Mount Carmel, Brother Rice, Lincoln-Way Central, Sandburg and Lockport are picks to click for Week 2.
St. Rita (1-0) at Mount Carmel (1-0)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: The longtime rivals meet again after the Caravan handed the Mustangs two of their three losses last season — 28-0 in Week 2 and 43-24 in a Class 7A semifinal.
St. Rita will certainly have its work cut out if it wants to turn those tables, but senior quarterback Steven Armbruster and a veteran defense will be ready to put up a fight. Senior linebacker Owen Lynch had 10 tackles in the Mustangs’ big 28-21 win over Marist.
Mount Carmel is back home after representing Illinois well in a heart-stopping 43-42 win over Moeller in Ohio. Senior quarterback Emmett Dowling shined in that one, while Vanderbilt recruit Joey Quinn and the Caravan defense will be looking to make a statement after the high-scoring Week 1 battle.
X-factor: Tavares Harrington, Mount Carmel, junior, defensive back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Mount Carmel.
Brother Rice (1-0) at Marist (0-1)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: The Battle of Pulaski has recently been owned by Marist, which has beaten the Crusaders each of the last three seasons, including 34-27 in 2024.
The RedHawks need to keep that streak alive if they want to avoid an 0-2 start, which could throw their playoff hopes up in the air.
Look for Marist to try to control the game on the ground after senior running back Kevin Bartolotta ran for 170 yards and three TDs in a 28-21 loss to St. Rita.
The Crusaders have some big-time players on the defensive line to slow down the RedHawks run game, including senior Illinois commit King Liggins and junior Brayden Parks, another prized recruit.
X-factor: CJ Gray, Brother Rice, senior, quarterback.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Brother Rice.
Providence (1-0) at Lincoln-Way Central (1-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Providence prevailed 23-14 in last season’s Route 30 Super Bowl, the first meeting between these New Lenox foes since 1981.
The Celtics, looking to bounce back after last season’s 4-5 finish, are off to a good start, beating Wheaton Academy 49-14. Sophomore quarterback Dominic Vita is talented and Providence has senior strength on both lines, led by Bryce Tencza (Lafayette) on offense and Dom Infelise (Ball State) on defense.
The Knights, who crushed St. Charles East 63-0, have a roster capable of taking down their Catholic counterparts. They will need big games from senior receiver Lucas Andresen and senior defensive lineman Aiden Hennings.
X-factor: Jalen Byrd, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, linebacker/running back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln-Way Central.
Richards (1-0) at Sandburg (1-0)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: In this intriguing South Suburban Red vs. Southwest Valley Blue game, the Bulldogs will renew acquaintances with Eagles coach Sheamus Murphy, who previously led Richards’ district rival Eisenhower.
Richards made a powerful opening statement with a 51-41 win over Crete-Monee, showing its offense can still shine after the graduation of Myles Mitchell, last season’s star running back. Senior quarterback Noah Escobedo has taken major strides and senior running back/defensive back Ahmad Buchanan has filled Mitchell’s shoes as a two-way star.
Led by senior lineman Jaden Weaver and senior linebacker Dillon Czerwinski, Sandburg’s defensive front was dominant against Andrew’s option attack in a 31-9 victory. Junior quarterback Sean Ruisz had an impressive debut.
X-factor: Quinn Durkin, Sandburg, junior, receiver/running back.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Sandburg.
Lincoln-Way West (1-0) at Lockport (1-0)
Kickoff: 6:15 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Both teams had star performances from running backs in Week 1. Senior Jahan Abubakar ran for 150 yards and four TDs on 19 carries in Lincoln-Way West’s 47-7 win over Eisenhower.
Senior running back Chris Miller totaled 130 yards and four TDs on just 10 carries in Lockport’s 34-0 victory over Plainfield North. Miller, who moved from linebacker in Week 9 last season, now has scored nine rushing TDs in two starts at his new position.
The Warriors edged the Porters 40-39 in double overtime last season. Expect another close game.
X-factor: Colton Benaitis, Lockport, senior, defensive back/receiver.
Steve Millar’s prediction: Lockport.
