Lincoln-Way East, Eisenhower, Oak Forest, Providence and Mount Carmel are picks to click on for Week 9.
Sandburg (6-2, 4-2) at Lincoln-Way East (7-1, 5-1)
To start up: 7 p.m. Thursday.
Distribution of matches: The Griffins and Eagles meet for a Thursday night football game, and all eyes are on the quarterbacks for this Southwest Valley Blue finale.
Will USC recruit Jonas Williams play for Lincoln-Way East after missing a Week 8 loss to Naperville North? Otherwise, the Griffins will again turn to fellow senior quarterback Tyler Knollenberg and likely lean on senior running back Brody Gish.
Sandburg, meanwhile, recently went through its own quarterback change after junior Sean Ruisz was injured. Senior Jeffery Bellik stepped in and played well in a 24-21 win over Neuqua Valley, running for two touchdowns and throwing for another. Senior running back Luke Basiorka also became Sandburg’s all-time leading rusher.
Factor X: Quinn Durkin, Sandburg, junior, running back/receiver/defensive back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln Way East.
Eisenhower (4-4, 3-2) at Shepard (3-5, 3-2)
To start up: 7 p.m. Friday.
Distribution of matches: This South Suburban Red finale has major playoff implications.
Eisenhower nearly punched his ticket last week, but lost a heartbreaker 37-36 to Oak Lawn. Now it all comes down to this game for the Cardinals and senior quarterback Demarion Hampton, a dual threat who scored three touchdowns and threw for two scores in the loss to the Spartans.
With a win, Shepard would become one of the top candidates to make the playoffs, if 4-5 teams are needed to complete the field, due to their opponents’ high number of wins.
The Astros beat Reavis 20-19 last week to stay alive. Billy Massey had a 10-yard TD run and Joey Massey returned an interception 33 yards for a score.
Factor X: Larnell Moore, Eisenhower, senior, receiver/defensive back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Eisenhower.
Lemon (5-3, 5-0) at Oak Forest (7-1, 4-1)
To start up: 7 p.m. Friday.
Distribution of matches: Both teams look to bounce back quickly from Week 8 losses as they battle for the South Suburban Blue title.
Lemont would clinch the conference championship with a victory, while the Bengals could earn their share with this victory.
The running back duo of senior Aiden Rudman and junior Andrew Ascolani leads Lemont, which is coming off a 54-27 loss to Richards.
Senior dual-threat quarterback Daniel Chopp looks to get Oak Forest back on track after its first loss, a 34-8 setback to Hillcrest.
Factor X: Andrew Dawson, Oak Forest, senior, receiver/defensive back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Oak forest.
Providence (6-2, 2-0) vs. Joliet Catholic (3-5, 2-0)
To start up: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
Distribution of matches: The CCL/ESCC Orange title is on the line as these long-time rivals face off.
The Hilltoppers are hoping a win would be enough to put them in the playoffs as a 4-5 team with a high number of opposing wins. Joliet Catholic found success in a passing game led by senior quarterback Lucas Simulick and senior receiver Jayden Armstrong.
Entering a three-game winning streak that includes victories over Marist, Loyola and Marian Catholic, the Celtics hope to continue their momentum and thwart their rival’s playoff hopes.
Sophomore running back Brayden McKay and sophomore receiver DeAngelo Coates stand out among several young playmakers for Providence.
Factor X: Broden Mackert, Providence, junior, running back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Providence.
Mount Carmel (8-0, 2-0) at Loyola (4-3, 1-1)
To start up: 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Distribution of matches: This CCL/ESCC Blue final takes a very different tone from the recent confrontations between these two eternal powers.
Mount Carmel looks to complete a perfect regular season and potentially end the reign of three-time defending Class 8A champion Loyola. The Ramblers, who haven’t played a game in Week 2, would have a chance to make the playoffs at 4-4, but are in serious danger of missing the cut.
Senior quarterback Emmett Dowling continues to thrive for the Caravan, while sophomore quarterback Matthew Lee looks to step up with all players on the line for Loyola.
Factor X: Quentin Burrell, Mount Carmel, junior, receiver/kick returner.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Mount Carmel.
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