Week 6: Scouting the East Suburban Catholic

Marian Central (3-2, 1-2) vs. St. Viator (3-2, 2-1) at Forest View

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Marian Central 33, St. Viator 13

Outlook: Viator is coming off a huge win over Carmel last week. That victory may have turned things around for the Lions, who need a couple more victories to secure a playoff spot. St. Viator changed things up last week, going with quarterback Bryce Hellgeth, who threw a touchdown pass and did not turn the ball over. But to stop the Lions, the Hurricanes have to contain Darreontae Jackson, who had a 60-yard TD reception and has rushed this year for 549 yards. Marian Catholic is coming off a 28-15 win over Joliet Catholic.

Notre Dame Dons (4-1, 3-0) at Carmel Corsairs (2-3, 1-2)

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday

Last week: Notre Dame def. St. Patrick, 25-7; Carmel lost to St. Viator, 17-10.

Skinny: Carmel is searching … for its offense. The Corsairs have scored just 28 points in their three losses, including just 10 points last week against St. Viator. Carmel is averaging just 14.6 points per game, fewest in the East Suburban Catholic Conference … Offense seemed like it was going to flow furiously last week. The Corsairs scored on their first possession against St. Viator as Zaire Barnes ran in a touchdown from 4 yards out. Quarterback Jeremy Strutzel gave a well-rounded effort for Carmel. He rushed for 69 yards and also completed 4-of-9 passes for 61 yards … Notre Dame, which is in a three-way tie for first place in the ESCC with Marist and Benet, is a run-oriented team with sometimes as many as five backs racking up significant yardage. Ty Gavin leads the attack … The Dons, who have won three straight games, are also strong on defense. They have allowed just 15.8 points per game, third-fewest in the ESCC.

Benet (4-1, 3-0) at Marian Catholic (1-4, 0-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: The Redwings are a win shy of becoming eligible for a fifth straight playoff berth. Cornerback Ben Cooney and receiver Nick Keyes, both juniors, continue coming up with big plays. Benet's defensive focus is on Illinois-bound quarterback Cameron Thomas.

Downers Grove North (1-4, 0-3) at Lyons Twp. (5-0, 2-0)Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The quick hit: To remain playoff eligible, the Trojans must beat a Lyons team coming off a huge WSC Silver win over Glenbard West. While deserved credit goes to Lions quarterback Ben Bryant, Downers North must figure out how to run the ball on their big defensive line.