Daily Herald second-round playoff previews

Class 8A

No. 17 Hinsdale Central (8-3) at No. 1 Lincoln-Way East (10-0 )

When: Noon Saturday

Last week: Hinsdale Central 63, Von Steuben 3; Lincoln-Way East 31, Oak Park-River Forest 7

Outlook: The Red Devils scored points in a variety of ways last week against Von Steuben. Senior linebacker Owen Sunderson recorded a 33-yard pick-six on the defensive side of the ball, while James Skokna raced back to scoop up a punt, then sprinted 95 yards for a touchdown on special teams. Junior quarterback Beau Gatewood continued his strong play, tossing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Skokna. Senior Beau Knapp and junior George Zilliox add receiving versatility for the Red Devils. Hinsdale Central, winners of four straight games, takes on the state’s top-ranked Class 8A team (according to the latest Illinois Media poll). The Red Devils look to become the first team since 2015 to keep Lincoln-Way East from advancing to the state quarterfinals. Led by junior quarterback Tyler Spychalski, the Griffins own a 10-0 mark and have topped the 30-point mark in eight consecutive games since season-opening wins over Brother Rice (22-21) and Kankakee (22-14). Spychalski has plenty of targets to choose from, including junior Jack Murphy, who scored two touchdowns against Oak Park-River Forest, Aidan Cavanaugh, Ryan Harris, Jayden Cawthon, and Luca Merritt. Defensively, Washington University commit senior linebacker Colton Zvonar, free safety Michael Simonetti, and junior linebacker Henry Bohms anchor a unit that owns three shutouts in 10 games.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 8 Mt. Carmel or No. 24 Barrington.

No. 24 Barrington (7-4) at No. 8 Mount Carmel (8-2)

When: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Barrington 24, Sandburg 17; Mount Carmel 55, Marist 21.

Outlook: After winning seven straight games, Barrington faces its biggest test with Mount Carmel, winners of four straight state titles. The Caravan have eight players committed to FBS schools and another eight with multiple offers. Barrington will need a huge game from its offensive line of Jack Kavanagh, Francisco Garcia, Jack Van Black, Malcolm George and Finn Edstrom to keep the ball out of the hands of the Caravan’s explosive offense. The O-line opened the way for running back Lamar Osterhues (189 carries, 1,500 yards, 14 touchdowns) to run for 214 yards on 30 carries against Sandburg. Vince Costa (47 carries, 430 yards, nine touchdowns) also has been able to spring free. The offense will have its hands full attempting to stop 6-foot-5, 355-pound junior defensive tackle Caleb Tucker, a three-year starter for the Caravan. Barrington’s defense, led by Kane Switski, Donovan Bjerregaard-Dionne, Owen Nichols, Duke Matiyow, Jonathan Steiner and Cru Lucier, has allowed just 15.8 points per game. They will look to contain a Mount Carmel offense averaging 42.5 points. Michigan commit Quentin Burrell and junior Marshaun Thornton lead the receiving corps.

Advancement: Winner plays winner between No. 1 Lincoln-Way East and No. 17 Hinsdale Central.

No. 13 Naperville North (8-2) at No. 4 Oswego (9-1)

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Last week: Naperville North 38, Fremd 31; Oswego 27, Naperville Central 6

Outlook: Last week, the Huskies rallied from a 31-28 deficit with 10 unanswered points down the stretch to post their first playoff victory since 2010. Charlie Neumann’s 21-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter put the Huskies on top to stay at 35-31, and Miles Nio’s 34-yard field goal with 3:29 added some insurance before a late defensive stand sealed the decision. Jayke Collins paced the Huskies’ 285-yard ground game with nine carries for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Victor Tyson added a touchdown. Quarterback Dante Colasante has completed 110 of 171 passes for 1,303 yards and 12 touchdowns, while receiver Jack Zitko leads the Huskies with 46 catches for 575 yards and six touchdowns. Senior linebacker John Lyons (65 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions) anchors the Huskies’ defense alongside JT Hill (41 tackles, four sacks), Ezekiel Adelfila (30 tackles, four sacks), Brady Marino (54 tackles), Jake Brooks (47 tackles, four interceptions), and Josh LaBelle (43 tackles). Oswego has won six consecutive games behind senior quarterback Drew Kleinhans and running backs Ammar Banire and Graham Schwab. Banire returned from an injury to run for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week. Defensive end Ethan Pilip recorded three of the Panthers’ six sacks during a dominating effort against Naperville Central. Oswego, making its fourth straight postseason appearance, advanced to the 8A state championship game a year ago before falling to Mt. Carmel (20-3).

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 5 Bolingbrook or No. 21 Lyons Township.

No. 19 York (8-3) at No. 3 Loyola Academy (9-1)

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Last week: York 42, Downers Grove South 14; Loyola Academy 41, Minooka 0

Outlook: No doubt about it – the Dukes are playing their best football at the right time. York stretched its winning streak to five games with last week’s convincing first-round victory over Downers Grove South. Senior quarterback Zack Assaad completed 11 of 17 passes for 216 and a pair of touchdowns – a 38-yard screen to Chris Georgas and a 60-yard second-half bomb to Jake Tinch. Georgas rushed for 126 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries, highlighted by his 59-yard score on the Dukes’ opening possession. Junior defensive back Joseph Sica added an interception. York faces a familiar postseason foe in Loyola Academy, which captured the 2024 8A state championship with a 35-14 victory over the Dukes. Loyola also handed York state semifinal defeats in 2022 and 2023. The Ramblers, ranked third in the latest 8A Illinois Media poll, rolled to a 41-0 halftime lead against Minooka last week. Junior tailback Carmelo Maldonado rushed for a pair of touchdowns, including a 58-yard score, while sophomore quarterback Matthew Lee passed for three touchdowns. The Ramblers have a wealth of offensive riches, including Boston College commit tight end Charlie Fowler and junior tight end Jordan McKinley. Defensively, Loyola features North Dakota commit lineman Hunter Wahtola, middle linebacker Gus Vollmer, and safety/receiver Joe Haughey. The lone blemish on Loyola’s record came in a 38-21 week nine loss to Mt. Carmel.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 6 Maine South or No. 11 St. Ignatius.

No. 18 Lane (8-3) at No. 2 Huntley (10-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Huntley 48, Oswego East 17; Lane 33, South Elgin 14

Outlook: The Red Raiders extended their winning streak to 10 with last week’s impressive victory over Oswego East. The Wolves could not contain Huntley’s high-octane offense, as junior quarterback Malik Carter completed 10 of 13 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns, while tailback Chase Hojnacki (26 rushing touchdowns) carried the ball 30 times for 229 yards and three touchdowns – adding a fourth touchdown on a reception. Receiver Matthew Schroeder (10 touchdowns) caught a pair of scoring passes from Carter, while Brady Allegretti caught two passes for 39 yards with a touchdown. Middle linebacker James Didomenico led the defense with three tackles for loss, including a sack, while lineman Micah Hood had a pair of tackles for loss with a sack. Senior linebacker Ashton Jones added a team-high seven tackles. Leading 21-10 at halftime, Huntley broke the game open with a 27-point third quarter. With a win, the Red Raiders will make their first quarterfinal appearance since 2016. Lane pulled out all the stops against South Elgin last week, including a 14-yard touchdown pass from kicker Atticus Whitted to Jack Laufter on a fake field goal to grab an early 7-0 lead. Sophomore tailback Logan LaGuardia added an 89-yard touchdown run. Laufter returned a shanked punt 26 yards to set up quarterback Blake Perkins’ two-yard touchdown run. Defensively, the Champions feature linebackers Sam Boadu, Aiden Boywid, and cornerbacks Taylor Clay and Paiden Buckner. Lane, riding a seven-game winning streak, reached the second round of the 8A playoffs last season before losing to Oswego (45-10).

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 7 New Trier or No. 10 Homewood-Flossmoor.

No. 11. St. Ignatius (8-2) at No. 6 Maine South (9-1)

When: 2 p.m. Saturday.

Last week: Maine South 49, O’Fallon 14; St. Ignatius 55; West Aurora 7.

Outlook: This game will be a contrast in styles. The Hawks’ offense is led by Indiana commit Jameson Purcell, who has completed 65% of his passes for 2,194 yards and 29 touchdowns. Purcell hasn’t played a full game in any of the seven running-clock games the Hawks have played this season. Keaton Vitel (24 receptions, 515 yards, nine touchdowns), Devin Paxson (25 receptions, 480 yards, six touchdowns), Elliott Arteta (21 receptions, 437 yards, six touchdowns) and Nick McCarthy (22 receptions, 370 yards, five touchdowns) along with Joseph Ragona and Syracuse commit Matthew Schlenhardt, give Purcell lots of options. Payton Donaldson, Schlenhardt, Gavin Castellanos and Purcell have helped the Hawks run for 1,859 yards this season. But it’s the Hawks’ defense, led by Bo Brania, Nicky Fontillas, Braeden Kleeman-O’Mara, Hugh Stewart, Evan Adamczewski, Aidan Connolly and Schlenhardt, that needs to slow the St. Ignatius running attack. The Wolfpack will come at the Hawks with an option-style offense they haven’t seen this season. St. Ignatius is led by sophomore running back Nino Capuano, who has rushed for 17 touchdowns. Quarterback Reid Hites, a junior, has run for nine touchdowns and thrown for seven.

Advancement: Winner plays winner between No. 22 West Aurora and No. 11 St. Ignatius.

Class 7A

No. 9 Batavia (8-2) at No. 8 Brother Rice (8-2)

When: 4 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Batavia 39, Lincoln-Way Central 10; Brother Rice 48, St. Charles North 7

Outlook: Expect a high-scoring game. Both teams enter averaging 40-plus points per contest – Batavia (40 ppg) and Brother Rice (44 ppg). Both teams have quality quarterbacks. The Bulldogs feature senior Wyoming commit Michael Vander Luitgaren, who has accounted for 45 touchdowns – 30 passing, 15 rushing – this season. Vander Luitgaren, who completed 18 of 24 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns while adding a pair of rushing scores against Lincoln-Way Central, has thrown for 2,638 yards in 10 games. Western Michigan commit Darin Ashiru (85 catches, nine touchdowns) surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season with his seven-catch, 70-yard effort last week. Tailback Charlie Rosengren added touchdown runs of 17 and 31 yards, while catching a 32-yard scoring pass against Lincoln-Way Central. Defensively, Gavin McKelvie (team-high 97 tackles), Luke Gardner (92 tackles), and Loukas Vatianou (10 tackles last week) anchor the squad. Batavia is ranked seventh in the latest Illinois Media poll. Brother Rice flexed its muscles last week, building a 42-0 halftime advantage on the way to its eighth victory. Freshman Sam Holcomb, who threw for 167 yards in just 24 minutes of playing time, has guided the Crusaders to seven 40-plus point performances in 10 games. Brother Rice loves to dominate at the line of scrimmage, thanks to the likes of 6-foot-8 sophomore tackle CJ Anderson, 6-4, 305-pound tackle Ethan Perry, and 6-6, 310-pound San Diego State commit/guard Carlos Rios. The Crusaders, ranked second in the latest Illinois Media poll, dropped a 22-21 decision to top-ranked 8A Lincoln-Way East, and lost 27-24 to third-ranked 8A Loyola Academy earlier this season.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against either No. 1 Normal Community or No. 16 Kenwood.

No. 12 Rockford Guilford (8-2) at No. 5 Prospect (9-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Prospect 48, DePaul 22; Guilford 40, Zion-Benton 20.

Advancement: Winner plays winner between No. 20 St. Patrick and No. 4 East St. Louis.

Outlook: Prospect likes to play fast on offense, giving defenses little time to substitute or adjust. That could be a factor against Guilford, which lists 47 players on its roster but only 24 juniors and seniors. Prospect will look to wear down the Vikings behind running back Matthew Donnelly, who is coming off last week’s 250-yard, three-touchdown performance. Eastern Illinois commit Jackson Cacini, who ran and threw for a touchdown last week, looks to keep the air pressure on Guilford. He will have Gordon Kemp, Matthew Collins and Henry Koziol to throw to, along with Donnelly out of the backfield. The Knights’ defense should get a boost with the return of linebacker Colin Fouch. Guilford senior quarterback Greyson Weber has drawn some college interest. He threw a pair of touchdown passes last week while Kevlen Jackson rushed for three touchdowns.

No. 15 Glenbard West (7-3) at No. 2 Hersey (10-0)

When: 5 p.m. Saturday.

Last week: Hersey 49, Yorkville 7; Glenbard West 56, Moline 0.

Outlook: Glenbard West welcomed back Bryce Ellens, who played his first game last week after an injury sidelined him in Week 2. Ellens, who plays running back, receiver, corner, safety and kick returner, scored a pair of touchdowns last week. Tight end Brady Johnson, committed to Northwestern, and quarterback A.J. Rayford, who threw three touchdown passes last week, have helped the Hilltoppers average nearly 38 points per game. Linebacker Tallis Taylor, who has been out with a broken leg, is hoping to get cleared to play this week. He would join defensive back Jaylen McMiller and Ellens on a defense that has allowed 18 points per game. Hersey has played and beaten nine playoff teams. The offense has racked up 433 points while piling up 4,363 yards of offense. The Huskies have punted just once this season. Jake Nawrot is coming off another superb performance, completing 22 of 33 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns. On the season, the Kentucky commit has thrown for 2,569 yards and 35 touchdowns. Jaxon Saint Paul (37 receptions, 598 yards, 13 touchdowns), Josh Riggs (36 receptions, 765 yards, 13 touchdowns) and Dom Wentink (34 receptions, 537 yards, three touchdowns) are difficult to cover along with Zel Walton and Kye Parker Peterson. Junior running back Jackson Travis (132 carries, 1,227 yards, 17 touchdowns) is a threat running the ball. Ben Zebron, Ryan Haefke, Johnny Lamonica, Nick Jelaca, Wentink and AJ Korba lead the defense.

Advancement: Winner plays winner between No. 39 St. Laurence and No. 23 Lincoln-Way West.

No. 14 St. Rita (7-3) at No. 3 Downers Grove North (9-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: St. Rita 36, Buffalo Grove 10; Downers Grove North 49, West Chicago 14

Outlook: The Trojans received big-time performances from running back Zach Surowiec, quarterback Joe Goodwin, tailback Kevin Jay, and two-way standout Jacob Vroman during last week’s first-round win. Surowiec scored a pair of touchdowns covering 54 and 14 yards, respectively, while Goodwin tossed a 31-yard touchdown pass to tight end/defensive end Jacob Vroman. Jay added a pair of touchdown runs for the Trojans, who are looking to improve upon last year’s 7A state semifinal appearance. Downers Grove North, which allows just eight points per game with four shutouts, is ranked fifth in the latest 7A Illinois Media poll. St. Rita, ranked eighth in the 7A Illinois Media poll, enters off a convincing victory over Buffalo Grove. At midseason, the Mustangs owned a 2-3 record before going on a late-season run that includes four consecutive victories. Quarterback John Fennell directs the offense, flanked by tailback Brandon Johnson, Jr. The defense includes 6-foot-6, 255-pound Michigan State lineman Ohimai Ozolua.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 38 Glenbard North or No. 11 Richards.

No. 11 Richards (8-2) at No. 38 Glenbard North (5-6)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Richards 50, Niles North 8; Glenbard North 35, Jacobs 13

Outlook: Glenbard North coach Justin Kerwin is thankful for the expanded playoffs after watching his 3-6 squad knock off Hoffman Estates and Jacobs to reach the round two for the second straight season. Kerwin believes competing in the rugged DuKane Conference has prepared the Panthers for postseason play. Following last week’s victory over Jacobs, Kerwin was looking forward to preparing his team for the second round. “It’s really cool,” said the coach. “Admittedly, I stole this from Batavia (coach Dennis Piron), ‘one more week.’ It’s so true. The kids are really focused.” Junior quarterback Logan Kramer enjoyed one of his best games of the season last week, throwing three touchdown passes while running for a 65-yard touchdown. Sophomores Michael Barnes III, Pierre Portis, and junior Jamari Jenkins caught the touchdowns covering 45, 36, and 48 yards, respectively. Senior tailback Angelo Gatses (240 carries, 1,509 yards, 20 rushing touchdowns) carried the ball 14 times for 109 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Panthers received strong efforts from linemen Mason Bebar, Miguel Magano, Julian Brasfield, and Xavier Smiley, linebackers Jaxon Hardy, Kevin Duran, Zach Hvorcik and Marco Rafael, and backs Cory Truty, Owen Miller and Anthony Gibson. Richards has won eight straight since opening the season with losses to DePaul College Prep and Homewood-Flossmoor. Last week, quarterback Eric Jacobs completed five of seven passes for 235 yards and five touchdowns, including a pair to junior receiver Naquan Griffin (65 and 78 yards). The Bulldogs have reached postseason play in 40 of the past 41 seasons, including 17 straight appearances.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against either No. 3 Downers Grove North or No. 16 St. Rita.

Class 6A

No. 7 Wheaton North (7-3) at No. 2 Geneva (9-1)

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Wheaton North 35, Rolling Meadows 0; Geneva 49, Carmel 30

Outlook: The Falcons get a second chance at the Vikings following their 42-14 loss in Week 8 in DuKane Conference play. Last week, sophomore quarterback Grant Neibch tossed a pair of touchdown passes, including a 26-yard strike to Ryne Shroff, during the Falcons’ postseason shutout. Jack Clark, Jay Doherty, and Johnny Clayton each recorded interceptions, while Aidan Lewis blocked a field goal attempt. Senior tailback Mac Murray tallied a pair of touchdowns for the Falcons, who turned last year’s 3-6 mark into a 7-3 record. Outscoring its opponents by an average of 23-16, Wheaton North has played its share of close games throughout the season. However, one game that was not close was their 28-point defeat at the hands of Geneva – the top-ranked 6A team in the latest Illinois Media poll. The Vikings’ offense, led by Eastern Michigan commit senior quarterback Ben Peterson (38 touchdown passes), Illinois commit senior receiver Bennett Konkey (152-yard average, 21 receiving touchdowns), and senior tailback Nelson Wendell (121-yard average, 19 rushing touchdowns), averages 44 points per contest. Last week, senior tight end Lincoln Mercado, a Bemidji State commit, caught three passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, linebackers Jakob Barry (7.9 tackles per game) and Jameson Barbat (7.9 tackles per game, three sacks), and backs Tate Beran (7.8 tackles per game) and Alex Abraham (four interceptions) lead the way. Wendell scored five touchdowns while rushing for 133 yards in their last meeting.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 3 Rockton Hononegah or No. 6 Fenwick.

No. 6 Wheaton Warrenville South (7-3) at No. 3 Riverside-Brookfield (9-1)

When: 7:15 p.m. Friday

Last week: WW South 38, Joliet Catholic 7; R-B 56, Thornwood 28

Outlook: Coming off one of their most complete performances of the season, the Tigers face an R-B team averaging 40 points per game and fresh from a 557-yard effort last week. WW South junior quarterback AJ Rogers passed for 258 yards and four touchdowns last week – two to 6-foot-4 junior receiver Steven Harvey. Junior receiver Keenan Yarbrough caught three passes for 86 yards, while tailback Trent Simpson and senior tight end Jacob Bellows added touchdown receptions against Joliet Catholic. The Tigers’ defense, anchored by lineman Zach Turner, linebacker Clark Jensen, and senior safety Eric Hecker, held Joliet Catholic scoreless for more than three quarters. Junior receiver/kick returner Blake Ittersagen returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown, and sophomore kicker Drew Maletich recovered a pooch kick and booted a 23-yard field goal and five extra points. Led by senior quarterback Braeden Novak’s 173 yards and two touchdown passes, the Bulldogs earned their first postseason win since 2015 last week. Nico Caputo tallied three of the Bulldogs’ six rushing touchdowns, while Tyler Schultz added two scores. James Organ caught a pair of touchdown passes. R-B is ranked seventh (Class 6A) in the latest Illinois Media poll, while WW South, looking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2019, is ranked 10th.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 2 Normal West or No. 7 Pekin.

No. 9 Burlington Central (8-3) at No. 1 Harlem (10-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Burlington Central 27, Lake Zurich 13; Harlem 21, St. Charles East 14

Outlook: This is a rematch of last year’s second round matchup won by Burlington Central, 24-14. Harlem carries a 10-game winning streak into this one following last week’s come-from-behind victory over St. Charles East. Trailing 14-7, the Huskies tied the game before scoring the game-winning touchdown on a four-yard pass from quarterback Braxton Fausett to fullback Noah Crandall with 16 seconds remaining. Crandall leads the Huskies with 6 ½ sacks from his defensive lineman position. Fausett, who has completed 67 percent of his pass attempts, has 20 touchdown throws for the second-ranked 6A team (latest Illinois Media poll). The Rockets counter with junior quarterback Reece Beemer and senior tailback Parker Auxier. Last week, Burlington Central tallied 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to break a 13-13 halftime deadlock against Lake Zurich. Auxier, who carried the ball 24 times for 116 yards, sealed the decision with a 13-yard touchdown catch from Beemer with 2:56 remaining. Beemer also connected with junior Jordan Coombs on a six-yard pass for the go-ahead touchdown. Auxier added a pair of short-yardage touchdown runs for the Rockets, who have won six of their last seven games. “He’s the best high school football player in the state that nobody has ever heard of,” Rockets coach Brian Iossi said of Auxier. Bennek Braden added an interception for the Rockets’ defense, which allows 14 points per game.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against either No. 4 Libertyville or No. 12 Niles Notre Dame.

No. 12 Niles Notre Dame (7-4) at No. 4 Libertyville (8-2)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Notre Dame 43, Grant 16; Libertyville 61, Chicago Noble-Muchin 0

Outlook: Libertyville is in the playoffs for the seventh year in a row and is in search of its first quarterfinals trip since the 2015 team took second in the state. “Notre Dame is a very good team that played a tough Catholic League schedule, so they are battle-tested,” Wildcats coach Tim Budge said. Alex Nerroth had a 78-yard fumble recovery return last week. Sophomore offensive lineman Jackson Wakefield and defensive lineman Luke Fisher also were lauded by Budge for their year-long efforts. Budge added Keegan Martin (tight end) and Sean McMahon (fullback) have stepped up as well. Notre Dame scored 43 points against Northern Lake County Conference entrant Grant last week. “We had to defend a double wing flex-bone against Grant, so this week presents a completely different animal in Libertyville,” Dons coach Dan DeFranza said. “They are very versatile on offense and use team speed to get to the perimeter.” Quarterback Eric Couper has thrown for 2,469 yards and 34 touchdowns, while Peter Panagiotopoulos has 71 catches for 1,031 yards and 16 TDs. Chicago Catholic League Purple Division defensive player of the year Konrad Hozian (six sacks, 15 tackles for loss on the year) and two-way lineman Sean Cook (graded out at 98 percent on the offensive line last week and added 15 tackles, seven for loss against Grant), also are key for Notre Dame. This is the first meeting between the two teams since the 2006 playoffs.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 9 Burlington Central (8-3) or No. 1 Machesney Park Harlem (10-0) in 6A quarterfinals.

Class 5A

No. 9 Sycamore (7-4) at No. 1 Antioch (10-0)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Sycamore 42, Belvidere 20; Antioch 48, Glenbard South 13

Outlook: Antioch is in the playoffs for the 10th season in a row and is looking for its first quarterfinals trip since 2018. The Sequoits have rushed for 2,749 yards and average 8.95 yards per carry, led by Gavin Stone (1,374 yards, 24 TDs). That rushing success also is made possible by a standout offensive line that includes juniors Charlie Andre (6-4, 290, T) and Trevor Wendt (6-2, 230, G), senior center Giulian Santoyo (6-2, 250), junior Dylan Campese (5-11, 220, G) and senior Xavier Ingram (6-4, 320, T). “They are very experienced,” Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said of the offensive line. “It’s a very smart group that plays physical on every snap.” Glashagel pointed out special stickers are handed out for each pancake block delivered by the offensive line. When asked how many stickers have been doled out, he replied, “A lot.” Ethan Patel (5-for-5 passing, 182 yards, three touchdowns; two rushing touchdowns), Mason King (seven tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss) and Stone (106 yards and one touchdown) starred in the Glenbard South win. Antioch sits at a plus-23 in the turnover battle. Sycamore, from the Interstate Eight Conference, has won four in a row and has four wins against teams with winning records. “Antioch is a strong team that plays fast and physical,” Sycamore coach Rob Stover said. “Their record speaks for itself. They are playing with confidence so it will be important to get off to a fast start.” Junior running back-linebacker Dylan Curtis leads the Spartans with 1,600 all-purpose yards, while sophomore quarterback Chaz Wright threw a pair of TD passes against Belvidere last week. Senior tight end-linebacker Peter Gehrig leads the team with 68 tackles, while senior two-way lineman Will Rosenow also is notable.

Advancement: Winner plays No. 12 Belvidere North (7-4) or No. 4 Wauconda (8-2) in the 5A quarterfinals.

No. 12 Belvidere North (7-4) at No. 4 Wauconda (8-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Belvidere North 42, Wheaton Academy 36; Wauconda 42, Lakes 14

Outlook: Since 2017, this will be Belvidere North’s seventh playoff game against a team from the Northern Lake County Conference, including a third one against Wauconda (both North wins in 2023 and 2024). The Blue Thunder, a 5A state semifinalist a year ago, finished fifth this season in the Northern Illinois Conference-10 and owns one win against a team with a winning record -- last week’s win against Wheaton Academy. North’s four losses have come to teams with a combined 33-7 record. “Belvidere North loves to run the football,” Wauconda coach Chris Prostka said. “They utilize an option offense and use multiple players to carry the ball.” In the win against Lakes last week, Brody McKenna ran 11 times for 117 yards and two scores. Michael Contreras led the squad with 12 tackles and “showed good speed to the perimeter and then got the job done when he got there,” Prostka said. Offensively, Cooper Karaszewski (1,171 passing yards, 10 TDs), Brody Rudolph (1,116 rushing yards, 10 total TDs) and Luke Sickmeir (41 catches, 948 yards, 11 total TDs) lead the way, while Cashton Silton has 76 tackles and Kelsey Funkhouser is 37-for-39 on point-after tries for Wauconda. Prostka also tipped his hat to the offensive line, which is coached by former Stevenson and Jacobs head coach Bill Mitz, “who brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game,” Prostka said. That line features seniors Miguel Cervantes (6-2, 258) and Jayden Sanders (6-3, 215), juniors Sebastian Torres (6-0, 242) , Finn Loomis (6-0, 230) and Noah Schuck (6-3, 245) and senior Mason Gomez (5-10, 200).

Advancement: Winner plays No. 9 Sycamore (7-4) or No. 1 Antioch (10-0) in the 5A quarterfinals.

No. 7 Woodstock (8-2) at No. 18 St. Francis (6-5)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Woodstock 35, Prairie Ridge 7; St. Francis 48, Kaneland 12

Outlook: The defending Class 5A state champions are beginning to heat up. Winners of five of their last six, the Spartans coasted to a 36-point first-round victory over an 8-1 Kaneland squad last weekend. Senior tailback Tivias Caldwell, Jr., rushed for 112 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just seven carries, while junior quarterback Jadon Wilson (21 touchdown passes) threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown. Wilson has plenty of targets to choose from, including Blayke Lohmann, Noah Turneer, Alex Taylor, and Greg Bess-Henning. Defensively, Ty Talton, Bess-Henning, and Turner recorded interceptions against Kaneland. Senior safety James McGrath leads the Spartans with 11.5 tackles per game, supported by linebacker Peyton Shipley (8 tackles per game) and linemen Taj Evans (five sacks), Ryan Mullen (eight quarterback hurries), and Turner (four interceptions). Following a 15-year postseason dry spell, the Blue Streaks are making their second straight playoff appearance. Junior quarterback Cash White (10 rushing touchdowns, nine passing) accounted for 151 yards of offense and two touchdowns against Prairie Ridge. Sophomore two-way player Nicholas Morrow rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown, and caught a 65-yard touchdown pass last week. Senior middle linebacker Jaxson Hansen (5.7 tackles per game) anchors a defensive unit that limited Prairie Ridge to 103 yards.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 3 King or No. 6 Cary-Grove.

No. 6 Cary-Grove (8-2) at No. 3 King (8-2)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Eckersall Stadium, Chicago

Last week: Cary-Grove 45, Hinsdale South 13; King 21, Deerfield 15

Outlook: Cary-Grove running back Shamrion Prude carried the ball 10 times for 67 yards and a touchdown last week, while quarterback Jackson Berndt added 45 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Defensively, Zach Witt recorded a pick-six, and freshman Colton Snare added a fourth-quarter interception in his first playoff appearance. Prude forms a four-headed monster in the offensive backfield alongside Luke Cerasa, Ty Tenopir, and Berndt, running behind 6-foot-4, 250-pound Dayton commit Patrick Bolf. The Trojans, who captured the 6A state title in 2023, own a rich postseason history with 67 playoff victories. The Jaguars, 6-15 in career postseason play, look to return to the 5A quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. A year ago, King dropped a 44-14 quarterfinal decision to eventual state champion St. Francis. Junior quarterback Tremaine Ford II has accounted for 14 touchdowns – 10 passing, four rushing. Junior tailback Jamar Lewis leads the Jaguars with 21 touchdowns. Last week, versatile Herman Yancey provided a 49-yard game-winning touchdown with 2:06 remaining against Deerfield. Earlier in the game, Yancey broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run. King’s offensive line features senior 6-foot-5, 340-pound Florida Atlantic commit Cornelius Moore.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 18 St. Francis or No. 7 Woodstock.

Class 4A

No. 8 Montini (8-2) at No. 1 Morris (10-0)

When: 4 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Montini 35, Geneseo 12; Morris 70, Tinley Park 0

Outlook: This is a clash of the Class 4A giants, as top-ranked Morris (latest Illinois Media poll) takes on second-ranked and defending 4A state champion Montini in a rematch of last year’s semifinal game won by the Broncos, 47-27. The two-time defending state champion Broncos feature Miami (Fla.) commit quarterback Israel Abrams, whose gaudy numbers include 2,741 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, a 64 percent completion rate, and 14 rushing touchdowns this season. Senior receiver Damacio Ortegon leads the team with 45 receptions for 981 yards and 11 touchdowns, supported by Donovan Evans (25 catches, 647 yards, five touchdowns), and Luca Florio (39 catches, 476 yards, four touchdowns). Ben Evenson (101 tackles, 15 tackles for loss) anchors a defense that includes Blake Pohlman (53 tackles, 14 tackles for loss), Orlando Greco (88 tackles), and Julian Figueroa (63 tackles, 16 tackles for loss). Johnny Louise is 53 of 56 on PAT kicks. The Broncos’ defense will be tested by a Morris squad averaging 48 points per game, thanks in part to junior quarterback Marion Persich (19 rushing touchdowns, 17 passing touchdowns). The Warriors’ closest game came in Week 3 – a 44-27 victory over Simeon. Two-way standout Logan Conroy has 15 touchdown receptions and four interceptions, while Mick Smith averages 7.4 tackles per game with three sacks and five touchdown runs. Junior tailback Romero Zdanwic averages 71 yards per game with five touchdowns. Make no mistake about it, these are two perennial heavyweights – Morris owns an 86-36 postseason record, while Montini is 81-27.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 4 Sterling or No. 12 Hillcrest.

No. 14 Rochelle (7-4) at No. 22 Aurora Central Catholic (5-6)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Rochelle 48, Clark 6; Aurora Central Catholic 7, Rauner 0

Outlook: The Chargers will likely spend much of the week watching film and practicing against a simulated wing-T offense that Rochelle operates. Led by junior quarterback Cohen Haedt, the Hubs bring a three-game winning streak into the second round of the playoffs since their 27-20 loss to Sycamore. Angel Argueta leads the Hubs with 61 yards rushing per game. Rochelle figures to have a size advantage with 6-foot-4, 270-pound junior offensive lineman Brayden Harley and the Schweitzer brothers – 6-7 defensive end Warren, and 6-5 tight end/defensive lineman Eli. At one point earlier in the season, the Chargers were 0-4. Since then, they have won five of their last seven, with one of the losses a 21-14 setback at the hands of Momence in Week 9. Last week, ACC recorded its third shutout of the season behind defensive contributions from Luke Janosek, Kyle Stanislo, Billy Arch, Miguel Vazquez, Aidan Crisci, Leo Corral, Diego Arellano, Josh Meza, Giovanni Estrada, and Joey Arch. Freshman quarterback Griffin Curry directs the offense that includes Corral (1,200 all-purpose yards) and four-year starter Crisci.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 2 Coal City or No. 10 Dixon.

Class 3A

No. 6 Johnsburg (8-2) at No. 3 IC Catholic Prep (9-1)

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Johnsburg 27, Marian Central Catholic 0; IC Catholic Prep 42, Genoa-Kingston 0

Outlook: IC Catholic Prep, the state’s top-ranked Class 3A team according to the latest Illinois Media poll, gets another chance to play for its home fans against a Johnsburg squad riding a four-game winning streak. The Knights used a different approach against Genoa-Kingston last week, as senior quarterback Nate Lang only attempted three passes – completing one, a 68-yard touchdown to Grant Bowen – in a 42-point victory. Sophomore tailback Jakobe Baldwin ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries, while Donnel Sallis (60 yards) and Jaden Penna (39 yards) returned interceptions for touchdowns. Baldwin, averaging 130 yards per game, has scored 15 touchdowns. Bowen, an all-state, two-way standout, averages 76 yards receiving with 10 touchdowns. Senior linebackers Jalen Banks (7.1 tackles per game), KJ Reese (5.4 tackles per game), and junior safety Will Schmidt (five interceptions) anchor a defense that owns back-to-back shutouts. Johnsburg, which recorded its first postseason win last week since 2022, features junior quarterback Chase Schnurr (17 touchdown passes), receiver Ryan Franze (six touchdowns), and tailback CJ Jones (96-yard average, 10 touchdowns). Defensively, end Micah Welch leads the Skyhawks with 11 ½ sacks, while junior safety Chase Vogel has four interceptions.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 2 Byron or No. 23 Pontiac.

Class 2A

No. 6 Maroa-Forsyth (9-1) at No. 3 Aurora Christian (9-1)

When: 4 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Maroa-Forsyth 49, Oregon 18; Aurora Christian 42, Winnebago 14

Outlook: A pair of Class 2A titans square off in Aurora, as Maroa-Forsyth, ranked fourth in the latest Illinois Media poll, faces seventh-ranked Aurora Christian. The Eagles’ high-flying offense racked up 42 points during last week’s first-round win, as junior Jalen Callaway and sophomores Luke Baumann and Jesus “Juju” Vasquez enjoyed huge performances. Callaway, who lines up all over the field on defense, carried the ball 21 times for 193 yards and three touchdowns against Winnebago. Baumann, another two-way standout, caught six passes for 145 yards and a touchdown, and carried the ball six times for 56 yards and a score last week. Eagles coach David Beebe likes to use Callaway and Baumann in several offensive alignments, including direct snaps at Wildcat quarterback. Baumann leads the team with six interceptions. Vasquez completed 7 of 11 passes for 225 yards and a 65-yard touchdown strike to Carson Moreno, who added an interception on defense. Making their ninth consecutive postseason appearance under Beebe, the Eagles face another high-scoring team in Maroa-Forsyth. Led by junior quarterback Peyton Brilley’s four touchdown passes, the Trojans posted an impressive first-round victory over Oregon. Brilley, filling in for senior southpaw quarterback Aiden Williams (22 touchdown passes), completed 78 percent of his passes for 262 yards last week. Senior tailback Declan Shannon rushed for 55 yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns and added a touchdown reception, while receiver Grady Rose (nine touchdowns) caught five passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Maroa-Forsyth, making its 22nd consecutive postseason appearance, has topped the 50-point mark five times this season. Defensively, linebacker Connor Heneghan (8.5-tackle average) and linemen Graham Blackwell (6.3-tackle average), and Cam Trendler (five sacks) lead the way.

Advancement: The winner advances to next week’s quarterfinals against No. 2 El Paso-Gridley or No. 10 Warrensburg-Latham.