Griffins, Raiders will be put to the test
No. 1 Lincoln- Way East ( 8- 0) at Bolingbrook ( 7- 1), 7 p. m. Friday
Top- ranked Lincoln- Way East has rolled through the regular season behind an impressive defense and topnotch play from quarterback Brendan Morrissey and speedy back A. J. Henning. The Griffins have dominated and puzzled teams with their defensive- line play. Bolingbrook quietly has put together an impressive season. The Raiders have several talented athletes, and their only loss is to No. 9 Homewood- Flossmoor. Junior running back Quentin Pringle has started to turn heads, and senior defensive lineman Deshaun Mallory knows how to make big plays. This matchup is a nice test for both squads before they head into the playoffs.
No. 11 Batavia ( 8- 0) at No. 15 St. Charles North ( 7- 1), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
Batavia’s defense, which has been its calling card this season, has allowed just 31 points through eight games. The Bulldogs have racked up wins against several Super 25 opponents and survived a number of close games. St. Charles North quarterback Michael Hohensee had a huge performance last week in a 45- 21 win against Geneva, rushing for three touchdowns, throwing for three touchdowns and accounting for nearly 400 yards. This is a winner- take- all matchup for the Upstate Eight River title.
No. 16 Hoffman Estates ( 7- 1) at Palatine ( 5- 3), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
Both teams are fighting for second in the Mid- Suburban West. Palatine is looking for that elusive sixth win to automatically qualify for the playoffs. The Pirates have won the conference the last three seasons and know how to win big games. Linebacker Cortez Hogans is one to watch on Palatine’s defense. Hoffman Estates has made quick work of most of its opponents this season. Its one loss was to a very good Barrington squad. Quarterback Austin Coalson and the offensive line have been instrumental in the Hawks’ success.
Oak Park- River Forest ( 5- 3) at No. 21 Lyons ( 6- 2), 7: 30 p. m. Friday
With Glenbard West firmly in control of the West Suburban Silver, this one is for bragging rights and playoff berths. Lyons, led by quarterback Ben Bryant and running back Tyrone Smith, has the talent to put points on the board. But the Lions have had issues with dropped passes throughout the season. When they hit their stride, they are hard to beat. Oak Park- River Forest is looking for that crucial sixth win. Sophomore quarterback Toby Kunkel has shown the ability to spread the ball around. The Hus- kies have been trying to gain some momentum, and a win this week would do wonders.
Morgan Park ( 5- 3) vs. Solorio ( 6- 2) at Gately, 4: 15 p. m. Friday
Solorio lost a close game to No. 4 Phillips last week. The Sun Warriors have talented athletes who upset the balance of Phillips’ offense and have the potential to do the same to plenty of other teams in the Public League and the state playoffs. Top athlete Quincy Patterson plays quarterback and middle linebacker for Solorio. Messiah Travis, who is equally as impressive, made an impact in all phases of the game last week against the Wildcats. Morgan Park has a chance to make a statement. The Mustangs have averaged 39 points in each win this season.