SouthtownStar Week 9 football preview capsules

Updated: October 19, 2011 6:42PM

JOLIET CATHOLIC (7-1, 6-1) AT MARIST (6-2, 6-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Joliet Catholic 56, St. Patrick 7; Marist 64, Carmel 63 (2 OTs)

The breakdown: Marist would like to halt Joliet Catholic’s ground game and force them to the air. Good luck with that. Joliet Catholic’s 1-2 backfield punch of Ty Isaac and Malin Jones has rushed for more than 2,000 yards and has scored 36 touchdowns. The Hilltoppers will try to run the ball, eat clock and keep the RedHawks’ explosive offense on the sidelines. Expect Marist QB Ian Woodworth (144-of-237, 2,037 yards) to target Nic Weishar (61 catches, 889 yards) and Ryan Meyer (35, 603) early and often.

OAK LAWN (4-4, 2-3) AT SHEPARD (4-4, 3-2)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Oak Lawn 21, Argo 0; Shepard 38, Evergreen Park 20

The breakdown: It’s unlikely even with a win the Spartans qualify for the playoffs. But, hey, you never know. That’s not the case for Shepard, which has a pile of playoff points at its disposal and will qualify at 5-4. Shepard QB Jimmy McClinton (82-of-151, 1,128 yards) has been dynamite in recent weeks. Expect the Astros attack to attack the Spartans secondary, with WRs Martice Weatherspoon, Londell Lee (28 catches, 504 yards) and Brandon Lucas (24, 335) all getting chances to catch the pigskin. Oak Lawn will need a big game out of RB Sean Hayden (185 carries, 784 yards) to have any chance.

THORNTON (6-2, 5-1) AT ANDREW (5-3, 5-1)

When: 7:15 p.m. Friday

Last week: Thornton 56, Thornridge 18; Andrew 36, Lincoln-Way North 14

The breakdown: The SouthWest Suburban Red title is at stake. Thornton has exceptional speed, which could pose major problems for Andrew. Wildcats QB Jowahn Brown (61-of-93, 933) can fling it and has the receivers, led by Jason Towns, who can catch it. Thornton RB Jamal Towns (167 carries, 1,082 yards) is a handful. Andrew QB Tyler Hook (90-of-145, 1,144) is developing into a difference-maker. RB Jarvis Franklin (123, 688) is a horse. If Andrew can mix it up on offense and keep Thornton guessing, it could prevail.

EAST MOLINE UNITED (2-6) AT RICH CENTRAL (4-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Rock Island Alleman 42, East Moline United 20; Rich Central 19, Kankakee 6

The breakdown: Rich Central needs a win to qualify for the playoffs. As tempting as it is for the Olympians to allow QB Devonte Black (96-of-172, 1,576) to fire the ball all over the field, too much is at stake. Central has to find a way to establishing a rushing attack, which would open up the passing lanes for Black and his receiving crew, led by Shawn Mitchell (31 catches, 752 yards).

RICHARDS (4-4, 3-2) AT ARGO (2-6, 1-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last week: Eisenhower 23, Richards 17 (3 OTs); Oak Lawn 21, Argo 0

The breakdown: Richards gets into the playoffs with a win. RB Marcus Smith (95 carries, 697 yards) should expect to see considerable action for the Bulldogs, who will rely on his strength and speed to move the chains. QB Tommy Mister is more of a threat to run than throw. Richards defense will come out hitting, led by linebackers Andrew Venerable and DiAndre Smith. If the Bulldogs’ front line of Barron Shepard, Jon Gilbreth, Rayfield Smith and Savon Robinson can duplicate Friday’s effort against Eisenhower, Argo will be hard-pressed to cross midfield.

CRETE-MONEE (8-0, 4-0) AT RICH EAST (6-2, 3-1)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: Crete-Monee 30, Rich South 0; Rich East 12, Bloom 7

The breakdown: On paper, it says the Rockets can garner a share of the Southland title with a win. But if recent performances are any indication, expect Crete-Monee to cruise rather easily. Rich East is limping to the finish line, having lost to Rich South and then squeaking by Bloom on Saturday. No way the Rockets can expect to run the ball down the Warriors’ throat. Rockets QB Malcolm Miller will have to show an ability to throw the ball and keep the Warriors defense honest. Crete-Monee QB Marcus Terrell (137-of-210, 2,082 yards) and WR LaQuon Treadwell (49 catches, 985 yards) have devoured opponents. Warriors RB Kenneth Kidd (77 carries, 517 yards) is a threat out of the backfield.

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