Scouting Dunbar at Bartlett

No. 12 Dunbar (5-4) at No. 5 Bartlett (7-2)

When: today at 7 p.m. at Streamwood's Millennium Field

Last week: Dunbar def. King, 30-7; Bartlett def. East Aurora, 62-13.

Playoff history: Dunbar is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Prior to that, the Mightymen had reached the playoffs 16 times in 18 years. Bartlett missed the playoffs last season, but the Hawks have regrouped to make their 10th postseason appearance in 11 years.

Head coaches: Glenn Johnson, Dunbar; Tom Meaney, Bartlett

Fast facts: Turnovers tell the story of Bartlett's season more than any other statistic. The Hawks opened the season 1-2 after committing 8 turnovers in their first three games. But things changed. Bartlett turned the ball over just three times in its final six games, all victories. Dunbar went 3-3 against teams with winning records this season.

Dunbar leaders: Quarterback Darvell Harris (6-3, 180); fullback/linebacker Omar Collins (5-9, 175); two-way lineman DeMarco Young (6-1, 250); running back Antwan Jones.

Bartlett leaders: Rushing: Andrew Puccini, 142 carries for 1,040 yards and 12 touchdowns; A.J. Bilyeu, 59 carries for 311 yards and 8 touchdowns. Passing: A.J. Bilyeu, 83 of 121 for 1,188 yards and 13 touchdowns with 5 interceptions. Receiving: Zach Karys, 29 receptions for 699 yards and 9 touchdowns; tight end Russell Martin, 24 receptions for 404 yards, 5 touchdowns.

Line on Dunbar: The Mightymen like to run the ball with Jones, and attack through the air via the arm of quarterback Darvell Harris, who is being recruited to play basketball by multiple Big Ten schools. “Their quarterback is the real deal,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. “I think he's only a junior and he's a two-year starter. They're very fast. They have a couple of good running backs and (Harris) can throw it deep. He just flicks his wrist and it goes 50 yards.” Harris ran for 3 touchdowns and threw for 3 more in a Week 8 blowout over Curie. Dunbar likes to test the edges with Jones on pitches and jet sweeps. It will be up to the Bartlett outside men to contain sweeps and turn runners back into linebackers Mike Partyka and Kevin Kirchoff.

Line on Bartlett: After successfully returning Bartlett football to the top of the Upstate Eight Conference and into the state playoffs, the Hawks find out just how far they can go in Class 8A. “I think they're ready for it,” Meaney said of the postseason. “I love the fact that these kids have great attitudes. They want to do everything they can to win this game. Sometimes you don't think kids give it their all, but this team gives us their all. This team is kind of possessed. They want to go out and kick some (tail). That's the kind of attitude this group has and it's kind of fun to see.” Partyka, who had his cast removed last week, will return to action against Dunbar after a week off.

Advancement: the winner advances to play the winner of Saturday's 1 p.m. game between No. 13 Notre Dame (5-4) at No. 4 Maine South (7-2)