Richards (5-1, 3-0) at Reavis (6-0, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Outlook: Winner puts itself squarely in the driver’s seat for the South Suburban Red title. The Rams must find a way to harness the Bulldogs’ explosive pass attack. QB Hasan Muhammad-Rogers (71-for-117, 1,002 yards) has a strong, accurate arm and a bevy of receiving targets at his disposal, led by Spencer Tears. Muhammad-Rogers is a skilled runner, too. If a play breaks down, he’s capable of turning nothing into something. Reavis boasts multiple threats offensively, led by QB Isiah Alpuche, Calvin Jordan and Travis Liszewski. Expect some trickery from Reavis coach Tim Zasada.
L-W North (6-0, 4-0) at L-W West (5-1, 3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Outlook: The Phoenix are coming off a 30-27 win over Lincoln-Way Central. If it can produce a similar attack offensively, one that keenly balances the run and pass, West could be in trouble. North QB Ryan Arthur (41 of 57, 941 yards) boasts two stud WRs in Kyle
Ostrowski and Jake Hradek. On the ground, RB Jaylen Branch (60 carries, 449 yards) is a game-breaker. The Warriors look to respond after suffering a 17-6 loss to Bradley in Week 6. RBs Adam Knerr and Gabe Montalvo can wreak havoc and have the benefit of a skilled offensive line. WR Chase Starcevich is dangerous.
H-F (4-2, 3-1) at Bolingbrook (5-1, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Outlook: Both teams possess explosive offenses: H-F has scored 261 points, Bolingbrook 247. If the Vikings have any hopes of winning the SouthWest Suburban Blue, they must upend the Raiders. H-F will rely heavily on the Harley-Hampton twins, Deante and Devonte, to produce out of the backfield. If QB Bryce Gray has a big game, H-F will be in position to depart with the win. The Raiders’ offense has two powerful RBs in Jacob Huff and Isaac Lane and an aggressive defense that has allowed just 75 points.
Bloom (5-1, 2-0) at Rich Central (4-2, 2-1)
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Outlook: The Blazing Trojans must avoid a letdown after upending Crete-Monee 8-7 on Saturday. It’s unlikely LB Kyle Pugh will allow Bloom to rest on its laurels. Bloom QB Jordan Benavides (148-682) is a threat with his arm and legs and RB Emmanuel Williams (80-509) is fast and elusive. The Olympians must win to remain in the hunt for Southland Conference supremacy. The key for Rich Central will be producing a balanced attack offensively and keep Bloom’s defense guessing. For that to happen, QB DaQuan Richie and playmaker Jordan Fuqua must step up for Central.
Joliet Catholic (5-1, 4-0) at Nazareth (6-0, 4-0)
When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday
Outlook: The Hilltoppers are riding a five-game winning streak in which they’ve outscored opponents 197-79. Extending their streak to six will be put to the test against Nazareth, which has outscored foes 283-97. JCA will try to establish its ground attack, led by RB Nick Borgra and QB Cade Earl. If the Hilltoppers have to go the air, WRs Harold Davis and Michael Johnson are prime targets. Nazareth’s offense has scored at least 40 points in five of its six games and topped 50 points on three occasions. JCA’s defense must produce a top-notch performance.
