SouthtownStar Week 4 football preview capsules

Updated: September 14, 2011 6:51PM

ST. RITA (2-1, 0-0) AT ROTHER RICE (3-0, 0-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: St. Rita 42, Fenwick 0; Brother Rice 35, Bishop McNamara 0

The breakdown: Brother Rice has lost four straight games to St. Rita. The Crusaders will likely continue to do what they do best — run the football. Expect the Crusaders’ 1-2 punch of Martez Walker and Andrew Walker, who have combined for more than 700 yards and 14 touchdowns, to carry the load. Quarterback Pat Parrilli has completed just 10-of-22 passes on the season. St. Rita also depends largely on the run, with Mike Zunica, Guerby Ministre and Tim Lombard sharing the load. However, QB Tim Thomas is coming off a strong game and can’t be overlooked.

RICHARDS (1-2, 0-0) AT SHEPARD (2-1, 1-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Lemont 28, Richards 6; Shepard 21, Argo 0

The breakdown: Neither team has been lighting up the scoreboard. Richards QB Tommy Mister and RB Marcus Smith are averaging 4.6 and 3,9 yards per carry, respectively. Those numbers must increase — an improved effort from an inexperienced O-line would certainly help — for the Bulldogs to return to their winning ways. Shepard QB Jimmy McClinton has completed 21-of-38 passes for 286 yards and two TDs. The Astros’ running game has been inconsistent. Martice Weatherspoon could be ready for a breakout performance for Shepard.

LINCOLN-WAY EAST (3-0, 1-0) AT HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (3-0, 1-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Lincoln-Way East 38,
Lockport 7; H-F 42, Lincoln-Way Central 7

The breakdown: Outcome of this one could come down to the final possession. Both offenses have been dynamite. East QB Blake Winkler (41-of-69, 681 yards) has two stellar WRs in J.J. Robertson (5 catches, 102 yards) and Jelani Yancy (18, 292). When the Griffins want to run the ball, Tyler Starke (28 carries, 232 yards) has been dependable. H-F QB Tim Williams has been locked in, completing 31-of-40 passes for 601 yards. Sean Jones (13, 271) and Gerard Butler (4, 94) are his primary targets. Turnovers could be the difference.

THORNTON (2-1, 1-0) AT LINCOLN-WAY NORTH (2-1, 0-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Thornton 26, Bradley 14;
Thornwood 20, Lincoln-Way North 14

The breakdown: Thornton has struggled to capitalize on its scoring opportunities. If it can reverse fortune here, it will remain atop the SouthWest Suburban Red. Expect to see a steady dose of QB Jason Towns and RB Jamal Towns from the Wildcats. North would prefer to rely on its running game and keep the Wildcats offense on the sidelines. QB Jake Wittman can deliver if asked to throw the ball. The Phoenix has a wealth of talent at RB, with Jake Dixon, Ross Ward and Gianni Bandera capable of ripping off long dashes.

EISENHOWER (2-1, 1-0) AT OAK LAWN (2-1, 1-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Eisenhower 28, Evergreen Park 9; Oak Lawn 14, Reavis 7

The breakdown: Since suffering a Week 1 loss, Ike has relied more on QB Justin Geiter (417 yards rushing; 330 passing). It’s a wise strategy and should pay dividends if continued here. Expect the Cardinals to take advantage of their speed. Oak Lawn would prefer to limit that speed to the sidelines as much as possible. For that to happen, Spartans RB Sean Hayden will need a big game.

MOUNT CARMEL (3-0) AT ST. JOSEPH (0-3)

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Mount Carmel 40, De La Salle 7; Gordon Tech 47, St. Joseph 0

The breakdown: Start pouring the bubbly now — non-alcohol, of course. Chargers alum Isiah Thomas could be disguised as the head official and St. Joseph, outscored 145-13 this season, still would have no chance of coming within 40 points of the Caravan. Yes, the fat lady already has started singing, signifying a victory for the Caravan and the 307th of coach Frank Lenti’s wonderful career. Translation: Lenti passes Richards legend Gary Korhonen as the state’s all-time winningest football coach.

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