East Suburban Catholic Week 5: Benet, Marist could be a shootout

Marist (3-1, 2-0) at Benet (3-1, 1-1) Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Benedictine University in Lisle.

Last week: Marist 49, Notre Dame 42; Benet 30, St. Patrick 28.

Last year: Marist 21, Benet 7.

Outlook: If last week was any indication, this could be a shootout. Marist's offense piled up at least 45 points the last three weeks behind quarterback Brendan Skalitzky, who threw for nearly 400 yards against Notre Dame, and receiver Liam Keffer. The RedHawks also had a 100-yard rusher last week in Darshon McCullough. Benet's defense had its moments while beating St. Patrick, especially in the second half when forcing key turnovers. Receiver-defensive back Robert Bordignon snared a critical interception while also catching 12 passes for 95 yards from quarterback Jack Sznajder. Linebacker Charlie Weidenbach showed why he's the heart and soul of the Redwings' defense. Benet's offense showed it can keep pace with an explosive team like Marist by piling up 400 yards against St. Patrick. Sznajder, who threw for 230 yards, and running back Marty Dosen, a workhorse with 41 carries for 189 yards, did the bulk of the damage.

Next week: St. Patrick at Marist; Benet at Nazareth.

Notre Dame (3-1, 1-1) vs. St. Viator (1-3, 0-2)

At: Forest View

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: St. Viator 21, Notre Dame 14

Outlook: The Lions have struggled defensively the past two games, allowing 45 and 48 points to Marist and Joliet Catholic. Now comes in neighborhood rival Notre Dame, which was unbeaten until being stunned last week by Benet. St. Viator, which can ill afford any more losses if they want to make the playoffs, hopes to have both Cole Kmet and Mike Ragauskis back after both left last week's game with injuries. Junior quarterback Tom Majerus has thrown 8 touchdowns, but has matched that with 8 interceptions while tossing for 675 yards. Another highlight will be the Marching Illini band, which will perform before and during halftime of the game.

Carmel (1-3) at St. Patrick (2-2)

When: 11:15 a.m., Saturday

Where: Hanson Stadium

Last week: Carmel def. Marian Catholic, 38-7; St. Patrick lost to Benet, 30-28.

Outlook: Carmel got its first win last week, thanks in part to a buckle-down effort by the defense. The Corsairs had been allowing 36.7 points per game over the first three weeks but put the clamps on Marian Catholic in giving up just 7 points. Meanwhile, the offense was driven by running back Rondel Jamison, who rolled up 151 rushing yards on 20 carries. He also scored a touchdown. Zavier Barnes, starting in place of injured quarterback Jeremy Strutzel, threw a touchdown to tight end Noah Turner … St. Patrick has lost its last two games and is allowing 40 points per game over the last three weeks.