IC Catholic (1-0) at Joliet Catholic (0-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last matchup: IC Catholic 42, Joliet Catholic 0 (2018)
About the Hilltoppers: The Hilltoppers struggled to get their ground game moving in a opening week loss to St. Rita and its critical that they find a way to get that going. Defensively, JCA will get a difficult test particularly against the run with IC Catholic.
About the Knights: The Knights got off to a bit of a slow start against Althoff in Week 1, but then they seemed to flip a switch and before you knew it IC had posted 52 points in an easy 52-7 win. Kyle Franklin is the big cog in the offense, but far from being the only viable threat for the Knights.
Pick: IC Catholic
Morgan Park (0-1) at Providence (1-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last matchup: Providence 31, Morgan Park 0 (2018)
About the Celtics: The Celtics had to grind one out against a very good Willowbrook team in Week 1. But look for Providence to be more fully capable to unleash all of their offensive weapons this week. Running back Aaron Vaughn and wide receiver Jerrell Wright should have more chances this go around.
About the Mustangs: Morgan Park is typically one of the better Chicago Public League and even though they hung in nicely against Sandburg before eventually succumbing. Even so, they likely don't have the arsenal they will need to keep the Celtics from moving to 2-0.
Pick: Providence
Evanston (1-0) at Lincoln-Way West (0-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Warriors: The Warriors are limited in experience and will probably need some time blend together into a cohesive unit. They have some nice pieces to help that building process such as Caleb Marconi and Billy Dozier but a rough nonconference schedule isn't lending them much room to breathe and find themselves.
About the Wildkits: Evanston has a truly dynamic duo of running backs in senior Quadre Nicholson and sophomore Sebastian Cheeks to lead the way. Nicholson, a top 15 recruit in the state of Illinois has narrowed his college choices to Illinois, Iowa, Purdue, Cincinnati and Missouri. The youngster Cheeks already holds an offer from Iowa State.
Pick: Evanston
Lincoln-Way East (1-0) at Naperville Central (0-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last matchup: Lincoln-Way East 38, Naperville Central 19 (2018)
About the Redhawks: Naperville Central is expected to have a powerful passing attack but were grounded by Hinsdale Central in Week 1. Quarterback Sam Jackson has a number of talented weapons to utilize, but the unit has still has some gelling to do and needs to do so in a big hurry.
About the Griffins: The Griffins leaned heavily on their experienced players in the first week of the season and it proved to be a good blue print. The running game was paced by Devon Williams and the defense proved to be very sturdy against a Stevenson team that isn't a slouch by any measure. A young Lincoln-Way East secondary will be put the test here though.
Pick: Lincoln-Way East
Bolingbrook (1-0) at St. Charles North (1-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last matchup: Bolingbrook 34, St. Charles North 24 (2018)
About the North Stars: St. Charles North probably wasn't expecting to have a severe fight on its hands with Palatine in Week 1, but that's exactly what they got and had to rally to victory. This week's matchup should also provide a challenge with a team in Bolingbrook that St. Charles North has struggled with.
About the Raiders: Bolingbrook wasn't put to the test in a win over Proviso West in Week 1. Now, the Raiders will have to lean on their known commodities, a big and talented offensive line and quarterback Devyn Suggs, who will look to be the anchor of a relatively inexperienced group of players at the offensive specialist group.
Pick: St. Charles North
Wheaton Warrenville South (1-0) at Lockport (0-1)
When: Friday, 7:15 p.m.
Last matchup: Wheaton Warrenville South 41, Lockport 0 (2018)
About the Porters: The Porters did a lot of two steps forward and one step back in their first game under new head coach George Czart. The offense did some nice things behind quarterback Marcos Voulgaris, but far too many miscues and turnovers bit the Porters at the wrong times in a loss to Grandville (Mich.)
About the Tigers: The Tigers have bounced back from a few difficult seasons and now appear to be back on track closer to the program's glory days when state title appearances were happening with regularity. Expect more steady play from this group as they try to put themselves in good position for a difficult DuKane Conference schedule.
Pick: Wheaton Warrenville South
Lincoln-Way Central (0-1) at Bloomington (1-0)
When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Purple Raiders: Both teams in this one appear to have stingy defenses considering Bloomington shut out Danville in its opener. Bloomington will look to the passing game to provide most of their offense as junior quarterback Ben Wellman was very productive in his debut an Ivan Smith racked up nearly 200 yards receiving.
About the Knights: Lincoln-Way Central has an experienced defensive unit and it showed as it held Class 6A semifinalist Richards to just 14 points. Even though that still led to a loss, its something to build on as Bloomington will challenge the unit in a different way than the run-heavy Richards crew did.
Pick: Lincoln-Way Central
Minooka (1-0) at Plainfield South (1-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last matchup: Plainfield South 14, Minooka 7 (2018)
About the Cougars: The Cougars picked up what could prove to be a pivotal crossover victory over West Aurora and established a few things with the win. First, Ahmad Thompson further declared his ability to come up with big plays and second the Cougars seemed to have found a viable running threat in Keith Bronson.
About the Indians: Minooka plans to lean on its experienced core to lead the way to success. Seems like a pretty good plan. Savvy quarterback Seth Lehr threw four touchdown passes in the win over Joliet West while the ground game paced by Noah Ellens was also very impressive.
Pick: Minooka
Oswego (1-0) at Joliet West (0-1)
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Last matchup: Oswego 49, Joliet West 14 (2018)
About the Tigers: Things started very well for the Tigers with a first quarter touchdown drive led by the hard running of Trent Howland, but things progressively went downhill from there. A regroup is needed from the Joliet West defensive attack as things aren't likely to get much easier with the kings of the Southwest Prairie on tap for this week.
About the Panthers: The Panthers aren't about to relinquish their conference domination without a fight and the defense of their conference crown started the same way many have for Oswego, with complete domination of the opposition. They'd like to stay on that roll. Connor Laird posted three touchdowns out of the backfield and will be a load for the Joliet West defense to contend with.
Pick: Oswego
Oswego East (1-0) at Plainfield Central (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Oswego East 40, Plainfield Central 0 (2018)
About the Wildcats: Miscues plagued Plainfield Central in their opener and with the small margin of error the Wildcats are playing with against a high quality opponent those issues must be reduced to give them a shot of success. It won't get any easier here as Oswego East has already shown an ability to overwhelm foes.
About the Wolves: It was absolutely a banner opening week for the Wolves, particularly on offense where junior quarterback Michael Ford completed 13 of 16 passes with four touchdown to four different receivers. Zoye Harden led an equally potent ground game with 132 yards and two scores.
Pick: Oswego East
Plainfield North (1-0) at Joliet Central (0-1)
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Last matchup: Plainfield North 34, Joliet Central 14 (2018)
About the Steelmen: There's a lot of work to be done in the Steelmen program as some young players are experiencing some growing pains on the job. There's still an adjustment period to be expected for even some of the experienced players on the Joliet Central roster as several players, including quarterback Andrew Murphy, are making position switches.
About the Tigers: The Tigers blasted out of the box in their season opener and grabbed a 28-0 lead at halftime, but they may have got caught in a little bit of a mode of relaxation as Plainfield East rallied to make things interesting. Purdue bound Marcellus Moore had a huge game, but several other players are capable of stepping in if opponents place too much focus on the senior speedster.
Pick: Plainfield North
West Aurora (0-1) at Plainfield East (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Bengals: Things did not align quickly enough for the Bengals in a season-opening loss to Plainfield North. But a second half surge should give them a boost of confidence that four quarters of football at that level will give them a chance to even out their record. Aiden Tonarelli has emerged as a viable weapon for the Bengals on which to rely.
About the Blackhawks: It was a disappointing debut for West Aurora in the Southwest Prairie, but odds are this crew won't simply fold up because of one misstep. Quarterback Will Tammaru will be a tricky offensive threat for Plainfield East to try to reign in, while Northern Illnois recruit Matt Johnson provides a menacing defensive threat from his defensive end position.
Pick: West Aurora
Yorkville (1-0) at Romeoville (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Spartans: The rigors of the newly reformed Southwest Prairie have already shown themselves to the Spartans as they were roughed up in their season opening loss. This crossover segment of the schedule could continue to be substantially difficult for Romeoville to matchup in.
About the Foxes: Josh Beetham provides a steady hand running the Foxes offense which should give them a leg up against the Spartans who have struggled to contain most foes for several seasons now. Controlling the game's tempo will be key because Romeoville does have a few playmakers that could break loose.
Pick: Yorkville
Rich Central (0-1) at Lemont (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Rich Central 22, Lemont 21 (2018)
About the Indians: Lemont dropped a low-scoring defensive struggle to St. Charles East in its opener, but is hoping the strides made by its defensive unit will carry over moving forward. Lemont got solid efforts offensively from Alex Tagler and Anthony Sambucci but they need to finish drives off with points.
About the Olympians: Rich Central has established itself as a sound program out of the Southland Conference, but had difficulties in their season-opening matchup with conference front runners Crete-Monee. This is proven to be a fierce nonconference combination and this year's version doesn't appear to be any different.
Pick: Lemont
Morris (0-1) at Manteno (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Panthers: Manteno hopes to use its good interior size to its advantage, but simply put the defense will have to do a bit better job containing the opposition to give them a chance moving forward.
About the Redskins: There were some frustrating moments in the opening week loss to Coal City, but there were some positives too. Zach Reddinger clearly showed he's an offensive weapon to be reckoned with for one.
Pick: Morris
Bishop McNamara (1-0) at Coal City (1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Coalers: The Coalers showed they belong in the discussion of Class 4A's best teams with an impressive win over Morris, but won't have much time to celebrate the moment as a fellow elite 4A team comes to town.
About the Fightin' Irish: Bishop McNamara is one of the elite small school programs in the state with five titles in the school's trophy case. Although the offense may not be as potent without graduated running back Tyshon King, experienced quarterback Tyler Hiller still runs a potent attack.
Pick: Coal City
Tinley Park (0-1) at Peotone (1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Tinley Park 14, Peotone 13 (2018)
About the Blue Devils: Peotone believed that a fully healthy squad could do some damage and it started out on the right foot getting two touchdown performances from both Ben Balmer and Sam Biedron.
About the Titans: Tinley Park took a loss to a Chicago Public League school, Payton, in the opening week which is a discouraging sign for the Titans. They have a significant enrollment advantage over Peotone, something they are hoping to parlay into a win to even their record.
Pick: Peotone
Reed-Custer (0-1) at Dwight (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Reed-Custer 35, Dwight 2 (2013)
About the Trojans: There were some positives in a season-opening loss to Ottawa Marquette, but the Trojans were ultimately overwhelmed by a stronger foe. Now they will try to even things up against a former Interstate Eight rival
About the Comets: The Comets had a rough go of it in a season opening loss to Fieldcrest. It is going to take some time for Reed-Custer to rebuild what was a pretty productive offensive attack from a year ago.
Pick: Reed-Custer
Wilmington (1-0) at Oak Lawn (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Spartans: It was a absolutely disastrous opener for Oak Lawn as they were trampled 63-7 by a Marian Catholic program that has had its fair share of struggles over the years.
About the Wildcats: Wilmington's vaunting running game was in fine form as they stacked up over 300 yards rushing in a win over Evergreen Park. The Wildcats look in fine position to get through the nonconference part of their schedule unscathed.
Pick: Wilmington
Ottawa Marquette (1-0) at Seneca (1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Ottawa Marquette 28, Seneca 7 (2018)
About the Fightin' Irish: Seneca's defense turned in a remarkable defensive effort against a highly touted quarterback from Shelbyville in a win Week 1. They will need that effort again here but in a different way.
About the Crusaders: The Crusaders had a pair of 100-yard rushers in Luke Couch and Preston Aukland in their season opening win over Dwight, look for the Crusaders to try to continue that trend.
Pick: Ottawa Marquette