FOOTBALL: Week 7 high school capsules

Updated: October 5, 2011 6:27PM

OAK LAWN (3-3, 1-2) AT RICHARDS (3-3, 2-1)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Last week: Evergreen Park 21, Oak Lawn 6; Richards 36, Reavis 14

The breakdown: Oak Lawn’s defense will likely attempt to force Richards to the air. However, first it must put the clamps on Bulldog running back Marcus Smith, who rushed for 134 yards and three touchdowns Friday against Reavis. Oak Lawn RB Sean Hayden will challenge Richards defense, but don’t be surprised to see the Spartans allow QB Bobby Olsen target the Bulldogs secondary. If Oak Lawn can avoid turning the ball over, which has been a problem most of the season, it could pull off the upset.

BOLINGBROOK (5-1, 3-1) AT SANDBURG (5-1, 3-1)

When: 7:15 p.m., Friday

Last week: Lincoln-Way East 20, Bolingbrook 14; Sandburg 41, Joliet Central 0

The breakdown: Sandburg can remain within striking distance if it can somehow contain Bolingbrook QB Aaron Bailey, If not, it could be a long night. The Eagles would prefer to remain conservative on offense and eat clock. That means a big night from RB Lemonte Booker. QB Anthony Adams will need to keep a Raiders defense, that will likely load up against the run, honest with periodic pass attempts. The Eagles have an ace-in-the-hole in kicker Ted Vergados.

RICH EAST (5-1, 2-0) AT RICH SOUTH (2-4, 2-1)

When: 6 p.m., Friday

Last week: Rich East 28, Kankakee 0; Rich Central 21, Rich South 12

The breakdown: Expect the Rockets to remain committed to running the football. The one-two punch of Rondell Willingham and Richard White will receive plenty of opportunities to make things happen on the ground. So will QB Malcolm Miller. That is, unless the Stars can somehow stuff the Rockets running attack and force them to the air. Rich South’s offense has been inconsistent and coughed the ball up five times against Rich Central. The Stars will need a big performance from RB DeAndre Washington and their defense to have any shot.

CRETE-MONEE (6-0, 2-0) AT RICH CENTRAL (3-3, 2-1)

When: 6 p.m., Friday

Last week: Crete-Monee 32, Bloom 7; Rich Central 21, Rich South 12

The breakdown: Crete-Monee defensive back Anthony Standifer is licking his chops in anticipation of facing the Olympians pass-happy offense. Standifer, a Michigan recruit, picked off two passes against Bloom. Rich Central quarterback Devonte Black would be wise to stay away from Standifer. Better yet, the Olympians might want to consider handing the ball more to RB James Thigpen. Crete-Monee QB Marcus Terrell and WR LaQuon Treadwell are as explosive as any tandem in the Southland. Black has a big-time target in WR Shawn Calhoun.

BREMEN (5-1, 2-1) AT T.F. NORTH (4-2, 2-2)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Last week: Lemont 21, Bremen 0; T.F. North 16, T.F. South 14

The breakdown: Bremen needs to get its offense in gear. A start would be force-feeding RB David Smith the pigskin. The Braves defense has been opportunistic. If Bremen keys on stopping North QB Dion Beecham, it should be in good shape. However, if T.F. North produces a similar defensive effort like it did Friday against T.F. South, it could pull off the upset.

THORNWOOD (4-2, 2-2) AT THORNTON (4-2, 3-1)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Last week: Andrew 21, Thornwood 6; Lincoln-Way West 19, Thornton 6

The breakdown: Thornwood will likely test the Wildcats secondary. T-wood QB Patrick Bolton has a big arm and a dependable receiver in Chris Scott. Thornton has good balance on offense with RB Jamal Towns and the QB duo of Jason Towns and Jawan Brown dangerous. When Brown is under center, Jason Towns generally lines up at WR, providing an additional threat through the air.

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