We have 6 shows this weekend, each one better than the last one. Some big bands return to the field this weekend, such as Marian Catholic, Lake Park competes in the Illinois scene for the first time this season.

Here’s our prediction totals for last weekend, and all season:
Last Week
Total: 15/22
Class Champions: 11/16
Grand Champions: 4/6

Overall
Total: 55/79
Class Champions: 42/59
Grand Champions: 13/20

Without further adieu, let’s get to the predictions!!

Sage City Invitational: Monticello, IL
Class C:This one’s pretty easy. Atwood-Hammond’s having a fairly decent year as they gear up for the Illini Marching Band Festival. Our pick: Atwood-Hammond.
Class B:This class could go one of a few ways. Watseka could wins this class, as well as Hoopeston. Our pick: Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Class A:There’s two bands in this class. One will finish in first, one will finish in second. Our pick: Mahomet-Seymour
Class AA:Lincoln-Way North is having a good debut season, with a class win at Morton and a place in finals at the Bands of America Centerville regional. We think that success will continue on to this class as well. Our pick: Lincoln-Way North
Grand Champion: Winning class AA will allow Lincoln-Way North to win their first ever Grand Championship. Our pick: Lincoln-Way North

McKendree Preview of Champions: Lebanon, IL
Group 1:Murphysboro seems the most logical pick for this class. Our pick: Murphysboro
Group 2:This is probably the toughest class to pick for all the shows this week. Our pick is going to go to a band from Missouri. Our pick: Potosi
Group 3: Edwardsville or Belleville East could conceivably each win this class. However, we’re going to go with the band that has had more success so far this year. Our pick: Belleville East
Grand Champion:Winning Group 3 will allow Belleville East to win Grand Champion. Our pick: Belleville East

Washington Parade and Field: Washington, IL (field predictions only).
Class A: Our pick: Farmington
Class AA: Our pick: Eureka
A/AA Grand Champion: Out of all the bands in the 2 lower classes, Eureka seems most apt to be able to take the A/AA GC. Our Pick: Eureka

Class AAA: Our pick: Pontiac
Class AAAA: This class is a tough pick. IVC and Normal Community tied at Pontiac a few weeks ago. We’re going to take a chance here and say, Our pick: Normal Community
AAA/AAAA Grand Champion: Our pick: Normal Community

Naperville Central Marching Classic: Lisle, IL
As we get in to the last week before ISU, this is the final tune up for a lot of bands headed there, as there are a few here on the way.

Class A: This should be a fun class, but we predict a rising from an old power here. Our Pick: Herscher
Class AA:This one is pretty easy here. With this being a school size competition, this one is pretty sure, especially with the late performance time. Our Pick: Marian Catholic
Class AAA: Kind of a wide open class, but with the strength of their percussion, and a fairly strong winds section, one band should be able to overtake the others. Our Pick: Romeoville
Class AAAA:Fresh off the class win at Lincoln-Way, we don’t see much derailing the train. They will “arrest the competition” with Cop Land. (eh?) Our Pick: Naperville North
Grand Champion: This shouldn’t be a big surprise. Our pick: Marian Catholic

Prospect Knight of Champions: Mt. Prospect, IL
Another big ISU tune up, with a preview of quite a few ISU 6A and 5A bands. Should be a great competition, with Lake Park, Victor J. Andrew, United Township, Hersey, and reigning state champion Lincoln-Way East.

Class A:Large class with some growing bands. In the end, Our Pick: Alan B Shepard
Class AA: This is a strong class, should be a good race. Romeoville is pulling double duty today, and the kids should be up for that, but show design will win it here. Our Pick: Victor J Andrew
Class AAA: This is the toughest class probably yet this season at any IL show. The 3 of the last 4 bands on are ISU finalists, and Hersey has been a power at U of I for years. If only Prospect were in competition at this one… When it comes down to it, even with the numbers decline thanks to the new school opening, Our Pick: Lincoln-Way East
Grand Champion:Winning AAA will lead to Lincoln-Way East winning Grand Champion as well.Our pick: Lincoln-Way East

Due to not receiving a schedule for the Robinson Marching Maroon Festival, the staff could not predict this show.