Jacobson: We’re through the regular season and into the first round of the playoffs. Coincidentally, our two local playoff teams both have rematches with their first-round opponents from 2011. Sycamore plays host to Chicago King while Kaneland will play Belvidere in Maple Park.

Who has the tougher first-round opponent in your mind?

Nitz: I think Kaneland faces the tougher team, although that’s not saying a whole lot. The conference Belvidere plays in, the NIC-10, is an interesting one. The Bucs have been challenged by teams such as Rockford Boylan, Hononegah and Harlem, But Belvidere has beaten only one team with a winning record (5-4 Rockford Auburn).