SouthtownStar football capsules

Updated: March 28, 2011 12:18PM

(2009 records in parentheses)

SANDBURG (7-4) AT ANDREW (6-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

The background: Eagles own a 5-1 record against the Thunderbolts in their brief, but intense, rivalry.

The breakdown: Sandburg's defense must find a way to overcome Andrew's massive O-line, led by Illinois recruits Chris O'Connor (6-foot-5, 250) and Tony Durkin (6-3, 260). If not, T-Bolts RB Andre Gahan could have a field day running the ball. Sandburg has a major threat in its backfield in senior Jermell Harris, brother of former NFL linebacker and Thornton grad Napoleon Harris. Both teams, however, will likely need to establish their passing attacks.

MARIAN CATHOLIC (7-4) AT HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (1-8)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The background: H-F owns an 8-5 edge in this fierce rivalry, despite dropping last year's contest 34-18.

The breakdown: It's a new era at H-F, with Craig Buzea taking over the reins from Kenneth Smith. Whether it's Tim Williams or Steve Roman at QB or Malik Norman or Lance Sims at RB, H-F intends on making a statement. Marian boasts returning starters John Rhode at QB and Jeruel Taylor at RB. How the Spartans defense, led by linemen Marc Grkinich and Mike Toliver, contains the Vikings' explosiveness could determine the outcome.

NO. 7 CRETE-MONEE (10-2) AT T.F.SOUTH (4-5)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

The background: These two teams have high expectations for the season.

The breakdown: The Warriors lost a lot of skill from last year's 10-2 team, but have enough holdovers and up-and-coming talent to remain dangerous. RB Julius Spicer and WR Lexus Jackson have game-breaking skills. QB Jaylen Bailey's biggest responsibility will be to cleanly get the ball in their hands. T.F. South QB Kevin Hallberg could be ready for a breakout season. He has two threats in the backfield in Ben Jones and Kenny Jackson. LB Rob Sterling is a beast who must have a big game if the Rebels are going to slow down the Warriors.

LINCOLN-WAY NORTH (6-4) AT LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL (6-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

The background: One of the many battles to bragging rights in District 210.

The breakdown: North is hoping to pay back Central from a 13-0 defeat last season. The Phoenix struggled offensively a year ago, but that shouldn't be the case this season. QB Jack Irace, RB Tyler Willig and WBs Bo Beniac and Collin Hannigan are well-versed in the offense. Keep an eye on North WR Nolan Gonciarczyk, out the past two seasons with injuries but a player with a ton of potential. Central would love to start the Brett Hefner era with a win. For that to happen, a group of inexperienced skill players will have to rely on a powerful performance by the O-line, led by Evan Branyik.

HILLCREST (8-2) AT THORNTON (4-5)

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday

The background: Hillcrest drubbed Thornton 40-22 in 2009.

The breakdown: The Hawks lost a boatload of talent from last season's 8-2 squad. But coach Earnest Sutton is hoping QB Breyonte Brewer can guide the Hawks to another winning season. The Hawks should prepare for a focused Thornton squad looking for redemption. QB Dimitrius Hardwick scored 25 TDs last season and is capable of exceeding that number this fall. Wildcats WR Charles Knowles and RB Damien Bell warrant serious attention.

NO. 3 PROVIDENCE Catholic (12-2) VS. MORGAN PARK (9-3) AT SOLDIER FIELD

When: 3:15 p.m. Sunday

The background: Providence is reloading, Morgan Park rebuilding.

The breakdown: Morgan Park generally is one of the top teams in the area, but an abundance of inexperience has raised doubts. That should bode well for Providence, which has the savvy Joey Houlihan at QB directing the offense. The Celtics lack a go-to RB, but a massive O-line, led by the trio of Mike Kronberg (6-2, 270), Frank Marasovic (6-2, 272) and Dan Lembke (6-7, 285), should make it rather easy for the Celtics to produce a capable ballcarrier.

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