L- WEast, Oswego set for ‘ D’ showdown
8A: Oswego ( 10- 1) at Lincoln- Way East ( 11- 0), 6p. m. Saturday
Lincoln- Way East has been in the Super 25 since Week 2. Led by Northwestern recruit Devin O’Rourke, the Griffins have one of the top defensive lines in the area. They’ve allowed seven points or fewer seven times this season.
Oswego is riding a 10- game winning streak. The Panthers’ defense, which is led by Iowa recruit Noah Shannon, has excelled in the playoffs. The winner here becomes the Class 8A favorite.
8A: Loyola ( 10- 1) at Marist ( 11- 0), 7 p. m. Saturday
Both teams have had successful seasons without attracting a lot of attention. Marist, the East Suburban Catholic Conference champion, has the defense to win the state title. The Red Hawks’ playoff run hinges on the success of quarterback Mike Markett and running back Delonte Harrell.
Loyola, the Catholic League Blue champion, has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. The Ramblers are riding an 11- game winning streak and have plenty of momentum after a convincing win against Hinsdale Central.
7A: East St. Louis ( 10- 1) vs. Mount Carmel ( 8- 3) at Gately, 5 p. m. Saturday
A matchup of traditional heavyweights. Mount Carmel continues to pick up steam with its stout defense and is looking to stay on a roll against the defending Class 7A state champ.
The Caravan have played a lot of close games. They beat Normal 14- 13 last week.
East St. Louis always has had top talent, and this year is no different with sophomore running back DeMonta Witherspoon and quarterback Eric Johnson having big seasons.
7A: Batavia ( 10- 1) at Lincoln- WayWest ( 9- 2), 1 p. m. Saturday
Batavia survived an overtime thriller lastweek, beating Wheaton North 20- 17 on a touchdown pass from quarterback Riley Cooper to receiver Eric Peterson. Receiver Jared Martin also has made a big impact for the Bulldogs.
Batavia’s defense allowed only 31 points in the first eight weeks, posting four shutouts. Lincoln- Way West traveled to Alton in the second round and grabbed a 42- 13 win behind running backs Caleb Marconi and Anthony Izzarelli.
5A: Lemont ( 10- 1) vs. Phillips ( 11- 0) at Gately, 1 p. m. Saturday
Undefeated Phillips has tons of talent. The team opened with convincing wins over Loyola, Richards and Simeon and hasn’t slowed down. Toledo recruit Terrance Taylor is one of the top performers on the defensive line along with allpurpose athlete Craig Elmore. He had six touchdowns and 232 yards in the Wildcats’ 55- 14 win against Solorio last week.
Lemont dominated its second round matchup, beating Lakes 42- 6. Running back Anthony Martin is one to watch along with quarterback Marcus Mathias. The defense has stood out, allowing just six points in its last four games.