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Week 1 playoffs, Chicago Catholic: Montini hosts matinee with Wauconda

Class 6A

No. 16 Wauconda (5-4) at No. 1 Montini (9-0)

Game time: 2 p.m. Saturday.

Outlook: North Suburban Prairie foe Wauconda plays its first playoff game since 2012. Montini, in its 23rd straight appearance and 28th overall, hasn't lost a first-round game since 2006. But to those who think the Broncos will roll into a seventh straight title game in their new Class 6A distinction, coach Chris Andriano says they aren't paying attention. Wauconda has his full attention, rallying from a 1-4 start on a schedule with five playoff teams to Montini's one. Last week Bulldogs scrambling quarterback Kevin Malisheski, who has 1 incompletion the last three games, rested early after junior running backs Jacob Bicknase and Tyler Stankiewicz led the offense and defensive end Connor Mitchell helped hold North Chicago to 20 yards. Wauconda's stout defensive line and the questionable status of Montini back Prince Walker may have quarterback Justin Blake more active with the pass. Linebacker John Embrey and Co. allow less than 6 points a game with an unruly plus-28 turnover ratio.

Advancement: The winner advances to a Class 6A second-round game against the winner of No. 9 Belvidere North (6-3) at No. 9 Kaneland (6-3).

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