
St. Charles North at Batavia
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
What to watch for: Both teams enter 5-0 in conference, so this could be for the first DuKane title. It's a highly-anticipated matchup considering the North Stars (6-1) handed Batavia (7-0) its only loss last season. North Stars running back Sam DeMarco left last week's game with an injury, but North anticipates to have him back. Batavia's rushing attack, whether its Art Taylor, Quinn Urwiler or Trey Urwiler, has continued to be on fire.
St. Charles East at Wheaton North
When: 7 p.m. Friday
What to watch for: The Saints (4-3, 2-3) need wins in their last two games to guarantee a playoff berth. If it solves the red zone inconsistencies that plauged it last week against Batavia, and takes care of the football, St. Charles East should be in good shape this week to stay in the playoff hunt. With Justin Jett back and a defense that kept Batavia relatively in check, the Saints chances appear good for a victory over Wheaton North (3-5, 2-4).
Geneva at Lake Park
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
What to watch for: Geneva (1-6, 1-4) comes off its first victory of the season, beating Wheaton North 17-14 in a game that was concluded Oct. 6 because of inclement weather the night before. The Vikings' defense held firm and Reilly Waldoch was the offensive hero in the fourth quarter to put an exclamation point on the win. Running back David Hardwick has been strong on the ground for the Lancers (2-5, 1-4).
Morris at Kaneland
When: 7:15 p.m.
What to watch for: Kaneland will look turn the page on a defensive collapse last week. The Knights (5-2, 2-1) led at Yorkville 28-10, before giving up 35 unanswered points. Kaneland (5-2, 2-2) needs one more win to clinch a playoff berth. Morris (3-4, 0-3), last year's Class 4A runner-up, put up 222 yards of total offense last week, and needs to win out to have a shot at the playoffs.
Marmion at Fenwick
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
What to watch for: The Cadets have lost five consecutive games, but have competed hard in the tough stretch. Marmion (2-5) has struggled to run the ball the past few weeks, and Fenwick, when it has lost, has lost by wide margins. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, but Marmion running back Peter Ferraro has been an area leader in receiving yards for much of the season.
St. Francis at IC Catholic Prep
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday
What to watch for: The Spartans (6-1) earned their sixth win last week needed to ensure a playoff spot, which likely came at a favorable time. IC Catholic Prep enters 7-0 and is a state powerhouse led by quarterback Khalil Saunders (934 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) and running back Kyle Franklin, who has rushed for over 100 yards in five games this season. The defense has pitched three consecutive shutouts by a combined margin of 138-0.
Burlington Central at Marengo
When: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Central earned its second win of the season last week over Harvard thanks in part to Matt Ganziano's three rushing scores. The Rockets (2-5) will miss the postseason regardless what happens these next two weeks, but has fought back despite a pair of losses leading up to last week. Marengo (5-2) needs one more victory to cement its spot in the playoffs.