SouthtownStar football preview capsules

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Mount Carmel (6-2, 2-2) at Providence (7-1, 4-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Mount Carmel 48, St. Laurence 7; Providence 26, De La Salle 20

What to expect: Providence controls its own destiny. If the Celtics win, the Catholic Blue is all theirs. If they fall, they share it with the winner of Loyola vs. St. Rita game. The Caravan is coming off arguably its best game of the season. Providence RB Tim Hanrahan (below) topped the 200-yard mark against De La Salle. Expect the Caravan to focus on wrapping him up.

Prediction: Providence 17, Mount Carmel 14

Evergreen Park (4-4, 1-4) at Argo (2-6, 1-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Richards 22, Evergreen Park 19; Argo 12, Eisenhower 6

What to expect: Not even a victory assures the Mustangs of entry in the Class 4A playoff field. But if Evergreen Park produces the same effort it did against Richards, it gets a win and makes things interesting.

Prediction: Evergreen Park 26, Argo 20

Thornton (4-4, 3-3) at Lincoln-Way East (7-1, 5-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Thornton 21, H-F 14; Lincoln-Way East 35, Lincoln-Way Central 12

What to expect: If the Wildcats win, they’re in the playoffs. Maybe if Thornton sneaks Antwaan Randle El in at QB and Napoleon Harris at LB it pulls off the upset. East must take care of business or face the reality of slipping in the 8A rankings. LB Ryan Hickey is still a week or two away from returning.

Prediction: Lincoln-Way East 38, Thornton 14

St. Laurence (6-2, 5-0) at De La Salle (6-2, 5-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Mount Carmel 48, St. Laurence 7; Providence 26, De La Salle 20

What to expect: The winner garners the Catholic White title. The Meteors were without top RB Mark Kasper and still gave Providence all it could handle. Kasper will be back and could be the difference. The Vikings need a big day out of RB Steve Fiorella.

Prediction: De La Salle 28, St. Laurence 14

Andrew (6-2, 5-0) at Lincoln-Way North (6-2, 5-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Andrew 21, Bradley 0; Lincoln-Way North 26, Thornridge 6

What to expect: Andrew has won six straight and has posted four shutouts in its last five games. North has won five of its last six and will need a big performance from QB Tait Erikson. How the Phoenix defense handles Andrew’s D-I offensive linemen Garrett Parker (Eastern Michigan) and Mark Lenkiewicz (Minnesota) warrants attention.

Prediction: Andrew 21, Lincoln-Way North 14

St. Rita (7-1, 3-1) at Loyola (7-1, 3-1)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: St. Rita 27, St. Ignatius 14; Loyola 38, Gordon Tech 0

What to expect: The good news for these teams is by the time they go to sleep Friday night, they’ll know whether they’re playing for a share of the Blue title or second place. If a piece of the Blue is at stake, don’t be surprised if St. Rita RB Jahwon Akui sees some action. Either way, another solid performance from QB Rob Gallik (14-of-21, 234 yards Saturday) would go a long way in securing the “W” for St. Rita.

Prediction: Loyola 20, St. Rita 17

Richards (7-1, 6-0) at T.F. South (4-4, 3-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Richards 22, Evergreen Park 19; T.F. South 28, T.F. North 0

What to expect: The Bulldogs are banged up — not exactly a good position to be in against a desperate and physical T.F. South. If the Rebels pull off the upset, they likely qualify for the postseason. Expect Richards to go to the air with greater frequency, hoping QB Jon Ryan and WR Keith Sconiers can provide some fireworks. The Rebels’ passing game has been hit-and-miss, but RB Christian Gonzalez has had a fine season and will need to carry much of the load here.

Prediction: T.F. South 27, Richards 23