St. Francis, Montini to contest division lead

St. Francis (4-2, 1-0) at Montini (6-0, 1-0)

Chicago Catholic League Green

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

Last week: St. Laurence 49, St. Francis 35; Montini 42, St. Joseph 0.

Last year: St. Francis 31, Montini 7.

Outlook: Every year is a new year, as St. Francis coach Mike Fitzgerald told his boys, but Montini returners like two-way lineman Joe Spivak and fleet cornerback Mitch West and receiver Tyler Millikan surely remember the Spartans' 2014 convincing win. Despite what Fitzgerald termed a wake-up call last week, bright spots continued to emerge with receivers Will Purdom and Brett Whelton, new go-to back Nolan Pechan and quarterback Peter Fassnacht, up to 963 yards passing on a 71 completion percentage. St. Francis offensive linemen such as Nick Kavouris and Gabe Meyer have a task ahead sealing off active Montini defensive ends Tommy Hyland and Brandon Andino, and look for Nick Foster to have an impact in nickel-defense downs. Montini coach Chris Andriano said the Broncos offense hasn't set the world on fire, though quarterback Justin Blake has made a "100 percent turnaround" in terms of making decisions and protecting the ball. Montini's overall speed is hard to match.

Next week: De La Salle at St. Francis; Montini at Fenwick.