SouthtownStar quarterfinal football preview capsules

Updated: November 9, 2011 7:02PM

(includes seedings)

CLASS 8A

NO. 12 HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (8-3) AT NO. 9 NAPERVILLE CENTRAL (8-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: H-F 48, Lockport 7; Naperville Central 43, Belleville East 3

The breakdown: Similar to last season’s semifinal run, the Vikings have saved their best ball for the postseason. While QB Tim Williams (149-of-225 passing, 2,387 yards) and the passing game has garnered much of the attention, the emergence of RB Anfernee Roberts (90 carries, 583 yards) the past two weeks has forced opponents to acknowledge H-F’s ground attack. In turn, that’s benefited the passing game. Central’s three losses came to Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South, both by 14-7 counts, and to Waubonsie Valley, 21-7. Central QB Ian Lewandowski is a threat with his arm and legs. H-F’s defense must contain Central RB Matt Randolph or it could spell trouble. Randolph rushed for 271 yards and five touchdowns during a 48-7 win over Glenbard East earlier in the season. Central has scored at least 40 points the first two playoff games. However, its strength is its defense, which has allowed just 139 points on the season.

CLASS 7A

NO. 3 ST. RITA (8-2) AT NO. 2 O’FALLON (10-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: St. Rita 28, Andrew 13; O’Fallon 34, Pekin 31

The breakdown: O’Fallon has outscored opponents 422-169. Its only loss came in Week 6, 23-22 to East St. Louis. O’Fallon has some top-notch playmakers, led by QB Todd Porter, who can air it out, RB EJay Johnson and WR Darius Mosely. Johnson is a beast out of the backfield. He rushed for 202 yards and six TDs during a 48-27 win over Edwardsville in the playoff opener. St. Rita likely will need to produce the same formula it did in the second-round against Andrew: Allow QB Scott Thomas (81-of-177, 938) to stretch the defense by way of throwing the pigskin, which will allow the 1-2 backfield punch of RBs Tim Lombard (137, 801) and Mike Zunica more room to run. With the exception of Loyola, the Mustangs defense will face its stiffest test to date.

CLASS 6A

NO. 3 HUBBARD (9-2) AT LEMONT (11-0)

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Hubbard 29, Richards 13; Lemont 35, Oak Forest 14

The breakdown: If Lemont can stop Hubbard’s running game, it will punch its ticket to the 6A semifinals. That’s easier said than done, however. Hubbard QB Quincy Skanes wreaked havoc with his legs against Richards in the second round, rushing for 116 yards and three TDs. Greyhounds RB Anthony Johnson has game-breaking skills. The Indians defense, led by John Tomala and Kyle Krull, has had little difficulty stopping opponents that rely on the run. Lemont RB Mike Anzalone (203, 1,327) carved up Oak Forest to the tune of 152 yards and two TDs in the second round. Lemont’s offensive line of Ethan Pocic, Travis Layer, Tim McAuliffe, Nick Runnfeldt and Carl Chanda consistently produces space for Anzalone to do his thing. Lemont QB Damon Aleman (47-of-91 passing, 1,035) doesn’t throw often, but when he does, it’s generally for big yards to WR Tyler Jay (22 catches, 500 yards).

CLASS 4A

NO. 1 RICHMOND-BURTON (10-1) AT NO. 13 EVERGREEN PARK (8-3)

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Last Week: Richmond-Burton 37, Mendota 19; Evergreen Park 19, Alleman 18

The breakdown: Richmond-Burton’s only loss came in Week 1, when Oregon, which finished 7-4, registered a 7-0 win. Since then, Richmond-Burton has outscored opponents 320-109 in winning 10 straight. Evergreen Park’s defense has to prevent RB Jack Dechow from having a big game. He piled up 271 yards and three TDs during a second-round win over Mendota. Richmond-Burton QB Matthew Malecki is not a major threat with his arm, If Evergreen Park can stop Richmond-Burton’s running attack, it could pull off the upset. Second-round foe Alleman loaded nine players in the box Friday in an attempt to force Evergreen Park to the air. The move backfired when Mustangs QB Brandon White completed 7-of-14 passes for 160 yards and two scores. Richmond-Burton might employ the same strategy in hopes of stopping Evergreen Park RBs Victor Baker (186, 1,107) and Jared Jackson (62, 766).

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