L- W East, H- F vie to stay unbeaten
No. 1 Lincoln- Way East ( 5- 0) at No. 7 Homewood- Flossmoor ( 5- 0), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
Two top- 10, undefeated teams meet in a battle that could decide next week’s No. 1. Lincoln- Way East is coming off a close game against rival Lincoln- Way Central. The Griffins won 28- 14 behind standout running back AJ Henning. The 5- 10, 175- pound sophomore was electric, scoring three touchdowns in the second half to secure the victory. Homewood- Flossmoor has a slew of talented players, including one just as impressive as Henning: Northern Illinois recruit Justin Hall. He keeps putting on a show week after week. Both teams also have very talented defensive lines. This game should have plenty of fireworks.
No. 13 Glenbard West ( 4- 1) at No. 6 Lyons ( 5- 0), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
These are two successful teams that have been under the radar a bit this season. The Lions are unbeaten, and Glenbard West has won four consecutive games after opening the season with a loss to No. 3 Maine South. Lyons is led by top- tier quarterback Ben Bryant, a gunslinger who has plenty of arm strength. The Cincinnati recruit has led a potent offensive attack. Glenbard West is a truly balanced team, with a powerful defense and plenty of potent players on offense. Quarterback Alex Hollensbe has been instrumental, connecting well with receivers Kyle Dell and Alec Pierce. The Hilltoppers went to the passing attack quite a bit in their win against Downers Grove North last week.
No. 12 Barrington ( 5- 0) at Palatine ( 3- 2), 6 p. m. Thursday
This Mid- Suburban West battle should be a good one. The Pirates were in the Super 25 for several weeks and could jump back in with a win against the Broncos. Senior wide receiver Johnny O’Shea has been a difference- maker this season for Palatine, along with quarterback DJ Angelaccio and junior running back Darryl Garner. It’s a true three- pronged attack on offense for Palatine. The defense has delivered so far and should give Barrington a fight. Broncos quarterback Ray Niro has been special this season. He leads an offense that’s averaging 39 points.
Naperville North ( 4- 1) at No. 18 Neuqua Valley ( 4- 1), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
Four of the nine DuPage Valley teams have one loss or less, so the race is tight. The Huskies have been in and out of the Super 25 this season and could use a quality win against the Wildcats. Neuqua Valley beat Thornwood 41- 8 last week. Wildcats quarterback Jake Eskoff has shown consistency and accuracy and has been able to spread passes around to several different receivers. Naperville North’s offense has put up prolific numbers behind Drake Davis, averaging 39 point. This one will come down to which defense can contain the high- powered quarterbacks.
No. 5 Loyola ( 4- 1) at St. Rita ( 4- 1), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
Another big game in the Catholic League Blue. The Ramblers have been a force to be reckoned with since losing to Phillips back in Week 1. Cornerback John Lynch was the hero last week. The senior had two interceptions in a 41- 14 win against Fenwick. St. Rita is coming off a big conference win against rival Mount Carmel. A strong performance against Loyola could bump the Mustangs into the Super 25. St. Rita’s effort was a true team win, led by quarterback Jake Zylman and running back/ receiver Chris Childers.