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Waubonsie Valley (3-3) at Bloom (3-3)

When: 7 tonight

Last week: Waubonsie defeated Lake Park 26-7. Bloom lost to Thornton Fractional South 28-19.

What to expect: The Warriors go out of conference and on the road to face a team consolidated from two schools - Bloom and Bloom Trail. Without a true road win to date, they'll be treating it like a business trip. After starting out 0-3, Waubonsie (3-1 Upstate Eight Conference) still has a lot to play for - a playoff berth and a share of the conference title. Last season wide receiver Alex Stokowski connected with quarterback Tyler Castro for three touchdown catches in a 34-0 win over Bloom - and that was well before Waubonsie became the passing team it is now.

The Sun's pick: Waubonsie

West Aurora (3-3, 1-3) at Naperville North (6-0, 4-0)

When: 7:30 tonight

Last week: West Aurora lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 41-7. North beat Naperville Central 35-21.

What to expect: The Huskies have already clinched the playoff berth West Aurora seeks. The Blackhawks haven't advanced to the postseason since 1994 but are in the conversation again this season, slotted No. 30 in the IHSA's latest playoff outlook. They've gone 0-11 against North since joining the DuPage Valley Conference in 1997, while the Huskies are enjoying an 11-game winning streak that includes last season's Class 8A state championship. Quarterback Matt Manade continued to progress last week, accounting for three touchdowns as North defeated Central.

The Sun's pick: North

Naperville Central (4-2, 2-2) at West Chicago (1-5, 0-4)

When: 7:30 tonight

Last week: Central lost to Naperville North 35-21. West Chicago lost to Glenbard North 42-0.

What to expect: The Redhawks proved they could hang with one of the top teams in the state last week, taking a 21-21 tie into the fourth quarter before North scored two big touchdowns. The crosstown game saw two Central defensive starters - tackle Mike Kraft and cornerback Kalen Petty - leave the game with injuries. Petty is expected to return tonight while Central is being cautious with Kraft's ankle - the lineman with nine sacks is doubtful.

The Sun's pick: Central

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

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Benet edged St. Viator 15-13. Joliet Catholic defeated Marist 29-14.

What to expect: Anticipate a playoff-type game, one the Redwings need to win if they want to make the postseason. They rose to the challenge last week in Arlington Heights as lineman Victor Sadauskas (13 total tackles, two sacks) led a defense that didn't buckle. But Joliet Catholic is a different test. After an 0-2 start, the Hilltoppers have won four straight East Suburban Catholic Conference games.

The Sun's pick: Joliet Catholic