Preview: Joliet Catholic (4-2, 4-0) at Benet Academy (2-4, 2-2)

Joliet Catholic (4-2, 4-0) at Benet Academy (2-4, 2-2)

East Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Benedictine University.

Last year: Joliet Catholic 55, Benet 10.

Last week: Joliet Catholic 29, Marist 14; Benet 15, St. Viator 13.

Outlook: What an opponent to face one loss away from playoff elimination. Benet last beat Joliet Catholic 20-14 in a nonconference decision in 1997 while the Redwings played in the since-disbanded Catholic Metropolitan Green. Coach Dan Sharp's Hilltoppers stumbled out of the blocks with losses to Carmel and Wheaton Warrenville South before righting the ship. Not as deep in the skill positions as usual, Joliet Catholic still has a big offensive line and the ESCC's top scorer, back Tyler Hudetz, who heads the power-running scheme with 726 yards rushing, 12 total touchdowns and also serves as his team's top deep threat. Benet aims to force long-yardage situations while not allowing big plays - and also for an encore of back Mike Wuest's big day. Behind Dan Schroeder and Co., the senior ran over St. Viator for 132 yards and a pair of 1-yard touchdowns. Defensively, linemen Victor Sadauskas and Nick Melka, defensive back Mike Vanchieri and linebacker Mike Runger all applied the heat. Regardless, the Redwings will need precise execution to retain their postseason goal. "They know this is a playoff game to them," coach Gary Goforth said.