Preview: DuPage County matchups
Naperville Central (5-3, 3-3) at Glenbard East (3-5, 1-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Two words sum up this game - ball control. Mistakes and missed chances doomed the Redhawks last week, something QB Jack Merrithey and the Rams hope to pounce upon.
Glenbard North (5-3, 4-2) at West Aurora (3-5, 1-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Last year's game featured two 4-4 teams vying for one playoff spot. Tonight's drama is far less. The Panthers want a better seed and maybe get some rest for RB Tyler Doll's ankle.
Elmwood Park (0-8, 0-5) at Fenton (3-5, 2-3)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Fenton's playoff dreams ended last week against Ridgewood, but off-season momentum is still possible with a win over the Panthers, whom the Bison beat 21-18 three weeks ago.
Sycamore (4-4, 2-4) at Glenbard South (6-2, 5-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Still alive for a playoff spot, Sycamore's dangerous for the postseason-bound Raiders, whose offense is still sizzling with QB Trace Wanless, WR Jon Holland and RB Curtis Ford.
Hinsdale South (2-6, 2-3) at Addison Trail (2-6, 2-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Two solid running teams butt heads. Addison Trail's Mike D'Ambrose is closing in on 800 rushing yards, while the Hornets' Justin Van Hoegarden emerged with 88 yards last week.
Leyden (4-4, 3-2) at Downers South (6-2, 5-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The much-anticipated return from injury of fullback D.J. Ciancio is great news for standout RB Scottie Williams and the Mustangs, who are looking for their seventh straight victory.
Morton (1-7, 0-5) at Willowbrook (1-7, 1-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Willowbrook made big strides in its ground game last week. Coming out of the half the Warriors had an epic 20-play, 11-minute drive that culminated in a Mike Elgerness TD catch.
Benet (2-6, 2-4) at St. Patrick (5-3, 3-3)
Game time: 8 p.m., today, Hanson Stadium, Chicago.
The quick hit: No spoiler role with St. Pat's firmly in the Class 8A playoffs. For Benet's seniors - Mike Vanchieri, Jimmy Riley, Mike Nawrocki, Marty Flavin, Dan Schroeder, Mike Wuest and all the rest - coach Gary Goforth hopes the Redwings can finish strong.
Sandwich (6-2) at Lisle (4-4)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. today, Benedictine University, Lisle.
The quick hit: Playoff-seeking Lisle will be challenged by Sandwich's Wing-T averaging more than 21 points, a two-platoon team as opposed to Lions stalwarts like two-way tackle Cole Beidelman. Expect more solid Lisle rushing, more Jon Surber to Cam Wright.
Aurora Christian (8-0, 6-0) at Wheaton Academy (4-4, 4-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today, West Chicago High.
The quick hit: Go ahead, Jordan Roberts, said Warriors coach Ben Wilson, set a new career passing record. Just not on big plays that hurt the Warriors. Quarterback Brian Pell and his playoff hopefuls will also flash a passing game, the likes of which AC hasn't seen.
Immaculate Conception (4-4, 3-3) at Aurora Central (0-8, 0-6)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: One might predict an easy IC win, but Knights coach Bill Schmidt recalls a 2003 defeat to St. Francis, another winless team with nothing to lose, that kept IC from the playoffs. The Knights better play intense defense against ACC QB Mike Adams.
St. Francis (7-1, 5-1) at Marian Central (4-4, 3-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: St. Francis looks to officially end Marian's fall from preseason Class 5A No. 1 to done. The Spartans moved closer to a home playoff game (and possible SCC co-title) with star turns by Brett Robinson, Stan Bobowski and usual suspect Ryan Ferguson.
Larkin (4-4, 3-3) at Waubonsie Valley (5-3, 4-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Six wins is the key for a Warriors team that had both Tre Clark and Ken Clay (with broken wrist) run for more than 100 yards. Add QB Tyler Castro, solid defense and maybe the last home game for Waubonsie seniors, and it's a tough combo for Larkin.
Lake Park (3-5, 3-3) at Elgin (1-7, 1-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The end of the road, but Lake Park has a worthy goal - finish above .500 in the Upstate Eight. Either way, Lancers receiver Kyle Steiger gives it his all, scoring last week on a 55-yard catch and a 73-yard punt return. The key: Stop Elgin QB Tom Roth.
Downers Grove North (4-4, 3-2) at Lyons Twp. (3-5, 2-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Trojans coach John Wander predicted they'd be in this spot. Thanks to Marco Diaz's 68-yard interception return and Joe Claver's field goal they are. Now, to finish the job ... and get QB Pat Daly, backs Jermel Jones and Joe Tokarski into the end zone.
York (5-3, 3-3) at Oak Park (3-5, 1-4)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Balanced offense - with back Mike DeBernardis adding 65 yards rushing - in last week's 27-7 win over Willowbrook got York into the playoffs. To keep the momentum, Dukes linemen have to establish themselves on both sides of the ball.