El Paso-Gridley has historically been a competition for smaller schools to show off, along with occasional larger programs such as Manteno and Glenwood. That is not the case this year, as the lineup features a smorgasbord of some of Illinois’ best choirs, as well as a loaded festival division so smaller programs can still get in good competition. Some choirs from Wisconsin also join the fun in what promises to be possibly the biggest lineup in this event’s history, and a massive bloodbath that's a prelude to the highly competitive month of March.
Festival Mixed
Peotone “Powerhouse”
Pekin “Noteables”
Herscher “Class Act”
Peoria “Soundwave”
Huntley “Harmonics”
Mother McAuley “Mac Melody”
Crete-Monee “Cavaliers”
Sullivan “Singers”
Batavia “Swingsingers”
Last weekend’s competition at Manteno saw a huge shakeup in the festival division, as Crete-Monee pulled off a sweep against Herscher and Sullivan. Cavaliers will look to repeat that in an even more loaded field. Herscher will look to take down Crete to get their first win after two second-place finishes, while Sullivan, Pekin and Batavia look to improve on third place finishes at Manteno, Fort Atkinson and Crete respectively, as will Peotone, who finished fourth last weekend. Huntley will look to make some waves a division down after missing finals at Fort Atkinson, while Peoria makes their debut this weekend. Finally, Mother McAuley is coming off of a fantastic showing at Chesterton, winning their division and holding their own against larger groups in their finals. They may possibly be looking to place higher than expected here, and absolutely should not be counted out.
Single Gender Division
Mt. Zion “Les Femmes”
Fort Atkinson “Lexington Singers”
Naperville North “Vivant”
Sauk Prairie “YTBN”
Wheaton Warrenville South “Esprit”
Illinois’ first single-gender clash of the season features some of the state’s top dogs, as well as some outsiders. Esprit started the season off strong with a division sweep at Bloomington Kennedy; however, they fell to third last weekend at Homewood against great competition. They will look to get back on track with a division win and possibly a finals berth. Mt. Zion Les Femmes is coming off a finals appearance at Chesterton against some top single gender groups, and they're looking to make another finals appearance by knocking off Esprit. Naperville North Vivant made a finals appearance at Davenport North a few weeks ago, showing that they’re as dangerous as ever. In terms of outsiders, Fort Atkinson won their division against Sauk Prairie last weekend at Monona Grove, something YTBN will look to rectify here. YTBN also beat a few out of state groups earlier in the year at Milton, so a podium finish for them or Lexington isn't entirely out of the question.
Mixed Division
Mt. Zion “Swingsations”
John Hersey “OnStage”
Fort Atkinson “South High Street Singers”
Naperville North “Entourage”
Quincy “Electric Blue”
Sauk Prairie “Executive Session”
Wheaton Warrenville South “The Classics”
Manteno “Magic”
Large Mixed will feature some of the top groups in Illinois looking to cement their place on top by placing high in a brutal division. Classics are coming off two third place finishes, but took Best Vocals last weekend against groups that historically sing. As in most Classics seasons, they appear to be gaining momentum as the season goes along. They will look to prove that this weekend by notching their first win of the season. Meanwhile, Mt. Zion comes off of a finals miss at a monstrous Chesterton event last weekend, and will look to use this competition as a turning point for the rest of their season. Naperville North took fourth place at their last competition; however, they've had three weeks and a host performance to hone their craft, so they could prove formidable here. Manteno, the reigning champion of this contest, will find it very difficult to defend their title, but will still look to remain competitive. While Sauk Prairie hasn't netted a win this season, they are still looking competitive for a spot in finals, which would prove the group travels well. Quincy, John Hersey, and Fort Atkinson all have hurdles for a finals spot, but in a season this crazy, it’s impossible to count them out.
Predictions
GC: WWS “The Classics” (BV/BC)
1RU: Mt. Zion “Swingsations"
2RU: Naperville North “Entourage"
3RU: Manteno “Magic”
4RU: Sauk Prairie “Executive Session”
5RU: WWS “Esprit”
Despite not getting the results they wanted at their first two competitions, WWS remains the favorite to win this competition, and this may be the point where they really take off and round out into the powerhouse group the know. However, Mt. Zion and Naperville North remain hungry and formidable, and are absolutely in the conversation to pull an upset. Manteno likely will not defend their title from last year, but they remain a solid lock for finals. While there is a chance for Sauk Prairie to miss finals, it's more likely than not they make it in. Finally, while a few groups could take the sixth spot, Esprit is likely the betting favorite for their first finals appearance of the season.
Showdown will be a massive keystone event for Illinois as the state races into a trio of marquee events - Glenwood, Mt. Zion, and Wheaton Warrenville South. The results here will set the tone for the home stretch of the season.
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