Playoff preview: Dundee-Crown at Oak Park-River Forest

Class 8A: No. 13 Dundee-Crown (6-3) at No. 4 Oak Park-River Forest (8-1), 7:30 p.m Friday

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Caleb Parson, Dundee-Crown — The junior running back has scored five times in his last two games, including four TD’s in the Chargers’ playoff-clinching 49-21 victory over McHenry on Oct. 18.

Sam Franckowiak, Dundee-Crown — Even though the Chargers dropped their season finale to Jacobs, the senior safety added two picks to his season total of six during the 34-7 loss.

Lloyd Yates, Oak Park-River Forest — Yates finished the regular season on a roll, as the junior quarterback threw for 484 yards and six TD strikes in his final two games.

Jamal Baggett, Oak Park-River Forest — Versatile is a word that describes the senior defensive back, running back and kick-returner, who finished the regular season with seven rushing TDs and three interceptions.

KET MATCHUP

The loaded receiving corps of Oak Park-River Forest against the secondary of the Chargers. Purdue-bound Simmie Cobbs and senior Jeremy Moore have caught at least one TD pass in each of the last two games. The Huskies had seven scoring receptions of more than 47 yards in season-closing victories over Hinsdale Central and Morton.

ON THE OTHER SIDELINE

Dundee-Crown will have to break a season-long trend if it is going to upset the Huskies. The Chargers did not defeat a team that finished the season with a winning record, dropping decisions to playoff qualifiers Jacobs, Cary-Grove and Prairie Ridge.

HISTORY

These teams have never met in the playoffs. Dundee-Crown is making its first playoff appearance since 1994 and is winless in three postseason trips. The Huskies are making their second straight playoff appearance in coach John Hoerster’s third season at OPRF.

• John Hoerster has Huskies on a roll