St. Patrick at Joliet Catholic
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday
at Memorial Stadium,
3500 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.
What to watch: No. 4 Joliet Catholic (2-0) gets its first East Suburban Catholic challenge in dark-horse St. Patrick (2-0). The underdog Shamrocks have QB Thomas Barrett and RBs Mark Dietz and Mike Lupa operating behind linemen Tim Mayerbock, a 6-foot-4-inch, 300-pound Division I recruit, Patrick Graney (6-4, 260) and Larry Rategan (6-0, 275). A defense headed by LB Dietz (five sacks) and CB Joe Nee (six pass breakups) has allowed just 14 yards rushing in two games. Now it faces Joliet Catholic’s dangerous double-wing attack featuring backs Billy McKeon and Chris Clancy and FB Joe Benson running behind Sean Kennedy (6-4, 300), A.J. Tomich (6-1, 265), Steve Owens (6-0, 320) and Brett Stengele (6-5, 250).
Bob Sakamoto’s pick: Joliet Catholic.
Prospect at Barrington
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday
at 616 W. Main St., Barrington.
What to watch: Both schools came into 2004 with state title aspirations, but one will have dropped two of its first three games after this Mid-Suburban League crossover. No. 20 Barrington revved up its ground game last week behind sophomores Nick Magiera and Andre Anderson (combined 235 yards rushing) to recover from a stunning 30-0 opening loss to Stevenson, while No. 17 Prospect, which opened by beating No. 18 Downers Grove North, was edged 19-14 by Conant Friday. Prospect QB Matt Bowman’s run/pass potential keeps defenses honest. The Knights’ stout defensive front led by Van Osie and Mike Kriegermeier will be tested by Barrington’s huge O-line.
Sakamoto’s pick: Prospect.
York at Lyons Township
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday at L.T.’s south campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Rd., Western Springs.
What to watch: Two teams that are 2-0 for the first time since they each made playoff appearances in 2002. This West Suburban Silver opener showcases a veteran Lyons defense against a speedy York group. The Lions’ defense recorded three interceptions and shut out Morton 41-0 Friday after holding Hersey to a single touchdown the previous week.
Sakamoto’s pick: Lyons Township.
North Chicago at Libertyville
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday
at 708 West Park, Libertyville.
What to watch: Battle of unbeatens pits strong running games. North Chicago features breakaway speed with Kevin Green and Joshua Allen. Libertyville counters with a ground-control game that features free-running seniors Tom Sitz (373 yards, 19 carries), Kyle Nader (237, 16) and Kevin Fontana (158, 18).
Sakamoto’s pick: Libertyville.
