Two in-state shows this weekend, and they are the biggest of the year.  ISU and Mahomet-Seymour are this weekend.  A little note about how we did the ISU predictions:  The staff voted for each class, finalists, and Grand Champion, as did the users of the site.  Each gets a little bit of consideration in the writeup.

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

Mahomet-Seymour Marching Bulldog Festival: Mahomet, IL

Class A: This is shaping up to be a great class with Paxton-Buckley-Loda, Atwood-Hammond, and several other strong bands in this class.  We think Paxton-Buckley-Loda will win, followed by Atwood-Hammond, and Hoopeston Area in 3rd.

Class AA: Another strong class.  We think Metamora will take this class, followed closely by Robinson,  and Mt. Zion rounding out the top 3.

Class AAA: We think Dunlap will repeat as class champions here again, after their .10 victory over A.A. Stagg last year.  A.A. Stagg will be 2nd, and Providence Catholic will round out the top 3.

Grand Champion: Dunlap
State of Illinois Invitational Marching Championships: Normal, IL

Class 1A: Eureka looks to repeat as Class 1A champions again this year, but they have some strong competition.   We think Illinois Valley Central will be 2nd in the class, and Watseka will round out the top 3.

Class 2A: A pretty unanimous vote for this class.  Morton received 38 out of 39 combined casted votes in both the staff and forum polls.  We think Lincoln-Way West will take 2nd, and Limestone will nip at their heels in 3rd.

Class 3A: The easiest decision of the weekend.  Marian Catholic will make it 31 consecutive class championships.  Bloomington 2nd, and a good battle for 3rd, with Rock Island and Lemont in the mix.  We think Rock Island will pull out the placing for 3rd.

Class 4A: Lincoln-Way North has had a strong season thus far, and that will continue here, with a class championship, and a berth into the night show.  We think Normal West will be 2nd, and another battle for third will ensue between Wheeling and United Township.  We think Wheeling will get the nod for 3rd.

Finalists, 1A-4A: 7 finalists here, so class champions first: Eureka, Morton, Marian Catholic, and Lincoln-Way North.  A little bit of differentiation between the staff and fan polls, as the staff believes the next 3 will be Bloomington, Normal West, and Wheeling.  The fan poll has voted for Bloomington, Normal West, and Lincoln-Way West, with United Township and Wheeling just missing.

Class 5A: Good class here with Prospect and Lincoln-Way East both in the hunt.  The staff and fan polls both agree that Prospect will pull off the victory, with Lincoln-Way East 2nd, and Victor J. Andrew in 3rd.

Class 6A: Most feel strongly that Lake Park will take this class.  2nd and 3rd are definitely up for grabs here, with Lockport, Downers Grove South, Waubonsie Valley, and Naperville North all in the hunt.  We think Naperville North will be second, and Lockport 3rd, with Downers Grove South running closely here.

Finalists, 5A-6A: Top 7 from the staff poll: Victor J. Andrew, Prospect, Lincoln-Way East, Lake Park, Naperville North, and Waubonsie Valley and Lockport tying for the last spot.

From the fan poll: VJA, Prospect, LWE, Lake Park, DGS, Naperville North, and LWC.  A little bit of differentiation there, so we’ll see on Saturday.

Grand Champion: Both the staff and fan polls are split on this as well.  2/3 of the staff voted for Marian Catholic, while the fan poll had Prospect with a little lead over Marian Catholic.  This will be a great fight, and we think Marian Catholic will pull it out, but not by much.  Lake Park 3rd.

Best of luck to all bands this weekend!