Football: Week 11 football preview capsules

Updated: November 2, 2011 8:06PM

Click the link to view the Herald-News football preview capsules or the SouthtownStar football preview capsules.

Class 8A

Brother Rice at Downers South

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Outlook: A couple of potent rushing attacks will be on display here. Brother Rice (7-3) has a pair of capable runners in Martez and Andrew Walker, while Downers South (9-1) counters with Josh Williams, who has gained more than 2,100 yards and rushed for 32 touchdowns. The Mustangs also showed an effective passing game last week, when A.J. Simoncelli passed for 228 yards and two scores vs. Naperville North.

Mount Carmel at Bolingbrook

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Mount Carmel (7-3) puts a streak of seven consecutive IHSA quarterfinal appearances on the line here. The Caravan will rely on a ball-control offense that averages 348 yards a game and features Brandon Greer (1,229 yards, 10.5 yards per carry, 12 touchdowns). Bolingbrook (9-1), which was knocked out of the playoffs by the Caravan last year, has quick-strike capabilities that will test Mount Carmel’s defense. Quarterback Aaron Bailey, a top prospect in the Class of 2013, passed for 304 yards and four scores last week – three for 66 yards or more.

Maine South at Stevenson

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: This is another playoff rematch with Stevenson (8-2) looking to avenge a quarterfinal defeat that was its only loss of 2010. Maine South (10-0), which has a 16-game playoff winning streak and has won 22 straight overall, continues to lean on junior quarterback Matt Alviti, who passed for four touchdowns and ran for another against Curie last week. Running back Kevin Foley and quarterback Matt Micucci pace Stevenson (8-2), which has played seven games decided by a touchdown or less, winning five.

Class 7A

WW South at Lincoln-Way East

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Outlook: Two-time defending Class 7A champ Wheaton Warrenville South (7-3) has won six in a row after a 1-3 start, thanks mainly to the running of Northwestern-bound Dan Vitale and a stout defense. That unit will be tested big-time by 10-0 Lincoln-Way East’s high-flying passing attack. Quarterback Blake Winkler has completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,237 yards and 30 touchdowns with just four interceptions and receivers J.J. Robertson and Jay Yancey have combined for 70 catches, 1,416 yards and 20 scores.

Lake Zurich at Glenbard West

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Between last year’s run to the Class 7A title game and playing in the rugged North Suburban Lake this fall, Lake Zurich (8-2) is battle-tested with quarterback Zach Till leading the way. That experience will come in handy against Glenbard West (10-0), which along with Lincoln-Way East has been the class of 7A this season. Penn State recruit Tommy Schutt is an unstoppable force on the defensive line and quarterback Justice Odom and running back Avery Balogh have keyed an efficient offense.

Class 5A

Joliet Catholic at Morris

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Outlook: One of the state’s great postseason rivalries will be renewed here. Joliet Catholic (8-2) and Morris (9-1) have met seven times in the IHSA playoffs, including twice for a state title, with the Hilltoppers winning the first five and the Redskins taking the past two. East Suburban Catholic Conference MVP Ty Isaac and Northwestern recruit Malin Jones provide a potent 1-2 rushing punch for Joliet Catholic. Quarterback Austin Feeney has made some big plays lately for Morris.

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