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Week 8, Mid-Suburban: Wheeling challenges for East lead

MID-SUBURBAN EASTWheeling (2-5, 2-1) at Hersey (4-3, 3-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Hersey 35, Wheeling 14

Outlook: With wins in its last two games, Wheeling has put itself in a position to claim a share of the MSL East lead with a third consecutive victory. The Wildcats have turned things around thanks to a defense led by Andrew Lara and Josh Campbell. Wheeling has continued its offensive surge with Jalen Dennis, Josh Diaz and Dylan Draka leading the charge. Hersey, which had its offensive struggles early in the season, has been operating on all cylinders the last two games. The Huskies averaged 40 points and 385 yards of offense during that span with running back Kamil Jackowski leading the way.

Buffalo Grove (1-6, 0-3) at Rolling Meadows (4-3, 2-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Rolling Meadows 27, Buffalo Grove 10

Outlook: Buffalo Grove's struggles on defense, as the Bison, have allowed an average of 42.6 points per game. Meanwhile their offense continues to be a bright spot, with quarterback Trey Cervantes throwing for an area-best 1,689 yards and 16 touchdowns. Rolling Meadows, which dropped a pivotal game last week against Prospect, can't get caught looking ahead. This is a game that Rolling Meadows must have if the Mustangs want a shot at the conference title next week when they host Hersey. Junior quarterback Asher O'Hara has thrown just 2 interceptions and has backed that up with 11 touchdown passes while continuing to impress each week.

Elk Grove (1-6, 1-2) at Prospect (2-5, 1-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Prospect 31, Elk Grove 13

Outlook: Elk Grove keeps digging itself into deep holes - and then almost finding a way to climb out. Last week against Hersey, the Grens fell behind in double digits for the third time this year, only to rally and come up a bit short at the end. Joey Gatziolis, who played a large part in the Grens comeback, leads the area with 44 receptions for 750 yards. But the Grens will need to shut down the area's leading rusher in Bobby Jarosz, who has 958 yards this season. Prospect needs to keep winning and get some help. If they do, the Knights still have a shot at conference title.

MID-SUBURBAN WESTFremd (5-2, 2-1) at Barrington (6-1, 2-1)When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last year: Barrington 33, Fremd 28

Outlook: This is a true bounce-back game for one of these two teams. Both are coming off surprising losses last week. Fremd was tripped by Hoffman Estates 25-24 in overtime while Barrington lost to Palatine for the second year in a row, 26-24. Fremd has some key injuries and needs to get healthy defensively to help contain a Barrington offense that has averaged nearly 40 points per game. Yale-bound defensive end Matt McCabe is a key to that defense. Barrington needs to avoid key penalties that helped stall scoring opportunities last week and all season for the Broncos, who have averaged nearly 80 yards in penalties the last two games.

Conant (6-1, 2-1) at Hoffman Estates (3-4, 1-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Conant 24, Hoffman Estates 16

Outlook: The battle for the Mayor's Cup sees a Conant team that has been on a roll offensively all season. The Cougars piled up 545 yards and 49 points last week in a win over Schaumburg. Kyle Bradley had a career game, throwing for 400 yards, while Palmer Graham had his second consecutive 200-plus yard receiving game. Conant needs a win to keep pace in the West while Hoffman needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Hawks get a huge boost with the return of Dante Cleveland to the lineup after he missed four games with an injury. Chady Bitre, how has rushed for 760 yards and Keegan Pierce, who has thrown for 1,131 yards and 11 touchdowns, have kept the offense going while Cleveland has been sidelined.

Palatine (5-2, 2-1) at Schaumburg (4-3, 1-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Palatine 45, Schaumburg 35

Outlook: Just like a year ago, Palatine made a huge leap back into the MSL West race with a victory over Barrington. The Pirates, who have won the West three of the least four years, could take another huge step forward with a win over Schaumburg. But the Pirates will need to overcome a couple of key injuries along the way to avoid stumbling before getting to a week 9 matchup with Conant. Schaumburg did stumble last week in their 49-14 loss to Conant. It was the first game this season that the Saxons have truly been out of. Schaumburg needs at least one win in the next two weeks to secure a playoff spot.

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