As the season 2011 season drifts into our memory banks, we have put together our final end-of-year power rankings for our top 20 area teams. Here is our take on each team, how they faired and what their prospects are for 2012.

Roosters Top 20 Area Team Power Rankings

1. Bolingbrook - The Raiders had their star players like All-State players Robert Bain and Aaron Bailey as well as the best linebacker in my opinion Antonio Morrison this season. While blessed with such talents, guys like Greg Gordon, Diaron Rhodes and Austin VanMeter help to forge one of the best defenses I have ever covered. Coach Ivlow said it best, it wasn't about a talented group of players it was a team and the Raiders won the 8A state title because they were a team in every sense of the word.

2. Montini - The Broncos have now won three straight 5A title and left no doubt who the best team in the class was this season. Jordan Westerkamp had a huge game as did his quarterback John Rhode who broke the all-time single championship game record of 587 yards and seven touchdowns. It will be interesting to see if Montini can fill the void left behind it's graduating seniors next season but for now...WOW!

3. Wheaton Warrenville South - This team was amazing and got better every week. After winning the last two 7A crowns, they opened the season losing three of their first four games and had perhaps the toughest road to travel to the state championship this season as an 8 seed. The tough, never quit and in my eyes overachieving group of players lost to Rockford Boylan 21-14 in this year's 7A final but this team played to the final whistle. Hats off to this group of dreamers who made them a reality.

4. Joliet Catholic - The Hillmen were led by perhaps the two best running backs in the state in senior Malin Jones and junior Ty Isaac. After struggling a bit defensively against the pass, JCA made a great run in the post season and the defense rose to the challenge earning a state title birth. Losing to Montini 70-45 is no doubt chalk board material for the off season however, minus one of the greatest leaders in the sport in Jones. Defense wins championships and I am quite sure that phrase will be overused in the off season by coach Dan Sharp with his returning players. Regardless of how they finished, it never got old watching the many long touchdown runs from this team better known to us at the Nest as auto highlights!

5. Naperville Central - Tough, physical and downright talented team. Central dominated the playoffs until they ran into Bolingbrook in the 8A Semi Finals. Representing the DuPage Valley Conference, the Redhawks held their own this season and will likely be back in the mix in 2012.

6. Lincoln Way East - How many times can you say a one loss season is a disappointment but for the Griffins, it appears that is the case for the players who walk away from the season perhaps scratching their heads. This team was and is dominant blasting through the regular season unblemished earning a one seed in the 7A playoffs. The Griffins high powered offense led by All-State quarterback Blake Winkler was stopped 7-0 by eventual state runner up Wheaton-Warrenville South at home in the 7A Quarterfinal game. This team will look much different next season but they likely will not lose a step and be right back in it come late October 2012.

7. Lemont - The Indians looked to be unstoppable this season and frankly they were. Solid defense and a power running offense mowed over competition week in and week out. After holding a 2 score lead, the Indians faltered and ended up losing 34-31 in double overtime to Peoria Richwood in the 6A Semi Final. Lemont has been so close to their first state championship in football but hasn't been able to get over the hump just yet. Look for this team to continue their dominance in 2012 and make a run once again for the elusive state title they seek.

8. Glenbard West - The Hilltoppers were stunned 7-0 by Lake Zurich in the 7A Quarterfinals and bowed out of the bracket all but screwing up my picks for the season. I had predicted a showdown between West and Lincoln Way East in the 7A Final. This program has a great coach and great tradition. Is 2012 their year? That will depend entirely on their off season but you can never count this program out.

9. Downers Grove South - The Mustangs finished 10-2 on the year after being dominated by eventual state champion Bolingbrook 47-21 in the 8A Quarterfinal. South is a perennial powerhouse that will simply reload next season and make another run. They are losing All-State running back Josh Williams but like I said this team simply reloads. Forget the morons who claim weak conference blah blah..the Mustangs will be back.

10. Homewood Flossmoor - The Vikings were a team of multiple personalities this season and lacked consistency early however, finishing with only 3 losses, Lincoln Way East, Bolingbrook and Naperville Central, they rose up the ranks. It's hard to say where they will be in 2012 in a loaded conference but, 2011 was a great season for Viking fans.

11. Providence - The Celtics were the best team in 7A eliminated first after losing a heartbreaker to Wheaton Warrenville South 23-16. While Providence did not advance, they did overachieve and beat some very good teams like Prep Bowl Champions Mt. Carmel. I think the Celtics will turn a lot of heads next season and is my dark horse to compete for a state championship next year.

12. Mt. Carmel - What kid doesn't want to play for the winningest coach of all time in Illinois Frank Lenti. The Caravan finished the year beating Simeon for the city tournament championship but a state title wasn't in the cards for this group this season. How good can they be next season? Well I am not going to bet against them.

13. Oswego - This team was fun to watch with All-State quarterback Ryan West at the helm. West is in my mind the best PURE quarterback in the state and if he isn't taking snaps for the Panthers, I doubt they make it as far as they did. In his last season as coach, Dave Keely retired from his teaching duties at Oswego and as a result of his union contract cannot coach the team in 2012 if he is not teaching. It will be interesting to see if coach Keely shows up somewhere new next season. As for the Panthers who will graduate most of their starters, it looks like 2012 will be a rebuilding year after a great run in 2011.

14. Lockport - In his first season as head coach, Don McKillip got the job done and pushed the Porters to a very good season all things considered. In their conference was a 8A state champion in Bolingbrook, a 11-1 Lincoln Way East team and HF who advanced to a quarterfinal. All told, Lockport over achieved this season and their prospects for a solid future are well in hand. Replacing quarterback Billy Reed will be a challenge in the off season and the conference hasn't gotten any weaker.

15. Lincoln Way West - Once again the Warriors impressed and proved that 2010 was no fluke. Finishing the regular season 7-2 and eventually losing to state runner up Joliet Catholic. Football at West has definitely become a program and the players have bought in. this will be a dangerous team next season.

16. Minooka - The Indians did well in conference but failed to win outside of the SPC this season. This was an incredibly tough squad and most will graduate and move one. Unfortunately for Minooka, head coach Burt Kooi stepped down leaving a large crater to fill for the athletic director. I have heard rumors but won't speculate on who will fill the void but no matter which coach steps in to fill the vacuum, it will be a long road to walk next season.

17. Sandburg - The Eagles may be the best team you didn't hear much about this season largely due to their incredibly tough conference schedule. While they struggled to gain ground in the South Suburban Blue this season, they may find some wiggle room next season. Look for Sandburg to start climbing the ladder up in the next few seasons.

18. Tinley Park Andrew - The Thunderbolts went 6-3 in the regular season before bowing out in the second round of the 7A playoffs losing to Chicago St. Rita. This program has all the weapons in place to be a tough squad next year and in our opinion will challenge for a South Suburban Red crown.

19. Plainfield South - This squad had its moments during the year of greatness and Dantrell Wright was named to the All-State team. While South experienced some fantastic wins, the also failed to show consistency. They will lose a ton of speed in the off season but they have a solid quarterback in the wings (Rick Luna) who will be a great leader on which to build next year.

20. Joliet West - I am sure there will be several people scratching their heads at this pick but in our opinion, the Tigers are a very tough squad. Plagued with the injury bug this season and playing in hands down the toughest conference in the area, West played respectable football and is beginning has shed many bad seasons to get to this point. It's hard work building a winning program especially in the conference they play however, head coach Jason Aubrey is on the right track and if they get a running game going next season...look out.