Scouting Immaculate Conception at Byron

No. 5 Immaculate Conception (6-3) at No. 4 Byron (6-3)

Class 3A

Game time: 2 p.m. Saturday

Knights fast fact: Since 2002 their playoff record is 12-1.

Tigers fast fact: Byron's playoff drought (2006) was longest in 3A.

Outlook: Last time the Knights reached the playoffs, getting in at 5-4 in 2008, they swept to the 2A title by outscoring foes 214-67. They also won 3A in 2002 and went to the 3A quarterfinals in 2005. Yet there are no lofty expectations for IC coach Mike Alberts, who said, "We're just happy to be in." Offensive guard-defensive tackle Rob Rivera and running back-linebacker Jose Godinez were sophomores on IC's 2008 squad. The Knights have seen similar offenses to the double-wing run by Byron, which is 25-17 all-time in the playoffs and the 1999 3A champ under former coach Everett Stine, father of Naperville Central coach Mike Stine. The Tigers' big 4-3 defense should be familiar with IC's option attack too, which is why Alberts will switch up formations to try to confuse them. IC quarterback Cody Kotlow may even throw play-action, but if it's more than about seven times it means the Knights are in trouble. This promises to be a physical slug fest, which is the style IC excels at.

Advancement: Winner advances to play the winner between No. 1 seed Stillman Valley (9-0) and No. 8 St. Bede (5-4).