Richards, Lemont, Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East and Sandburg are picks to click for Week 7.
Richards (5-1, 4-0) at Oak Lawn (6-0, 3-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Arrive early for this crosstown conference battle in the South Suburban Red, especially with Oak Lawn’s main parking lot under construction.
Expect a large, excited crowd for the most significant game between these rivals in ages, perhaps ever.
The Spartans, who came into the season on a 17-game losing streak, are 6-0 for the first time in program history, riding high behind a multifaceted rushing attack headlined by junior Jayden Schlosser. Sophomore quarterback Danny Strelow has piloted the triple-option offense with the steadiness of a veteran.
The competition certainly ramps up now, though. The Bulldogs have been explosive on offense, with senior quarterback Noah Escobedo and senior running back Ahmad Buchanan leading the way.
Oak Lawn has not beaten Richards since 2008.
X-factor: Jaiden Henry, Richards, senior, receiver/defensive back/kicker.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Richards.
Hillcrest (3-3, 2-1) at Lemont (4-2, 4-0)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: This South Suburban Blue clash has major playoff implications as a potential must-win game for both teams.
Lemont would like to get its fifth victory before closing with Richards and Oak Forest. Senior running back Aidan Rudman is coming off a huge performance in a 29-14 win over T.F. North, rushing for 225 yards and three touchdowns.
Rudman and junior Andrew Ascolani have formed a strong running back duo.
Hillcrest, which has a winnable game with Tinley Park in Week 9, could sneak into the playoffs with a victory in this game. The Hawks have utilized two quarterbacks — senior Anthony Bradley and junior Micah Robinson.
X-factor: Jamari Thomas, Hillcrest, senior, receiver/defensive back/kick returner.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lemont.
Lincoln-Way Central (5-1, 3-1) at Andrew (4-2, 2-1)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Both teams bring momentum into this Southwest Valley Red game.
The Knights are coming off a big 28-20 win over previously undefeated Bradley-Bourbonnais. Lucas Andresen had a TD catch and a TD run as the senior receiver has gotten more involved recently in the rushing attack. Senior quarterback Drew Woodburn continued his steady play.
Andrew has won three games in a row, but all three came against winless teams. The competition gets tough again this week, but the Thunderbolts have undoubtedly built some confidence.
Senior quarterback Camden Maniatis has been a major playmaker, and senior defensive back Josh Burke is a ballhawk.
X-factor: Gavin Ciesiun, Lincoln-Way Central, sophomore, receiver.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln-Way Central.
Lincoln-Way East (6-0, 4-0) at Homewood-Flossmoor (3-3, 2-2)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Now that USC recruit Jonas Williams has broken the Illinois High School Association record for career TD passes, it’s back to business as usual for Lincoln-Way East in Southwest Valley Blue action.
The Griffins have outscored their opponents 272-34, with their starters often resting in the second half during games.
Senior lineman Jacob Alexander, an Illinois recruit, and junior linebacker Charlie Palmer are among the defensive leaders for Lincoln-Way East.
Coming off a tough 42-27 loss to Neuqua Valley, H-F hopes to get a spark from senior receiver Myles Ellis, a North Dakota State recruit.
X-factor: Grant Urban, Lincoln-Way East, senior, kicker/punter.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln-Way East.
Lockport (3-3, 2-2) at Sandburg (5-1, 3-1)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Sandburg enters this Southwest Valley Blue battle looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season, a 36-35 overtime heartbreaker against Naperville North.
Junior quarterback Sean Ruisz and junior receiver Quinn Durkin continued their dynamic play, connecting on three TD passes in the loss.
Lockport, which edged Naperville Central 14-7 last week, has played strong defense and leaned on senior running back Chris Miller, who piled up 163 yards and two TDs against the RedHawks.
X-factor: Drew Drzonek, Sandburg, senior, kicker.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Sandburg.