For our last week of predictions, we have 3 Illinois contests, plus one we’re noting from Missouri. All of this weekend’s contests are downstate, as the Chicagoland bands have either completed their seasons or are preparing for BOA Indianapolis.

Last week, we went 1-1, with a correct call of United Township at Lincoln-Way, but Belleville East surprised Murphysboro at Effingham. Eureka and Paxton-Buckley-Loda were also winners at contests that we didn’t have enough information on at press time to predict.

Let’s send this season out with a band, bands!

• Greater St. Louis (Link, Discussion)
  We don’t do predictions for this contest, as there are too many Missouri bands attending for us to follow them all. We did, though, want to bring this show up, as it is probably the premiere contest for Southern Illinois/Metro East/Missouri, and there will be a bunch of Illinois bands at this show. Good luck to you all!
• Oblong Spooktacular Parade and Field (Schedule/Discussion)
  A rising star in the Southern Illinois circuit is Robinson HS, who in recent years has shown they can compete with bands such as Newton and Mater Dei. Champaign Central, Salem, and Rich Central are also in Class AAA, but we think that , barring surprises from some bands on this list that we know nothing about, this is Robinson’s contest to shine. Our Pick – Robinson
• Pinckneyville Parade and Field (Schedule, Discussion)
  This contest is rather small this year, but last year’s Grand Champion, Granite City, is back, and will probably have the advantage, performing last on the field (we don’t have parade times as of this writing). Our Pick – Granite City
• Western Illinois University Classic (Link, Schedule (PDF), Discussion)
  While Geneseo is the defending champion at this show, we think the field is much tougher this year with Herscher and Macomb in attendence. These bands last met at Metamora, with Herscher over Macomb by 1.45, so plenty could have happened in 3 weeks. We’ve decided to go with Macomb as the winner, as they have both a home-town advantage and picked up a win at U of I two weeks ago, but a win from the Marching Tigers would surprise no one. Rock Island is likely to carry Class AAAA, but we think a Class AAA band will win this one, as Geneseo did last year. Our Pick – Macomb