge (Maine South)… Continue reading →

By Jacob Rainwater

I am sitting here waiting for ESPN’s new documentary “Catching Hell” to begin, aimed at the controversy of Steve Bartman and his infamous incident in left field that supposedly cost the Chicago Cubs Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, and I come across a replay of the full game. Cubs vs.FloridaMarlins, Game 6 on October 14, 2003.  I stop to reflect back as I’ve got a few minutes to kill.

Wrigley Field looks immaculate. The ivy seems at its greenest on this cold October night, as fans all around Wrigley Field stand on their… Continue reading →