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Class 7A
No. 29 Maine West (5-4) at No. 4 St. Charles North (8-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: The North Stars are back in the postseason for the first time since 2018, when they were the Class 7A state runner-up. St. Charles North is riding a seven-game winning streak and wrapped up the DuKane Conference title outright (7-0 record) with a thrilling double OT victory over Batavia on Oct. 21. Headlined by two-way standout RB/LB Drew Surges, the North Stars have rolled since their Week 1 loss to Palatine. Starting quarterback Will Vaske is back and healthy after missing time with a shoulder injury. Vaske has numerous pass catchers to pick apart defenses, including Jake Mettetal, Zach Priami, Anthony Taormina and Jake Furtney.
About the Warriors: After beginning the season 1-3, Maine West surged and reached the postseason with a win over Highland Park on Oct. 21. The Warriors had three consecutive Class 7A playoff appearances from 2017-2019.
No. 18 Batavia (6-3) at No. 15 Rockford Guilford (7-2)
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: Losing in double overtime to St. Charles North to lose a share of the conference title wasn’t the way that Batavia planned to end the regular season. The Bulldogs’ conference losses to St. Charles North and Wheaton North were by a combined four points. Batavia boasts a solid defense and has enough offense from quarterback Ryan Boe, running back Ryan Whitwell and others to potentially make a run.
About the Vikings: Rockford Guilford had its four-game winning streak snapped to close the regular season, falling 27-7 to Boylan Catholic. In the four wins, the Vikings scored 42, 44, 47 and 52 points.
No. 21 Geneva (6-3) at No. 12 St. Rita (7-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: This is a rematch of last season’s second-round matchup. The Mustangs prevailed 28-7 last season. Geneva started off hot at 4-0 this season, but tripped a bit with losses to St. Charles North, Batavia and Wheaton North. The Vikings are headlined by Nate Stempowski at quarterback. He’s flanked by Troy Velez in the backfield. Sophomore wideout Talyn Taylor has been reliable all year. Defensively, Tommy Diamond, Charlie Morrison, Jackson Reyes and Charlie Winterhalter all flash.
About the Mustangs: St. Rita has qualified for the playoffs each season since 2000 with the exception of 2012, 2015 and 2018. The Mustangs will try to win a state title after losing in the Class 7A state title game in the last two playoffs. St. Rita earned a No. 4 rating in the latest Class 7A AP poll. The Mustangs’ two losses came to arguably the two best teams in the state. St. Rita fell to Mount Carmel, 35-3, and Loyola, 34-14. St. Rita’s defense is led by Illinois commit Pat Farrell on the defensive line. There is strong senior leadership with Matt and Joe Kinsbury at linebacker and Johnny Schmitt in the secondary. This season is coach Todd Kuska’s last after 25 seasons.
Class 6A
No. 10 Riverside-Brookfield (6-3) at Kaneland (6-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: A Week 9 win against McNamara snapped a two-game skid, although the losses to IC Catholic and St. Francis were against teams that finished the regular season with 8-1 records. It’s the third straight playoff berth for Riverside-Brookfield, which has lost in the first round each season. The Bulldogs last won a playoff game in 2015.
About the Knights: Kaneland has given up less than half as many points as it did a year ago, surrendering less than 16 points a game this season. The Knights haven’t given up more than one score in a game since a 28-7 loss to Sycamore (9-0) in Week 6. Kaneland is in the postseason for the fifth straight year.
Class 4A
No. 13 Marengo (5-4) at No. 4 St. Francis (8-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Spartans: St. Francis fell to IC Catholic in its season finale Oct. 21. The Spartans are led on offense by talented quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who has helped St. Francis average nearly 47 points a game. The Spartans also run the football effectively with Amari Head. TJ McMillen headlines a dominant offensive line.
About the Indians: Marengo held Plano to minus-31 yards rushing in a 32-7 victory Oct. 21 to close the regular season. Marengo earned a playoff berth for the fourth consecutive season.