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FRIDAY'S GAMES

CLASS 8A
NO. 10 BARTLETT (6-3) at NO. 7 LEYDEN (7-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: Neuqua Valley 42, Bartlett 14; Lyons 49, Leyden 6
Outlook: Bartlett's senior RB Aaron Everson has a school-record 1,769 rushing yards and 26 total touchdowns this year and the defense allows 19 ppg.
Leyden QB Mike Smith leads a balanced attack on offense for the Eagles. Leyden is a cooperative program between East Leyden in Franklin Park and West Leyden in Northlake.

NO. 9 BOLINGBROOK (7-2) at NO. 8 SANDBURG (7-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Last week: Bolingbrook 34, Lockport 10; Homewood-Flossmoor 21, Sandburg 8
Up next: Bolingbrook would host No. 1 Neuqua Valley or No. 16 Naperville North; Sandburg would travel to Neuqua Valley or Naperville North.
Outlook: Will Aaron Bailey play or won’t he? That’s what everyone is wondering heading into this rematch of Sandburg’s 13-6 overtime win in Week 7. Bailey, an Illinois recruit who led Bolingbrook to the 8A title last fall, suffered a knee injury in a Week 6 loss to Lincoln-Way East and hasn’t played since. While Quincy Woods has been a capable fill-in, the Raiders are clearly a different team with a healthy Bailey to go along with fellow playmakers Omar Stover (1,006 rushing yards, 12 TDs) and Jaden Huff (476 yards, 8 TDs). The Eagles have relied on an effective ground game led by Lemonte Booker (953 yards, 15 TDs).

PROVISO WEST (6-3) at WAUBONSIE VALLEY (8-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Outlook: No. 13 Waubonsie Valley has one of the state’s premier backs in senior Austin Guido, who last week broke the school single-season records for rushing yards (1,826) and touchdowns (27). The Warriors, whose only loss was to district rival Neuqua Valley in double overtime in Week 7, also can move the ball through the air with QB Dylan Andrew. Famous Hulbert has turned around a Proviso West program that had 20 losing seasons in 22 years before qualifying for the playoffs four years running. The Panthers’ impact players include DB Jameer Thurman, who has an offer from Central Michigan and interest from a number of other major colleges; RB Jamaal Payton and QB Anthony Dorsey.

NO. 12 OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST (6-3) NO. 5 at HINSDALE CENTRAL (7-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Outlook: The last time these West Suburban Silver rivals met, Oak Park (6-3) stormed back from a 28-7 first-quarter deficit to edge Hinsdale Central (7-2) 42-41 in overtime in Oak Park in Week 7. Both teams’ potent attacks are keyed by strong ground games. Hinsdale’s Jack Adams runs behind a big, experienced line anchored by junior Brian Allen. Oak Park’s Jakari Cammon has benefited from not having to shoulder as much of the load as he did last year when he was pretty much the Huskies’ lone option. Oak Park hasn’t won a playoff game since 1992, while the Red Devils are winless in the postseason since their run to the Class 8A title game in 2008.

NO. 15 LYONS (5-4) at NO. 2 MARIST (8-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Up next: Marist would host Homewood-Flossmoor or travel to O’Fallon
Outlook: Lyons (5-4) has been in must-win mode since Week 7 after starting 2-4 with close losses to Stevenson (35-28), Hinsdale Central (24-20) and Oak Park-River Forest (35-34). The Lions have since won three straight, beating 8A playoff qualifiers Proviso West and Leyden the past two weeks. QB Zach Mahoney and multidimensional Northwestern recruit Matthew Harris are players to watch for Lyons. No. 17 Marist (8-1), the East Suburban Catholic co-champ, has relied on an improved defense and a diversified offense keyed by WR Nic Weishar (76 catches, 872 yards, 5 TDs), RB Peter Andreotti (159 carries, 963 yards, 11 TDs) and QB Ian Woodworth (202-of-337, 2,182 yards, 16 TDs).

NO. 10 O’FALLON (7-2) at NO. 7 HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (7-2)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Up next: Homewood-Flossmoor would travel to Lyons or travel to Marist
The breakdown: Both squads boast an abundance of skill. H-F QB Ron Johnson (92-of-144, 1,374) has major targets in Patrick Sheehan (25, 396) and Willie Ross (22, 377). A solid game from RB Taje Smith (130-840) would allow the Vikings passing game to flourish.

NO. 11 BLOOM (6-3) VS. NO. 6 SIMEON (8-1) at GATELY STADIUM
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Up next: Bloom would host Brother Rice or host Mount Carmel
The breakdown: The Blazing Trojans would love to run the ball behind Justus Brantley and keep the explosive Simeon offense on the sideline. And Bloom has the experience on the offensive line to possibly do it. If QB Kendall McGinnis can effectively throw the football, Bloom’s running game would become even more dangerous.


CLASS 7A
NO. 5 THORNTON (7-2) at NO. 4 T.F. SOUTH (7-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Up next: Thornton would host Batavia or travel to Downers Grove South; T.F. South would travel to Downers Grove or travel to Batavia.
The breakdown: Thornton must get its running game, led by Jamal Towns (141-956), established early. QB JoWahn Brown (135-of-194, 1,784) has multiple threats at receiver, led by Juan Wesley (39, 671) and the Wildcats would be wise to exploit them. T.F. South RBs Saleem Sanford (111-851) and Joe Young key an offense heavy on the run. QB Peyton Padjen has a playmaker at receiver in Drakkar Frazier.

NO. 12 ST. CHARLES EAST (6-3) at NO. 5 WHEATON NORTH (8-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Winner gets: No. 4 Glenbrook North or No. 13 Prospect
Outlook: Senior FB/LB Joe Hoscheit is a key contributor on both sides of the ball for the Saints, who finished second in the Upstate Eight River. Junior WR Brannon Barry has 41 catches for 486 yards this season.
The Falcons are No. 14 in the Sun-Times Super 25 after knocking rival Wheaton Warrenville South out of playoff contention with last week’s 23-13 victory. Senior QB John Peltz has thrown for 1,335 yards this season to pace a high-powered offense that averages 37.4 points. On defense Wheaton North has allowed more than seven points only three times. The Falcons lost to the eventual Class 7A state champion each of the past two years.

NO. 7 ANDREW (6-3) at NO. 2 BENET (8-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Up next: Andrew would host Oswego or travel to Plainfield North
The breakdown: No doubt Andrew is going to need impact performances from its big three: QB Jacob Platt (1,351 yards passing; 615 rushing), RB Jarvion Franklin (126-941) and WR Dennis Vilimek (27, 547). But the Thunderbolts defense must find a way to contain Benet QB Jack Beneventi, who is a threat with his arm and legs.

NO. 6 PLAINFIELD NORTH (7-2) at NO. 3 OSWEGO (8-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: Plainfield North 48, Oswego East 14; Oswego 42, Plainfield Central 13
Up next: Plainfield North would host No. 2 Benet or No. 7 Andrew.
The breakdown: Plainfield North dropped its season opener at Bradley 27-22 and now has won eight of nine. The only hiccup was a 35-7 loss to Oswego in Week 7. The high-powered Panthers, led by senior QB Brett Wawright, have outscored their last seven foes by a combined 304-63. North’s offense features senior RB Jay Roberts (131 rushes, 979 yards, 7.5 average) and senior QB Kurt Palandech (45-381 rushing, 8.5 average; 28-of-46 passing, 460 yards). The Tigers’ defense is led by senior LB Brett Fox, a three-year starter.

NO. 8 PLAINFIELD CENTRAL (6-3) at NO. 1 LINCOLN-WAY EAST (9-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: Oswego 42, Plainfield Central 13; Lincoln-Way East 42, Joliet West 6
Up next: Plainfield Central would host No. 4 Providence or travel to No. 5 Bradley; Lincoln-Way East would host Providence or travel to Bradley.
The breakdown: Plainfield Central enters as a decided underdog. The Wildcats, after struggling offensively last week against Southwest Prairie champion Oswego, need to control the ball, with senior RB Jordan Ellingwood (165 rushes, 943 yards) a key. SouthWest Suburban Blue champ East features a strong defense to go with a potent spread offense led by QB Tom Fuessel (112-969 rushing, 8.7 average; 49-of-89 passing, 685 yards). RB Nick Colangelo (88-628, 7.1 average) is a threat.

NO. 5 BRADLEY (6-3) at NO. 4 PROVIDENCE (7-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: Lincoln-Way West 26, Bradley 13; Mount Carmel 17, Providence 0
Up next: Providence would travel to No. 1 Lincoln-Way East or to No. 8 Plainfield Central.
The breakdown: After turning the ball over six times and allowing an 88-yard fumble return against Catholic Blue rival Mount Carmel, Providence has been hard at work to clean up the mistakes. Celtics TB Brandon Price (168 rushes, 936 yards, 5.6 average) is a weapon, and WR/RB Chad Weaver (47-419 rushing, 8.9 average; 23-262 receiving, 11.4 average) is getting back to being healthy. Bradley lost to Thornton, Lincoln-Way North and Lincoln-Way West in the SouthWest Suburban Red.

CLASS 6A
NO. 8 HINSDALE SOUTH (6-3) at NO. 1 OAK FOREST (8-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Up next: Oak Forest will host Perspectives Charter or travel to Shepard
The breakdown: Don’t be surprised if Hinsdale South loads eight or nine players in the box in hopes of stunting the Bengals running game and forcing them to the air. Oak Forest has been successfully rotating QBs Tom Zale and Nick Ciufia. FB Ben Santiago (94-657) has done a nice job filling in for injured Matt Barry. Hinsdale South, which relies more on running the ball, has some weapons in QB D.J. Deolitsis, RB Arian Toney and WR Justin Ward.

NO. 7 LINCOLN-WAY NORTH (6-3) at NO. 2 RICHARDS (8-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Up next: Lincoln-Way North would host Lemont or travel to Morgan Park; Richards would host Lemont or travel to Morgan Park
The breakdown: The Phoenix boast an explosive running game, led by Julian Hylton (142-1,152), Tyler Gaynor (79-507) and Tre Lewis. Richards must apply the brakes to North’s ability to run and force them to third-and-long situations. The Bulldogs boast a more diverse offense, led by QB Hasan Muhammed-Rogers, RBs Tommy Mister (105-830) and Ramontay Hill, and WRs Tacari Carpenter (23, 473) and Jimmy Wujcik.

NO. 5 SHEPARD (6-3) vs. NO. 4 PERSPECTIVES (7-2) at GATELY STADIUM
When: 4:15 p.m., Friday
Up next: Shepard would host Oak Forest or travel to Hinsdale South
The breakdown: Christmas arrived early for the Astros, which should have little difficulty advancing to the second round. A large dose of QB Jimmy McClinton (1,194 yards passing; 466 rushing) and WR Londell Lee (37, 846), sprinkled in with some Lorenzo Lashley (64-553) should prove to be the winning recipe.

CLASS 5A
NO. 9 LINCOLN-WAY WEST (6-3) at NO. 8 ROCHELLE (6-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: Lincoln-Way West 26, Bradley 13; Rochelle 44, DeKalb 31
Up next: Lincoln-Way West would host No. 1 Kaneland or No. 16 Belvidere.
The breakdown: Rochelle plays power football with a full-house backfield. The Hubs went 2-3 in the Northern Illinois Big 12 East. They lost to Sycamore 26-14, and Sycamore beat West 19-13 in the season opener. That was the most points the Warriors, who tied for second in the SouthWest Suburban Red, allowed in any game. They average 24.3 points and yield 12.9. Rochelle averages 33.6 and allows 24.9. West senior QB Justin Keuch (66-for-134, 830 yards) and senior WR Adam Slattery (24-328, 13.7 average) are an effective combination.


CLASS 4A
NO. 7 PEOTONE (5-4) at NO. 2 COAL CITY (8-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: Peotone 23, Westmont 6; Coal City 51, Reed-Custer 7
Up next: Peotone would host No. 3 Sandwich or travel to No. 6 Geneseo; Coal City would host Sandwich or travel to Geneseo.
The breakdown: The last time the two Interstate Eight Large rivals met, in Week 7, Coal City prevailed 28-7. Peotone had to win last week to qualify for the playoffs, so the Blue Devils have momentum. The Coal City offense, guided by QB Brennen Shetina, has come together late in the season, averaging 36.7 points their last three games. The Interstate Eight Large co-champion Coalers have lost only to Sandwich 14-10, and Sandwich beat Peotone 42-7.



SATURDAY'S GAMES

CLASS 8A
NO. 14 BROTHER RICE (5-4) vs. NO. 3 MOUNT CARMEL (8-1) at GATELY STADIUM
When: 11 a.m., Saturday
Up next: Brother Rice would host Simeon or travel to Bloom; Mount Carmel would host Simeon or travel to Bloom
The breakdown: If Rice is going to avenge an earlier beat-down by the Caravan, its passing game, behind QB Matt Page (171-of-320, 2,171), must be able to execute. It’s a difficult assignment against a stingy Mount Carmel defense, led by Enoch Smith and Steve Richardson. If the Caravan is allowed to run the ball effectively, the Crusaders are toast.

Class 7A
NO. 15 JACOBS (5-4) at NO. 2 ROCKFORD BOYLAN (9-0)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Up next: No. 7 Fenwick or No. 10 Huntley
Playoff appearances: Jacobs (8th overall, 3rd consecutive); Rockford Boylan (28th overall; 8th consecutive)
Outlook: The Golden Eagles finished fourth in the highly competitive Fox Valley Conference Valley Division but earned a trip to the playoffs with last week’s 21-3 victory against rival Dundee-Crown. Jacobs started seven sophomores the past four weeks and is particularly loaded with young talent on offense, where junior QB Bret Mooney has thrown for 1,962 yards and 17 touchdowns to lead an attack that averages 30.8 points.
The Titans enter the playoffs riding a 37-game winning streak and seeking their third consecutive state championship. Rockford Boylan is ranked No. 3 in the Class 7A state poll after capping its sixth straight undefeated regular season by trouncing Rockford Auburn 60-6 last week. Senior RB DeMarcus Vines has 1,224 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns to lead an offense that averages 45.1 points.

NO. 10 HUNTLEY (6-3) vs. NO. 7 FENWICK (7-2) at MORTON WEST
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, HighSchoolCube.com
Winner plays: No. 2 Rockford Boylan or No. 15 Jacobs
Outlook: Huntley wrapped up its regular season by posting its first shutout since 2008 in last week’s 41-0 win at McHenry. Senior QB Kam Sallee is a dynamic playmaker who has thrown for 1,323 yards and 23 touchdowns and leads the team with 616 rushing yards.
Fenwick QB Gino Cavalieri leads an offense that averages 32.1 points. On the other side of the ball the Friars held six of their nine opponents to 14 points or less this season, including two shutouts.


CLASS 6A
NO. 6 MORGAN PARK (6-3) at NO. 3 LEMONT (8-1)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Last week: Morgan Park 52, Urban Prep/Englewood 6; Lemont 42, T.F. North 0
Up next: Lemont would travel to No. 2 Richards or to No. 7 Lincoln-Way North.
The breakdown: Morgan Park once was 1-3 with losses to Mount Carmel and Simeon before a forfeit because of the Chicago teachers’ strike. However, several players who had transferred to Julian were ruled ineligible but were told they would be eligible if they returned to Morgan Park. They did, and since then the Mustangs have won five straight. One returning player was DE Khairi Bailey, a Division I prospect. Lemont senior RB Chris Giatras (143-1,115, 7.8 average) is the area rushing leader.

NO. 8 SPRINGFIELD (5-4) at NO. 1 CRETE-MONEE (9-0)
When: 6 p.m., Saturday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Up next: Crete-Monee would travel to Bloomington or host Peoria-Richwoods
The breakdown: The Warriors will probably be looking to send a message here. Expect them to deliver it through the air with QB Marcus Terrell (152-of-216, 2,280) and WRs Laquon Treadwell (50, 1003) and Lance Lenoir (42, 718). No way Crete-Monee is caught looking ahead to a potential second round rematch with Peoria-Richwoods.


CLASS 5A
NO. 13 TINLEY PARK (5-4) vs. NO. 4 WESTINGHOUSE (7-2) at LANE
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday
Up next: Tinley Park would host Elmwood Park or travel to Joliet Catholic
The breakdown: The Titans are pretty much at full strength and primed to pull off the “upset” here. QB Christian Plummer (77-437) and FB Preston Thompson (162-1,123) have the ability to make life miserable for Westinghouse.

NO. 12 JOLIET CATHOLIC (5-4) at NO. 5 ELMWOOD PARK (7-2)
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Last week: Benet 31, Joliet Catholic 21; Elmwood Park 34, Ridgewood 14
Up next: Joliet Catholic would host No. 4 Westinghouse or No. 13 Tinley Park.
The breakdown: Elmwood Park coach Luis Arroyo brought the Tigers to their first conference championship in nearly 30 years. But the Tigers have to be wondering what the football gods have against them. Joliet Catholic opened at Providence, negotiated the East Suburban Catholic schedule and battled key injuries all season, disguising how much of a playoff threat the Hilltoppers may be. Most of the wounded played last week, but senior WB Ty Isaac did not. If he is able to go, it’s a different team.

NO. 14 BREMEN (5-4) at NO. 3 MONTINI (7-2)
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, HighSchoolCube.com.
Up next: Bremen would host Sycamore or travel to King
The breakdown: The Braves are going to need more than a monster game from RB Devonta Wilson (170-1,157) to pull off the stunner. Bremen would be wise to keep Montini’s defense guessing, which will require a solid performance through the air by QB Tyler Banovich (88-of-160, 1,251).

NO. 7 RICH EAST (6-3) at NO. 2 MORRIS (8-1)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Crete-Monee 38, Rich East 7; Kaneland 33, Morris 30
Up next: Morris would host No. 3 Urbana or travel to No. 6 East Peoria.
The breakdown: Rich East, coached by former Plainfield South and Seneca coach Barry Reade, likes to run the ball and will be matched against a Morris defense that has pitched two shutouts and allows 13.8 points per game. The Redskins missed a perfect regular season and the Northern Illinois Big 12 East title with last week’s loss to Kaneland. RB Reese Sobol (204-844 rushing, 8.1 average) and QB Zach Cinnamon (38-for-63 passing, 720 yards) lead the Morris offense, while LBs Nik Countryman and Jeff Perry, DE Danny Friend and DT Collin Grogan head the defense.


CLASS 4A
N0. 7 EVERGREEN PARK (6-3) at NO. 2 NORTH CHICAGO (7-2)
When: 3 p.m., Saturday
Up next: Evergreen Park would host Harper or travel to Richmond-Burton
The breakdown: The Mustangs would prefer to run the football, relying on the trio of Keyshawn Carpenter (93 carries, 595 yards), T.J. Eames and quarterback Brandon White (90-571) to eat clock and keep North Chicago’s offense on the sideline. But explosive WRs Mike Rueiter (28 catches, 425 yards) and Jaquet McClendon (19, 393) provide additional firepower for Evergreen.


CLASS 3A
NO. 11 WILMINGTON (7-2) at NO. 6 BYRON (7-2)
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Wilmington 35, Herscher 28; Byron 42, Mendota 10
Up next: Wilmington would host No. 3 St. Joseph-Ogden or No. 14 Aurora Central Catholic.
The breakdown: Byron RBs Devin Williams and Matt McMullen combined for nearly 400 yards on only 17 carries in last week’s blowout win over Mendota, which gave Byron a share of the Big Northern West title. Wilmington, as usual, won the Interstate Eight Small title. Chris Tworek and Mike Wolfe lit it up for 339 rushing yards in the win over Herscher. The Wildcats’ defense posted five consecutive shutouts earlier but has allowed 52 points in the last two games combined.