This weekend is already the fourth weekend of competitions in Illinois. We have a busy weekend with 7 competitions, so let’s get right to our predictions!
SIU Music & Motion-Carbondale, IL
Class B: The most interesting class of the competition is here. Murphysboro begins their 2011 competitive season here, and all the other bands have at least 1 show under their belts in 2011. We think Murphysboro will win the class, followed by Wesclin, and Hazelwood East in 3rd.
Class 1A: Carbondale has had the stronger start to their season thus far. We think they’ll win this class, with Marion not far behind.
Class 2A: As they’re the only band in the class, Belleville West will win.
Grand Champion: This is really a tossup. Each class champion has a shot to win the class, but we think Murphysboro will prevail.
Phantom Regiment Fall Classic: DeKalb, IL
Class A: Marengo makes their 2011 competitive debut here, and all of the other bands have already competed this year. This should be a close class between the top 3. We think Marengo will take it, followed by Argo in 2nd, and Reavis in 3rd.
Class AA: This is an interesting class. None of the bands in this class compete often, so this class is completely up in the air. We think Yorkville will take it, with McHenry in a close 2nd, and Maine East 3rd.
Class AAA: Prospect will run away with this class. The real fight is for 2nd. Look for Batavia to take 2nd (having one of their best competitive seasons ever), and DeKalb in 3rd.
Class AAAA: This is interesting as well. Washington and Warren Township match up well, and add in Oak Creek, who we haven’t heard anything from this season so far. We think Warren Township will take the class, Oak Creek, WI in 2nd, and Washington will round out the top 3.
Grand Champion: Prospect
Limestone Marching Rockets Field Competition: Bartonville, IL
Class A: Farmington has had a very good start to their season, with one class title, and one 2nd place thus far. Wethersfield won their class at Geneseo last week. We think Farmington will take the class, Wethersfield 2nd, and Ridgeview 3rd.
Class AA: This will be a fun class. Pekin and Metamora have already met up twice, with each band taking one competition this far. We think Pekin will take the class, with Metamora close behind, and Prairie Central 3rd.
Class AAA: IVC and Macomb met up 2 weeks ago, with IVC emerging the victor. We think it will happen again, and IVC will emerge victorious and Grand Champion as well.
Panther Marching Band Festival: Charleston, IL
Class A: With many of these bands in their first week of competition, we think that LeRoy will take third, followed by Okaw Valley, and Atwood-Hammond will win the class.
Class AA: Another full line-up here. We think East Richland will come in third, followed by Centralia, and Tri-Valley will take this class.
Class AAA: After seeing a lot of early season shows from these bands, we believe Robinson will come in third, followed by Pontiac Township, and Granite City will win the class.
Class AAAA: Another good class here. Mahomet-Seymour looks to take third followed by Champaign Central. Normal West looks to defend their class title from last year, as well as Grand Champion.
Bands of America Regional Championships: Mason, OH
This is a fun early-season matchup between 3 bands vying for a Grand National Finals berth: Centerville, William Mason, and Lincoln-Way East. We think Centerville will win the Championship, with Mason 2nd, and Lincoln-Way East 3rd. Our predictions for the remaining finalists are: Hamilton Southeastern, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Bellbrook, George Rogers Clark, Bourbon County, Northmont, and Kettering Fairmont.
Naperville Central Marching Classic: Lisle, IL:
1A: This is the first competition for Sandwich, but we feel they can win this class.
2A: Glenbrook North should have no issues winning this class, with Alan B. Shepard in 2nd.
3A: It should be a close fight between Eureka and Lincoln-Way Central. Our Pick: Lincoln Way-Central
4A: Unless Romeoville really steps it up, Lincoln-Way North should easily take this class.
5A: Easiest class of the day to call. Lake Park takes a win here, but it really heats up for 2nd and 3rd places. Naperville North and Plainfield North were very close earlier in the season and they should be the ones to claim the other two spots.
Grand Champion: This will be close. We think Lake Park will eke out a close win over Lincoln-Way North.
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