No. 13 Glenbard West (7-2) at No. 9 Neuqua Valley (8-1), 6 p.m. Saturday
It’s the DuPage Valley co-champion against a perennial West Suburban Silver power. Neuqua Valley had a shot at finishing the season undefeated, but got behind Glenbard North 21-0 and couldn’t come back. The Wildcats look to rebound against a Glenbard West team that saw its own share of adversity this season, losing back-to-back games in Week 5 and 6. Both teams have struggled to stay healthy over the last several weeks, and Saturday will surely be a momentum-grabbing win for whichever team pulls it off.
No. 21 Lyons (7-2) at No. 16 Naperville North (8-1), 7 p.m. Friday
Naperville North finished tied atop the DuPage Valley with Neuqua Valley and Lyons made a strong bid for the West Suburban Silver title. The Huskies ground attack has pushed them over the top, with Luke Cegles and running back Cross Robinson at the helm. Robinson rushed for 148 yards in Friday’s 28-17 victory over Wheaton-Warrenville South. The Lions are led by highly-recruited junior quarterback Ben Bryant, who has continued to come into his own this season. This first round match-up of Super 25 teams could be a stellar one.
Waubonsie Valley (5-4) at No. 3 Hinsdale Central (9-0), 1 p.m. Saturday
The first round of the playoffs seems to be putting a spotlight on the DuPage Valley vs. West Suburban Silver. The third of these match-ups could be another nail biter, depending on the motivation that Waubonsie Valley brings to the game. Hinsdale Central has been unstoppable during the first nine weeks of the season, led by senior quarterback Josh Bean who has continued to put up big points and stats. Waubonsie Valley picked up its fifth win of the season in last week with a 17-14 win over Wheaton North. The Warriors showed last season they can get hot in the postseason. That four loss squad advanced all the way to the state semifinals.
Maine South (6-3) at No. 19 West Aurora (9-0), 7 p.m. Friday
West Aurora is in the postseason for the second consecutive season, continuing the program’s major turnaround. Explosive athletes DaQuan and DaVion Cross have impressive stat lines. DaVion has rushed for more than 1,000 yards so far. Maine South knocked off Evanston 52-7 last week. That win clinched an automatic playoff spot for the Hawks and a second place finish in conference. The Hawks have been led by junior running back Fotis Kokosioulis.
St. Laurence (6-3) at Richards (7-2), 5 p.m. Saturday
Richards opened the season with losses to two ranked teams, Lemont and Phillips. Since then, the Bulldogs haven’t even been challenged. Richards has averaged 49 points during its seven-game win streak while only allowing ten points. St. Laurence closed the season with a 16-9 conference loss to Saint Ignatius, but has the capability to post quick offensive fireworks. Whichever team comes out on top will be one to watch as the Class 6A playoffs roll forward.
