Five Week 9 high school football games to watch

Batavia (6-2) at Wheaton Warrenville South (6-2)

These two teams are in a three-way tie for the DuKane Conference lead with St. Charles North, so the winner is guaranteed at least a share of the title. For the Tigers, it would be their first since the DuKane started in 2018 and first in any conference since winning the DVC in 2014. For the Bulldogs, it would be their sixth DuKane title in the conference’s short history. Batavia QB Michael Vander Luitgaren (19 TDs to 3 INTs) and WW South RB Owen Yorke (1,431 rushing yards, 19 TDs) will have a big say in the outcome.

Hersey (6-2) at Rolling Meadows (6-2)

Hersey is coming off as exciting — and improbable — of a win as you’ll see. Trailing Prospect 34-12 going to the fourth quarter, the Huskies scored 26 straight points in the fourth to win 38-34. QB Jake Nawrot had five touchdowns in the comeback, including the game-winner with 18 seconds left. At 4-0 in the MSL East, Hersey takes the title outright with a win, but Rolling Meadows can earn a share with a victory. QB Joe Brigham leads a Rolling Meadows offense averaging 49 points a game.

York (6-2) at Lyons (6-2)

These two West Suburban Silver teams recorded equally impressive wins last week. The Dukes handed Glenbard West its first loss behind another big game from RB Henry Duda while defending champion Lyons scored late to upset Downers Grove North. York earns no worse than a share of the conference championship with a win.

Willowbrook (5-3) at Addison Trail (7-1)

The other half of the West Suburban Conference, the Gold, features another matchup that will determine the champion. The Blazers enter at 5-0 with a 1-game lead over the 4-1 Warriors. Willowbrook has won nine straight games over its district rival Addison Trail who is looking for its first outright Gold title since 2014. Senior quarterback Nico Dill and senior tailback Gio Ortiz are players to watch for the Blazers while running back Anthony Leo had a big game for the Warriors last year against Addison Trail.

Lake Zurich (6-2) at Stevenson (6-2)

Yet another game with conference championship implications, though these teams need a victory and help. That help would have to come from Libertyville upsetting Warren which would allow the LZ-Stevenson winner to tie Warren for the North Suburban crown. Regardless, this figures to be a hard-fought battle between two sound teams, similar to last year when the Patriots pulled out a 20-17 win. Lake Zurich has four shutouts in eight games while allowing only 78 points.