Chicago Catholic Week 6: Marmion faces must-win game at Fenwick

Marmion (2-3, 0-1) at Fenwick (2-3, 0-1)

Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday at Morton West campus

Last week: Marmion 1, Chicago Legal Prep Charter 0 (forfeit); Fenwick 38, Chicago DePaul Charter Prep 19

Last year: Fenwick 49, Marmion 13

Considering Marmion already has 3 losses and will face state-ranked Montini in Week 9, a victory against Fenwick in this Chicago Catholic Green matchup is critical. "If we don't win, we're not going to the playoffs," coach Dan Thorpe said. "Any aspirations we have for the playoffs, we have to win the next three weeks. And it's doable. We have to play well, but it's doable. We just have to go out and execute." Marmion returns to action for the first time in two weeks in the wake of a forfeit win. The Cadets were originally supposed to play St. Francis de Sales, which forfeited a game to Marmion last season. When St. Francis de Sales disbanded its football program in May, Marmion picked up a game against DePaul Charter Prep. However, that school announced in August it didn't have enough players to field a team. Marmion benefitted from the time off. Quarterback Johnny Tate, who injured his ankle in Week 3 against St. Francis is probable to return, Thorpe said. However, the Cadets' roster of 22 will stay that size because 6-foot-2, 280-pound two-way lineman Adam Prosser reaggravated an ankle injury in practice and will miss more time.

Next week: Fenwick at St. Ignatius (2-3); Marmion at De La Salle (1-4)

Aurora Christian (3-2, 0-2) at St. Rita (1-4)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Following a 3-0 start in which Aurora Christian allowed 28 total points, the Eagles surrendered 87 points in consecutive losses to St. Ignatius (2-3) and Bishop McNamara (4-1). St. Rita's brutal schedule included a season-opening loss to Malvern Prep (Penn.) at Soldier Field. The Mustangs have lost 3 straight to Montini, Mt. Carmel and Providence.

Montini (5-0) at St. Joseph (1-4)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Elmhurst College.

Another apparent tuneup for the No. 2 team in Class 6A before the Week 7 blowout with St. Francis. Montini running back Prince Walker scored 3 touchdowns against Leo, including a 42-yard punt return that was his first in high school football.

St. Laurence (3-2) at St. Francis (4-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Similarities abound. Like St. Francis, St. Laurence runs a spread offense and also trailed Brother Rice 21-0 before rallying in defeat. Quarterback Alex Martinez heads an offense averaging 48 points - just like Peter Fassnacht and the Spartans.