This weekend's spotlight games

Joliet Catholic at Carmel

When: 7:30 tonight.

Where: 1 Carmel Parkway, Mundelein.

Outlook: This nonconference matchup is likely to have Labor Day weekend in Mundelein feeling more like Thanksgiving in Champaign. Carmel returns 15 starters and is keyed on defense by safety Jake Sinkovec and linebacker Kolin Meehan. Joliet Catholic is less experienced. Running back Tyler Hudetz paces the offense. "It forces us to fine-tune what we're doing and utilize our time better," Carmel coach Andy Bitto said.

Alex Hickey

WW South at Hinsdale Central

When: 7:30 tonight.

Where: 55th and Grant, Hinsdale.

Outlook: Hinsdale junior QB John Whitelaw has matured and leads a small but fast team. The Red Devils will rely on the running game of backs Eric Alexander and Rich Zajeski. WW South is going to use two quarterbacks with Joe Furco starting and junior Mack Tracey filling in. "We'll bring in the other one when we think we need to change the whole offensive package," coach Ron Muhitch said. Cornerback Kevin Credille is out eight weeks with a broken right arm.

Tina Akouris

Fremd at Lake Zurich

When: 7:30 tonight.

Where: 300 Church St., Lake Zurich.

Outlook: Last year, visiting Fremd upset highly-ranked Lake Zurich 27-20 with a last-minute drive. It was the Bears' only loss as they went on to win the Class 7A state title. Fremd is the favorite, returning six offensive starters including 1,000-yard rusher Mike Gyetvay and 6-6, 290-pound offensive lineman Christian Lombard. The Bears return five starters from last yearÕs state-championship team, but will try to prove that this is not a rebuilding season.

Scott Powers

Hillcrest at Thornton

When: 1 p.m. Saturday.

Where: 151st and Broadway, Harvey.

Outlook: Hillcrest coach Ernie Sutton returns 14 starters from a 6-4 team and believes his squad could be the best in his nine years. He is excited about LB Mike Young, DL Aaron Carr, RB Sam Russell, RB Ryan Keen and QB Herb Offord. Thornton coach Bill Mosel is eager to bounce back from last year's 3-6, his first losing season since 1988. He will rely on QB Darren Jones, Illinois-bound FB Greg Fuller, WR Jamal Gray, WR Quintin Richmond and DB Marcus Franklin. But who will play tailback?

Taylor Bell