The rest of the best in DuPage County
Aurora Christian (4-2, 1-2) at Montini (4-2, 3-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. today
The quick hit: With Joliet Catholic in the 2009 Class 5A title game, Aurora Christian quarterback Anthony Maddie was 0-for-8 passing. He's now in a system that favors his skills, meaning Broncos Anthony Damato and Mike Kaiser must pressure the slippery junior.
Bartlett (4-2, 2-1) at Metea Valley (1-5, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: Seeking a bounce from a 42-0 loss to Neuqua Valley, the host Mustangs now face one of the hottest, most physical teams around. Metea quarterback Jarrett House, running back Tre'Sean Mackey will need great line play to move those chains.
Downers Grove South (4-2, 3-0) at Hinsdale South (2-4, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Downers South has leaned on running back Josh Williams, who notched another 100-yard rushing game last week. Receiver Ryan Oruche, though, pitched in with 2 TD catches. The Hornets' home debut on their brand new field has finally arrived.
Fenton (3-3, 2-1) at Ridgewood (1-5, 1-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Fenton still can clinch a playoff berth and a share of the Metro Suburban title by sweeping the second half of the conference slate. The Bison dominated every quarter except the second last week when Riverside-Brookfield scored all 22 points.
Glenbard East (3-3, 1-3) at Naperville North (4-2, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Ball control's the name of the game as both sides try to move a step closer to sealing a playoff berth. Just as Naperville North quarterback Matt LaCosse moves the chains for the Huskies, quarterback Steve Kinney does the same for the Rams.
Glenbard North (6-0, 4-0) at West Aurora (3-3, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Glenbard North's unbeaten, but that doesn't mean the Panthers aren't pushing for improvement. Down and distance issues are the focus this week. Linebackers Brandon Clark and Austin Siperly and lineman Alex Wynn continue to lead the defense.
Hinsdale Central (3-3, 1-2) at Downers North (1-5, 0-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Hinsdale Central's controlled the Old Oaken Bucket, but the Trojans and RB Freddy Palma hope to reclaim it for the first time since 2006. The Red Devils are still recovering from the loss of two-way standout Jake Knowles to a season-ending injury.
Lake Park (1-5) at St. Charles East (1-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: Both Upstate Eight crossover foes earned win No. 1 last week. The Lancers returning Nick Borre (concussion), Matt Mysliewiec (thumb) hope to again average 7.7 yards per carry by Keith Wilson, Alex Rodriguez, Yorgo Sepsakos and Tyler Smith.
Marian Central (3-3, 1-2) at St. Francis (4-2, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today, College of DuPage
The quick hit: St. Francis defensive end Jack Porter cleaned up in the 43-13 win over Walther Lutheran: 6 solo tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 caused fumble. And Marian's quarterback, Ben Krol, is less mobile. Spartans quarterback Nick Donati is getting it done.
Nazareth (2-4, 0-4) at Benet (3-3, 0-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today at Benedictine University.
The quick hit: The last two winless teams in the East Suburban Catholic Conference meet in a clash to keep playoff hopes alive. Benet's Connor Nelligan, a contributor in every phase, became the latest player struck by the injury bug in last week's loss to Carmel.
Notre Dame (4-2) at Glenbard South (2-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: If Glenbard South pulls out a victory over the Dons the third East Suburban Catholic team on the schedule a playoff berth becomes a realistic goal. Controlling the football with running backs Matt Loos and Wes Sanders remains the formula.
WW South (6-0, 4-0) at West Chicago (1-5, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: As the Tigers try to heal, look for emerging defensive talent led by junior linebackers Brandon Peterson, who had 10 tackles last week, and Adam Dansdill. West Chicago will try to control the clock with running backs Matt Zajac and Brad Wilson.
Willowbrook (1-5, 1-3) at Addison Trail (3-3, 3-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The District 88 trophy's on the line as Willowbrook tries to win it for the first time since 2007. Injuries have the Warriors on their fourth starting quarterback, sophomore Steve Ferguson. The Blazers aim to keep their WSC Gold title hopes alive.