Scouting Glenbrook South at Barrington

CLASS 8A

No. 11 Glenbrook South (5-4) at No. 6 Barrington (7-2)

When: 6 p.m. Saturday at Barrington Community Stadium

Last week: Glenbrook South lost to Evanston 34-31; Barrington lost to Palatine 21-10

Playoff history: Glenbrook South is making its 18th appearance and sixth straight under Mike Noll. The Titans lost to two-time defending champion Maine South in the 8A quarters last year. Barrington is making its 17th appearance and seventh in nine years under Joe Sanchez.

Matchup history: They split six meetings from 1995-2000 although Barrington won four on the field but had to forfeit in 1995 for using an ineligible player.

Outlook: Even though both teams are looking to avoid a season-ending three-game losing streak it's been a tale of two vastly different seasons. Barrington won its first seven games while Glenbrook South lost its first two, went on a five-game winning streak where it outscored opponents 222-21 and then lost its last two and blew a 31-point, late third-quarter lead in the finale. “Nothing we do has been consistent and that's typical of what you find with a 5-4 team,” said GBS coach Mike Noll. “Our season is right where we thought it would be other than (last) Friday night.” Three-way standout RB-DB John Strickland rushed for 258 yards and 2 TDs against Evanston and has more than 1,000 for the season. “He does everything,” said Barrington coach Joe Sanchez. “We have to do a very good job of containing him and we can't let him rip off big plays like he did last week.” Kyle Kwasniewski is also a running threat and QB Matt Jenkins can throw. Lineman Mike Demos is the only other two-way starter, but the Titans' main concern is Barrington's big line led by Dan Voltz, Jimmy Kristof and Pat Bolger and RB Chase Murdock (1,010 yards, 11 TDs in seven games), QB Matt LeMire (1,106 yards, 10 TDs, 8 INTs) and WR Zach Dulla (29 rec., 516 yards, 6 TDs). “We've struggled with that at times this year,” Noll said. “We're a real small team this year and not quite as strong and physical as we normally are.”

Advancement: Barrington would be on the road and Glenbrook South would be at home in the second round against No. 14 Palatine (5-4) or No. 3 Glenbard North (8-1).