Week 7 game previews

FRIDAY’S GAMES

ANDREW (5-1, 4-0) at BRADLEY-BOURBONNAIS (4-2, 2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Andrew 47, Thornwood 13; Lincoln-Way North 28, Bradley-Bourbonnais 21

The breakdown: The Thunderbolts are riding a five-game winning streak, but it’s never easy going down to Bourbonnais and getting out with a win. Andrew will be led by QB Jacob Platt (51-373, 4), RB Jarvione Franklin (77-699, 10) and WR Dennis Vilimek (16-383, 7). Bradley will likely key in on those three and force different personnel to step up for Andrew.

BISHOP MCNAMARA (4-2, 2-1) at ST. RITA (3-3, 0-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Bishop McNamara 37, St. Laurence 6; St. Rita 45, Hales 12

The breakdown: St. Rita is slowly regaining its health, which could spell bad news for the Fighting Irish. QB John Kelley (41-of-84, 594, 4) is expected to return, which allows back-up QB Tom McCormick to shift to tight end. WR Malik Space will be a game-time decision. RB Tim Lombard is coming off a four-touchdown performance and is the key to the Mustangs’ attack.

BREMEN (4-2, 2-2) at T.F. SOUTH (5-1, 4-0)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Tinley Park 17, Bremen 14; T.F. South 21, Lemont 20

The breakdown: Bremen hopes to rain on the Rebels’ homecoming festivities behind running back Devonta Wilson (116 carries, 876 yards, 13 TDs) and quarterback Tyler Banovich(52-of-91, 789, 8 TDs). T.F. South is riding a five-game winning streak, including consecutive road wins over Tinley Park and Lemont. The Rebels rely on Saleem Sanford (57-375, 8), Joe Young (78-355, 5)and James Bucksath to move the chains.

DUNDEE-CROWN (3-3) AT CRYSTAL LAKE SOUTH (3-3)

When: 7:15 p.m.

Last week: Woodstock North 25, Dundee-Crown 20; Crystal Lake South 28, Prairie Ridge 7

Notes: Dundee-Crown’s senior running back Cody Lane has 849 rushing yards and senior running back JT Beasley has 430 rushing yards to lead Dundee-Crown’s potent ground attack.

The Gators have held their past six opponents to 20 points or less. Crystal Lake South has won seven in a row against Dundee-Crown, including the past two by a combined score of 82-0.

EAST AURORA (0-6, 0-3) at METEA VALLEY (1-5, 0-4)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: East Aurora lost to Elgin, 35-0; Metea Valley lost to Neuqua Valley, 59-32

Outlook: Eliminated from postseason contention after suffering its fifth straight loss, a 59-32 home defeat to Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley will try to use its final three games to sustain some momentum going into 2013. Meanwhile, the Mustangs’ defense should be able to rebound nicely against a Tomcats’ offense that has been shut out three times in conference play, including twice in Upstate Eight Valley play by Bartlett and Neuqua Valley, respectively.

ELGIN (1-5, 0-3) at GENEVA (1-5, 1-3)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Elgin 35, East Aurora 0; St. Charles East 34, Geneva 27.

Outlook: The Maroons ended their losing streak last week but a winning streak is probably too much to ask.

GUERIN (1-5, 0-4) at AURORA CENTRAL (5-1, 3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Wheaton Academy 56, Guerin 0; Aurora Central 42, Walther Lutheran 0.

Outlook: Guerin caught the Chargers napping last season, which seems unlikely this week as ACC can guarantee its first playoff berth since 1997. Charger RB Steve Amoni, who tweaked an ankle last week, should be good to go this week.

HERSCHER (2-4, 1-3) at SANDWICH (5-1, 4-0)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Herscher 38, Manteno 19; Sandwich 42, Peotone 7.

Outlook: A fifth straight win would lock down a playoff spot for the Indians and wrap up the Interstate Eight Large crown. Sandwich closes with crossover games vs. Interstate Eight Small opponents Reed-Custer and Lisle.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (4-2, 2-2) at AURORA CHRISTIAN (6-0, 4-0)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Montini 49, Immaculate Conception 0; Aurora Christian 38, Marmion 14.

Outlook: The high-flying Eagles look to keep rolling against the SCC Gold’s top team in hopes of setting up a showdown between league unbeatens next week at Montini.

JACOBS (3-3) AT PRAIRIE RIDGE (2-4)

When: 7:15 p.m. Friday

Last week: Huntley 34, Jacobs 33; Crystal Lake South 28, Prairie Ridge 7

Outlook: Jacobs junior QB Bret Mooney has completed 76-of-148 passes for 1,217 yards this season. Defense has been a concern lately for the Golden Eagles, who have surrendered at least 34 points in their past four games.

Senior running back Kingsley Ebirim has 518 rushing yards and five touchdowns for the Wolves, who have won 11 in a row against Jacobs dating to 2000. Prairie Ridge claimed the Class 6A state title last year but must win its three remaining regular season games to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

JOLIET CENTRAL (0-6, 0-4) at HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (4-2, 2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Sandburg 51, Joliet Central 6; H-F 49, Lockport 7

The breakdown: Joliet Central has had games in the SouthWest Suburban Blue where that elusive first victory since the return to separate programs has seemed within their grasp. Last week’s loss to Sandburg was not one of them. The Steelmen face another tough one here against H-F, which won last year 56-0.

JOLIET WEST (2-4, 1-3) at LOCKPORT (1-5, 1-3)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Lincoln-Way Central 25, Joliet West 8; H-F 49, Lockport 7

The breakdown: Two SouthWest Suburban Blue squads mired in disappointing seasons collide. The Tigers are averaging 11 points over the past four games and the Porters, who beat West 35-14 last year, are averaging 6.3 for the season.

KANELAND (6-0, 2-0) at YORKVILLE (3-3, 0-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Kaneland 66, DeKalb 23; Rochelle 44, Yorkville 41.

Outlook: The Foxes came close against Hubs, but will have to win two out of the last three to become playoff eligible. That’s likely to be a tall order with the juggernaut Knights and Sycamore (4-2) sandwiching DeKalb (1-5) on the schedule.

LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL (3-3, 2-2) at LINCOLN-WAY EAST (6-0, 4-0)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Lincoln-Way Central 25, Joliet West 8; Lincoln-Way East 42, Bolingbrook 19

The breakdown: Lincoln-Way Central begins a two-week SouthWest Suburban Blue gantlet, with Bolingbrook coming up next. The Knights, featuring Kyle Waytek (840 rushing yards), have won two straight. The Griffins won last year’s game 42-7.The breakdown: Two SouthWest Suburban Blue squads mired in disappointing seasons collide. The Tigers are averaging 11 points over the past four games and the Porters, who beat West 35-14 last year.

MARMION (1-5, 1-3) at ST. FRANCIS (3-3, 1-3)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Aurora Christian 38, Marmion 14; Marian 28, St. Francis 8.

Outlook: In a game that will be played at College of DuPage, the Cadets are playing for pride while the Spartans need to win out to secure a playoff berth.

MONTINI (5-1, 4-0) at MARIAN CENTRAL (6-0, 4-0)

When: 7 p.m.

Outlook: These Suburban Christian Blue rivals have met six times in the last three seasons. No. 9 Montini won all three IHSA playoff games en route to state titles, but No. 24 Marian Central took two of the three regular-season meetings, including last year’s 21-20 decision. Both clubs have multiple playmakers, including Montini WRs Joe Borsellino and Mark Gorogianis and QB Alex Willis and Minnesota-bound QB Chris Streveler of Marian Central.

PLAINFIELD NORTH (5-1, 4-0) at OSWEGO (5-1, 4-0)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Plainfield North 55, Romeovillle 23; Oswego 28, Plainfield East 7

The breakdown: The Southwest Prairie co-leaders tangle in the game that may decide the championship. North RB Jay Roberts (979 yards, 7.5 average), the area rushing leader, is key for the Tigers. Oswego won last year’s game 42-21.are averaging 6.3 for the season.

PLAINFIELD EAST (1-5, 1-3) at ROMEOVILLE (0-6, 0-4)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Oswego 28, Plainfield East 7; Plainfield North 55, Romeoville 23

The breakdown: Romeoville’s offense has begun to produce in the Southwest Prairie and will face a Plainfield East defense that at times has been good. The Spartans, though, have had defensive issues and will have to contend with Cullen Rompa (391 rushing yards, 4.8 average) and Jacob Kotopka (325 rushing yards, 515 passing). The Bengals won last year 40-14.

PLANO (4-2, 2-2) at MANTENO (3-3, 1-3)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Coal City 7, Plano 0; Herscher 38, Manteno 19.

Outlook: Should be a tough, close road contest for the Reapers, whose two losses and one of their wins have been decided by one score.

OSWEGO EAST (3-3, 1-3) at MINOOKA (2-4, 2-2)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Plainfield Central 42, Oswego East 40; Plainfield South 14, Minooka 10

The breakdown: Minooka has its back to the wall after last week’s loss, which snapped a two-game winning streak. The Indians must win their last three to reach the playoffs, and Southwest Prairie co-leader Plainfield North is next week’s opponent. Oswego East has scored no fewer than 29 points in five of its six games.

RICHMOND-BURTON (4-2) AT BURLINGTON CENTRAL (5-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Richmond-Burton 42, Rockford Christian 0; Burlington Central 28, Marengo 6

Outlook: Richmond-Burton senior running back Christopher Vlasak has 643 rushing yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Burlington Central senior defensive lineman Matt Bozich is out for the season with a shoulder injury and senior fullback Sean Garbarino will miss Friday’s game with a shoulder injury. Burlington Central can become playoff eligible for the second straight year with a win, which would be its first against Richmond-Burton in five tries.

ST. CHARLES EAST (4-2) AT STREAMWOOD (2-4)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: St. Charles East 34, Geneva 27; St. Charles North 31, Streamwood 14

Outlook: The Saints have won 17 in a row against Streamwood dating to 1990 and can become playoff eligible for the first time since 2009 with a win. Streamwood has dropped four of its last five games. The Sabres must win their three remaining games to become playoff eligible.

ST. CHARLES NORTH (3-3, 3-1) at BATAVIA (6-0, 3-0)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: St. Charles North 31, Streamwood 14; Batavia 48, Larkin 0.

Outlook: The North Stars have rebounded from an 0-3 start and look to make this one interesting.

SHEPARD (4-2, 3-0) at RICHARDS (5-1, 3-0)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Shepard 49, Reavis 27; Richards 40, T.F. North 14

Outlook: The winner has an inside track to the South Suburban Red title. Junior Tommy Mister (460 rushing yards, 319 passing yards, 11 total TDs), who has offers from Notre Dame, Illinois and Indiana, has shifted from QB to RB for Richards. That paved the way for more playing time for sophomore QB Hasan Muhammed-Rogers (436 yards, 7 TDs). Shepard has a dual-threat QB in Jimmy McClinton (405 rushing yards, 751 passing yards, 17 combined TDs). RB Lorenzo Lashley and WR Londell Lee are players to watch for the Astros.

TINLEY PARK (4-2, 2-2) at EVERGREEN PARK (4-2, 2-2)

When: 7 p.m.

Last week: Tinley Park 17, Bremen 14; Evergreen Park 35, Oak Lawn 28

The breakdown: A win helps either team inch closer to the playoffs. The Titans’ offense will try to regain its mojo after being blanked in the second half against Bremen. RB Preston Thompson (126-889, 8) is the leading rusher in the area. The Mustangs have a difference-maker of their own in WR Jaquet McClendon. Evergreen Park QB Brandon White (35-of-84, 561, 6) would help the cause tremendously with a mistake-free performance.

WAUBONSIE VALLEY (6-0, 3-0) vs. NEUQUA VALLEY (6-0, 3-0)

When: 7:15 p.m. at North Central College.

Outlook: It’s safe to say this is the most anticipated game in the 14-year history of this District 204 rivalry. Both clubs have super-charged offenses and could see each other again in the Class 8A playoffs. No. 10 Neuqua Valley looks to RB Joey Rhattigan (889 yards, 14 TDs), QB Dylan Andrew (678 yards, 8 TDs) and WR Mike Dudek (6 TDs). No. 14 Waubonsie Valley counters with RB Austin Guido (1,240 yards, 20 TDs), QB Dylan Warden and TE Troy Fumagalli, a Wisconsin recruit.

WEST AURORA (1-5, 0-4) at NAPERVILLE NORTH (3-3, 2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: West Aurora lost to Wheaton North, 41-28; Naperville North beat Glenbard East, 48-13

Outlook: Back at the .500 mark after putting up a season-high 48 points in a home rout of Glenbard East last week, Naperville North will look to get over said .500 mark for the first time all season tonight with a victory over West Aurora, which continues to make some strides under second-year coach Nate Eimer.

WHEATON NORTH (6-0, 4-0) at NAPERVILLE CENTRAL (3-3, 3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Wheaton North beat West Aurora, 41-28; Naperville Central lost at Glenbard North, 23-0.

Outlook: Welcoming co-DuPage Valley Conference leader and undefeated Wheaton North to Memorial Stadium tonight, Naperville Central’s task is simple: win. The Redhawks are coming off their first shutout loss since 2006. Meanwhile, Wheaton North’s offense put up 41 unanswered points in its 41-28 victory over West Aurora last week in grabbing its sixth straight victory to start the season.

WOODSTOCK (2-4) AT HAMPSHIRE (3-3)

When: 7:15 p.m.

Last week: Grayslake North 42, Woodstock 21; Hampshire 27, Johnsburg 21

Outlook: Woodstock junior running back Mike Santucci has 387 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season. The Blue Streaks need to win their remaining games to have a chance at qualifying for the postseason for the first time since 2009.

Hampshire senior running back Phil Lapointe has 401 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season. Senior offensive lineman Nick Denardo and senior defensive back Nick Kielbasa are among the players who will be back from illness or injury this week for the Whip-Purs.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

HUNTLEY (4-2, 4-0) at CARY-GROVE (6-0, 3-0)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday.

Outlook: Don’t look now, but No. 22 Cary-Grove is rolling along in the rugged Fox Valley Valley again, three seasons after winning the Class 6A state championship. QB Quinn Baker dressed for the title game as a freshman and now leads an offense that has scored 40-plus points this season. Huntley has won four in a row — including three straight by a total of five points, all after trailing in the second half. QB Kam Sallee leads the Red Raiders’ offense.

LAKE PARK (2-4) AT SOUTH ELGIN (3-3)

When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday

Last week: Bartlett 21, Lake Park 13; Waubonsie Valley 35, South Elgin 20

Outlook: Lake Park senior wide receiver Kevin Teglia has 33 receptions for 723 yards and 11 touchdowns to lead a productive aerial attack. The Lancers must win their final three regular season games to have a chance at reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

South Elgin’s junior quarterback Rob Cuda leads the area with 92 completions on 185 attempts for 1,242 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. The Storm split its previous four matchups against Lake Park.

PLAINFIELD SOUTH (3-3, 2-2) at PLAINFIELD CENTRAL (4-2, 2-2)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Last week: Plainfield South 14, Minooka 10; Plainfield Central 42, Oswego East 40

The breakdown: The traditional Saturday Homecoming game at Plainfield Central, which features two district and Southwest Prairie rivals, has playoff implications for each team. Central’s victory over Oswego East snapped a two-game losing streak. Jordan Ellingwood (648 rushing yards, 6.1 average) leads the Wildcats, who beat the Cougars 26-19 last year.

RICH SOUTH (3-3, 2-1) at RICH EAST (4-2, 2-0)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Last week: Rich South 25, Rich Central 15; Rich East 20, Kankakee 16

The breakdown: Two teams with polar opposite styles of offense grapple in the Sauk Trail Super Bowl. Rich South relies on airing it out, Rich East on grinding it out. The Stars have quite a tandem in brothers Brendon Zachery (94-of-213, 1,654, 15), a QB, and Jalen Zachery (40-826, 4), a WR. Roy Hickman (20-433, 7) is another receiving target for the Stars. Rich East has four options to tote the pigskin in RBs Kenneth Naylor (82-328), Juwan Ward (53-317) and Berwyn Causey (35-232) and QB Malcolm Miller (38-211).