Five Week 5 high school football games to watch

Batavia (3-1) at St. Charles North (4-0)

The fourth-ranked team in the Daily Herald Top 20, the North Stars, host No. 5 on Friday night in a game that will go a long way to deciding the DuKane Conference title — as it always seems to. These teams both have impressive offenses that can move the ball through the air or on the ground. SCN’s Carsen Durante has regularly been rushing for over 100 yards while Henry Hahn and Preston Brummel give Batavia a double threat to run the ball.

Hoffman Estates (4-0) at Schaumburg (3-1)

The MSL West begins division play this weekend. The six West teams went a combined 18-6 in nonconference play, led by Fremd and these Hoffman Estates Hawks at 4-0. One key in the Hawks’ perfect start? Only one turnover so far. And they have been equally good on the ground — 622 yards — as through the air — 664 yards. Schaumburg’s only loss came by 5 points in Week 1 to Antioch; since then the Saxons have rolled to three wins behind their own rushing attack of Vince Heydecker, Xavier Tudela and QB Ray Black.

Lyons (3-1) at Glenbard West (4-0)

We’ve had the Hilltoppers in this spot a lot this year, and Glenbard West is delivering. Now they will be out to avenge last year’s loss to Lyons — the first time the Lions have beat Glenbard West since 2016. Lyons is coming off its first loss to Hinsdale Central while GW handed Downers Grove North its first defeat.

Antioch (3-1) at Lakes (3-1)

Wauconda is looking great in the early going of the Northern Lake County Conference at 4-0 and averaging 43 points a game. But these two teams also are 2-0 in the NLCC play and hungry to stay at the top of the standings. Lakes will need to make sure to tackle Gavin Stone, who is averaging 12.5 yards a carry and has scored 8 touchdowns for Antioch. Lakes quarterback Ean Ankney is off to a good start, throwing for 687 yards so far with 9 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions.

Palatine (2-2) at Barrington (3-1)

This noon Saturday game is homecoming for Barrington between two teams coming off a loss. Barrington became the latest to have its hands full with Maine South last week, which Palatine went through in Week 3. The Pirates haven’t been the same since Kole Fager left that game with an injury; his status Saturday is uncertain. Barrington also has injury concerns with standout sophomore RB Lamar Osterhues leaving last week’s game. Barrington could turn to Cameron Massillo if Osterhues is out.