Five games to watch in Week 4

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION AT ST. EDWARD

When:7 p.m. Friday on High School Cube

Outlook:All signs point to a nip-and-tuck affair when the Green Wave and Knights clash in Suburban Christian crossover action at Greg True Field. St. Edward (2-1) is looking to bounce back from its first loss in last week’s 27-10 setback at Marmion. The Green Wave jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the contest but couldn’t hold on despite the best efforts of linebacker Will Bothwell, who racked up 15 tackles. Immaculate Conception (2-1) overcame a size disadvantage up front and earned a 21-14 win against Aurora Central Catholic last week. Quarterback Jack Copher had 154 passing yards in the win for the Knights, who have won six of their past eight meetings against St. Edward.

DUNDEE-CROWN AT CARY-GROVE

When:7:15 p.m. Friday

Outlook:The Fox Valley Conference Valley Division’s upstart team meets the league’s premier program in a matchup that will help shape the race for first place. The Chargers are the division’s only undefeated team after improving to 3-0 for the first time since 1993 with last week’s 14-13 win against Crystal Lake South. The Trojans own a 1-2 record thanks to last week’s 16-13 comeback win at Huntley. Cary-Grove opened the season with back-to-back losses against elite nonconference competition but is still regarded as the favorite to repeat as FVC Valley champion despite losing a number of key contributors from last year’s Class 6A runner-up team. Junior offensive linemen Trevor Ruhland and Michael Gomez help spearhead the option attack for the Trojans, who have won 10 straight against Dundee-Crown dating to 2000.

ELGIN AT ST. CHARLES NORTH

When:7:30 p.m. Friday on High School Cube

Outlook:The Maroons and North Stars are both coming off losses against their crosstown rivals last week. Elgin (0-3) turned the ball over four times in a 46-28 loss against Larkin, which spoiled a 158-yard, three-touchdown performance from senior running back Jaylen Clemons. St. Charles North (1-2) endured its second overtime loss in three games in a 28-21 defeat at St. Charles East. Senior running back Evan Kurtz topped 200 yards rushing for the second straight week and leads the area with 524 yards on 70 carries for the season. St. Charles North owns a 5-2 lead in the all-time series against Elgin.

GENEVA AT LARKIN

When:7:30 p.m. Friday at Memorial Field on High School Cube

Outlook:The Royals haven’t won three games in a row since 2006, but they have a chance to accomplish the feat when they host the Vikings. Larkin (2-1) is coming off a 46-28 triumph against rival Elgin last week. Senior running back Damion Clemons scored six touchdowns the past two games for the Royals, who could be without coach Mike Scianna after he underwent left knee surgery Tuesday to repair a torn ACL. Geneva (1-2) has lost two in a row, including last week’s 49-20 setback against Batavia. Senior running back TJ Miller has run for 288 yards and three touchdowns for the Vikings. Geneva has scored at least 50 points while winning all three matchups against Larkin since joining the Upstate Eight in 2010.

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL AT HAMPSHIRE

When:7:15 p.m. Friday

Outlook:The Whip-Purs look to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host the Rams in a key Fox Valley Fox matchup. Hampshire (2-1) sustained a 46-21 setback last week against Crystal Lake Central despite a huge game from senior receiver Tim Jansen, who leads the area with 436 receiving yards on 16 receptions. Coming off the hard-hitting defeat, Whips coach Dan Cavanaugh said his team is bracing for a much different challenge against a Grayslake Central squad that relies on its speed. The Rams improved to 3-0 with last week’s 28-21 win against Johnsburg behind a 171-yard rushing performance from senior running back Malcolm Reed. Hampshire junior defensive end Steven Kirkwood and senior tight end/linebacker Ben Bednarek are both questionable as they deal with injuries.