Scouting Palatine at Glenbard North

No. 14 Palatine (5-4) at No. 3 Glenbard North (8-1)

Class 8A

Game time: 7 p.m. today.

Pirates fast fact: Six regular-season opponents in playoffs.

Panthers fast fact: Eighth straight playoff appearance.

Outlook: This is the first playoff meeting between the former Mid-Suburban League foes. Two-way players tell the story for both teams, but especially for Palatine. Quarterback Cody Bobbit, recovered from an injury, is now also playing safety. He's piled up 2,251 total yards, including 1,806 in the air. Running back Jim Smearman, also a linebacker, has added 721 of his 941 yards on the ground. Healthier and relying on five sophomores who have gained valuable experience, the Pirates will challenge a Glenbard North team relying heavily on the running tandem of Evin Natick and Phil Jackson, who boast a combined 1,587 yards and 18 touchdowns in front of a line headed by talented tackle Paul Wisniewski. The passing game received a huge boost last week from quarterback Mark Ng, who loosened up Naperville Central's defense by throwing for 237 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Panthers' typically stout defense is led by lineman Alex Wynn and linebacker Joe Williams.

Advancement: Winner advances to play the winner between No. 11 Glenbrook South (5-4) and No. 6 Barrington (7-2).