No. 13 Mount Carmel (7-1) at No. 3 Loyola (8-0)
The facts: 1 p.m Saturday
The storyline: Undefeated No. 3 Loyola has allowed opponents to score just over six points per game while averaging nearly 42 on offense. The Ramblers defense has been staunch, with three shutouts. The Caravan, a Catholic League Blue opponent, is coming off a forfeit win and thus has had two weeks to prepare for Loyola. The Ramblers offense has been impressive too, with big plays in the last few weeks from Dara Laja and quarterback Emmett Clifford. The Caravan is led by quarterback Anthony Thompson, a Northern Illinois recruit, and has many talented running backs including Alek Thomas and Mike Kennedy.
Evanston (6-2) at No. 24 Maine South (6-2)
The facts: 7 p.m. Friday
The storyline: After a slow start with two losses to start the season, Maine South has won six consecutive games and is just one win away from winning the Central Suburban South for the fifteenth year in a row. Standing in the Hawks way is an Evanston team that has been on the verge of the Super-25 all season. The Wildkit’s only losses are to Notre Dame and New Trier. Quarterback Brian Collis, a three-year starter for Maine South, has found his stride and has two Division I quality offensive lineman to lead the way in Cincinnati commit Liam O’Sullivan and sophomore Kevin Jarvis. Evanston is also stacked with big name athletes, headlined by Western Michigan recruit Matt Little, Michigan State defensive lineman recruit Nauquan Jones and Miami (Ohio) defensive back recruit Travion Banks.
Hoffman Estates (4-4) at No. 16 Barrington (7-1)
The facts: 7 p.m. Friday
The storyline: Barrington is looking to stay at the top of the Mid-Suburban West conference but Hoffman Estates is playing good football and coming off a win over ranked-foe Conant. Barrington beat Fremd last week as quarterback Johnny Davidson passed for a school record five touchdowns, four of which were to receiver Jake Zyzda. Hoffman Estates needs one win to become playoff eligible. The Hawks will depend on running back Chady Bitre, who ran for 187 yards on 36 carries in the overtime win over Conant.
No. 9 Naperville Central (7-1) at Lake Park (4-4)
The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Lake Park takes on the team in control of the DuPage Valley Conference, Naperville Central, in a do or die game for the Lancers playoff hopes. Lake Park beat a talented Neuqua Valley team 28-21 last week. Naperville Central has had an electric season behind big efforts from quarterback Connor Joyce, and wide receiver/defensive back Emmanuel Rugamba. Rugamba is an Iowa commit and has come up with big plays from both positions.
Bolingbrook (4-4) at No. 1 Homewood-Flossmoor (8-0)
The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The storyline: Homewood-Flossmoor is undefeated and firmly in control of the Southwest Suburban Blue. Bolingbrook is playing for five wins and playoff eligibility. The Raiders defense is led by Ohio State recruit and linebacker Tuf Borland who provides senior leadership to a team of talented young athletes. On offense, quarterback Joseph Coates is coming off a big week in the Raiders loss to Lockport. The Vikings are perhaps the most talented team in the state, with explosive playmakers all over the field. They clinched the conference title last week against Sandburg. Sophomore linebacker Justin Hall scored two defensive touchdowns and quarterback Bryce Gray passed for two touchdowns and ran for one.
