Preview: DuPage County matchups
West Aurora (3-4, 1-4) at West Chicago (1-6, 0-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: With last week's loss West Aurora's playoff push begins against West Chicago, which looks to play spoiler with an offense that had near perfect balance against Naperville Central.
Glenbard East (3-4, 1-4) at WW South (7-0, 5-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Slowing the Rams' Wing T means slowing QB Jack Merrithey. Controlling the ball will be key on both sides - WW South is averaging 10 fewer offensive plays than its opponents.
Fenton (3-4, 2-2) at Ridgewood (4-3, 2-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Fenton's playoff hopes took a huge hit with last week's staggering 63-19 loss to Riverside-Brookfield. Quarterback Ricky Prignano and RB Tyrell McGee aim to balance the offense.
Addison Trail (2-5, 2-2) at Leyden (3-4, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Playoff hopes dashed, Addison Trail looks to improve its standing in the West Suburban Gold. A win keeps alive Leyden's chance at a second straight playoff berth.
Proviso East (5-2, 4-1) at Hinsdale South (2-5, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: A win clinches the Pirates' second-ever playoff appearance, and their first since 1998. Linebacker Kyle Wagner and the Hornets must find a way to slow them down.
Downers Grove South (5-2, 4-0) at Morton (1-6, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Downers South RB Scottie Williams rushed for 210 yards last week, and the ground game gets an extra jolt tonight with the return from injury of Chris Wild, the team's top lineman.
Willowbrook (1-6) at York (4-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Partially inspired by new jerseys, Willowbrook notched its first win last week over Hinsdale South. York, held by Hinsdale Central to 37 plays, looks to establish its ground game.
Marist (5-2, 3-2) at Benet (2-5, 2-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today, at Benedictine University.
The quick hit: Paraphrasing coach Gary Goforth and quarterback Jimmy Riley, the rest of Benet's season depends on desire. A 4-3 East Suburban Catholic Conference record is possible, but not if the defense allows 482 rushing yards as it did against Joliet Catholic.
Lake Forest Academy (3-4, 2-3) at Wheaton Academy (3-4, 3-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. today, at Wheaton College.
The quick hit: Losing 46-21 to Chicago Christian last week, Wheaton Academy needs this for playoff consideration. Quarterback Brian Pell, running back Christian Reddick will also play on defense to get more athletes in the way of Lake Forest's spread.
Marian Central (4-3, 3-2) at Driscoll (6-1, 4-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: While Marian needs this and next week's Suburban Catholic game against St. Francis, Driscoll is already in playoff mode, hoping to advance its seed. A key is how defensive linemen Frank Barcal, Trace Jenkins and Sean Banahan get off the ball.
Montini (7-0, 5-0) at St. Edward (3-4, 1-4)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: St. Edward backs like Jimmy Mathisen, a defense that held St. Francis' Mark Kachmer to 16 yards rushing give Montini coach Chris Andriano valid concerns. Still, St. Ed may tire of covering receivers Jeff Spokas, Grant Goebel, David Zirko, etc.
Waubonsie Valley (4-3, 3-1) at South Elgin (2-5, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today at Streamwood's Millennium Field.
The quick hit: Good news is the anticipated return of running back Chris Harris (ankle) to bolster the duo of Ken Clay and Javier Chism, who last week spearheaded only Waubonsie's second 100-yard ground game. Better news? A win equals playoff eligibility.
East Aurora (2-5, 1-3) at Lake Park (2-5, 2-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Last week's 42-7 win over Streamwood was the momentum Lake Park needed in, say, Week 3. Utilizing Kevin Thomas' devastating blocking, junior Artie Monaco's 211 yards rushing were the most by a Lancers back since Phil Zerante, 2004.
Oak Park (3-4, 1-3) at Downers Grove North (3-4, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Big plays were Downers North's downfall in a 35-0 loss to Glenbard West. Oak Park quarterback Elliott Davidson will be a threat. Still, Mike Pool, Cecil Barbato and the rest of the Trojans offensive line could sideline Davidson with 60 option plays.
Lyons Twp. (3-4, 2-2) at Glenbard West (7-0, 4-0)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Fast quarterback Ryan Mitchell running behind a big line for a team needing a win - plus ankle injuries to Glenbard West's Chris Watt, Jessie Condie, Garrett Richards and Chris Cochrane - may make this the Hilltoppers' greatest challenge yet.
Neuqua Valley (3-4, 2-3) at Streamwood (1-6, 1-4)
Game time: Noon, Saturday.
The quick hit: Neuqua enters off a mighty effort, extending unbeaten Bartlett in a 31-28 loss. Cody Hammond's broken ankle lends further disarray to the ground game, but receiver Conner Yearian, linebacker Pat Keeley, nose man Chris Eble are shining.
Hinsdale Central (6-1, 4-0) at Proviso West (2-5, 0-5)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Hinsdale Central cornerbacks Garrett Kawa and Brian Connor will be on the alert for Proviso West's aerial assault. The Red Devils' 42-20 win over York could be costly due to Rich Zajeski's ankle sprain, though Alex Kirk filled the void with 4 TDs.