No. 6 Barrington (7-0) at No. 7 Palatine (7-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday
The Mid-Suburban West battle we’ve been waiting for all season. Two undefeated teams meet to decide who has the upper-hand in the conference title race. Palatine’s offense has been explosive, led by Zach Oles, Josh Turner, Jack Grochowski and Johnny O’ Shea it is averaging more than 35 points a game. Barrington has been equally as powerful on offense and has been able to mix-up the game plan with both running back Logan Moews and quarterback Ray Niro.
No.25 Benet at No. 9 Marist (6-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday
Benet made its debut in the Super 25 this week and has a chance to continue to move up the rankings if they can pull off a win against No. 9 Marist in this East Suburban Catholic tilt. Both teams are riding six-game win streaks after losing in the season opener. Marist’s defense has the potential to be one of the best in the area with Yale linebacker pledge Micah Awidoran and Kansas defensive back commit Rob Topps. Benet’s defense has their fair share of talent as well, most notably with senior cornerback Erik Jones who returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown last week.
No. 10 Lyons (6-1) at No. 17 Oak Park (6-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday
The final stretch in the West Suburban Silver doesn’t get any easier for either the Huskies or Lions. Oak Park lost 56-39 to Glenbard West last week and Lyons fell 28-21 to Hinsdale Central. Both teams are already in the playoffs but have a chance to mix the conference title race up. The Huskies are led by quarterback Jeremy Hunt and running backs Terrance Roundy and Michael Houston. Lyons junior quarterback Ben Bryant is a heavily-recruited prospect and a playmaker.
No. 14 Naperville North (6-1) at Waubonsie Valley (4-3), 7:30 p.m Friday
The record doesn’t indicate it, but Waubonsie Valley has the talent to compete with the top teams in the area. To achieve six wins and guarantee a playoff spot, the Warrios need to win out. First up is Naperville North. The DuPage Valley is one of the toughest in the area, and Naperville North’s only loss is to conference front-runner Neuqua Valley. The Huskies have a strong offense in all phase, led by quarterback Luke Cegles and running backs Eric Wright and Cross Robinson. Waubonsie Valley is coming off a victory against Hamilton Southeastern, an Indiana powerhouse 35-14.
No. 3 Brother Rice (7-0) at St. Rita (4-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday
It is a must-win situation for St. Rita. To automatically qualify for the playoffs, the Mustangs have to win their last two games. They have defeated several quality opponents this season, including a Mount Carmel team that took No. 1 Loyola down to the last second. Brother Rice is headlined by Illinois recruit Ricky Smalling, who is electric when he touches the ball.
