SouthtownStar Week 8 football preview capsules

Updated: October 12, 2011 7:32PM

MOUNT CARMEL (6-1, 1-1) AT ST. RITA (6-1, 2-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Mount Carmel 51, St. Laurence 6;
St. Rita 28, Bishop McNamara 24

The breakdown: Caravan quarterback Don Butkus completed 11-of-13 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns against St. Laurence. Is this passing attack a trend or an attempt to give the Mustangs something else to think about? Expect Caravan RB Brandon Greer (66 carries, 885 yards, 9 TDs) to get his chances out of the backfield. St. Rita QB Scott Thomas (58-of-121, 714 yards) will have to provide a threat through the air. No way the Mustangs can rely on smashmouth football to take down the Caravan.

LOYOLA (7-0, 2-0) AT BROTHER RICE (5-2, 1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Loyola 47, Fenwick 7; Brother Rice 42, De La Salle 14

The breakdown: Rice will try its best to control the clock and keep Loyola’s offense on the sideline. RBs Martez Walker (112 carries, 828 yards, 12 TDs) and Andrew Walker (106, 731, 14), who combined for 305 yards rushing against De La Salle, are keys to making that happen for the Crusaders. Don’t be surprised to see more of the Crusaders top players playing both ways.

RICHARDS (4-3, 3-1) AT EISENHOWER (6-1, 4-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Richards 55, Oak Lawn 12; Eisenhower 28, Reavis 20

The breakdown: Like they have in recent weeks, expect Richards to heavily rely on RB Marcus Smith (95 carries, 697 yards, 9 TDs). The Bulldogs do not want to have to play catch-up and have to rely on their passing attack. Sophomores Romel Hill, DiAndre Smith and Andrew Venerable are standout linebackers and will be a factor in stopping Eisenhower’s explosive offense. The Cardinals have a stud LB of their own in Brion DuBoise. Expect the Bulldogs to key on stopping the Cards’ running game, featuring RB Leo Okeke (131, 1,151, 14) and QB Justin Geiter (100, 895, 6). But Richards can’t lose focus of the Cards passing attack. Geiter (41-of-83, 810 yards) can throw the ball and has WRs Ben Bouie (11 catches, 261 yards) and Lavantis Lewis (12, 322) at his disposal.

ANDREW (4-3, 4-1) AT LINCOLN-WAY NORTH (4-3, 2-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Andrew 24, Bradley 21;
Lincoln-Way North 17, Thornridge 14

The breakdown: Andrew opened a 17-0 lead against Bradley and then became tentative instead of remaining aggressive. The combo of QB Tyler Hook (72-of-122, 884 yards) and receiver Joe Sanfilippo (28 catches, 336 yards) is dangerous. RBs Jarvis Franklin (107 carries, 608 yards) and Dennis Vilimek warrant serious attention out of the backfield from the Phoenix. North’s offense has struggled. Jake Dixon will need to come up big out of the backfield. Ditto for QB Jake Wittman (51-of-89, 613).

SANDBURG (5-2, 3-2) AT LOCKPORT (5-2, 3-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Bolingbrook 27, Sandburg 3; Lockport 35, Joliet West 14

The breakdown: A big game as far as playoff seeds. The Eagles defense will have its hands full containing Porters QB Billy Reed, who has a go-to WR in Mike Haldemann. RB Dexter Taylor will get chances to get the Porters’ ground game rolling. The Eagles offense will try to rebound after sputtering against Bolingbrook. It might be time to allow QB Anthony Adams (38-of-78, 527 yards) more opportunities to throw the rock. Sandburg K Teddy Vergados could be the difference.

SHEPARD (3-4, 2-2) AT EVERGREEN PARK (7-2, 3-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: T.F. South 35, Shepard 9; Evergreen Park 55, Argo 6

The breakdown: A banged-up Shepard squad is limping to the finish line. QB Jimmy McClinton (69-of-134, 902 yards) will likely have to lead the way. WRs Martice Weatherspoon and Londell Lee (23, 397) need to have spotlight performances for the Astros. Evergreen Park has an opportunity to end the Astros’ playoff dreams. RBs Vincent Baker (128, 694, 13) and Jared Jackson (29, 495, 6) could cause the Astros some headaches. Same for QB Brandon White, who also can do damage with his feet.

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