SouthtownStar preview capsules

LOYOLA ACADEMY (5-1) VS. MOUNT CARMEL (4-2)

When: 4 p.m. today

Where: Gately Stadium, 810 E. 103rd St., Chicago

Outlook: Maybe if this game were being played Saturday in the posh surroundings of Wilmette, the Ramblers show the Caravan who is boss in the Catholic League Blue. But on a Friday, on the rock-hard turf at Gately, think again. If the Caravan defense can contain Loyola QB Lucas Ruske, it can pull off the upset. Clearly, Mount Carmel is an improved team since back-to-back losses in Weeks 3 and 4. The Caravan offense has been nearly unstoppable the past two weeks, with QB Jordan Lynch punishing opponents on the ground and through the air. If RB Milton Grier and Byron Stanford get going on the ground and receiver K.J. Picard, who caught a pair of TD passes last week against De La Salle, can elude the Loyola secondary, the Caravan can make Loyola's long trip back home a miserable one.

Prediction: Mount Carmel 21, Loyola 20.

RICH EAST (6-0) AT CRETE-MONEE (3-3)

When: 6 p.m. today

Where: 760 W. Exchange

Outlook: Nobody has been able to stop the 1-2 attack of Rockets RBs Reggie Byrd and Daniel Harris. The two are closing in on 2,000 yards rushing combined and there's no reason to believe the Rockets will alter their successful game plan against the Warriors. However, if Crete-Monee stacks eight defenders in the box in hopes of stopping the Rich East running attack, QB Stephen O'Neal can make that strategy backfire. The Warriors, who have won three straight after dropping their first three, are growing in confidence. If QB A.J. Pierre and Co. hang on to the football, the outcome could go down to the wire. Rich East has played its last five games in the daylight. Will Friday night lights pose a problem?

Prediction: Rich East 28 Crete-Monee 24.

OAK FOREST (6-0) AT TINLEY PARK (3-3)

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: 6111 W. 175th St.

Outlook: If the Titans can duplicate last week's first-half performance against Lemont and extend it to 48 minutes, the Bengals will have a game on their hands. Tinley Park trailed 14-12 at the half against the Indians last week before falling 42-12. Coach Nick Johnston noted how Lemont's depth was a factor in the second half. Well, it could very well be a factor again against an Oak Forest squad that employs 22 different starters. The Bengals offense will need to go to the air more frequently against a Titans squad hanging from the playoff cliff. FB Bobby Walsh has been a constant for Oak Forest, but the Bengals may need to get the ball into Sean Martinez's hands. Tinley Park QB Kyle Rodriguez has a big target in 6-foot-3 Stuart Litko. If RB Chris Giehon's ankle injury keeps him sidelined, the Titans could be looking at a long night.

Prediction: Oak Forest 27, Tinley Park 21.

EISENHOWER (3-3) AT RICHARDS (3-3)

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn

Outlook: Give Bulldog Nation credit. Not only is Richards honoring the 20th annivers ary of the 1988 state championship team with a halftime ceremony, it's also honoring longtime assistant Frank Salvatori prior to kickoff. And you just know the legend, Gary Korhonen, will be in attendance as well. With all that said, Eisenhower coach Travis Moore would be wise to keep his boys as far away as possible from that emotional trip down memory lane parade. The Bulldogs have played much better during their two-game winning streak, relying more on the skills of junior QB Jon Ryan. Expect the Bulldogs to go to receivers Keith Sconiers and Shaun Pratl frequently. Eisenhower's defense has played above average this season, but the offense, expected to provide plenty of fireworks, has produced far too many duds. QB Josh Rodriguez, RB Gervais Porter and WR Joe Hawkins need to step up and play up to their capabilities. What better time than with the Murphy Cup at stake for the Cardinals to rise to the occasion? The last time Eisenhower defeated Richards, coach Moore was a two-way player. That was 1998. Maybe the Cardinals will have a 10-year anniversary celebration of their own in the form of a rare victory against the Bulldogs. Or then again, maybe not.

Prediction: Richards 27, Eisenhower 17.

SANDBURG (5-1) AT LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL (4-2)

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: 1801 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox

Outlook: The Eagles begin a vicious three-game trek to end the season: Central, Bolingbrook and Lincoln-Way East. For the Eagles to start this rugged run on the right foot, the offense must remain balanced and the defense, led by Mike Schofield and Tim Lydigsen, must put the wraps on a diverse Central offense led by QB Kyle Plarski. The Eagles would be wise to continue putting the ball in the hands of WR Tony Stramaglia, who hauled in a pair of long TD passes last week against Joliet Township. Sandburg K Ryan Salerno could be the difference down the stretch. Central's offense has stalled the past two weeks, but RBs Pete Damiani and Chase Davis might be in position to break out.

Prediction: Lincoln-Way Central 21, Sandburg 17.

LINCOLN-WAY EAST (6-0) AT BOLINGBROOK (6-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Where: 365 Raider Way

Outlook: The Griffins defense is coming off perhaps its weakest performance of the season, allowing 20 points to Lockport. The offense, however, produced 48 points and is overwhelming opponents week in week out. East QB Spencer Stanek is in line for offensive player of the year honors. He completed 14 of 19 attempts for 250 yards and four TDs last week. Justin Wittl is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, as is FB Collin Sabal. Expect the Griffins defensive line of Uchenna Ebiringah, Ryne Diehl, Jim Cullen and Chris Narel to wreak havoc on the Raider backfield. Bolingbrook QB Brad Geever is coming off a two-touchdown performance against Lincoln-Way Central. The Raiders also possess a game-breaker in RB Jamel Martin. East K Brett Thomaston provides the Griffins a major weapon on special teams.

Prediction: Lincoln-Way East 21, Bolingbrook 7.

HILLCREST (3-3) AT LEMONT (6-0)

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: 800 Porter St.

Outlook: It's been said that a great defense can overcome a great offense. The Hawks, despite their record, boast one of the finest defense's in the area. Yes, the offense has struggled immensely, relying far too often on the production of QB Herb Offord. Lemont has had no such problems on offense, with TB Danny Hayes frequently running for daylight and QB Nick Lawrence effectively passing the pigskin. Just a hunch, but the Hawks underrated defense will rise to the occasion.

Prediction: Hillcrest 14, Lemont 7.

Capsules compiled by staff writer Pat Disabato, who can be reached at pdisabato@southtownstar.com or (708) 802-8837.