Week 8, Metro Suburban: Key West matchup with Glenbard South, IC Catholic
Glenbard South (5-2, 3-0) at IC Catholic (6-1, 3-0)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday at Plunkett Athletic Complex, Elmhurst.
Last week: Glenbard South 42, Aurora Central Catholic 0; IC Catholic 40, Wheaton Academy 10.
Last year: Glenbard South 28, IC Catholic 14.
Outlook: This will probably decide the MSC West champion. Each team features one of DuPage County's top running backs. Four-time defending Metro Suburban West champ Glenbard South offers Sean Cooke, who has run for 1,289 yards and 23 touchdowns. IC brings Jordan Rowell, coming off a 298-yard game for a total of 1,003 yards, 13 touchdowns, 10.6 yards a carry. Glenbard South is physical on both sides of the ball, anchored offensively by center Jordan Drake, defensively by end Josh Jackson and linebacker Dillon Valdez. The ability of IC linemen such as Jim Kenneally and Jack Lamborn to move the Raiders, and matchups should Glenbard South put eight in the box, will dictate whether Rowell carries the load or Knights quarterback Luke Ricobene adds to his 1,273 yards passing, 14 touchdowns. Glenbard South sophomore quarterback Jack Crouch helped lead a five-game win streak, but all-conference senior Kyle Carli should be ready for full-time reps after a Week 1 injury.
Next week: Glenbard South at Riverside-Brookfield; Fenton at IC Catholic.
St. Edward (4-3, 2-1) at Chicago Christian (1-6, 0-3)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Even with a few injuries St. Edward should have enough to handle the Knights, who have been outscored 264-108. The Green Wave can qualify for postseason consideration with their fifth win. "You need 5 (wins) to get eligible and we'll be in with points if we take care of business," St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said.
Wheaton Academy (4-3, 0-3) at Fenton (2-5, 0-3)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Wheaton Academy seeks gap control by tackles Aidan Naylor and Nori Kasai against the run. On their night Fenton salutes key seniors such as Kevin Corona, Darrien Warren, Ryan Karich, Eddie Del Angel and injured Corey Hausen, Josh Jakalski.