Hillcrest knows what's at stake

The last time Hillcrest played at Tinley Park, the Hawks were ushered through the doors of defeat.

That was two years ago.

The Hawks return to Tinley Park on Friday night, and the stakes are high for both teams. The Hawks and Titans need a win to secure a spot in the Class 5A state playoffs.

"It's a big game," said coach Ernie Sutton, whose Hawks are 4-4. "The last time we played at Tinley Park, it didn't go very well. Now, it's win or go home."

The Hawks' downfall much of the season has been their inability to find the end zone consistently. Quarterback Herb Offord and running back Morgan Weaver would benefit greatly from improved play from the offensive line.

"We have to score some points," Sutton said. "The offensive line has to step up. We need them to have a strong game. It's time to go back to basics."

Offord has been a force on defense, racking up four interceptions against Bremen on Friday and has 10 picks on the season.

Sutton is expecting a physical game from the Titans, but is confident his team can prevail if it avoids turnovers and play up to their ability.

"If we come out focused, I think we're going to be all right," Sutton said. "If we play up to our ability, we'll beat them."

Crete-Monee makes change at QB

Despite registering five consecutive victories and earning at least a share of the SICA South title, Crete-Monee has made the decision to change quarterbacks.

Justin Roudez, who had been injured since Week 2, returned to quarterback during the second quarter of Friday's 18-12 win against Rich South, and A.J. Pierre, who guided the Warriors during their streak, slipped over to wide receiver.

"A.J. did a great job for us," coach Jerry Verde said. "But Roudez offers a different dimension to our offense. He can run and throw and always looks to gain more yardage. He has a strong arm and raises the level of our offense. A.J. is an excellent receiver. That's his natural position and he's our long snapper."

And as long as the offensive line, led by Matt Finnin, Gary Nelson and DeAngelo Chambers, continues to perform at a high level, the Warriors will produce points.

"The offensive line is playing really well," Verde said.

After dumping Rich East in Week 6, did the Warriors take Rich South a little too lightly Friday?

"I warned the kids about a letdown," Verde said. "We came out a little flat. But Rich South has some talented kids and they played hard. They had us on the ropes."

Marian Catholic hopes to finish strong

It's been hardly a season to remember for a proud Marian Catholic program. The Spartans are sitting 1-7 and host a surging Marist squad Friday night.

Marian has been battered by injuries, having lost its top two QBs, three starting linemen and its top two running backs.

How difficult has it been for Marian Catholic to find the end zone? The Spartans have scored three points in the first half of games this season.

Still, Marian Catholic exhibited tremendous pride Friday when it dropped a 16-7 decision to a 6-2 Joliet Catholic Academy club.

"We were really pleased with the efforts against Joliet Catholic," coach Dave Mattio said. "I don't know what it is, but we play well vs. JCA. It's been a tough year. Our offense hasn't been able to support our defense.

"With the exception of the Carmel game, the defense has played well."

Linebackers Kevin Linde and Nate Colburn and cornerback Dan Roque have produced solid seasons. So has the trio of Max Stevenson, Josh Forney and Bryan Golupski on the D-line.

Mattio is hoping his team can end the season on a positive note against Marist.

"I told the kids we have one more ball game to play," Mattio said. "Let's finish it out as strong as you can and maybe we can catch Marist."

Pat Disabato can be reached at pdisabato@southtownstar.com or (708) 802-8837.