SouthtownStar’s 3 things to know

1. Crete-Monee’s offense is a work in progress. That was evident Friday during the Warriors’ 30-6 loss to Benet. QB Frank Douglass and Co. are talented. However, Douglass is just a sophomore and the majority of the players surrounding him on the offensive side of the ball saw limited minutes during the 2012 Class 6A state championship run. Until the kinks are worked out, the defense, led by LB Nyles Morgan and Chris Slayton, will have to carry the load.

2. Marist’s offense is explosive. Having WRs Nic Weishar and Flynn Nagel carving up opposing secondaries is a luxury few, if any, other teams can match. Weishar, a 6-foot-6 Notre Dame recruit, and Nagel, who’s been offered by Indiana, Illinois and Northern Illinois, are as close to unstoppable as any tandem in the area. QB Jack Donegan not only has a strong arm, but makes intelligent decisions. When it’s time to travel by ground, Peter Andreotti, a two-year starter, is a fine option. The bad news? The defense, which allowed St. Pat’s to rush for 393 yards Saturday, needs to dramatically improve.

3. Keep an eye on Rich Central. Most already have crowned Crete-Monee champ of the Southland Conference. The Olympians quietly are going about their business, outscoring their first four opponents 177-30 in going 4-0. Malik Fountain, Isaiah Hardy and Iyen Ogbomoh have led the defense, while Jeremiah Mitchell, Ahmad McClellan and Michael Hoover have starred on offense.