Daily Herald opening round playoff previews

Class 8A

No. 36 Warren Township (4-5) at No. 29 Naperville Central (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Lake Zurich 23, Warren 21; Naperville Central 21, Neuqua Valley 17

Outlook: In three of Warren’s losses it has out-gained the opponent by almost double. “We just need to finish,” Blue Devils coach Bryan McNulty said. McNulty said senior center Jayden Murguia has been extremely consistent all season, as has fellow senior offensive lineman Emmanuel Ubaka. “Quietly, Emmanuel has been our most consistent player.” Naperville Central coach Mike Ulreich isn’t getting fooled by Warren’s 4-5 record. “They are assignment sound in their run game and play great team defense,” he said. Mark Williams, who recently earned DuPage Valley Conference offensive player of the year honors, has 45 catches for more than 800 yards and eight touchdowns, as well as more than 1,000 all-purpose yards. “Mark is a game changer with the ball in his hands,” Ulreich said. Landen Goebel and Justin Skryd each have more than 80 tackles and are critical to the success of Central’s front seven, Ulreich said. Eron Kennedy had two picks and a blocked kick in Week 9. Kennedy is a two-time all-DVC first teamer as a junior and is a dominant blocker, Ulreich pointed out. “Look for him to play in the boundary against their best,” the coach said.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 4 Oswego in the first round next week.

No. 37 Stevenson (4-5) at No. 28 Lockport (5-4)

When: 7:15 p.m. Friday

Last week: Stevenson 48, Waukegan 6; Lockport 35, Waubonsie Valley 0

Outlook: The Patriots head into the postseason winners of three in a row. Dan Jordan (seven tackles, three for loss), Duncan Suren (seven tackles), Vyas Anand (seven tackles) and Joey Khangi (four tackles) were notables on defense against Waukegan last week, while Eli Sigal (113 passing yards, three touchdowns), Mickey Agee (four carries, 143 yards, three touchdowns), Luke Clark (three catches, 57 yards, two TDs), Zander Srejovic (three catches, 46 yards) and Brandon Hersh (touchdown catch) were standouts in an offense that ran for 239 yards and averaged 15.9 yards per carry. Lockport coach George Czart said offensively it starts with the offensive line and what they can do to protect ball distributor Griffin Russell, the team’s quarterback, who has thrown for 1,725 yards and 18 touchdowns against only four picks while completing 61 percent of his nearly 200 pass attempts. Junior Jaxson Little has 41 catches for 737 yards, while senior Khairi Silas has 30 catches for 427 yards. Northern Illinois-bound senior defensive tackle Cornell Bass and Griffin Benson have combined for 16 tackles for loss. Czart also is looking beyond a North Suburban Conference team’s 4-5 record. “We know Stevenson has a great football tradition filled with many great seasons, teams and individual players,” he said.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 5 Bolingbrook in the first round next week.

No. 48 Lake Park (2-7) at No. 17 Hinsdale Central (6-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last week: St. Charles North 49, Lake Park 13; Hinsdale Central 21, Oak Park-River Forest 19.

Outlook: The Lancers, who received the 48th and final Class 8A seeding, have a second chance thanks to the IHSA’s expanded playoff format. Senior quarterback Tay Smith is a dual threat, evidenced by his six passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns. Junior receiver TJ Ogunribido is Smith’s favorite target, while senior wideout Will Raftis, and junior backs Jason Gatlin and Alexander Gavrylyuk add support. Senior middle linebacker Kosta Zepeda leads the team with 6.1 tackles per contest. The Lancers benefited from playing in the rugged DuKane Conference and from their 35-21 Week 7 victory over St. Charles East. Hinsdale Central, which won four of its last five, also played in the highly competitive West Suburban Silver (3-3 mark). Junior quarterback Beau Gatewood, who has thrown 16 touchdown passes, leads the offense alongside senior receivers Beau Knapp (67-yard average, four touchdowns), James Skokna (61-yard average, four touchdowns), and junior tight end Brady Hannigan (three touchdowns). Linebacker Charlie Miller helped the Red Devils thwart Oak Park’s late two-point conversion pass attempt last week with a quarterback pressure.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 16 Von Steuben.

No. 40 Neuqua Valley (3-6) at No. 25 Marist (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Naperville Central 21, Neuqua Valley 17; Brother Rice 49, Marist 6.

Outlook: An intriguing matchup between a Neuqua Valley team playing postseason football for the first time in three seasons and a Marist squad that suffered six sacks during a 49-6 loss to state-ranked Brother Rice last week. Quarterback Drake Mennecke returned from an injury for the Wildcats last week and ran for a 51-yard touchdown. Ben Travis also saw time at quarterback against Naperville Central, flanked by receivers Lucas Balgro and Josh Repmann. Conor McCarty, Jack Mackey, and Tyler Vanderlaan anchor the ground game. The defense, led by linebacker Pierce Stevens, forced four turnovers two weeks ago against Naperville North. Marist, making its second playoff appearance in four years, has scored 247 points and allowed 245 points,. The RedHawks’ top players include athlete Marquis Steel, linebacker John Lorenz, quarterback/defensive back Tommy Hosty, running back/defensive back Conor Hunt, and lineman Scott Kulekowskis.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 8 Mt. Carmel.

No. 41 Waubonsie Valley (3-6) at No. 24 Barrington (5-4)

When: 7 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Lockport 35, Waubonsie Valley 0; Barrington 70, Schaumburg 0.

Outlook: The Warriors are making their second consecutive appearance in the playoffs. They will look to get junior running back John Hung back on track. Hung has rushed for over 100 yards in four games this season, but Waubonsie Valley has scored just 24 points in its last three games. Barrington is coming off a 70-point outburst last week. That is more points in one game than the Broncos had in their first four games combined. Barrington lost those games but won their last five. Lamar Osterhues has piled up 1,028 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Archer Haley has continued to manage the offense quite well for the Broncos and has thrown for 291 yards and two touchdowns. Barrington has shut out three of its last four opponents.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 9 Sandburg.

No. 45 Taft (3-6) at No. 20 Fremd (6-3)

When: 6 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Noble/Bulls 28, Taft 7; Fremd 28, Palatine 7.

Outlook: Taft has been on a downward slide losing its last three and five of its last six. The Eagles also lost in the second week to Conant 26-7. Fremd, a state semifinalist last season, is looking to make another deep run. The Vikings broke a two-game losing streak last week and are led by dual-threat quarterback Will Clark, who has thrown for 1,605 yards and eight touchdowns while running for 670 yards and seven touchdowns. Jayden Faulkner has also been key running the ball with nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns. Linebacker Tom O’Brien has been a huge factor defensively for Fremd.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 13 Naperville North.

No. 44 Metea Valley (3-6) at No. 21 Lyons Township (6-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Kaneland 34, Metea Valley 7; York 16, Lyons Township 14

Outlook: Making their first postseason appearance in 12 seasons — and second in school history, the Mustangs look to knock off a tough West Suburban Conference Silver foe. Junior quarterback Iggy Amorrortu, who accounted for 222 yards of total offense last week, leads an offense that averages 20 points per game. However, Amorrortu left last week’s game with a lower body injury in the fourth quarter, forcing receiver Samy El-Sayad to finish the game behind center. Charlie Larson, last year’s starting quarterback who shifted to a wideout spot this season, would be another option if Amorrortu can’t play. Defensively, Kennon Lyke and Marquis Brown lead the Mustangs. Lyons, which suffered tough regular season-ending losses to Downers Grove North (17-10) and York (16-14), counters with senior quarterback Brendan McCabe, tailback EJ Kuhlman, and 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end Owen Matela. On defense, the Lions allow 15 points per contest behind senior linebackers Charlie Carlisle and Ethan Peto. Lyons, which advanced to the second round a year ago, is ranked 10th (Class 8A) in the latest Illinois Media poll.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 12 Perspectives.

No. 42 Dundee-Crown (3-6) at No. 23 Conant (6-3)

When: 7 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Prairie Ridge 25, Dundee-Crown 21; Hoffman Estates 24, Conant 7.

Outlook: Dundee Crown is making its fifth playoff appearance in school history and first since 2013 behind the running of Tristan Gatenby. The Chargers will have an advantage over most of Conant’s pervious opponents because Dundee-Crown has already faced two teams that run a similar type of offense to the Cougars, who are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Conant is hosting its first playoff game since 2013. Conant has rushed for 2,176 yards with their Wing-T offense. That offense is led by fullback Jackson Spizzirri, who has rushed for 869 yards and 12 touchdowns. Ivan Haralanov, Anthony Burns, Ty Mickelson and Tyler Marchese have also been keys to the Cougars’ running attack.

Advancement: Winner plays at #10 Homewood-Flossmoor.

No. 46 Bloom (3-6) at No. 19 York (6-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Crete-Monee 43, Bloom 6; York 16, Lyons Township 14.

Outlook: The Dukes ride a wave of momentum into the opening round thanks to three straight down-to-the-wire victories over Downers Grove North (18-17 in OT), Glenbard West (25-22), and Lyons Township. Making their sixth consecutive playoff appearance, the Dukes feature senior tailback/defensive back Chris Georgas, senior quarterback Zack Assaad, and two-way lineman Brayden Byford, a Dayton commit. Assaad has plenty of receiving targets to choose from, including Chris Winton, Anthony Massel, Tyler Fuentes, Colton Heilig, and Georgas. York’s defense, which allows 16 points per game, faces a Bloom team that has scored just 15 points over its five-game losing streak. The Blazing Trojans’ leaders include tailback Luvert Paul, Jr. (eight touchdowns), receiver Jovarion Wilson (three touchdowns), quarterback Isaiah Dunlap, defensive lineman Kelonnie Owens (nine sacks), and linebacker Ryan Barton (six sacks).

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 14 Downers Grove South.

No. 43 Leyden (3-6) at No. 22 West Aurora (6-3)

When: 6:30 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Hinsdale South 45, Leyden 14; West Aurora 41, East Aurora 0.

Outlook: West Aurora is making its fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The Blackhawks are led by Tyler Fecht, who has thrown for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns. Bryce Riley has run for 931 yards and 15 touchdowns while Michael Williams has nine touchdowns and 561 rushing yards. Richard Bell leads the receiving group with 240 yards. Leyden last made the playoffs in 2016. Sonny Falco has led the offense with 969 passing yards and six touchdowns while also running for 258 yards and five touchdowns. Juan Vega and Nehemiah Almodovar have been factors in the running game while junior wide receiver Armani Santana has 621 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 11 St. Ignatius.

Class 7A

No. 42 Mundelein (3-6) at No. 23 Lincoln-Way West (5-4)

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Lake Forest 28, Mundelein 24; Lincoln-Way East 37, Lincoln-Way West 14

Outlook: The infirm unit has emptied out for Mundelein with a left guard, tight end, middle linebacker and defensive tackle all returning to action this week, coach Johnny Cowhey noted. “We are getting healthier,” he said. “Lincoln-Way West is big and strong and physical. We are hoping to have a balanced offensive attack to keep them honest.” Offensively, Jackson Rejczyk racked up 225 yards last week and now has more than 500 on the season. Chris Roi and Toby Heikes both have 12 tackles for loss for the Mustangs, while Cowhey added defensive lineman Randy Hiestand, running back-safety Dylan Leipold and outside linebacker Urijah Willoughby all have been consistent performers. Lincoln-Way West has lost three of its last four, but of its five wins, three have come against teams with winning records and one against a 4-5 squad.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 10 Plainfield North in the first round next week.

No. 48 Bartlett (2-7) at No. 17 Glenbard East (6-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Bartlett 43, Streamwood 36; Glenbard East 27, South Elgin 24, OT

Outlook: It is a touch of irony that after four consecutive 4-5 seasons without reaching the state playoffs, the Hawks secured their first postseason berth since 2021 with a 2-7 mark this season. Led by sophomore quarterback Parker Mulhall, the Hawks survived an 0-7 start with back-to-back victories over Larkin (56-18) and Streamwood (43-36) to earn the final Class 7A playoff spot. Senior safety/receiver Jake Marchese and sophomore tailback Brayden Magsombol support the Hawks’ offense. Glenbard East, making its eighth straight postseason appearance, rallied for a three-point victory over South Elgin last week. Sophomore quarterback Carter Pohlman tossed a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jaiden Javier, while Moises Velazquez booted a 34-yard field goal in the final seconds to tie the game before winning it on a 23-yard field goal that caromed off the crossbar in overtime. Senior two-way standout Montii Perry (10 rushing touchdowns) is the heart and soul of the Rams’ squad, flanked by receivers Mason Wright, Malachi Miller, linebacker Asheco Triplett, Jr., and defensive end Syncere Fox. The Rams’ defense allows 15 points per contest.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 16 Kenwood.

No. 40 McHenry (3-6) at No. 25 St. Charles North (5-4)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Huntley 51, McHenry 0; St. Charles North 49, Lake Park 13

Outlook: Making its first postseason appearance since 2016 — and second since 2007, McHenry split its first six games before being outscored 117-12 during a three-game losing streak. Junior quarterback Michael McReynolds leads the offense, supported by junior receiver Robert Davis (six touchdowns), senior tailback Mick Reidy, and 6-foot-5, 220-pound freshman athlete Max Michalski. Defensively, the Warriors feature linebackers Lucas Decker (team-high eight tackles per game) and Jayden Acevedo (six tackles per game), who also plays tight end on offense. The North Stars, making its fifth consecutive postseason appearance — and 10th since Rob Pomazak took over as head coach in 2013, average 30 points per game. Senior southpaw quarterback Landon Conroy has plenty of targets to choose from, including senior receiver Jaden Tran, junior receiver Jack Leigl, and tight ends Jackson Weasler and Payton Urry. Senior tailback Tommy Vendl, who scored touchdowns on runs of 22 and 49 yards last week, added a 90-yard screen pass reception from Conroy. Andre Smith adds depth to the backfield. Defensively, the North Stars feature senior linebackers Miguel Mendoza, Lucas Krecker, and linemen Braden McPheeters and Aiden Bradley.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 8 Brother Rice.

No. 36 Reavis (4-5) at No. 29 Elgin (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Shepard 47, Reavis 7; Elgin 62, Larkin 14

Outlook: Maroons coach Anthony Mason got his wish — an Elgin home playoff game at Memorial Stadium. Winners of three of their last four, the Maroons are making back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2000-2001. Senior quarterback Jacob Rufino directs the Maroons’ attack, flanked by backs La’Marin Powell, Ja’Miere Moore, and Anthony Foster, who carried the ball 15 times for 261 yards and four touchdowns against Larkin last week. Jayden Edgar and Dan Beckett lead the defense with four interceptions apiece. Reavis, which posted a 6-4 mark a year ago, features senior quarterback Dardan Nreci, backs Brandon Seymore, Mikolaj Wrobel, and junior receiver/linebacker Jayden Chatman.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 15 Glenbard West.

No. 37 DePaul College Prep (3-6) at No. 28 Hampshire (5-4)

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Last week: St. Laurence 10, DePaul College Prep 7; Cary-Grove 42, Hampshire 18

Outlook: Following a 0-2 start, Hampshire finds itself in the postseason for the first time since 2021. Led by quarterback Griffin Chamberlain and wide receiver Tyler Lacke, the Whip-Purs average 21 points per contest. Hampshire won two of its last three games. DePaul, the Class 4A state champion in 2024, played a rugged schedule that included Class 7A powerhouse Brother Rice, Class 4A state-ranked IC Catholic Prep, St. Laurence, and Joliet Catholic. The Rams feature sophomore quarterback Andrew Campbell and running backs Tyson Hooks and Zach Stewart.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 5 Prospect.

No. 34 Palatine (4-5) at No. 31 Yorkville (4-5)

When: 7 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Fremd 28, Palatine 7; Plainfield North 10, Yorkville 0.

Outlook: Palatine qualified for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. It’s the first time the Pirates are in 7A, where they have the largest enrollment in the field. The Pirates will look to get their offense back on track with Brandon Martino, Jayden Evans and Chase Klipowicz. Linebacker Eliaz Egbe, a junior with five FBS scholarship offers, leads Palatine’s defense. Yorkville finished fifth in the Southwest Prairie Conference, where all six teams qualified with a record of at least 4-5. The Foxes have lost three of their last four games. Max Delgado and Quintin Rink have combined to throw for 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns. Gavin Geegan is the main workhorse in the backfield, rushing for 688 of Yorkville’s 1,201 ground yards. Joel Castillo is the main receiving threat with 34 catches for 552 yards and three touchdowns.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 2 Hersey.

No. 47 Benet Academy (2-7) at No. 18 Moline (6-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last week: St. Patrick 33, Benet Academy 26; Moline 49, Galesburg 20.

Outlook: The Redwings received one of the final two playoff bids in Class 7A play despite their 2-7 record and six-game losing streak. Now, they get to start fresh behind junior quarterback Alex Mitchell, who threw a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes to senior receiver Luca Diomede during last week’s second-half comeback attempt. Trailing St. Patrick 33-6 at halftime, Benet scored 20 unanswered second-half points. Junior tailback Hawke Lawler adds backfield depth for the Redwings, who need a faster start against a red-hot Moline squad looking for its seventh consecutive win. Led by junior quarterback Kasen Ponder, the Maroons employ the triple option. Defensively, Moline features lineman Angelo Lavino and linebackers Brady Frederiksen and Junior Tximina. The Maroons, making their eighth postseason appearance in nine seasons, own an 8-25 career playoff record.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 15 Glenbard West.

No. 35 West Chicago (4-5) at No. 30 Prosser (5-4)

When: Noon Saturday.

Where: Hanson Stadium, Chicago.

Last week: West Chicago 42, Fenton 14; Prosser 38, Sullivan 0.

Outlook: Wildcats senior tailback Iann Lemus brings plenty of momentum into the opening round of the state playoffs. Lemus, who has 18 rushing touchdowns this season, has gained 471 yards with eight touchdowns the past two weeks. Senior Liam Zbierski and junior Bobby Elizondo support Lemus in the backfield, while senior quarterback Lucas Wheat guides the offense. Defensively, senior middle linebacker Geoffrey Fleming leads the squad with 7.7 tackles per game. Making their school-record fourth consecutive postseason appearance, the Wildcats are looking for their playoff win since the 1974 squad captured the Class 3A state title. Prosser, making its program-best third straight trip to the playoffs, is 0-5 in postseason play. The Falcons feature left-handed quarterback Julian Cebrero and running back/free safety Ean Orellano.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 3 Downers Grove North.

No. 46 Andrew (2-7) at No. 19 Buffalo Grove (6-3)

When: 7 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Buffalo Grove 42, Wheeling 6; Homewood-Flossmoor 49, Andrew 7.

Outlook: The Thunderbolts are making their third consecutive playoff appearance. But Andrew has lost five straight games and has allowed 38 points per game while scoring just 15. Buffalo Grove is back in the playoffs after a two-year absence. The Bison boast a vicious rushing attack from Matthew Kaput. The senior just broke the school record for career rushing yards and career scoring. This season he has 1,304 yards and 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Nathan Raef has done a good job keeping defenses honest by throwing for 1,304 yards to Matthew Hong, Jaleel Marshall, Landon Durham and Kaput. David Graham, Owen Erickson, Drew Carrison and Kaput lead a defense that has allowed 22 points per game.

Advancement: Winner plays at #14 St. Rita.

No. 38 Glenbard North (3-6) at No. 27 Hoffman Estates (5-4)

When: 7 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Wheaton North 14, Glenbard North 7; Hoffman Estates 24, Conant 7.

Outlook: Glenbard North, which advanced to the quarterfinals last year in 7A, has lost its last three games, the last two by a total of eight points. Angelo Gatses has been a key component of the offense, rushing for 1,290 yards and 16 touchdowns. Logan Kramer has thrown for 1,102 yards and 10 touchdowns while running for another 286 yards and five touchdowns. Hoffman Estates, in the playoffs for the sixth season in a row, comes in winning three of its last four games. The Hawks have been doing it by air and especially on the ground this season. Riley Lennart, who has rushed for 692 yards and seven touchdowns, and Braylin Scales, who has 400 yards and two touchdowns, give Hoffman a solid one-two force in the backfield. Shion Dailey has emerged to shine at quarterback and has thrown for 776 yards and eight touchdowns.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 9 Jacobs.

Class 6A

No. 18 Carmel Catholic (3-6) at No. 15 Chicago Noble-Bulls (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday; Hanson Stadium, Chicago

Last week: Fenwick 28, Carmel 7; Noble-Bulls 28, Taft 7

Outlook: Carmel hits the road to the city for its first playoff contest. “We opened with them a few years ago, but this is not that team. They are way more talented and will have us turning in gear if we take them lightly,” Carmel defensive coordinator Billy Moore said. Kyron Hart finished the regular season with 41 catches for 826 yards and earned all-Chicago Catholic honors. He is joined on that prestigious list by Jameer Miles (team-high 71 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions), senior offensive lineman Trey Foster, junior offensive lineman Wyatt Van Boening and junior defensive lineman Noah Breckenridge. Noble-Bulls coach Michael Willis is ready to face a team with a deceptive record. “Their record doesn’t tell the entire story. Our kids are excited about the opportunity to represent the west side of Chicago on the state playoff stage,” he said. Bulls junior running back Eric Henderson has run for more than 1,400 yards and has 12 total touchdowns. Senior linebacker Bryce Brown (6-3, 215, 61 tackles) is the heart of the Bulls defense, Willis added, and is a physical, sideline-to-sideline linebacker with a “tremendous motor.” Junior safety-wideout Ezran Johnson and junior running back-linebacker Nazeir Ziegler (4.2 GPA) also are key.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 2 Geneva in the first round next week.

No. 17 St. Charles East (3-6) at No. 16 Elk Grove (4-5)

When: 6:30 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Geneva 42, St. Charles East 21; Elk Grove 20, Rolling Meadows 19.

Outlook: St. Charles East has lost its last five games. Johnny Solano, who ran for 156 yards and two touchdowns last week, is a key to the Saints’ offense. Elk Grove, which has won its last two games, returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. The Grenadiers have not won a playoff game since 2011. Luke Maher has led the Grens this season, throwing for 1,240 yards and 11 touchdowns. Erik Sandoval rushed for 700 yards and three touchdowns while Ryan Gomez has 29 receptions for 363 yards. Along with Gomez, Sandoval, Matt DiMaria, Griffin Ewen and Jacob Bruford are all main cogs in the passing attack.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 1 Harlem.

No. 24 Rockford East (2-7) at No. 9 Burlington Central (6-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Rockford Guilford 27, Rockford East 6; Burlington Central 35, Crystal Lake Central 18

Outlook: The Rockets are playing in the postseason for the third consecutive season after last year’s Class 6A quarterfinal appearance and loss to eventual state champion Fenwick. Quarterback Reece Beemer leads the offense, supported by tailbacks Parker Auxier, RJ Perez, and receivers Bennek Braden and Wagner Viebrock. Landen Lee and Ben Atieh anchor a defense that allows an average of 15 points per game. Making their first postseason appearance since 2021, the E-Rabs dropped their final three games. Junior quarterback Aaden Jones, junior running back Delanio Dickens-Benford, and sophomore back Cayden Moore form a strong nucleus for Rockford East.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 8 Lake Zurich.

No. 21 Maine West (3-6) at No. 12 Notre Dame (5-4)

When: 3 p.m., Saturday.

Last week: Maine West 41, Vernon Hills 0; Notre Dame 50, Marmion 14.

Outlook: These schools are just six miles apart yet have never met on the football field. Maine West has played well the last two weeks. Led by Maxwell Gutowski, Joshua Abebe, Ethan Ou, Chase Nelson and Joey Marsh, the Warriors have shut out their last two opponents. Eddie Arroyo and Zaire Domino have combined to rush for over 1,000 yards while Davion Tate has 500 receiving yards. Notre Dame quarterback Eric Couper has done a solid job for the Dons, completing 63% of his passes for 2,109 yards and 26 touchdowns. His main target is Peter Panagiotopoulos, who has 67 catches for 912 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 5 Grant.

No. 23 Rolling Meadows (2-7) at No. 10 Addison Trail (6-3)

When: 7 p.m., Friday.

Last week: Elk Grove 20, Rolling Meadows 19; Addison Trail 37, Willowbrook 20.

Outlook: Addison Trail has scored 37 points or more in seven games. Michael Clementi, who rushed for 989 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with Ayden Smith, who has gained 646 yards and 13 touchdowns, lead a potent rushing attack for Addison Trail, which has piled up 2,178 yards. Robert Morales has thrown for 1,446 yards and 16 touchdowns. Rolling Meadows leans heavily on running back Luke Harvey. The senior has rushed for 1,015 yards and 15 touchdowns and also has 269 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Advancement: Winner plays at No. 7 Wheaton North.

No. 19 Amundsen (3-6) at No. 14 Willowbrook (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Amundsen 45, Phillips 0; Addison Trail 37, Willowbrook 20

Outlook: Making its 10th straight postseason appearance, Willowbrook has won three of its last four. Sophomore quarterback Jax Dyers operates the Warriors’ offense, which will be without injured (arm) senior receiver/free safety Dylan Borkowski, who had 187 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns before suffering an injury in the fourth quarter last week. Junior running back Jax Chavez leads the ground game. Amundsen carries a two-game winning streak into the postseason, where it has qualified seven of the past eight seasons. The Vikings, led by junior quarterback Jake Siefert, junior linebacker/running back Jayden Soloj, senior tight end/defensive end Shea O’Conor, and sophomore linebacker Logan Peon. Amundsen is 0-6 in its playoff history.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 6 Fenwick.

No. 22 Streamwood (3-6) at No. 11 Highland Park (6-3)

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Bartlett 43, Streamwood 36; Highland Park 35, Niles West 12

Outlook: Making the state playoffs is important to all teams, especially the Sabres, who are making their first trip to the postseason since 2011. Senior two-way standout Justin Brown has enjoyed a superb season, evidenced by his team-high 17 rushing touchdowns. Brown averages 161 yards on the ground per contest. Quarterback Aden Sanchez and senior split back Armani Pierce (four touchdowns) support the Sabres’ ground attack. Defensively, senior cornerback Dion Morris leads the squad with seven tackles per game, while junior running back/middle linebacker Alexander Castiglione averages five tackles per game with four rushing touchdowns. Despite topping the 34-point mark three straight games, the Sabres won just one of those contests. Highland Park, led by senior quarterback Gustav Crane and junior tailback John Boman (nine touchdowns), brings a three-game winning streak into the contest. Junior cornerback Mason Auslander leads the Giants with four interceptions.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 6 Fenwick.

Class 5A

No. 20 Lakes (4-5) at No. 13 Chicago Senn (5-4)

When: 2:45 p.m. Saturday; Winnemac Stadium, Chicago

Last week: Lakes 28, Grayslake North 14; Von Steuben 20, Senn 6

Outlook: Lakes coach Jason Ellerman said Senn is big up front and aggressive on defense. Ellerman noted the Eagles played their best game of the year so far last week in a 14-point win over Grayslake North. “We hope to keep that momentum going into the playoffs,” he said. Senior John Tobin has been playing well as a starter on the offensive line and at inside linebacker, while senior wide receivers Jason LaBelle and Aidan Hack have converted key first downs this year and their perimeter blocking has improved, Ellerman pointed out. Senn, located in the Edgewater neighborhood on the city’s north side, has won five of its last six after an 0-3 start.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 4 Wauconda in the first round next week.

No. 18 St. Francis (4-5) at No. 15 Grayslake North (5-4)

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Last week: Montini 28, St. Francis 24; Lakes 29, Grayslake North 14

Outlook: “St. Francis has quite a few skilled athletes and they play very good competition,” Grayslake North coach Brian Johnson said. “They have a ton of playoff experience.” Beckett Dovel has 110 total tackles for the Knights, while junior Jaylen Newkirk has passed for 1,372 yards and 17 touchdowns, while running for 421 yards and nine touchdowns. Brooklyn Washington has nine total touchdowns. Dovel is a four-year varsity starter whose “experience and raw athleticism puts him in the right place on defense,” Johnson said. Junior linebacker-tight end Riley Nelson “has a work ethic on and off the field that allows him to play at such a high level play after play,” Johnson added. St. Francis has won three of its last four games. The Spartans have four losses by 16 or less points, all to winning teams (Chicago Catholic Leaguers Montini, Fenwick and St. Rita, as well as New Palestine, Ind.).

Advancement: Winner plays No. 2 Kaneland in the first round next week.

No. 19 Grayslake Central (4-5) at No. 14 Deerfield (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Grant 28, Grayslake Central 20; Deerfield 19, Glenbrook North 3

Outlook: Rams coach Brent Pitt gave a shout out to his offensive line that features Jack Patten (left tackle), Carlton Douglas (left guard), Jacob Hueser (center), Damian Matras (right guard) and Dylan Albert (right tackle) who have helped pave the way for the 1-2 running punch of Ken-Ye Pendleton Jr. (1,201 rushing yards, 9.5 per carry, 11 rushing yards) and Ray Ray Wright (1,061 yards, 8.0 per carry, 16 rushing TDs). That’s a combined 2,262 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns (nearly 2,500 all-purpose yards between the two). “A big part of that success came from the offensive line,” Pittt said. Central ran for 262 yards against Grant. Deerfield averages just under 200 yards a game rushing (4.6 per carry) and has amassed five games with 200 or more rushing yards. Defensively, the Warriors have 17 quarterback sacks, 75 tackles for loss, 10 interceptions and two safeties. Deerfield has held opponents to 150 yards or less three times, including 55 yards on 57 plays in one contest. Deerfield’s key cogs include senior captain Louie Shaffer (linebacker and fullback), who has 14 tackles for loss, sophomore QB Cooper Crane and senior captain Jaxon Rubin (center and defensive end), who has seven tackles for loss and two sacks.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 3 Chicago King in the first round next week.

No. 17 Glenbard South (5-4) at No. 16 Payton (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: R-B 25, Glenbard South 7; Lincoln Park 21, Payton 12

Outlook: The Raiders are no strangers to postseason play, having qualified for the 15th consecutive season — 11th straight since Ryan Crissey took over as head coach in 2015. After spending the past two years in Class 6A, Glenbard South moves to Class 5A — where it last earned a playoff win in 2023. Quarterback Tommy Bauman directs the Raiders’ offense, flanked by junior receiver Anthony Baldauf, Jordyn Warren, Noah Jones, and versatile junior running back/defensive back Elijah Donahue. Glenbard South is battle- tested, having faced several larger schools, including Class 8A West Aurora, Lake Park, and 7A Glenbard East and West Chicago. Payton, featuring senior quarterback Jackson Peters (six touchdown passes), senior receiver Joshua Williams (44-yard average, three touchdowns), and senior defensive lineman Kobe Ferguson (four sacks), owns an all-time postseason record of 1-14.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 1 Antioch.

No. 24 Crystal Lake South (2-7) at No. 9 Sycamore (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Jacobs 56, Crystal Lake South 21; Sycamore 49, Belleville Althoff 0

Outlook: Despite losing their last four games, the Gators are playoff bound for the first time since 2022. Senior quarterback Michael Silvius guides the Gators’ offense, flanked by backs Hector Del Bosque and Ethan Phillips. Crystal Lake South, averaging 16 points per game, needs an improved defensive performance (36 points allowed per game) to stay within striking distance of a Sycamore squad making its eighth consecutive postseason appearance. Junior strong safety/running back Dylan Curtis (66-yard average) and senior receiver Ben Anderson (45 yards per game) lead the Spartans’ offense along with sophomore quarterback Chaz Wright.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 8 Belvidere.

No. 22 Fenton (4-5) at No. 11 Hinsdale South (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: West Chicago 42, Fenton 14; Hinsdale South 45, Leyden 14

Outlook: Fenton looks for its first road win of the season after going 0-4 during the regular season. Junior quarterback Luke Loncar leads the offense, supported by tailbacks Ivan Luna, Robert Green, and receiver Jordan Medrano. Making their second postseason appearance in three years, the Bison average 21 points per contest. Hinsdale South, making its first playoff visit since 2018, brings a two-game winning streak into the opening round. Led by quarterback Benjamin Miller, running back Marko Wallace, and running back/linebacker Caleb Perez — all seniors — the Hornets finished 5-1 in West Suburban Gold play after going 2-7 overall last season.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 6 Cary-Grove.

Class 4A

No. 20 Marmion (3-6) at No. 13 North Lawndale (5-4)

When: 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Rockne Stadium, Chicago

Last week: Niles Notre Dame 50, Marmion 14; Lindblom 31, North Lawndale 6

Outlook: Making their second playoff appearance in three seasons, the Cadets look to extend their season against a North Lawndale squad searching for its first playoff victory (0-6). Senior Colin McEniry, who took over as starting quarterback due to a preseason injury, has accounted for 14 touchdowns — nine passing, five rushing. Junior receiver/linebacker Aidan Miller (six touchdowns) averages 51 yards receiving per game as well as six tackles on defense. Henry Miller (four rushing touchdowns), Ryan Loria (four interceptions), and Nicholas Roche (7.4 tackles per game) also contribute for the Cadets. The Phoenix feature quarterback Timothy Jr, running back Avron Johnson, and receiver Tavarius Covington.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 4 Sterling.

No. 22 Aurora Central Catholic (3-6) at No. 11 Carver (6-3)

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Eckersall Stadium, Chicago

Last week: Momence 21, Aurora Central Catholic 14; Mather 18, Carver 16

Outlook: Making back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2013-2014, Aurora Central Catholic began the year with four consecutive losses before enjoying a second-half resurgence. Freshman quarterback Griffin Curry, who tossed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Leo Corral last week, guides the Chargers’ offense, while senior tailback Aidan Crisci leads the ground game. Carver, led by quarterback Da’Tone Thompson, is looking for its first postseason victory (0-7). The Challengers posted a five-game improvement from a year ago.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 6 Chicago Noble/Rauner

Class 3A

No. 20 Lisle (4-5) at No. 13 Sandwich (5-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Reed-Custer 42, Lisle 18; Johnsburg 49, Sandwich 8

Outlook: No team in the state has enjoyed a better turnaround than the Lions. After playing a JV-only schedule a year ago, Lisle earned four victories and reached the playoffs this season for the first time since 2022. Head coach Cory Dillard fields a junior-dominated squad that has a few strong senior leaders, including linebacker Noah Nigro, who averages a team-high 9.3 tackles per game. Junior quarterback/defensive back Nathan Garcia, who has scored 11 touchdowns, is supported by junior running backs JT Tumbarelli (63-yard average, eight touchdowns), and Collins Miles (68-yard average, six touchdowns). Junior running back/linebacker Jacob Aalrust adds depth, while the defense includes senior lineman Zachary Webb (5.7 tackles per game), and junior linebacker Elanas Grigonis (5.1 tackles per game). Reaching the playoffs for the third time in four years, Sandwich features senior two-way standout (RB/LB) Wyatt Gregory and senior quarterback/linebacker Cash White.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s first round at No. 4 Durand-Pecatonica.