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Scouting Robeson at Cary-Grove

Class 6A

No. 3 Robeson Raiders (10-0) at No. 11 Cary-Grove Trojans (7-3)

When: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Al Bohrer Field

Last week: In first round action, Robeson def. DuSable, 52-0; Cary-Grove def. Hubbard, 28-20.

Playoff history: Defending Class 6A state champion Cary-Grove is making its 17th playoff appearance and seventh straight. The Trojans are bidding for their ninth quarterfinal appearance overall and sixth in the last seven seasons. The Raiders are making their 23rd playoff appearance and sixth straight. Robeson finished as state runner up in Class 5A in 1982.

Head coaches: Fabray Collins, Robeson; Bruce Kay, Cary-Grove.

Just the facts: Cary-Grove has won 7 of its last 8 games since an 0-2 start to the season. During their current string of seven straight playoff appearances, the Trojans have gone 11-2 in home games... Of the 21 Chicago Public League teams to make the IHSA playoffs, Robeson is one of four that survived the first round.

Robeson leaders: Rushing: Michael Solomon (75 carries, 371 yards, 9 TD); Passing: Juwane Pipkins (52 of 90, 977 yards, 11 TD, 2 Int.); Receiving: Cameren Franklin (49 rec., 901 yards, 11 TD), Duwane Pipkins (29 rec. 539 yards, 8 TD). Tackles: junior Clayton Dora (37 solo, 18 assisted).

Cary-Grove leaders: Rushing: Patrick O'Malley (135 carries, 644 yards, 10 TD), Ryan Mahoney (77 carries, 609 yards, 10 TD), Corey Laktas (89 carries, 371 yards, 7 TD); Passing: Laktas (26 of 52, 619 yards, 6 TD, 2 Int.); Receiving: Mahoney (10 rec., 172 yards, 1 TD), Joe Ryan (5 rec., 178 yards, 3 TD); Tackles: Sam Babick (48), Danny Sarillo (39.5).

Line on Robeson: The Raiders offer a balanced offensive attack between the pass (171.4 yards per game) and the run (156.5). Four different running backs have rushed for at least 230 yards. “They have big-play potential,” Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay said. “(Duwane Pinkins) has like 50 catches for 900 yards. They definitely throw to that kid a lot. He's pretty good.”

Line on Cary-Grove: The Trojans beat Hubbard last week by holding the ball for long periods of time on offense, thereby keeping the Greyhounds' playmakers off the field. The Cary-Grove offense averages 245.2 yards rushing per game and 63 yards passing. “We have to outscore them because once they get the ball they hold on to it,” Robeson coach Fabray Collins said of the Trojans. “They don't let it go unless they put it on the ground. We'll just have to get up on them and hold on. And we can't have turnovers.” Cary-Grove is content to grind it out in 4-yard increments if necessary. “With the kind of speed we're going to see in the playoffs, we're not going to get many long runs,” Kay said. “We just don't have that speed. But if we can execute and score off a 15 or 16-play drive, that'll be great.” Cary-Grove will play without sophomore linebacker Kyle Norberg due to a back injury. He is the team's third-leading tackler (35) and is tied for the team lead with 2 interceptions.

Advancement: The winner will play No. 2 Boylan (11-0)