Here’s a look at some of the best games around the area in Week 9 of the high school football season.
No. 10 Naperville Central at No. 1 Lincoln-Way East, 7 p.m. Friday
This is essentially the Southwest Valley title game, matching Red champ Naperville Central (8-0) against Blue winner Lincoln-Way East (8-0). East’s offense, led by Oregon commit Jonas Williams at quarterback, has been a juggernaut, scoring between 47 and 49 points every week. The Griffins’ defense, paced by Northwestern-bound edge rusher Caden O’Rourke, hasn’t given up more than 22 points, and that was in Week 1 against Maine South. Naperville Central has been tested in victories against Naperville North (24-21) and Lincoln-Way West (14-7). But quarterback Sebastian Hayes and running back Aiden Clark have been dependable leaders for a well-balanced offense.
No. 4 Loyola at No. 2 Mount Carmel, 7:30 p.m. Friday
The star attractions here are a pair of defending state-champion quarterbacks: Vanderbilt commit Jack Elliott of Mount Carmel and Iowa commit Ryan Fitzgerald of Loyola. Both have dealt with injuries this season, and their running has been more limited as a result. But they’re both still capable of piling up yards in bunches as passers. Mount Carmel’s young receivers, including sophomore Quentin Burrell and freshman Marshaun Thornton, have grown up in a hurry. Drew MacPherson, committed to Iowa as a safety, is Loyola’s top rusher and receiver.
No. 16 Morgan Park vs. Simeon, 1 p.m. Saturday at Gately
The winner will be the Public League Red co-champ with the Young/Taft winner. Morgan Park (7-1) and Simeon (7-1) are unbeaten since Week 1 losses to Marist and Rochester, respectively. The Mustangs have six shutouts in their seven-game winning streak, thanks in part to one of the best secondaries in the state, led by Wisconsin commit Jahmare Washington and Washington State commit Jovan Clark. Quarterback Kaleb Sims (1,351 total yards, 20 touchdowns) and receiver Cornell Conely (22.9 yards per catch) have been an effective duo for the Wolverines.
St. Charles North at No. 5 Geneva, 7 p.m. Friday
Geneva (8-0, 6-0 DuKane) presents an almost unsolvable puzzle for opposing defenses. Tony Chahino has completed 61% of his passes for 1,899 yards and 32 touchdowns with one interception, Georgia-bound receiver Talyn Taylor has 34 catches for 898 yards and 17 touchdowns and running back Michael Rumoro is averaging 7.1 yards per touch with eight touchdowns. St. Charles North (7-1, 5-1), whose only loss was to Batavia, has an elite quarterback of its own in Ethan Plumb (1,681 total yards, 22 touchdowns).
No. 22 Barrington at No. 19 Palatine, 7:30 p.m. Friday
Palatine (7-1, 4-0 Mid-Suburban West) lost 28-27 to St. Charles North in Week 1 but is unbeaten since. Quarterback Will Santiago threw for 161 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-7 romp last week against Conant. Barrington (7-1, 3-1), whose lone loss was to Fremd, is one of only a few teams with a 1,000-yard passer and runner this season. Nick Peipert has thrown for 1,793 yards and 18 touchdowns, and Calvin Jackson has 1,229 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.