It's win or go home for 4-4 football teams

While the entire state is loaded with meaningful games tonight and Saturday leading up to the release of the IHSA football state playoff brackets Saturday night, I prefer to look at some games where playoff fever and the must-win scenarios have already begun.

Guerin (4-4) at Providence (4-4):ŒThis Chicago Catholic League crossover game will send the winner into the state playoffs. Providence, which is tied for last place in the rugged Chicago Catholic League Blue, entered the Class 7A playoff field last fall with a 5-4 record and rolled to the state semifinals before losing in the last seconds to eventual state champion St. Rita.

Could we see deja vu all over again this fall?

Riverside-Brookfield (4-4) at Fenton (4-4):ŒRiverside-Brookfield already lost to Fenton 23-7 back in Week 6. Can the Bulldogs win this time around and punch their ticket to the state playoffs? Could Fenton win and still be left at home because of too few playoff points?

Champaign Central (4-4) at Champaign Centennial (4-4):ŒBoth teams play in the Big 12 Conference, and the winner will make the state playoff field.

Prospect (4-4) at Buffalo Grove (4-4): Buffalo Grove is coming off a huge upset win last Friday over Mid-Suburban East champion Rolling Meadows 12-10. Can the Bison pull off the rare feat of sending the Class 7A power Knights home instead of to the playoffs?

West Aurora (4-4) at Glenbard North (4-4):ŒWest Aurora veteran coach Buck Drach has gotten his Blackhawks to the front door of making the state playoffs for the first time since 1994.

Barrington (4-4) at Schaumburg (4-4):ŒIf the Broncos can win tonight, would the Broncos still make the state playoff field? With just 31 playoff points heading into this week's action, look for coach Joey Sanchez and staff watch the scoreboard closely if they can get regular-season win No. 5 over the Saxons.