Scouting Marian Catholic at Wheaton North

No. 5 Marian Catholic (7-2) at No. 4 Wheaton North (7-2)

Class 7A

Game time: 7 p.m. today.

Spartans fast fact: All 20 appearances under coach Dave Mattio.

Falcons fast fact: First seven-win regular season since 2002.

Outlook: The Spartans boast a run-first offense relying on multiple sets behind a quick line, although they lean toward the double wing and option. Leading rusher Jeruel Taylor is a feature back, but Trevor Woolford also rushed for 100 yards in last week's win over Nazareth. How much does Marian Catholic lean on the run? Last week Spartans quarterback John Rhode completed only 2 passes, but one was a game-winner as time expired. Wheaton North, with a defense that's been surging the last couple of weeks, will try to control the game up front with defensive linemen Montrell Williams and Clemonte Dossie, who have combined for 8 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Don't expect much different from the Falcons' offense led by Reece Butler's short passing game. He's thrown for 1,661 yards and 15 touchdowns with Shaniel Katariwala and Richard Finley combining for 88 catches, 1,076 yards and 11 touchdowns. A healthier Patrick Sharp bolsters the ground game.

Advancement: Winner advances to play the winner between No. 8 Benet (5-4) and No. 1 Wheaton Warrenville South (9-0).