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Mid-Suburban Week 5: Fremd meets Conant in battle of unbeatens

Fremd (4-0) at Conant (4-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Fremd 39, Conant 14

Outlook: Fremd's Kenny Lyke was expected to be one of the area's top defenders, but he has also turned into one of the area's top running backs, gaining 491 yards with a 10.1 average. Lyke and the Vikings will need that kind of effort on the ground against a Conant team that allowed 174 rushing yards a week ago against Hersey. Conant has played well enough to win 4 games this year. But the Cougars, who are led by Palmer Graham, who is third in the MSL with 22 receptions for 354 yards, have to avoid the second-half funks that they had against Bartlett and Hersey.

Barrington (4-0) at Schaumburg (3-1)

When: Friday 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Barrington 56, Schaumburg 6

Outlook: At the start of the season, this game seemed like it might be a repeat of last year's contest. And while Barrington has look great in its first four games, Schaumburg has certainly improved dramatically. The young Saxons have come of age early, led by the running of Emanuel Little, who has rushed for 385 yards, and the passing of Justin Perez, who has thrown for 553 yards. But the Saxons still need to stop the Broncos' 1-2 punch in running back Nate King, who has run for 466 yards, and dual threat quarterback Johnny Davidson, who has 733 yards passing and 386 yards rushing.

Hoffman Estates (2-2) at Palatine (3-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Palatine 31, Hoffman Estates 14

Outlook: Hoffman Estates hopes to turn its fortunes around as the Hawks enter conference play. Hoffman Estates was the only West team to lose crossover games, losing both by a touchdown or less. Chady Bitre is still looking good on the ground for the Hawks, having rushed for 446 yards this season. Palatine may have found some offensive help to go with quarterback Zach Oles, who has shouldered most of the offensive load rushing for 481 yards and throwing for another 714. Joshua Turner had a breakthrough performance for the Pirates, rushing for a career-best 86 yards last week. The Pirates' defense has also been impressive this year, allowing just 15 points per game.

Elk Grove (0-4) at Buffalo Grove (1-3)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Buffalo Grove 21, Elk Grove 20

Outlook: Both teams need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite being overmatched in their crossover games, Elk Grove put up stout efforts in each of them. The Grens have relied on the running of Azeez Alabi, who has gained 372 yards, to keep them in the games. Buffalo Grove has had tremendous success through the air with quarterback Trey Cervantes, who leads the area in passing with 1,099 yards, and Jimmy Trieb, who is the area leader in receptions with 28 for 432 yards. The main concern for the Bison is the defense, which has allowed 207 points this year and needs to step up.

Prospect (1-3) at Hersey (1-3)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Hersey 19, Prospect 15

Outlook: This is a huge showdown between a pair of teams that have conference title hopes. No team in the area has run the ball better than Prospect. The Knights are picking up 258 yards per game on the ground and are led by the area's leading rusher in Bobby Jarosz, who has 630 yards on the season. Hersey is looking to build off a strong second half performance against Conant last week. The Huskies, who won the East title last year, are led by running back Daniel Blair and quarterback Tommy Jackson.

Wheeling (0-4) at Rolling Meadows (2-2)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Rolling Meadows 27, Wheeling 17

Outlook: Nobody in the area has played a tougher schedule than Wheeling, whose opponents have combined for a 14-2 record this season. The Wildcats have been sparked by the play of quarterback Jalen Dennis, who as a dual threat has rushed for 218 yards and thrown for another 265. Rolling Meadows bounced back after a pair of consecutive losses to knock off Hoffman Estates. The Mustangs piled up nearly 400 yards in offense last week. They also got a huge game from Kevin Lacosse, who entered the game with just 105 yards and turned in a 195-yard, and 3-TD performance.

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