Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East, Oak Forest, Joliet Catholic and Brother Rice are picks to clicks for Week 4.
Lincoln-Way Central (3-0, 1-0) at Lincoln-Way West (3-0, 1-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: This crosstown clash will likely go a long way toward determining the Southwest Valley Red champion. Lincoln-Way West won a 28-21 overtime thriller in 2023, these teams’ last meeting.
The Knights, who beat Providence 26-14 in Week 2, are trying to complete the New Lenox sweep. Senior linebacker Jalen Byrd made nine tackles in last week’s 43-0 win over Stagg, which was Lincoln-Way Central’s second shutout in three weeks. Senior running back Justin Cobbs dashed for two TDs.
Lincoln-Way West’s defense was also stout in a 17-7 win over Andrew. Senior defensive back Luke Gouty had an interception and sophomore defensive back Nick Elstner recovered a fumble. Senior running back Jahan Abubakar has been stellar.
X-factor: Nolan Morrill, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, defensive back/receiver/kick returner.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln-Way Central.
Lincoln-Way East (3-0, 1-0) at Lockport (1-2. 0-1)
Kickoff: 6:15 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: There’s a chance for history to be made in this Southwest Valley Blue battle.
Lincoln-Way East’s Jonas Williams, a senior quarterback, enters the game with 123 career TD passes. That puts him just four shy of the Illinois High School Association record of 127 set by Aurora Christian’s Jordan Roberts from 2005-08 and Greenville’s Tyler Hutchinson from 2012-14.
Williams, a USC recruit, has thrown for 839 yards and 11 TDs this season despite sitting out the second half each week as the Griffins have outscored their opponents 137-7.
Lockport will try to slow down Williams with pressure from senior defensive linemen Ethan Sydnor and Tyrone Evans.
X-factor: Blaise LaVista, Lincoln-Way East, senior, receiver.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln-Way East.
T.F. North (2-1, 1-0) at Oak Forest (3-0, 1-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: The Bengals roll into this South Suburban Blue game having outscored their opponents 125-35, including last week’s 42-7 win over T.F. South.
Senior receiver/defensive back Andrew Dawson has been a big-time playmaker for the Bengals, scoring TDs via a run, a catch and an interception return Friday night. Senior defensive back Bryce Hoffman also had an interception.
T.F. North pulled out a 19-18 thriller over Hillcrest last week. Senior offensive/defensive lineman Nigel Greenwood and senior offensive lineman/linebacker Derrick Sparkman are key leaders for the Meteors.
X-factor: William McMaster, Oak Forest, junior, running back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Oak Forest.
Joliet Catholic (0-3) at Marist (0-3)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: It’s not an often a game between two 0-3 teams will be in the spotlight, but this CCL/ESCC Orange battle shapes up as a must-win for two perennial powerhouses whose playoff hopes are in peril.
The Hilltoppers, whose remaining schedule includes two three-time reigning state champions in Nazareth and Mount Carmel, are truly in desperation mode.
Senior quarterback Lucas Simulick and senior receiver Jayden Armstrong have had their connection clicking for Joliet Catholic, which hopes to get its running game going.
Junior defensive back Tommy Hosty stepped in at quarterback last week for Marist and played well in a 28-21 loss to Montini, running for 138 yards and a TD and adding a TD pass.
X-factor: Stephen Brown, Marist, senior, receiver.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Joliet Catholic.
Loyola (2-0) at Brother Rice (3-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Can the Crusaders continue their early season momentum and knock off the three-time defending Class 8A state champions in this CCL/ESCC Blue opener?
The Green brothers — senior receiver Jovan Jr. and senior running back Jaylin — have consistently provided sparks for a Brother Rice offense that has been steadily led by senior quarterback CJ Gray, an Army recruit. The Crusaders’ talented defense has allowed just 29 points.
Loyola did not have a Week 2 game but was impressive after the layoff, beating Wheaton St. Francis 43-21. Sophomore receiver Jordan McKinley scored four TDs, two on catches and two on runs.
X-factor: King Liggins, Brother Rice, senior, defensive lineman.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Brother Rice.
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