Football: Semifinal football preview capsules

Updated: November 17, 2011 7:07PM

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

CLASS 8A

Bolingbrook at Naperville Central

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Few classes have come farther than Naperville Central’s seniors, who were 2-7 as freshmen and were part of a 4-5 club last fall. The Redhawks (9-3) have won five straight, with quarterback Ian Lewandowski (1,737 total yards, 20 touchdowns) and a stingy defense setting the tone. Bolingbrook (11-1), which has been held under 30 points just three times this season, is paced by junior quarterback Aaron Bailey (2,511 total yards, 36 touchdowns).

Glenbard North at Loyola

When: noon Saturday

Outlook: Glenbard North (9-3) started 5-0 with three shutouts before losing three in a row. But behind the running of brothers Phil and Justin Jackson, the Panthers have won four straight to reach the semifinals for the third time in five seasons. Loyola (12-0), knocked out in the semifinals by Maine South each of the past two seasons, is seeking its first trip downstate since winning it all in 1993. Elusive quarterback Malcolm Weaver, a deep receiving corps led by Charlie Dowdle and Marquese Martin-Hayes and a defense that’s allowing fewer than eight points a game have been a winning formula for the Ramblers.

CLASS 7A

WW South at St. Rita

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: It hasn’t been an easy season for two-time defending Class 7A champ Wheaton-Warrenville South (9-3), which has struggled to keep its quarterbacks healthy and its offense on track. But Northwestern-bound back Dan Vitale has been a reliable runner and the Tigers’ defense has has plenty of signature moments, including a Week 11 shutout of Lincoln-Way East. St. Rita (10-2), in its third semifinal in six seasons, also has relied on a stubborn defense keyed by linebacker Will McNamara and defensive back Charles Elmore.

Lake Zurich at Boylan

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Lake Zurich (10-2) may be the state’s most under-rated program. The Bears have been to the semifinals five times in six seasons and are seeking their fourth trip to state in that span. Minnesota-bound linebacker Jack Lynn is among the leaders of a defense that held previously unbeaten Glenbard West to a field goal in Week 10 and is allowing just under 10 points a game. Mike Shield has come up with some big runs in the playoffs for Lake Zurich. No team has come within 14 points of Boylan (12-0), which has held nine opponents under 10 points.

CLASS 6A

Lemont at Richwoods

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Kyle Krull (89 tackles), Vince Letizia (87 tackles) and John Tomala (67 tackles, 16 for losses) are among the leaders of a Lemont defense that has a school-record six shutouts. Mike Anzalone has rushed for 1,456 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Indians (12-0), while Damon Aleman has passed for 1,134 yards and 17 scores. Richwoods (9-3) lost its first three games – including a 63-34 romp by Joliet Catholic – but has won nine straight, including 20-19 last week at preseason Class 6A favorite Danville.

Prairie Ridge at Batavia

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Quarterback Noah Gaspari (163 of 229, 2,786 yards, 27 touchdowns, four interceptions) paces a Batavia offense that averages 415 yards a game. The Bulldogs (12-0), seeking their second trip to state, also have a lockdown defense paced by Sean Oroni (127 tackles), Kevin Schroeder (94 tackles) and Alec Lyons (73 tackles, nine sacks). Prairie Ridge (11-1) has a diversified offense that features playmakers like Nick Nissen, Jordan Getzelman and Connor Greenwald, along with an offense that’s allowing fewer than nine points a game.

CLASS 5A

Sacred Heart-Griffin vs. Joliet Catholic

When: 2 p.m. Saturday at Joliet Memorial Stadium

Outlook: Not many teams have the offensive firepower of Joliet Catholic (10-2), which features two big-time backs in junior Ty Isaac (1,900 yards, 11.9 per carry, 41 total touchdowns) and Northwestern-bound senior Malin Jones (1,284 yards, 23 touchdowns). Pat Smith has completed 67 percent of his passes for Sacred Heart-Griffin (12-0) for 2,687 yards and 34 touchdowns with only one interception.

Montini at Kaneland

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: It’s Round 2 for two-time defending Class 5A champ Montini (10-2) and Kaneland (12-0), who brought the same records into last year’s semifinal in Maple Park, which the Broncos won 27-14. Montini again brings in a high-octane passing game led by quarterback John Rhode and receivers Jordan Westerkamp, Joe Borsellino and Anthony Taylor. The Knights have shown a knack for winning close games; beginning with a Week 9 victory over previously unbeaten Morris, they have four victories by a total of 18 points.

© 2012 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.