Herald-News football capsules

Joliet Catholic vs. Montini

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium

The rundown: When last seen, the two combatants were involved in the Class 5A state championship game, with Montini's spread attack pulling out a last-minute 29-28 victory. So the rematch has been much anticipated. Not only that, it will be JCA's first game on the new FieldTurf at Memorial Stadium. JCA fans are anxious to see how fast the offensive backfield of Josh Ferguson, Malin Jones, Ty Isaac and quarterback Breshion Tucker is on the turf. The running game will be JCA's bread and butter, although Tucker is capable of putting the ball in the air.

Dick Goss' pick: JCA

Bill Scheibe's pick: JCA

Dave Parker's pick: JCA

Rob Oesterle's pick: JCA

Brian Kush's pick: JCA

Minooka vs. Glenbrook South

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: When Glenbrook South opened 2009 with a 38-14 victory over Minooka, it began an 9-3 season where the Titans averaged nearly 42 points. With running back John Strickland leading the way, Glenbrook South hopes to challenge Maine South and New Trier for the Central Suburban Silver title. Minooka, meanwhile, may be in the hunt for the Southwest Prairie title. In fact, some say the defending champion Indians are the favorites. They went 8-3 last season, with a 48-20 second-round playoff loss to East St. Louis. Veteran quarterback Mitch Brozovich and tailback Kyle Banks lead the Minooka offense.

Dick Goss' pick: Minooka

Bill Scheibe's pick: Minooka

Dave Parker's pick: Minooka

Rob Oesterle's pick: GS

Brian Kush's pick: GS

Joliet Central vs. Lincoln-Way West

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: A new era begins for Joliet Central football, and in a sense, a new era also gets under way for Lincoln-Way West football. Joliet West and Central had not been separate programs for the last 17 years. Lincoln-Way West, then without seniors, went 2-7 in its first varsity season a year ago. So this is the first time the Warriors will have seniors, and as coach Mark Vander Kooi said, you cannot underestimate the value of senior maturity and leadership on a team. JT Central will be led in its return by coach Mike Maloney, a former JCA all-stater and defensive lineman at the University of Illinois.

Dick Goss' pick: LWW

Bill Scheibe's pick: LWW

Dave Parker's pick: LWW

Rob Oesterle's pick: LWW

Brian Kush's pick: LWW

Joliet West vs. Jacobs

Kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday

The rundown: Jason Aubry was the head coach of the combined Joliet Township program the last few years. Now, he is the head man at Joliet West. The Tigers are looking to get off on the right foot against a Jacobs team that was 2-7 last season and is projected for a second-division finish in the Fox Valley Valley this season. West will be led by senior quarterback Malcolm Allen, the JT starter for part of last season, and a potentially good offensive line. The Tigers are young but talented at running back and boast a good set of pass receivers. Junior linebacker Matt Koran is back to lead the defense.

Dick Goss' pick: JT West

Bill Scheibe's pick: Jacobs

Dave Parker's pick: JT West

Rob Oesterle's pick: JT West

Brian Kush's pick: JT West

Providence vs. Morgan Park

Kickoff: 3:15 p.m. Sunday at Soldier Field.

The rundown: Providence Catholic is coming off a remarkable 2009 season. Even though the Celtics dropped the Class 6A state title game 34-17 to Cary-Grove, the Celtics won the Chicago Catholic Blue title with a 5-0 record and finished 12-2 overall. Providence did suffer heavy graduation losses but returns a big offensive line that will be a key this season. Morgan Park beat Brother Rice 32-10 in last year's opener at Soldier Field and finished 9-3 overall. The talented Mustangs rank as a favorite in the Illini Prairie State Conference.

Dick Goss' pick: Providence

Bill Scheibe's pick: Providence

Dave Parker's pick: Providence

Rob Oesterle's pick: Providence

Brian Kush's pick: Providence

Lincoln-Way North (0-0) at Lincoln-Way Central (0-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: Lincoln-Way North was a surprise team in the area last season when the Phoenix won the SouthWest Suburban Red with a 6-0 record. They were 6-4 overall. Lincoln-Way Central is lacking experience in new coach Brett Hefner's first season.

Plainfield C. (0-0) at Lyons (0-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Plainfield Central dropped a 31-8 decision to Marist in last year's opener en route to an 0-3 start and 4-5 season. The Wildcats' eqarly schedule again is difficult.

Plainfield E. (0-0) at Metea V. (0-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Metea Valley is a new varsity program, which is what Plainfield East was last season under Shane Trager. Now Mike Romeli takes over.

Bolingbrook (0-0) at DGS (0-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: The teams met twice last season, Bolingbrook winning the opener 16-14 and Downers Grove South claiming a 22-20 decision in Round 2 of the playoffs.

Plainfield N. (0-0) at W. Chicago (0-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: Plainfield North nailed West Chicago 36-7 in last year's opener and, despite not having an abundance of returning regulars, the Tigers project as the favorite tonight.

Oswego (0-0) at Morris (0-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Two old rivals get together in a nonconference opener, which will begin Alan Thorson's tenure as Morris' head coach. Thorson previously was the head sophomore coach. Oswego won last year's meeting 6-3.

Lockport (0-0) at DGN (0-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

The rundown: Lockport opened last season with a 49-18 win over Downers Grove North and went 6-4. With tailback Dan Holman returning and running behind a large offensive line, the Porters could be a factor in the SouthWest Suburban Blue.

L-Way E. (0-0) vs. Edwardsville (0-0)

Kickoff: 11 a.m. Saturday at ISU

The rundown: Edwardsville lost 44-25 to Minooka in the opening round of the 2009 playoffs, ending a 6-4 season. Lincoln-Way East finished 9-2 and had its playoff trek end in a 17-16 loss to O'Fallon in Round 2.

Plainfield S. (0-0) at Raby (0-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Saturday at Hanson

The rundown: Plainfield South makes a long journey to unveil its speedy attack vs. Raby, 2-7 last year.

Romeoville (0-0) at Hinsdale S. (0-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Hinsdale Central.

The rundown: Third-year quarterback Matt Gillis leads Romeoville, which won last year's matchup 34-12.

Little Village (0-0) at Lemont (0-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

The rundown: Lemont suffered heavy graduation losses but should take care of Little Village.

Around the Interstate Eight

The rundown: All games are crossovers and begin at 7:30 Friday. Seneca visits Coal City, which won last year 28-21. New Reed-Custer coach Matt Fox will take a young team to Peotone, which beat the Comets 34-14 in 2009. Wilmington laid a 56-7 number on Manteno in last year's opener and visits Manteno tonight. Dwight is at Herscher, which won last year 27-6.

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