Week 9, Metro Suburban: St. Edward thinking positively

Elmwood Park (4-4, 3-1) at St. Edward (5-3, 3-1)

Metro Suburban (East)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: St. Edward 46, Chicago Christian 21; Elmwood Park 41, Walther Christian 0

Last year: St. Edward 54, Elmwood Park 14

Outlook: The Green Wave hope to lock up their third straight playoff appearance and fifth in seven years with a win, but they likely would still make the Class 4A playoffs as a 5-4 team with 37 playoff points heading into this Metro Suburban East finale. St. Edward desperately hopes to play this game at home in Elgin after six straight road games, but a final determination won't be made until midday Friday as to whether the new sod installed on Greg True Field two weeks ago will hold up if the predicted rain gets heavy. If the game has to be moved, it will be played at Geneva High School. No matter the locale, the Wave are as healthy as they've been since the season opener. Sophomore defensive backs Saveon Smith and David Madden return from injury after sitting out last week. Smith has 2 interceptions, 12 passes defended and 15 tackles. Madden, also the team's kicker, has 2 interceptions, 8 passes defended and 23 tackles. "This is a very important football game," St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. "We need to get that sixth win."

Glenbard South (5-3, 3-1) at Riverside-Brookfield (7-1, 3-1)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: A playoff slot gained (42 playoff points), Glenbard South wants to improve its seed, clean up its pass coverage and last week's 13 penalties. Defensive backs Nick D'Ambra and Jimmy Ebbole, who has a team-high 3 interceptions, are up to it.

Wheaton Academy (5-3, 1-3) at Aurora Central Catholic (3-5, 1-3)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Another somewhat iffy playoff proposition, Wheaton Academy (33 playoff points) will send defensive ends Mitch Brunner and Michael Callentine down hard to attack ACC's ground game. The Warriors' Harrison Taylor is a factor in all three phases. Fenton (2-6, 0-4) at IC Catholic (7-1, 4-0)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.