Oct. 08--No. 12 Lincoln-Way East at No. 1 Homewood-Flossmoor
When: 7:30 p.m Friday
Records: Lincoln-Way East 5-1, Homewood-Flossmoor 6-0.
On the offensive: Bryce Gray (1,591 yards passing, 19 TDs, 0 INTs), Kendric Pryor (20 catches, 625 yards, 9 TDs) and the Harley-Hampton twins, Deante and Devonte (1,044 yards rushing, 657 yards receiving, 26 TDs combined) have been as explosive as advertised for H-F, which is averaging 53 points despite calling off the dogs in the second half five times in six games. Lincoln-Way East's keep-away plan revolves around its big offensive line led by Illinois-bound tackle Kurt Gavin.
Getting defensive: Lincoln-Way East has three shutouts and a knack for forcing turnovers, which may be the only way to stop H-F. Pat Carr and Brian Burns came up with two apiece in the Griffins' best victory to date, a 28-0 blanking of Bolingbrook in Week 5. H-F has allowed just 12 points in the four games since its 43-29 victory against Stevenson, but those four opponents are a combined 5-19.
The number: 233. First-half points H-F scored in their first six games, an average of 38.8.
The talk: While Lincoln-Way East has owned the Southwest Suburban Blue since the conference's inception in 2005, winning seven titles, H-F has never won even a share of the title. Lincoln-Way East is the reigning champ, rallying from a 20-0 deficit to beat H-F 43-40 last year.
Helfgot's pick: Homewood-Flossmoor 37-35. East leads most of the night, H-F rallies late.
No. 8 Nazareth at No. 6 Joliet Catholic
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Records: Nazareth 5-1, Joliet Catholic 6-0.
On the offensive: Both teams have devastating ground games and experienced quarterbacks who can make defenses pay for loading up to stop them. Nazareth's Carson Bartels is a state-championship QB with a Notre Dame recruit (Julian Love) at receiver and a Division I recruit (Ivory Kelly-Martin) alongside him in the backfield. Michael Johnson is Cade Earl's favorite target, and JCA's overpowering offensive line is his best friend.
Getting defensive: Both offenses tend to own the line of scrimmage, so it may come down to which defensive line can hold its own and allow the back seven to play honest. Ken Aguirre has done more than that for Joliet Catholic. Nazareth is coming off its best defensive performance of the season, allowing fewer than 100 yards in its 33-0 victory against Benet.
The number: 3:36. Time remaining when Nazareth scored the go-ahead touchdown in last year's 24-21 victory against JCA, the only close call the Roadrunners encountered on the way to a 14-0 record and Class 6A championship.
The talk: Other than one half on a wet grass field (in Nazareth's loss to Marian Central), both teams have thoroughly dominant all season. Both are legitimate state-championship contenders regardless of the outcome.
Helfgot's pick: Joliet Catholic 35-34. Late two-point conversion denied.
No. 3 Glenbard West at No. 10 Oak Park-River Forest
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Records: Glenbard West 6-0, Oak Park 6-0.
On the offensive: Sam Brodner was a Tribune first-team All-State running back last year and has been even better as a senior. In addition to his power and speed in the ground game, he's been extremely valuable as a receiver. Oak Park QB Jeremy Hunt has a plethora of playmakers at his disposal, including RB Antonio Cannon and WR Breshawn Wilkerson.
Getting defensive: Led by middle linebacker Jahmari Moore, Oak Park has yet to have a subpar performance on this side of the ball. Hinsdale Central found running room against Glenbard West last week, but West has already posted two shutouts and always gets a stop when necessary.
The number: 1. Conference losses by Glenbard West since 2008 in one of the more competitive leagues in the area. The "Hitters" have won 28 consecutive West Suburban Silver contests and are 45-1 since 2008.
The talk: Oak Park started 5-0 the past two years before falling to Glenbard West in Week 6. The Huskies are 32-15 in John Hoerster's five seasons as coach; they were 20-27 the previous five.
Helfgot's pick: Glenbard West 32-26. The beat goes on.
No. 20 Thornton at Lincoln-Way North
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Records: Thornton 6-0, Lincoln-Way North 6-0.
On the offensive: Quarterback Sam Taylor III has been steady at the helm of an explosive Thornton offense featuring several threats. The Wildcats average nearly 37 points a game. North will look to control the action with Jaylen Branch, who's averaging 9.5 yards per carry and has 605 yards rushing, 227 yards passing and 94 yards receiving.
Getting defensive: Thornton's speed on defense has been apparent as the Wildcats have allowed just seven points a game. Tionte McDaniel returned an interception for a score in last week's 39-9 victory against Bradley-Bourbonnais. North would like Aric Faller to continue creating turnovers in the secondary.
The number: 178. Thornton's point differential this season, 221 for and 43 against. Lincoln-Way North outscored its first six opponents 227-99.
The talk: Thornton is experiencing a bit of a resurgent season under first-year coach Dontrell Jackson, but Bill Mosel's successor hardly started from scratch. The Wildcats made the playoffs last year and haven't had consecutive losing seasons since 1985-86.
Helfgot's pick: Thornton 22-19. Tough road game, but the Wildcats are on fire.
Maine South at No. 19 New Trier
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Records: Maine South 4-2, New Trier 6-0.
On the offensive: Brian Collis is the latest in a long line of outstanding Maine South quarterbacks. The three-year starter led the Hawks' dramatic fourth-quarter comeback against Glenbrook South last week. New Trier quarterback Clay Czyzynski is a true dual threat with 642 yards passing and 470 rushing on nearly 11 yards per carry.
Getting defensive: Colin Casas and Charlie Stimson are two of several defenders who have stood out for a New Trier defense that has allowed just five touchdowns as a starting unit. Linebacker Travis Madden and safety Nick Sajenko have been emerging for a Maine South defense that struggled at times but came up big in the fourth quarter and overtime last week.
The number: 72. Consecutive Central Suburban South victories for Maine South, an incredible streak that dates to 2001. New Trier handed the Hawks their last conference loss, a 17-7 Trevians victory in Week 9 of the 2000 season.
The talk: Maine South has had several close calls during the streak -- mostly from Glenbrook South -- but it's possible the Hawks are legitimate underdogs in a conference game for the first time in 15 years.
Helfgot's pick: New Trier 27-21. Maine South's next CSL South loss, 2030?
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
