This weekend's spotlight games

SUN-TIMES CAPSULES

Lake Zurich at Wheaton North

When: 7:30 Friday.

Where: One Falcon Way, Wheaton.

Records: Lake Zurich 1-0, Wheaton North 1-0.

Outlook: Lake Zurich’s convincing 33-21 victory over Fremd proved that despite heavy graduation losses, the reigning Class 7A state champion should be a force to reckon with. Andrew Maloney ran for three Bears touchdowns. New coach Joe Wardynski has a lot of weapons, including returning All-Area running back Mike Trumpy, who had more than 200 yards rushing in a half and a series, and junior QB Taylor Graham.

Steve Tucker

Bishop McNamara at Brother Rice

When: 7:30 Friday.

Where: 10001 S. Pulaski.

Records: McNamara 1-0, Brother Rice 1-0.

Outlook: Brother Rice is coming off a 24-20 win over Morgan Park at Soldier Field. QB Tom Gibson paces an offense that features back Frank Renardo, who scored three TDs against Morgan Park. McNamara senior QB Matt Lambert leads the Irish offense. He threw for 174 yards last week in a 34-7 win over 2007 Class 5A runner-up Morris, and RB Jameel High ran for four touchdowns. LBs Mario Zinnani and Ray Buell are anchors.

Tina Akouris

De La Salle at St. Rita

When: 7:30 Friday.

Where: 7740 S. Western.

Records: De La Salle 1-0, St. Rita 1-0.

Outlook: De La Salle is coming off a 59-8 win over Fenger. Meteors junior RB Mike Kasper will test St. Rita’s tough defense with his speed. Kasper rushed for 173 yards on 15 carries and scored on runs of 35 and 51 yards. St. Rita had its own hero in David Marciano, who scored the game-winning TD, returned a kickoff that led to a Kyle Jachim TD run and set up another score with an interception in a win over Lakota West of West Chester, Ohio.

Scott Powers

Hubbard at Evanston

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Where: 1600 Dodge, Evanston.

Records: Hubbard 1-0, Evanston 0-1.

Outlook: First-year Evanston coach Mike Burzawa has as many losses as he had in three years at Driscoll. Burzawa will rely on QB George Sorenson, RB Darrell Shepherd and OL Benji Oyinloye and Pat Hussain. LB John Tinkham keys the defense. Hubbard coach Elton Harris’ son, Elton Jr., is a starting LB at Evanston. Hubbard is led by freshman QB Quincy Skanes, RB Will Taylor and DE Albert Cruse, son of Fenger’s football coach. LB Darius Moffett (ill) is expected to return.

Taylor Bell

SOUTHTOWNSTAR CAPSULES

Lincoln-Way North (0-1) at Lincoln-Way East (1-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort

Outlook: In terms of intensity, this inaugural tug-of-war will be off the charts. The Phoenix, which dropped a season-opening 27-17 decision to Oswego East, wants nothing more than to dump the Griffins. For that to occur, the first-year school will need to avoid last week's slow start, which resulted in a 20-3 deficit, and get off the bus moving the football. RB Jim Hermle, who registered 3- and 48-yard TD dashes, will need to produce another big effort. It will be worth watching how the Phoenix's undersized linemen perform against the Griffins. East is coming off an impressive 18-14 win against Providence. Don't expect a letdown here. The Griffins should use their superior size and strength to their advantage. East possesses a diverse running attack, led by Kevin Starke, and could try to wear down North. If QB Spencer Stanek is allowed time to throw the football, the Griffins should be in fine shape to record the victory.

Pat Disabato's prediction: Lincoln-Way East 28, Lincoln-Way North 7

Andrew(1-0) at Lincoln-Way Central(1-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: 1801 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox

Outlook: The outcome of this battle might be decided during the game's final possession. The Thunderbolts performed almost flawlessly last week, registering a 40-0 win against Thornwood. Expect Andrew to produce a diverse attack on offense and attempt to keep the Knights guessing. QB Alex Hepp has a top receiver in Kyle Anderson and a capable backfield in Joe Rust and Sean Jacques. The T-bolts' offensive line, with horses Marek Leinkiewicz and Garrett Parker, will provide quite a challenge for the Knights D-line. Central had little trouble disposing of Simeon last week, 23-6. The Knights, too, possess a diverse offense. RB Chase Davis warrants serious attention from Andrew. Ryan Penders, Chad Podkulski, Pete Damiani, Mike Ducharme and Terrence Townsend lead a Central defense that forced five turnovers last week.

Disabato's prediction: Lincoln-Way Central 24, Andrew 21

Marian Catholic (0-1) at Bloom(1-0)

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Sarff Field, 10th and Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights

Outlook: This version of the battle of Chicago Heights should be far more competitive than recent meetings. The Spartans nearly pulled off the upset against rival H-F before falling 18-13. The loss of QB Evan Watson will have an impact on Marian Catholic's offense. Tom Roane will step in and attempt to fill Watson's shoes. Expect Marian to rely on its running game, which means Joe Hess and Joe Sanfrantello will receive ample opportunity to move the chains. The Spartans must hang on to the football. Two fumbles resulted in touchdowns for H-F last week. Bloom QB DeAngelo Blatcher will be one of the most exciting players on the field. The senior had a hand in five TDs during the Blazing Trojans' 48-26 win against Shepard last week. Blatcher passed for three scores and rushed for two more while piling up 331 yards of offense. Bloom's defense needs to take advantage of Marian's quarterback situation and do all it can to rattle an inexperienced Roane.

Disabato's prediction: Marian Catholic 16, Bloom Township 14

H-F (1-0) at Hillcrest (0-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: 17401 S. Pulaski Road, Country Club Hills

Outlook: This is the first match-up between these two powers since 1974. The Vikings are coming off a thrilling 18-14 victory against Marian Catholic. H-F possesses plenty of weapons on offense, with QB Dorian Reese boasting the ability to beat teams with his arm and legs. After watching Hillcrest's secondary get badly exposed during a 34-7 defeat to Thornton last week, expect Reese to go to the air with great frequency. The Hawks would love to establish their running game and keep the Vikings offense on the sidelines. For that to occur, the Hawks O-line will have to contain a big Vikings D-line. Hillcrest QB Herb Oxford passed for 170 yards last week and possesses the means to throw the football effectively. But if the Hawks have to rely on an aerial assault to move the ball, it could spell big trouble.

Disabato's prediction: H-F 30, Hillcrest 20

Morgan Park (0-1) at Richards (1-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn

Outlook: Last year's tilt between these two heavyweights went down the wire, with the Bulldogs registering the win. This is a vastly different Richards team, without a single returning starter on defense and just a handful on offense. The Bulldogs will have to elevate their play considerably from last week's 28-21 win against Joliet Township. Expect Shaun Pratl, a 6-foot-8 WR, to get the ball passed in his direction often. QB Jon Ryan has the big arm to get it to him. Morgan Park RB Dominique Bell is a game-breaker, possessing the speed and moves to make defenders look silly. QB Victor Scott is a threat to pick up big yards with his legs. The Mustangs may have some trouble defending the Bulldogs' passing game, namely Pratl. But this is a Morgan Park team that will be playing with a chip on its shoulder after falling to Brother Rice 24-20 last week.

Disabato's prediction: Morgan Park 27, Richards 20

Marist at Sandburg

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: 13300 LaGrange Road, Orland Park

Outlook: This is the first time the two teams have played each other. The RedHawks are coming off a convincing 45-13 win over Chicago Vocational. But Marist gets a major upgrade in competition here. The key for the RedHawks is RB Billy Seiler, who is lightning quick, and a defense that will have its hands full trying to stop the Eagles. Sandburg's offense got off to a slow start during a 17-14 overtime victory against Lyons Township last week. But expect QB Bryan Hansen and do-it-all player Tony Stramaglia to get more familiar with one another. Sandburg's receivers must do a better job of hanging onto the football. FB Brent Kondziolka is a major key. If he can run the football effectively, the Eagles' passing game should flourish.

Disabato's prediction: Sandburg 24, Marist 21

NAPERVILLE SUN CAPSULES 

Neuqua Valley vs. Plainfield Central

When: 7:30 Friday

Last week: Neuqua lost to Naperville North 41-19; Plainfield Central beat Elgin 47-25.

What to expect: Two things will be driving Neuqua in its home opener - gaining revenge against a team it lost to last year and proving it is better than the one that showed up last week. Both can be accomplished tonight, but it won't be easy. Neuqua needs to do a better job protecting QB Alex Lincoln, who wasn't sacked but was under pressure all night against the Huskies. The key for Neuqua will be to get a lead and build on it, forcing Plainfield Central to go away from its comfort zone. A trio of running backs - seniors Anthony Bjorklund, Matt Lancore and junior Brian Meeks - topped the 100-yard mark last week as Plainfield Central racked up 439 rushing yards.

The Sun's pick: Neuqua

Benet at Montini

When: 1 p.m. Saturday.

Last week: Benet lost 32-7 to Oswego; Montini beat Sacred Heart-Griffin 34-31.

What to expect: The Redwings struggled on both sides of the ball against Oswego, which controlled the line of scrimmage. Oswego was a power running team that was never forced to throw the ball. Montini runs a spread offense that gained more than 600 yards last week and has no problem throwing on first down. After last week's loss, Benet coach Gary Goforth said it was a good sign that his team scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter last week because it took nine quarters to score in 2007. Montini gave up a lot of points last week, albeit to a good team, but that still provides some hope for the Redwings this week.

The Sun's pick: Montini.

Naperville Central vs. Lake Park

When: 7:30 Friday.

Last week: Central beat Waubonsie Valley 24-14; Lake Park lost to Conant 15-13.

What to expect: The Redhawks anticipated that their defense would be ahead of their offense, and that unit was solid all night against Waubonsie, sacking quarterback Tyler Castro six times and allowing only 55 yards rushing. Lineman Bryan Derence (two sacks), linebacker Matt Soria (13 total tackles) and the rest of Central's defense will need another strong performance tonight. Lake Park's defense essentially gave up zero points last week - Conant's two touchdowns were the direct results of special teams breakdowns.

The Sun's pick: Central.

Naperville North at Oswego East

When: 7 Friday.

Last week: Naperville North beat Neuqua Valley 41-19; Oswego East beat Lincoln-Way North 27-17.

What to expect: Naperville North sophomore Matt LaCosse will make his second varsity start against Oswego East on Friday. LaCosse will start in place of senior Matt Manade, the first-string signal-caller who sustained a left knee injury late in the preseason. North coach Larry McKeon said Manade is improving every day. The Huskies (1-0) defeated Neuqua Valley in their season opener while Oswego East handed Lincoln-Way North its first loss as a varsity program. The Huskies defeated the Wolves 49-0 last year, the first time the two programs met.

The Sun's pick: North.