Batavia, Lake Zurich, L- W pair vie for 5- 0
No. 19 St. Charles East ( 3- 1) at No. 14 Batavia ( 4- 0), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
This is a big one in the Upstate Eight. Batavia’s quick- strike offense takes on a St. Charles East team looking to rebound from last week’s heartbreaking overtime loss to rival St. Charles North. Running back Justin Jett has had a productive season for the Fighting Saints, and South Dakota State recruit Nick Garlisch has been a jack of all trades. Quarterback Riley Cooper and running back Art Taylor have been standouts for the Bulldogs.
Evanston ( 3- 1) at No. 3 Maine South ( 3- 1), 7 p. m. Friday
The defending Class 8A champion Hawks have shown plenty of promise, only losing to No. 1 Lincoln- Way East 28- 26. Running back Fotis Kokosioulis leads the way. He has put up solid numbers, despite being the focus of defenses every week. Maine South’s defense has continued to develop through the first four weeks of the season. Evanston has put up plenty of points, led by quarterback Drew Dawkins. The Wildkits are looking for a signature win, and this would definitely fit the bill.
No. 9 Lake Zurich ( 4- 0) at Warren ( 3- 1), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
It has been a strong start for both Lake Zurich and Warren, who meet in this North Suburban conference battle. The Bears have one of the area’s best defenses, led by linebacker Jack Sanborn, a Wisconsin recruit. It has been a team effort on offense, and they have found ways to score. The Blue Devils also have a headliner, Notre Dame recruit Micah Jones, a 6- 5, 210- pound re- ceiver who has made a name for himself this season. This one could have big playoff implications.
No. 20 Mount Carmel ( 3- 1) at St. Rita ( 3- 1), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
This Catholic Blue rivalry game features two of the area’s storied programs. The Caravan has missed quarterback Alek Thomas, who has been playing in an international baseball tournament. He may be back for this one. St. Rita senior quarterback Jake Zylman has gracefully led the Mustangs offense, and senior running back Chris Childers is a force. Both teams are 0- 1 in conference. Mount Carmel lost at Loyola, and the Mustangs were beaten at Providence.
No. 1 Lincoln- Way East ( 4- 0) at Lincoln- Way Central ( 4- 0), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
Lincoln- Way East has talent, speed and a powerful defense. Lincoln- Way Central has the chance to prove it belongs in the Super 25. This should be a spectacular rivalry game. Both teams have dominated this season, but East has played a more challenging schedule. The Griffins have put up big numbers behind a top defensive line, led by Northwestern recruit Devin O’Rouke. East has unique speed in receiver A. J. Henning, but he missed last week’s game with an injury.
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