Week 6: Scouting the Chicago Catholic

Montini (2-3, 1-1) at De La Salle (5-0, 1-0) Chicago Catholic League Green

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Montini 21, Marmion 11; De La Salle 39, St. Francis 6.

Last year: Montini 38, De La Salle 0.

Outlook: Given that Montini hosts Mt. Carmel in Week 8, given that the Broncos got handled by Maine South, Fenwick and Brother Rice, this amounts to a must-win to make the playoffs. Yet no challenge is too stern for the defending Class 6A champions, whose vertical game got back on track last week with Matt Morrissey touchdown passes to Mitch West and Brandon Shilgalis. Here, though, ball control and field position will rule. Linebacker Jackson Bruscianelli and defensive end Jalen Slater played fast. De La Salle's last 5-0 start was 1993, its last conference title in 2009. Meteors coach Mike Boehm runs a no-huddle spread offense headed by quarterback Dorian Woods with 11 touchdown passes, 10-touchdown running back Devin Michicich and three-year starting receiver Eric Rooks. Players like Mike Boehm's lineman son Nick and cornerback Anthony Woods, who has 4 interceptions and a punt return score, have created a plus-19 turnover ratio.

Next week: Montini at DePaul; De La Salle at Mt. Carmel.

St. Francis (0-5) at St. Ignatius (4-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: St. Francis gets some great news for this Chicago Catholic League crossover: senior running back Nolan Pechan, out since Week 1, has been cleared and should take some reps. Fullback-linebacker Nico Rendina returned to the lineup last week.

Fenwick (4-1, 1-0) at Marmion (4-1, 1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Quick Hit: The Marmion offense was limited to 60 rushing yards in last week's loss at Montini. By contrast, the Friars dominated Montini in a 38-6 victory in Week 3. To become playoff eligible, the Cadets must win one of their final 4 games against Fenwick, St. Laurence (4-1), DeLaSalle (5-0) or St. Rita (3-2).

Bishop McNamara (1-4, 0-1) at Aurora Christian (2-3, 0-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Quick Hit: The Eagles will try to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win in this Chicago Catholic White matchup. Defending Class 3A champion Bishop McNamara won its first game of the season last week against Leo (46-14) after losing to four quality opponents with a combined 15-5 record.