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Scouting Grayslake Central at Marian Central

CLASS 5A

No. 15 Grayslake Central Rams (6-4) at No. 10 Marian Hurricanes (7-3)

When: 6 p.m., Saturday

Last week: In first round action, Grayslake Central def. Chicago Senn, 31-6; Marian def. Chicago Julian, 51-14.

Playoff history: This is Grayslake Central's first playoff appearance since 2003 and its fourth in school history. In 2003, the Rams advanced to the second round. They have never been to the quarterfinals… Marian is making its sixth playoff appearance in eight years. In 2006, the Hurricanes finished as the Class 5A state runner-up, losing to Sacred Heart-Griffin in the title game. Last year, Marian lost to Montini in the second round, 42-21.

Head coaches: Nick Goshe, Grayslake Central; Ed Brucker, Marian

Just the facts: Grayslake Central has won three straight games, its longest winning streak of the season. The Rams score 24.3 points and allow 15.8 points per game…Marian is riding a four-game winning streak. The Hurricanes, who average 31.6 points and allow 17.1 points per game, placed third in the Suburban Christian Blue Conference.

Grayslake Central leaders: Rushing: Vinnie Culhane (118 carries, 883 yards, 4 touchdowns), Joey Valdivia (98 carries, 734 yards, 8 touchdowns); Passing: Ray Beckman (53-of-99, 918 yards, 7 touchdowns, 2 interceptions); Receiving: Vinnie Culhane (13 receptions, 321 yards, 2 touchdowns), CJ Stempeck (14 receptions, 250 yards, 2 touchdowns); Tackles: Chris Loeffl 72, Cam Neely 62.

Marian leaders: Running back Corey Cavitt is tough to stop behind a sizeable offensive line.

Line on Grayslake Central: Playoff games aren't run-of-the-mill at Grayslake Central. The Rams are participating in the playoffs for just the fourth time in school history. Jitters are bound to happen. And they did last week in Grayslake Central's first-round victory. “The jitters and mistakes that go along with that (were a concern),” Grayslake Central coach Nick Goshe said. “But I think we've gotten those out of our system.”

Line on Marian: Grayslake Central faced some tough teams in Fox Valley Conference play. But none of them were quite like Marian. “This is the best team we've played all season,” Grayslake Central coach Nick Goshe said. “They are balanced offensively and extremely aggressive defensively.”