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Football: Scouting Week 9, Northwest

Rolling Meadows (7-1, 4-0) at Hersey (5-3, 3-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Rolling Meadows 24, Hersey 21

Outlook: Not only is a conference title at stake, but the state playoffs could be on the line for Hersey. Rolling Meadows comes into the game with a 6-game winning streak. But the Mustangs will be without RJ Mattucci, who was injured last week. But Luke Pavlakis, who subbed for Mattucci two weeks ago before Mattucci's injury, has shown he is more than capable of playing the position at a high level. Meadows has shared the East title the last two seasons and will look for its first outright title since 2009. Hersey, which shared the conference title with Meadows and Elk Grove last year, can claim a share of the title this year and also earn the automatic berth in the state playoffs with a win. If the Huskies lose, they may find themselves on the playoff bubble. They will be guaranteed 38 playoff points, which many observers feel the cut off will be. Extra points are available to Hersey if Glenbrook North or Barrington win their games on Friday.

Buffalo Grove (4-4, 2-2) at Wheeling (3-5, 1-3)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Wheeling 30, Buffalo Grove 6

Outlook: Both teams are playing out the season without a chance at extending it into the playoffs. Buffalo Grove, which was picked near the bottom of the East at the start of the season, has had a superb year. The Bison have won as many games this year as they had in the previous 3 seasons combined. But the playoff hunt ended for the Bison last week with their loss to Prospect. Even with a victory this week, the Bison would have 5 wins. But the maximum playoff points they could get is 34, which will be well short of qualifying. Wheeling had high playoff hopes coming into this season. But the Wildcats' string of missed playoff years will go to 6. Still, a win would Wheeling its highest win total since 2008.

Prospect (2-6, 2-2) at Elk Grove (0-8, 0-4)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Elk Grove 3, Prospect 0

Outlook: Prospect has been on a roll the last two weeks, winning both of its games, and the Knights would love to extend those good vibes through Week 9. Prospect has really hits its offensive stride the past two weeks, scoring 69 points with a resurgent Matt Drew at quarterback and a running game that has found itself with Bobby Jarosz and Andrew Shafis. Prospect churned out 204 yards on the ground last week. Elk Grove came within a minute of going to overtime last week with Rolling Meadows. The Grenadiers will look to take that momentum and help turn their season around and avoid their first winless season since 2006. Receiver Matt Wary has been a beast the last couple of weeks, scoring 3 touchdowns last week.

Barrington (7-1, 3-1) at Fremd (6-2, 3-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Barrington 35, Fremd 21

Outlook: This was the game that most observers had figured would settle the West title. But losses to Palatine by both teams changed that theory. Now the game will only have playoff seeding at stake for both teams in the Class 8A bracket. Fremd bounced back last week and rallied past Conant in the second half to clinch a third consecutive playoff appearance. Fremd will look to win the game up front with their huge offensive line. Barrington lost the battle in the trenches last week and it cost the Broncos a top-three seed in the 8A playoffs. The Broncos will look to change that this week and still get their talented wide receiver corps involved in the offense and take some momentum into the playoffs.

Tune in: Live video streaming on High School Cube at football.dailyherald.com.

Schaumburg (1-7, 0-4) at Palatine (6-2, 4-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Schaumburg 38, Palatine 13

Outlook: Schaumburg, which won the MSL title last year, would like nothing better than to spoil Palatine's opportunity to win the MSL West title outright. The Saxons got the running game in gear before being slowed in the end last week in a loss to Hoffman Estates. For Palatine, the future is now. After an uneven start in which they lost 2 of their first 3 games, the Pirates are playing their best football. “This team is playing hard-nosed football right now,” Palatine coach Rick Splitt said. Palatine has won the battle up front the last two weeks against Fremd and Barrington while continuing to find ways to make big plays when they need them. Nick Orlando has guided the offense masterfully while Vince Serio, Dillon McHugh and Mike Williams have made huge defensive plays for the Pirates. Jovone Stricker has been hot for the Pirates, scoring 3 touchdowns in the last two games.

Tune in: Live video streaming on High School Cube at football.dailyherald.com.

Hoffman Estates (4-4, 1-3) at Conant (3-5, 1-3)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Conant 40, Hoffman Estates 6

Outlook: There is not a player on the Hoffman Estates roster that was alive when the Hawks last made the playoffs, in 1994. But the Hawks can change that by qualifying with a victory Friday night. That would give Hoffman Estates at least 43 playoff points, which should be plenty to spare for an at-large berth. Jeff Mayes, who threw for 214 yards and ran for another 114 yards last week, helped the Hawks end a 4-game losing streak. Conant, which has played well offensively the past couple of weeks, has been running the ball quite effectively. The Cougars would like nothing better than to spoil the playoff party for their crosstown rivals while claiming the Mayor's Cup in the process.

Maine West (1-7, 0-4) at Maine East (1-7, 0-4)When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last year's result: Maine West 54, Maine East 27

Outlook: The Warriors look top end their season on a high note against their district rivals. Both teams have given up nearly 350 points, but Maine West rates an edge in the game. The Warriors have been getting things together offensively in the last two games, scoring a pair of touchdowns in each contest. Maine East, whose only victory came by forfeit, has scored just 5 touchdowns all season and 36 points. They have been shut out in their last two games.

Tune in: Live video streaming on High School Cube at football.dailyherald.com.

St. Viator (5-3, 4-2) at Nazareth Academy (8-0, 6-0)When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: With its win last week, St. Viator has enough victories and playoff points to qualify for the playoffs. It will be the Lions' first appearance since 2012 and they most likely be a 5A team this year and could possibly drop to 4A since the private school multiplier is not in effect for them this year. Now the Lions look to improve their seed, and they will need their best game to do that against one of the top teams in the state in the Roadrunners. St. Viator's offense has been explosive all season, averaging 33 points. The offense will get its best test yet against a Nazareth defense that allows 18 points a game. But the real key should be how well the Lions can stop Nazareth's offense, which is averaging 44 points. Look for the Roadrunners to play ball control and keep the Lions' offense off the field.

Proviso East (1-7, 0-5) at Leyden (1-7, 1-4)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Leyden 36, Proviso East 12

Outlook: After posting its first win of the season two weeks ago, Leyden stumbled last week. The Eagles' John Robles did provide some spark last week, returning a kickoff for a touchdown. Another high point was the rushing of David DeMarais, who had 137 yards on 22 carries, including an 84-yard touchdown run. Leyden hopes to end its season with a bang against a Proviso East team that has lost its last 7 games.

Tune in: Live video streaming on High School Cube at football.dailyherald.com.

Christian Liberty Academy (0-8, 0-8) at Luther North (3-5, 3-5)When: Friday 7:00 p.m.

Last year's result: Luther North 42, CLA 0

Outlook: It has been rough for the Chargers, who have lost 17 in a row heading into their season finale Friday. Three is the operative word for CLA. The Chargers have not scored in 3 consecutive games and have just 3 touchdowns this season. But with just 3 seniors on the team, things should improve for next season.

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