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Morris (2-4, 2-2) at Plainfield South (4-2, 2-2)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: This doesn't happen often, but Morris has its back squarely against the wall as it attempts to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Redskins have missed the playoffs only twice in the last 25 years, but after last week's 7-0 loss to Plainfield Central, they must run the table to qualify. After meeting Plainfield South in tonight's Southwest Prairie matchup, they will finish with games against Oswego East and Plainfield North. South, meanwhile, needs to get back into the win column. The Cougars dropped from the ranks of the unbeaten with a 28-21 loss to Plainfield Central two weeks ago, then fell to Oswego 36-7 last week. The problem for Morris, which beat South 28-14 in 2007, has been offense. The Redskins are averaging 6.5 points per game, last in the area, and their 189.7 total yards per game rank next to last. Morris has been shut out three times and has scored more than a touchdown only once -- in a 24-6 win over Romeoville in Week 5. South has been more than respectable defensively, allowing 183.5 yards per game. When the Cougars have the ball, they rely on senior back Chris Brown, who has rushed for 813 yards and a 4.6 average. Junior quarterback Jeff Kohl has hit 54-of-94 passes, 57.4 percent, for 743 yards.

Lockport (3-3, 0-2) at Joliet (1-5, 0-2)

Kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday at Klootwyk Field.

The rundown: The renewal of the oldest rivalry in the area will have to go some to top last year's thriller. Lockport led most of the way but had to stave off Joliet's late charge to secure a 20-13 Southwest Suburban Blue victory. The Steelmen were looking good last week against once-beaten Sandburg before disaster struck. Senior quarterback Justin Stephenson was off to a 12-of-19 start for 148 yards. JT already was leading 7-0 and was knocking on the door. But then Stephenson was hit on a third-and-goal play from the 5 and suffered a broken ankle. The Steelmen did not score, and Sandburg stole the momentum as the Eagles went on to win 35-7. Junior John Woods filled in for Stephenson and went 5-of-12 for 45 yards. JT's Ronald Jordan leads the area in receiving with 39 catches for 459 yards and teammate D.J. Foster is third with 25 receptions for 316. Sandwiched between is Lockport senior Brendan Murphy, who has caught 27 for 272 yards. Murphy is the primary target of Porters junior quarterback Kyle Billig, who is 50-of-113, 44.2 percent, for 517 yards. Lockport also relies on senior running back Kyle O'Donnell, who has rushed for 752 yards and a 4.9 average. The Porters have dropped two straight and must win two of their last three to reach the playoffs.

Lincoln-Way East (6-0, 2-0) at Bolingbrook (6-0, 2-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: The Southwest Suburban Blue title likely will be decided as Lincoln-Way East and Bolingbrook clash. East has not experienced a close finish since Week 1, when the Griffins slipped past Providence Catholic 18-14. Bolingbrook counts Downers Grove South and Morgan Park, two strong nonconference foes, among its victims. Two week ago, East beat Lincoln-Way Central 42-14, and last week, Central rebounded to challenge Bolingbrook. The Knights led 3-0 at halftime before the Raiders rallied to win 14-3. East is No. 2 in the area in scoring offense, averaging 37.2 points, and No. 3 in total offense, averaging 359.3 total yards. The Griffins also are third in scoring defense (9.2) and total defense (162.2). Bolingbrook, which beat East 19-7 in 2007, is fourth in scoring offense (30.8), total offense (318.2) and scoring defense (9.5). Mistakes can be telling in big games, and Bolingbrook has been the master in that area. The Raiders, who carry an area-best plus 2.50 average turnover margin, have forced 23 turnovers, including 13 interceptions. Both figures lead the area. The quarterbacks of the two schools have been on target. East's Spencer Stanek has hit 66-of-94 passes, 70.2 percent, for 921 yards. Bolingbrook's Brad Geever is 42-of-76, .553, for 719 yards.

Minooka (2-4, 1-3) at Romeoville (2-4, 0-4)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: While the winner of this Southwest Prairie matchup will keep its playoff hopes alive, the loser will be ousted from playoff contention. Romeoville, seeking its first SPC victory, is in the throes of a four-game losing streak. Minooka has dropped four of its last five, including a 43-6 defeat at the hands of Plainfield North last week. Minooka is averaging 15.8 points per game and is allowing 20.0, while Romeoville is averaging 14.5 and allowing 22.2. But the Spartans have managed a total of 18 points over their last four games, 6 over their last three. Minooka, which beat Romeoville 47-14 last season, has scored 30 and 31 points in its two victories. Senior running back Elliot Allen has been a mainstay in the Indians offense. He has rushed for 576 yards and is averaging 6.4 per carry. Sophomore quarterback Mitchell Brozovich has received on-the-job training as experienced senior quarterback Brian Martin was injured in Week 1 and has not returned. Brozovich is 25-of-75 passing for 238 yards. Romeoville junior Erick Pierce has hit 18-of-42 for 247, but coach Jeff Kuna now has turned some of the quarterbacking duties over to sophomore Matthew Gillis. The Spartans' offense has committed 9 turnovers, while Minooka's has committed 16.

Joliet Catholic (4-2, 4-0) at Benet (2-4, 2-2)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Illinois Benedictine.

The rundown: JCA hopes to continue its march toward the East Suburban Catholic championship and clinch its accustomed playoff berth with its second Saturday night road win of the season -- the Hilltoppers beat St. Patrick 21-0 in Week 5. Senior quarterback Matt Ginnetti completed 13-of-16 passes for 153 yards in last week's 29-14 victory over Marist and adds that threat to an offense that features senior wingback Tyler Hudetz, who has rushed for 726 yards and averages 5.7 per carry. Benet, coming off a 15-13 win over St. Viator, lost to JCA 55-10 in 2007.

Sandburg (5-1, 2-0) at Lincoln-Way Central (4-2, 0-2)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: Lincoln-Way Central had the difficult assignment of opening Southwest Suburban Blue wars against Lincoln-Way East and Bolingbrook. Now the Knights hope to bounce Sandburg from its share of the league lead. The Eagles will meet Bolingbrook and East the final two weeks, so they have their work cut out. Central, which beat Sandburg 24-0 last season, is plus 1.17 on the average in turnover margin. The Knights count on senior running back Chase Davis, who has rushed for 672 yards and averages 6.2 per carry.

Plainfield C. (5-1, 4-0) at Oswego (5-1, 4-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: This matchup may go a long way toward determining the Southwest Prairie title as both teams have yet to play Minooka and Romeoville, which are a combined 1-7 in the league. Oswego, which beat Plainfield Central 27-10 last season, recovered from a 22-21 overtime scare against Plainfield North to whip Plainfield South 36-7 last week, while Central secured a 7-0 victory over longtime rival Morris. The Wildcats' rushing defense, which allows only 72.7 yards per game, will be tested by Oswego's physical running attack. Central has rushed for 231.7 yards per game, third best in the area.

Gordon Tech (2-4) at Providence (2-4)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Providence Catholic finally escapes the rigors of the Chicago Catholic Blue and now can go about the business of winning its last three games and qualifying for the playoffs. The Celtics have lost to Loyola, St. Rita and Brother Rice since beating Mount Carmel in Week 3. Gordon Tech broke a three-game losing streak last week, 52-13 over Seton. The Rams, who lost to Providence 49-0 in 2007, are allowing 31.2 points per game, so the Celtics have a chance to improve on their scoring average of 10.7 points per game.

Plainfield North (2-4, 2-2) at Oswego East (2-4, 1-3)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: After suffering a heartbreaking 22-21 overtime loss to Oswego to drop to 1-4, Plainfield North began its playoff push last week with a 43-6 win over Minooka. The Tigers must win out to qualify, and they still have Plainfield South and Morris to play. North, which lost to Oswego East 25-20 last season, has averaged 262.5 yards of offense overall and has done a better job of taking care of the ball in its last three games. The Tigers' defense yields 166.0 yards per game, fourth best in the area.

Hillcrest (3-3, 1-1) at Lemont (6-0, 2-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: Lemont continues to roll over its South Suburban brethren but is meeting a Hillcrest team that can be dangerous. The Hawks have suffered two close losses, including 10-8 to unbeaten Oak Forest two weeks ago, after dropping the season opener to Thornton 34-7. Lemont, which beat Hillcrest 35-8 last season, is No. 1 in the area in scoring offense and total offense, No. 2 in scoring defense and total defense. Junior back Danny Hayes is the area rushing leader with 819 yards, and he is averaging 7.9 per carry. Senior fullback Andrew Tomala has chipped in with 359 yards and averages 9.4 per carry.

Lincoln-Way North (0-6, 0-1) at Andrew (2-4, 0-2)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: Lincoln-Way North will attempt to break into the win column in the Southwest Suburban Red against Andrew, which has dropped three straight. North lost to Homewood-Flossmoor 27-10 two weeks ago, and last week, H-F slipped past Andrew 22-14 while North was losing to Leo 20-13. The Phoenix, who are ranked No. 1 in the area in pass defense, have Stagg and Bradley left on the schedule, so all of their last three foes are 2-4 at this point.

Sandwich (4-2, 1-2) at Peotone (2-4, 0-3)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Peotone has lost three straight in the Interstate Eight Large, while Sandwich has dropped two of its last three. Common opponents abound. Both have beaten Plano and lost to Coal City. Reed-Custer beat Peotone 49-14 but lost to Sandwich 15-14. Peotone will rely on quarterback Nic Romanchik and running back Tony Salerno as it attempts to exploit a Sandwich defense that yielded 35 points to Coal City last week. The Blue Devils won last year's matchup 10-7.

Reed-Custer (4-2, 2-1) at Manteno (3-3, 2-1)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Both teams are among the four atop the Interstate Eight Large with 2-1 records, and both made nice recoveries last week. Reed-Custer whipped Herscher 33-7 a week after falling to Sandwich 15-14, while Manteno followed a 34-6 loss to Herscher with a 28-27 victory over Peotone. Reed-Custer has been solid defensively, allowing 176.5 total yards per game. Garrett Sandefur has 399 rushing yards and a 5.0 average. Ryan Garbin has chipped in with 380 and a 5.2 average. Reed-Custer won last year's matchup 7-3.

Westmont (2-4, 1-2) at Dwight (0-6, 0-3)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Dwight came alive offensively in last week's 44-21 Interstate Eight Small loss to Lisle after the Trojans scored no more than one touchdown in any of their first five games. Four opponents have scored at least 25 points against Westmont, which won a shootout last year over Dwight 51-30.

Wilmington (6-0, 3-0) at Lisle (3-3, 2-1)

Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. at Illinois Benedictine.

The rundown: Wilmington fell behind Seneca 14-0 early last week but regrouped and posted its sixth straight one-sided victory 37-14. The Wildcats are gearing up for next week's showdown against Plano, which likely will decide the Interstate Eight Small title. Wilmington is No. 1 in the area in scoring defense and total defense, No. 2 in total offense and No. 3 in scoring offense. Junior Colin Webb directs the attack. He has completed 34-of-52 passes, 65.4 percent, for 642 yards and 9 touchdowns. Wilmington beat Lisle 33-7 in 2007.

Herscher (4-2, 2-1) at Coal City (4-2, 2-1)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Herscher and Coal City join Reed-Custer and Manteno atop the Interstate Eight Large standings with their 2-1 records. Herscher had won three straight before last week's 33-7 loss to Reed-Custer, while Coal City picked up its second straight win 35-14 over Sandwich. Junior back Bobby Kroeger has rushed for 380 yards and is averaging 5.3 per carry for the Coalers, who beat Herscher 35-14 last season.

Seneca (0-6, 0-3) at Plano (4-2, 3-0)

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The rundown: Seneca jumped to a 14-0 lead over Wilmington in last week's Interstate Eight Small matchup before falling 37-14. The Irish, who lost to Plano 40-0 last season, get the Reapers at a time when they are riding a three-game winning streak. Seneca has been competitive all season. But of the Irish's seven opponents to date, Plano included, only one is below .500 overall, one is 3-3 and the other five are above .500.