Testing time for Wildcats, Hilltoppers
No. 13 Glenbard West ( 7- 2) at No. 9 Neuqua Valley( 8- 1), 6p. m. Saturday
It’s a perennial West Suburban Silver power against a DuPage Valley Conference cochampion. Neuqua Valley had a shot at finishing the season undefeated but got behind Glenbard North 21- 0 and couldn’t come back. The Wildcats look to rebound against the Hilltoppers, who saw their own share of adversity this season, losing back- to- back games in Weeks 5 and 6. Both teams have struggled to stay healthy the last several weeks, and it will be a momentum- grabbing win for whichever team pulls it off.
No. 21 Lyons ( 7- 2) at No. 16 Naperville North ( 8- 1), 7 p. m. Friday
Naperville North finished tied atop the DuPage Valley with Neuqua Valley, while Lyons made a strong bid for the West Suburban Silver title. The Huskies’ ground attack, led by quarterback Luke Cegles and running back Cross Robinson, has pushed them over the top. Robinson rushed for 148 yards in a 28- 17 victory over Wheat on-Warrenville South last Friday. The Lions are led by highly recruited junior quarterback Ben Bryant, who has continued to come into his own.
Waubonsie Valley ( 5- 4) at No. 3Hinsdale Central ( 9- 0), 1 p. m. Saturday
A third first- round matchup between a DuPage Valley team and a West Suburban Silver team could be another nail- biter, depending on the motivation Waubonsie Valley brings. Hinsdale Central has been unstoppable over the first nine weeks, led by senior quarterback Josh Bean, who has continued to put up big points and stats. Waubonsie Valley picked up its fifth win last week, defeating Wheaton North 17- 14. The Warriors showed last season they can get hot in the postseason, advancing all the way to the state semifinals despite losing four games in the regular season.
Maine South ( 6- 3) at No. 19 West Aurora ( 9- 0), 7p. m. Friday
West Aurora is in the postseason for a second consecutive year, continuing a major turnaround for the program. Explosive senior twins DaQuan and DaVion Cross have impressive stat lines, including more than 1,000 rushing yards for DaVion so far. Maine South knocked off Evanston 52- 7 last week, clinching a secondplace conference finish and an automatic playoff spot. The Hawks have been led by junior running back Fotis Kokosioulis.
St. Laurence ( 6- 3) at Richards ( 7- 2), 5p. m. Saturday
Richards opened the season with losses to two ranked teams, Lemont and Phillips. Since then, the Bulldogs haven’t even been challenged, averaging 49 points during their seven- game winning streak while allowing an average of just 10 points. St. Laurence, which closed the season with a 16- 9 conference loss to Saint Ignatius, is capable of producing some quick offensive fireworks. Whichever team comes out on top will be one to watch as the Class 6A playoffs roll forward.