Week 9’s top five Chicago area games

No. 1 Lincoln-Way East (8-0) at Bolingbrook (7-1), 7 p.m. Friday

Top-ranked Lincoln-Way East has rolled through the regular season behind an impressive defense and top-notch play from quarterback Brendan Morrissey and speedy back A.J. Henning. The Griffins have dominated and puzzled teams with their defensive line play. Bolingbrook has quietly put together an impressive season. The Raiders have several talented athletes and their only loss is to No. 9 Homewood-Flossmoor. Junior running back Quentin Pringle has begun to turn heads and senior defensive lineman Deshaun Mallory knows how to make big plays. This match-up is a nice test for both squads before the head into the playoffs.

No. 11 Batavia (8-0) at No. 15 St. Charles North (7-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday

Batavia’s defense has been its calling card this season. Through the first eight games they have allowed just 31 points. The Bulldogs have racked up wins against several Super 25 opponents and have survived a number of close games. St. Charles North quarterback Michael Hohensee had a huge performance last week in a 45-21 win against Geneva. He scored three rushing touchdowns and threw for three touchdowns, accounting for nearly 400 total yards. This is a winner-take-all matchup for the Upstate Eight River title.

No. 16 Hoffman Estates (7-1) at Palatine (5-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday

Both teams are fighting for second in the Mid-Suburban West. Palatine is looking for that elusive sixth win to automatically qualify for the playoffs. The Pirates have won the conference the last three seasons and are and know how to win big games. Linebacker Cortez Hogans is one to watch on Palatine’s defense. Hoffman Estates has made quick work of most of its opponents this season, with the one loss coming to a very good Barrington squad. Quarterback Austin Coalson and the offensive line have been instrumental in the Hawks’ success.

Oak Park-River Forest (5-3) at No. 21 Lyons (6-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday

With Glenbard West firmly in control of the West Suburban Silver, this one is for bragging rights and playoff berths. Lyons, led by quarterback Ben Bryant and running back Tyrone Smith, has the talent to put points on the board. But the Lions have had issues with dropped passes throughout the season. When they hit their stride they are hard to beat. Oak Park-River Forest is looking for that crucial win number six. Sophomore quarterback Toby Kunkel who has shown the ability to spread the ball around. The Huskies have been trying to gain some momentum and a win this week would do wonders.

Morgan Park (5-3) vs. Solorio (6-2) at Gately, 4:15 p.m. Friday

Solorio lost a close game to No. 4 Phillips last week. The Sun Warriors have talented athletes that upset the balance of Phillips’ offense and the have the potential to do the same to plenty of other teams in the Public League and the state playoffs. Top athlete Quincy Patterson plays quarterback and middle linebacker for Solorio. Messiah Travis is equally as impressive, he made an impact in all phases of the game last week against the Wildcats. Morgan Park has a chance to make a statement. In the games they’ve won the Mustangs have had no problem putting up points. They are averaging 39 points in each win.