Week 5 preview: Wheaton-Warrenville South vs. Batavia, top five games

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Batavia’s Michael Jansey catches the ball during practice. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

No. 20 Wheaton-Warrenville South travels to take on No. 2 Batavia (4-0) in the Sun-Times Game of the Week on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Batavia has used a solid offense and strong defense to build off last year’s momentum. With athletes like Northwestern recruit Michael Jansey Jr. and Luke Weerts, it wasn’t a secret that defense would be the Bulldogs’ calling card this season. No one really expected Jansey and Weerts to contribute so much on offense this season. Jansey has two touchdowns so far.

Wheaton-Warrenville South (4-0) has completely turned itself around from last season’s 2-7 record. The winner of this week’s matchup has already secured a spot in the state playoffs. The Tigers beat St. Charles East 27-14 last week. It was a complete team effort. The winner of this one will be in the driver’s seat in the first year of the DuKane conference.

No. 7 Brother Rice (4-0) at Providence (4-0), 7:30 p.m. Fri.

Has the power shifted in the Catholic League? Providence had a promising start to the season behind sophomore quarterback Kevin Conway but he was injured in Week 2. Since then, senior Logan Phillips has stepped in and led the Celtics to two more wins.

Brother Rice appeared unstoppable in a week four 35-3 win over Loyola. The Crusaders grabbed four interceptions. Senior quarterback John Bean has shown consistency and poise in the pocket and had a big game against the Ramblers with 247 passing yards and one touchdown.

John Bean (2) of Brother Rice stays poised. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

John Bean (2) of Brother Rice stays poised. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

No. 8 Maine South (3-1) at No. 10 Evanston (4-0), 7:30 p.m. Fri.

Evanston’s 32-13 win at Barrington last week proved it is a high-quality team. Wildkits quarterback Ben Tarpey is off to a strong start. He threw for 264 yards against the Broncos.

Maine South has been solid all season. The Hawks beat Conant 42-14 last week. Quarterback Cole Dow seemed to find his rhythm. Maine South lost to Barrington in a close game Week 3. That indicates this could be a tough one for the Hawks.

Maine South’s Dan Lazic (23) makes the catch against Glenbard West’s Sean Michel (2). Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun-Times.

Maine South’s Dan Lazic (23) makes the catch against Glenbard West’s Sean Michel (2). Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun-Times.

Oswego East (4-0) at Plainfield South (4-0), 7 p.m. Fri.

There are still three undefeated teams in the Southwest Prairie. One will have to lose in this game. Oswego East looked dominant in a 56-0 win over Joliet Central, getting out to a 42-0 lead after the first quarter in week four. The Wolves run a two quarterback system, to much success led by Brett Fern and Corey Provow. Their offense isn’t the biggest success though, the Wolves have allowed just six points all season. Yes, you read that right.

Plainfield South has quietly put together a solid undefeated start to the season as well, allowing no more than seven points per game defensively and just 21 points on the season.

Raby (3-1) at Westinghouse (3-1), 3 p.m. Sat.

The Raiders fell out of the Super 25 after a loss at Niles North in Week 1 but have dominated all three Public League teams they’ve played since. Raby is very talented, with NIU recruit Romel Goston and Western Michigan recruit Marshon Foster.

The Warriors lost to Sycamore in Week 2 but have knocked off Solorio and Morgan Park in the past two weeks. The winner of this one becomes Phillips’ top competition in the Illini Land of Lincoln.

More Sun-Times High School Football Coverage:

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