Five second-round playoff games to watch
Glenbard West (7-3) at Hersey (10-0)
The Hilltoppers are getting healthy on defense — and considering their opponent here Saturday night in the second round of the 7A playoffs, it couldn't come at a better time. Two-way standout Bryce Ellens is back, linebacker Tallis Taylor hopes to be, and Glenbard West will need them and more to slow a Hersey team averaging 48 points led by Kentucky-bound quarterback Jake Nawrot. He's up to 2,569 passing yards and 35 touchdowns while Jackson Travis has run for over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Batavia (8-2) at Brother Rice (8-2)
In the first round of the playoffs, the 7A bracket had the least competitive games of the eight classes, not a single one closer than 14 points and an average margin of victory of 34. These two powers did their part, Batavia winning by 29 and Brother Rice 41. Wyoming commit Michael Vander Luitgaren has been spectacular all season at quarterback for the Bulldogs with 45 combined touchdowns, and he'll have to be again this week against one of the best out of the Chicago Catholic League.
Montini (8-2) at Morris (10-0)
The 4A state championship game already in the second round? Maybe unfair to Rochester and some others, but it wouldn't surprise many if the winner of this game also is celebrating a 4A state championship Thanksgiving weekend. They met in last year's 4A semifinals, Montini winning 47-27, and the Broncos bring back Miami-bound QB Israel Abrams (26 passing, 14 rushing TDs) from that win. Morris is playing lights out this year, no game closer than 17 points, and hopes to capitalize on playing on its home field this time.
Wheaton Warrenville South (7-3) at Riverside-Brookfield (9-1)
Like most years, the first round of the playoffs was not kind to the Upstate Eight Conference. Their 1-5 record matched the Cahokia Mississippi Division for most losses state wide, other than the Chicago Public League. Riverside-Brookfield earned that lone win, and the Bulldogs will carry the UEC banner while trying to slow down Tigers quarterback AJ Rogers. WW South, meanwhile, dominated Joliet Catholic to help the DuKane Conference match the West Suburban Silver with five first-round victories.
St. Rita (7-3) at Downers Grove North (9-1)
There’s going to be plenty of high-scoring games this weekend but if defense is your thing, Downers Grove is the place to be. The Trojans have only allowed 75 points, no team has reached 20 points, and they have four shutouts. St. Rita’s numbers aren’t as impressive but they did hold St. Francis to 12 points and Nazareth 14 and have Michigan State recruit Ohimai Ozolua anchoring the line. The teams, both ranked in the top 10 in the state in 7A, have one common opponent, Glenbard West, who St. Rita beat 36-35 and the Trojans defeated 24-14.