Week 9, East Suburban Catholic: Tough task ahead for Carmel

Carmel Corsairs (3-3, 3-5) at Notre Dame Dons (7-1, 5-1)When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Carmel lost to Marian Central, 19-14; Notre Dame def. Marian Catholic, 50-12.

Skinny: These two teams are headed in opposite directions. Notre Dame has been one of the best teams in the East Suburban Catholic Conference all season, and is currently tied for first place with Joliet Catholic. Notre Dame, which has won four games in a row, and Joliet Catholic don't face each other this season. … Carmel, which has lost two games in a row, will be missing the playoffs for the third time in the last four years. … Last week against Marian Central, Carmel quarterback Jeremy Strutzel rushed for 112 yards on 8 carries but passed for minus-1 yards as Carmel finished with just 194 total yards and 7 first downs.

Nazareth (6-2, 4-2) vs. St. Viator (1-7, 0-6) at Forest ViewWhen: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Nazareth 49, St. Viator 21

Outlook: It has been a rough season for St. Viator, and it wraps up against another tough conference opponent. The Lions, who made the playoffs last year and won their first-round game, came into the year with great anticipation. But injuries, turnovers and a brutal schedule have taken their toll this year. Cole Kmet continues to be bright light for the Lions. The Notre Dame recruit has caught 26 passes for 294 yards.

Benet (6-2, 4-2) at Marian Catholic (1-7, 0-6)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: With a playoff-clinching upset win over Joliet Catholc, Benet now seeks to improve its seeding. The two-way play of Charlie Weidenbach and Alec McEachern have created a powerful offense with quarterback Jack Sznajder at the helm.