SouthtownStar Week 5 football preview capsules

Updated: September 21, 2011 6:59PM

BROTHER RICE (3-1, 0-1) VS. MOUNT CARMEL (4-0, 0-0)
AT GATELY STADIUM

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: St. Rita 21, Brother Rice 17;
Mount Carmel 62, St. Joseph 8

The breakdown: It’s a good bet the Caravan will key on stopping Rice’s 1-2 punch of running backs Martez Walker (56 carries, 440 yards) and Andrew Walker (68, 410), forcing force QB Pat Parrilli (27-of-49, 305 yards) to the air. It’s a game plan, however, that’s difficult to execute. If the Crusaders can establish a passing attack, they could pull off the road win. Rice’s defense, led by Kevin Salmon, Cody Stull and DeMarco Smith, has been stellar. But can it stop the Caravan’s rushing attack, led by RBs Brandon Greer (31, 461) and Draco Smith (43, 243) and QB Don Butkus (28, 163)?

PROVIDENCE (3-1, 0-1) AT ST. RITA (3-1, 1-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Loyola 32, Providence 6;
St. Rita 21, Brother Rice 17

The breakdown: The Celtics offense has been inconsistent and likely will find the going rough against a physical and fast Mustangs defense. Providence RB Andy Hoffmeister (52, 284) and QB Chris Salazar (38-of-76, 434 yards) will have to have big games against a Mustangs “D” led by Charles Elmore and Will McNamara. St. Rita QB Scott Thomas (42-of-78, 600 yards) has been very steady and has developed a go-to guy in WR Kenny Golladay (18 catches, 331 yards). Running back Mike Zunica (31, 151) is money in the bank in short yardage situations.

T.F. SOUTH (1-3, 0-2) AT BREMEN (4-0, 2-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Lemont 30, T.F. South 0;
Bremen 20, Oak Forest 13

The breakdown: The Rebels are a desperate team. A loss here and they can pretty much kiss their playoff dreams goodbye. Running back Giovanni Canty (59, 256) will need to carry the load for T.F. South, which would benefit greatly from a consistent night by QB Marlon Harris (13-of-37, 279 yards). Bremen QB Cedric Clemons (16-of-32, 310 yards) keeps getting better and better and RB David Smith (53, 387) could be ready for an explosive performance.

TINLEY PARK (4-0, 2-0) AT LEMONT (4-0, 2-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Tinley Park 44, Evergreen Park 27; Lemont 30, T.F. South 0

The breakdown: Something has to give here. Tinley Park is averaging 49 points per game; Lemont has allowed six points all season. The Titans have been mixing it up effectively on offense and will need to continue that pattern against the Indians. QB Kyle Sheridan (377 yards passing; 194 rushing) and RB Preston Thompson (39, 324) are keys for the Titans. Lemont heavily relies on RB Mike Anzalone (63, 470), though QB Damon Aleman (16-of-36, 341 yards) threw for two touchdowns against T.F. South on Friday. WR Tyler Jay (8, 143) is a top target for Lemont.

SANDBURG (4-0, 2-0) AT LINCOLN-WAY EAST (4-0, 2-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Sandburg 31, Lincoln-Way
Central 28; Lincoln-Way East 38, H-F 21

The breakdown: No way the Eagles can afford to get into a track meet against the high-powered Griffins. Sandburg RB Lemonte Booker (31, 283) has been dynamite and QB Anthony Adams (23-of-37, 339) is coming into his own. WR Nick Lehnerer (12, 162) is a sure-handed target for the Eagles, who must find a way to keep the Griffins “O” on the sidelines. That’s a tough chore. East’s D-line of Joel Magrum, Matt Solner, Kevin Bayer and Cody Larson is physical and fast.

RICH CENTRAL (2-2, 1-0) AT RICH EAST (3-1, 1-0)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Rich Central 41, Bloom 25;
Rich East 30, Riverside-Brookfield 16

The breakdown: The Olympians have been running the ball more the last couple of weeks, with James Thigpen carrying much of the load. However, Central might benefit more by allowing strong-armed QB Devonte Black (47-of-91, 827 yards) to target the Rockets secondary. East QB Malcolm Miller (10-of-20, 204 yards) has two dependable RBs in Rondell Willingham (74, 492) and Richard White III (57, 356). However, Central must load up against stopping the run and try forcing the Rockets into third-and-long situations.

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