Scouting Wheaton Academy @ St. Edward

Wheaton Academy (5-3, 3-1) at St. Edward (5-3, 2-2)

When: Today at 7:30 p.m. at Greg True Field

Last: First meeting

Last week: Marian Central 48, St. Edward 7; Montini 42, Wheaton Academy 27

Outlook: The first meeting between these Gold Division teams from the Suburban Christian Conference is a biggie as both programs look to secure a playoff berth. In 2008 and 2007, the IHSA playoff cutoff for qualifying teams with 5 victories was 36 playoff points. The Warriors have 34 heading into Friday's game. The Green Wave have 30. Wheaton Academy will likely have enough points to make its first postseason appearance even if it loses, though that is not guaranteed, whereas, St. Edward would likely be left out. Thus, this is the most important game the Green Wave has played since coach Mike Rolando took over in 2005. Coming off back-to-back losses, St. Edward has one last chance to clinch the third playoff bid in school history and the first since 2003. To earn it the Wave must beat a team with a winning record for the first time this season. "This is the culmination of taking this program to the next level," Rolando said. "Our backs are up against the wall and we've got to get a win. We have more wins than last year so it's the first year we've been a winning program, but it would be a disappointment to these kids if they don't get in the playoffs. They've been talking about 6 wins all along and we've got another tough opponent." Trailing Montini 29-14 at halftime last week, Wheaton Academy senior quarterback Brian Pell took to the air and threw for 277 yards on 24-of-39 attempts but was intercepted 3 times. Junior running back Kai Libby was held to 30 yards rushing on 13 attempts, but caught a touchdown pass and ran for another. "The quarterback is elusive and manages to get rid of the ball, even under pressure," Rolando said, "and they have a lot of good possession receivers. Nobody that's really a burner, but they completed passes against Montini because they have good receivers who run good routes. Libby is pretty fast, so there's a lot of things to account for. Our kids know how huge this game is. They know what's at stake. You're going to see an inspired team take the field Friday night, I'm sure of that. It all comes down to beating Wheaton Academy, playing St. Edward football, pounding the ball, running it at them and being able to complete passes when they make adjustments to stop the run. If we can do that, we'll be fine. I think our kids will rise to the occasion."