The Hawks went on an right game winning streak from February 20^th to March 5^th.  This helped them jumped into the playoff picture in the Western Conference and they are currently sitting in the fifth seed.

A large part in this change in momentum is the man between the pipes, Corey Crawford. He has helped keep the team up and doing a good job in net. In the last fifteen straight games he has started, he had six games in which he let in two goals or less in a game. He also carries a 2.31 Goals Against Average, 6^th among goaltenders in the NHL currently. This helps keep the difference of goals for a goals against easier, to help capture a victory every game.

The Hawks are still hanging on in the powerplay department. They are 2^nd in the league with a 23.8% powerplay percentage. This rampaging offense is led by the Captain Jonathan Toews and Forward Patrick Sharp, each with 30+ goals thus far.

Among the other seven teams fighting for five playoff spots in the Western Conference, the Hawks have the best record within their last games played (7-1-2).  Teams that are competing for these spots include the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, Phoenix Coyotes, and a few others. A good number to have is their home record of 22-14-0, second best in the conference and crucial with the remaining home games left.

Overall, the Hawks have a good chance to grab one of the playoff positions. It will be a tough road, considering the schedule ahead of them will not be easy, especially playing Detroit Red Wings three more times. Despite this, the Hawks stars have risen up and are earning their pay checks like Marian Hossa, who is nearing a point a game average. It will only be a matter of time until the playoffs start.

The Packers gave the Bears too many chances to give them this game, and the Bears did not take care of business. While some may say Rodgers had a great game, his 55.4 passer rating was lower than Caleb Hanie’s 65.2 rating.  But with a lack of leadership from Cutler, it was very tough for the Bears to pull off a win.

Cutler has been a great addition to the team and has brought the team to new heights. He has been the best Bears quarterback in a long time and can be trusted with the ball. The Bears’ problem is the lack of a good offensive line and receivers. Defense is rarely a problem for the Bears any year, and they could have held up through the Super Bowl if they made it there.

The Bears’ offensive line has given Cutler hell the past two seasons. The Bears led the NFL in sacks allowed, with a grueling 56 takedowns. It’s amazing he only had one concussion through the regular season, while Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers suffered two this season and look where Rodgers team is now.

The O-line also lacks in giving Matt Forte room to run the football. The team sits at the bottom of the pit for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Despite the weak line, Forte was able to break 1,000 yards this season. Imagine the damage he can do if he had a good line and the pressure he would take off of Jay Cutler.    

Despite his limited time for passing, Cutler was able to sit at a 86.3 passer rating for the season, which stacks in the top half of all quarterbacks in the NFL. He also finished in the top 20 for passing yards. While dealing with a group of average wide receivers, their lack of experience and overall skill also limits Cutler’s potential. There was not one Bear receiver that broke the 1,000 yard mark or over 6 touchdowns. It’s hard to rely on such young receivers to pull through with big plays that big names like Miles Austin or Reggie Wayne do regularly.

Overall, Cutler is a great quarterback for the Chicago Bears and we cannot blame him for one injury. He brought our team to the NFC championship game with a bye, a result we did not expect at the beginning of the season at all. If we inprove our offensive line and touch up on our receivers, the Bears will be a Super Bowl contender for years to come.

The Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants are both new comers to the LCS. The Giants last visited the LCS in 2002 when they went to the World Series. Now they are back in the LCS with an all new team featuring a totally revamped look from the last team that went to the LCS.  The Texas Rangers are coming off an exciting five game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rangers made history in two ways. The Rangers won their first playoff series in franchise history. They are also the only team to ever win all the road games in a playoff series since the playoffs were installed in 1903.

All four teams have great pitching and exciting offenses which should make for some great League Championship Series.

ALCS: New York Yankees v. Texas Rangers

Preview: 
The Texas Rangers are playing in their first ever League Championship Series, while the Yankees are playing in their second in three years and their 13^th since the ALCS was installed in 1969.  Both teams have strong pitching featuring C.C. Sabathia for the Yankees and Cliff Lee for the Rangers.  Even better than the pitching are the outstanding offenses of both teams.  The Yankees have a great 3-4 combo of Mark Teixiera and Alex Rodriguez who are both ex-Rangers.  The Rangers have great hitters such as Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler.

Prediction: 
The Rangers are looking to continue their success on the road, and improve their record at Home. The Yankees hope that their veteran experience will give them an advantage over the mostly inexperienced Rangers. Over all this series looks to be very exciting and should last longer than 4 games.

Rangers win in seven games.

NLCS: Philadelphia Phillies v. San Francisco Giants

Preview:
The Phillies have been in the last two world championships, as well as the last three NLCS including this one.  The San Francisco Giants are in their first NLCS post Barry Bonds. The Giants are looking to prove that young pitching can over com a strong offense and veteran pitching staff of the Phillies. The Phillies hope that newly acquired ace Roy Halladay will continue his playoff success, following his no-hitter in the first game of the ALDS.  The Giants hope that young ace and two-time CY Youg award winner Tim Linsecum can also continue his dominant pitching in the NLCS.

Prediction: 
The offense for the Phillies is stronger than that for the Giants, but the Giants look to have more heart.  The Giants have something to prove while the Phillies are just in a routine by now.  This should be an exciting series from beginning to end. In the end I think the Giants pull off the up set winning in 6 games.

Giants win 4 games to 2.

Reds v. Phillies: The Reds came out of the weak NL Central where the St. Louis Cardinals were the only competition since the All Star Break. This is also the first time the Reds have been in the playoffs since 1995.  Mean while the Philadelphia Phillies are not only the favorite to win the series, but they are also a favorite to win the World Series.

In the first game, the Phillies showed why they are the favorite to win the National League. Roy Halladay made his playoff debut special by throwing the second no-hitter in playoff history.  He also contributed to his own cause by hitting a RBI single.  As for the Reds who ended up on the wrong side of history, they are looking to rebound with a game two win on Friday in Philadelphia.

Prediction: Cole Hammels shuts down the Reds on Friday, followed by a win by Oswalt to complete the sweep of the Reds. Phillies win series 3-0.

Braves v. Giants:  This is Bobby Cox’s last season as a manager.  He has only one World Series ring with the Braves, and is looking to make his last year special. In the other dugout the Giants are looking for a repeat of 2005 when they went to the World Series. 

Two time CY Young award winner Tim “The Freak” Lincecum, is making his playoff debut in Game one against the Giants.  The Braves are playing behind the leadership of old timer Tim Hudson, and the bat of rookie Jason Heyward. It looks like this series could go down to the line, and either team could win.

Prediction: Even though the Giants have “The Freak” on their side, I still think that the Braves offense will be able to carry this team threw the first round. Braves win 3-2.

Texas Rangers v. Tampa Bay Rays:  This series in practically over. The Rangers came in looking for their first ever series win in the playoffs, and it looks like they are going to get it.  In two games they have limited the Rays to 1 run on 8 hits.  The Rangers offense is running on all cylinders, with home runs from Ian Kinsler and Michael Young, and Nelson Cruz.   Now the series goes back to Texas where the Rangers will attempt to sweep.

Prediction:  The Rangers are heading home to play in front of over 57,000 screaming fans. The Rays are going to have to pull of a miracle if they want to salvage this series.  Any thing can happen in baseball, but the Rangers have too much momentum to loose game three. Rangers win series 3-0.

New York Yankees v. Minnesota Twins: Heading into this series it looked pretty balanced. The Yankees have the high power offense with a struggling pitching staff, while the Twins had a decent offense and a great set of Pitchers.  Now that the Yankees hold a two games to none lead, it’s obvious that the experience and coolness of the Yankees is what is defeating the Twins.  In both games the Twins managed to lose early leads.  Last night Andy Pettite looked like his old self allowing only two runs over seven innings.  Now the series head to the Bronx where the Yankees hope to end the series in front of their fans.

Prediction: The Twins have enough talent to win at least one game against the Yankees. The key player in game three will be Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes. The Hughes along with the rest of the Yankees pitching struggled down the stretch, and ended up loosing the division to the Rays.  If Hughes can stay composed, the Yankees should be able to take care of business.  I however think that the Twins will win game three and push the series to four games. In game four Sabathia will be on the mound, and that’s when they Yankees take care of business. Yankees win the series 3-1.

Wildcard Round

Game: New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals 27, Jets 13

Spin: In my opinion, this is the easiest game to predict in the playoffs. Rookie quarterbacks typically don’t fare well in the playoffs, especially one with 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions like March Sanchez. The Bengals defense will force Sanchez into at least three interceptions.

Game: Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots: Patriots 24, Ravens 17

Spin: The Patriots are banged up going into this matchup, though I still think they will win. Tom Brady has had numerous small injuries throughout the year, but the loss of Wes Welker is the biggest blow to the Patriots. The Ravens need a big game from their defense and Pro-Bowl running back Ray Rice to win, but I think they will come up short.

Game: Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals: Packers 35, Cardinals 24

Spin: The Packers are hot, winning seven of their last eight to finish the season, including a 33-7 win against the Cardinals in week 17. Both teams flaunt high scoring offenses. The Packers are led by Aaron Rodgers and Donald Driver; the Cardinals have Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald. The Packers solid defense, led a secondary featuring Charles Woodson and Nick Collins, will make the difference.

Game: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys: Eagles 30, Cowboys 27

Spin: What’s the old saying? Can’t beat a team three times in a season? I think this is the case for the Eagles who have lost twice to the Cowboys this year. Quarterback Donovan McNabb has lots of playoff experience, and he should have a good game. Tony Romo will struggle in the playoffs again for the Cowboys sending Dallas fans into hysteria.

Divisional Playoff Round:

Game: Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers: Chargers 31, Bengals 13

Spin: If you thought that the Packers were hot, then the Chargers are something else. They’ve won their last eleven games and will continue that streak. The Bengals defense won’t have as much success against Philip Rivers and the Bengals offense will struggle as well.

Game: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts: Colts 35, Patriots 34

Spin: How many times will we see Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady in the playoffs? Well, at least one more as Brady and co. will travel to the dome in Indianapolis to take on the Colts. This game will be a shootout as neither team has a great defense. The winner of this game typically wins the Super Bowl; I like the Colts.

Game: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: Vikings 31, Packers 27

Spin: Vikings vs. Packers round 3. Remember the old rule that you can’t beat a team three times in a year? Disregard that for this game as I like the Favres to beat the Packers for the third time this year. Both teams have really good defenses, but the offenses are the story of this game. A late touchdown pass from Favre is the difference for Minnesota.

Game: Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints: Eagles 23, Saints 17

Spin: Many people think the Cowboys are going to take down the Eagles, but I have the Eagles winning two games in the playoffs. The combination of blitzes will have Drew Brees confused and the Eagles will hold the Saints to just 17 points. Out of the top four seeds, the Saints look the weakest as they are losers of three straight.

Conference Championships:

AFC Game: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts: Colts 38, Chargers 27

Spin: Another shootout in the AFC, but Philips Rivers can’t keep up with Peyton Manning. The Chargers have knocked out the Colts the past two years, but not this year. The Colts are no longer unbeaten, but they have their players healthy. Neither team can run very well, so the quarterback position becomes even more important. Edge: Colts.

NFC Game: Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings: Vikings 30, Eagles 17

Spin: The Eagles are trying to repeat what their Pennsylvania friends (the Steelers), have done in the past: win the Super Bowl as a six seed. The Vikings are at home, where the whole team plays better. The Eagles can’t run the football, while the Vikings have Adrian Peterson shoving the ball down their throat. Peterson is the difference as he runs for 150+ yards.

 Super Bowl XLIV

Game: Minnesota vs. Indianapolis Colts (in Miami): Colts 34, Vikings 28

Spin: Brett Favre decided to come back for another year and it was a good decision. He made it to the Super Bowl, but will come up short. Favre throws for three touchdowns in his final game, but Peyton Manning and the Colts are able to overcome this and win. The Vikings run the ball better than the Colts, but the Vikings can’t cover Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. Colts win a close won to capture a second Super Bowl in four years.

During the first drive of the night, the bulldogs marched down the field with a powerful drive until being stopped by a turnover of downs at the inside of the greyhounds’ 25 yard line.

With a momentum boost from the big fourth down stop, Hubbard went on to score 14 unrivaled points and took control of the game until the second quarter when quarterback Billy Vandemerkt scored on a quarterback draw to cut the lead to 14-6. However Hubbard came right back with a field goal before the half to make it 17-6.

In the start of the second half Hubbard took off on the run game. With a couple of touchdowns the greyhounds strengthened their commanding lead by making it even bigger at 30-6. The bulldogs’ power defense could not stop the power house run game of the greyhounds having let up over 400 yards.

The dogs couldn’t get anything going on the offensive side of the game with a season low of 115 yards in the air; it just wasn’t enough to spark the offense.

The dogs finished the season at 6-4 overall and 5-1 in conference, sharing the conference title with Fenton.

With a highlight season from many players this year including Mark McDonagh’s 165 receptions not only sets a state record but a national record as well. With a season coming to an end wide receiver Mark McDonagh said “It was a fun year and I’m glad I could spend it with my teammates and coaches; it was a year I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Although they are losing many key players due to graduating this year, the bulldogs are already preparing and getting set for next season.

The Bulldogs started the season by packing into the buses and heading down to face the Metamora Redbirds. In the Bulldogs’ first game, they managed to throw up 41 points against the Redbirds who went on to be second in state. Even with the impressive show of offensive force the Bulldogs fell with an end score of 52-41. 

The bulldogs then faced the Nazareth Roadrunners at home. The bulldogs misfired that night and lost in a crushing defeat of 51-7. 

After being routed, the bulldogs went into their third game against Robeson looking to get their first game the season.  The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders and crushed the Robeson Raiders 65-26. 

After this victory things were looking up for the Bulldogs as they headed into week four, which was the start of the conference play. In a surprise upset, the bulldogs lost to the Fenton Bison, in an upset of 33-22. 

Since that day, the bulldogs have gone undefeated and ended up with a record of 6-3. The Bulldogs now face the playoffs. Leading the offense is senior Mark McDonagh who has not only broken tackles for touchdowns, but also almost every single receiver record in the state. The Bulldogs will now face their first opponent, Hubbard, this Friday at Gately Stadium in Chicago. 

The Bulldogs are confident for this game, “We got a good draw,” said quarterback Billy VandeMerkt.  Billy has completed 237 passes this season for 2648 yards, and averages 294.2 yards per game. The Bulldogs are looking to strike fast, and score points and then let their stellar defense take the field. 

The Bulldogs are going to be playing Hubbard, a team that has gone through the season as 7-2 and is ranked six while the Bulldogs come in a eleventh with a record of 6-3. 

If the Bulldogs can beat Hubbard, they will either be playing ranked three Chicago Robeson who the Bulldogs beat 65-26 or the Crystal Lake who is ranked tenth. 

The Bulldogs are excited and ready to strike on both sides of the ball. When the bulldogs have won it was due greatly to the defense who in their six wins let up less then ten points per game. “When everyone does their job we play well, which leads to a more aggressive attitude,” said senior defensive tackle Vince Arvis. When the Bulldogs lose however they lose big [averaging about 45 points per game let up]. 

 They key to a Bulldogs Victory is for them to get up early, and get points on the board. When the Bulldogs win they have outscored their opponents 221-55. If the season is going to be any indication of the game expect the bulldogs to up at least 32 points, in what will prove to be a shoot out as Hubbard is averaging a total of 31 points per game. 

The Hubbard Greyhounds are led by quarter back Quincy Skanes and rusher Jerome Laseter. 

Hubbard is by no means the toughest team they have met all year, but it’s not going to be a walkthrough. The Bulldogs are going to have to bring it all together to advance into the next round.