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Week 9, Upstate Eight: Playoffs start early for Bartlett, Glenbard East

Bartlett (4-4, 3-1) at Glenbard East (4-4, 2-2)

Upstate Eight (Valley)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: Bartlett 50, Streamwood 6; West Aurora 31, Glenbard East 28, OT

Last year: Bartlett 23, Glenbard East 20, OT

Outlook: Playoff points shouldn't be an issue for either of these teams since Glenbard East has 41 and Bartlett has 39. Thus, the winner of this Upstate Eight Valley finale will likely make the Class 8A tournament and draw a top seed in the first round. Bartlett aims to make the postseason after a two-year absence. Following a 1-4 start against teams with a combined record of 30-10, the Hawks have rallied for 3 straight wins against teams with a combined record of 5-19. Glenbard East opened the season 4-1 but has lost 3 straight against teams with a combined record of 19-5. The Bartlett defense allowed an average of 23 points through its first 5 games but has allowed a total of 20 points in its last three outings. Bartlett's secondary will be tested by a Rams quarterback Phillip Abruzino, who has completed 133 of 251 yards for 2,116 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has thrown 11 interceptions. "They have six or seven kids who are really decent receivers and make it tough to defend," Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. "Games like this could come down to special teams and turnovers. We're pretty close." Offensively, the Hawks are peaking at the right time. Last week against Streamwood they scored 50 points and gained 502 total yards, 283 via the run. Two-way standout Nolan Bernat gained 165 of those yards on 15 carries and scored 4 touchdowns. Defensively, he nabbed 1 of Bartlett's 3 interceptions, giving him 3 for the season. Senior Cameron Mays leads the Hawks with 5 interceptions.

West Aurora (5-3) at Metea Valley (3-5)

Nonconference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last week: West Aurora 31, Glenbard East 28, OT;

Last year: Metea Valley 42, West Aurora 13

Outlook: The mission is clear for the Blackhawks, who enter the weekend with 5 wins and 30 playoff points: win and get in. West Aurora can clinch its first playoff berth in 21 years with a victory against former Upstate Eight foe Metea Valley, which was eliminated from playoff contention last week. The Mustangs' 5 losses came against DuPage Valley Conference teams with a combined 26-14 record. "When you lose you depend on other people to win for you. If you win, you don't have to worry about that," West Aurora coach Nate Eimer said. "For us, it's a chance to do something that hasn't been done in 21 years and we don't want to wait until Saturday. It should be an exciting time. I think you have to embrace the excitement." The Blackhawks will have to get the job done without leading rusher DaQuon Cross, who was ejected from last week' game and must sit out by rule. Cross is also a starting linebacker, but that position could be fortified by the return of Fabian Guerrero, who missed last week's game with a knee issue. His return is probable, Eimer said.

South Elgin (7-1, 4-0) at West Chicago (1-7, 1-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The quick hit: South Elgin aims to improve its Class 8A playoff seed by completing an undefeated run through the Upstate Eight Conference's Valley Division. Senior running back Shawn Griffin has followed a talented offensive line for 1,236 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Wildcats yield 44.4 points per game.

St. Charles East (3-5) at East Aurora (1-7)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The quick hit: The Saints hope to close out the season on a positive note with a victory in this Upstate Eight River finale. A St. Charles East option offense that has gained 2,311 rushing yards faces an East Aurora roster whittled to 22 players by attrition.

Elgin (0-8, 0-5) at St. Charles North (6-2, 3-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The quick hit: Elgin is tasked with limiting a nearly unstoppable offense. Directed by junior quarterback Zach Mettetal, who has completed 120 of 171 attempts for 1,788 yards and 21 touchdowns, the North Stars average 404 yards and 40 points per game, both tops in the Upstate Eight River.

Batavia (7-1, 5-0) at Streamwood (3-5, 2-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The quick hit: The Bulldogs close out their fifth straight season as Upstate Eight Conference River Division champions. Nino Adkins leads the Sabres with 42 receptions for 562 yards and 4 touchdowns. Batavia's Canaan Coffey set a school record last week with 222 receiving yards.

Geneva (7-1, 4-1) at Larkin (1-7, 1-4)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The quick hit: The Royals attempt to refocus a week after winning for the first time since Sept. 2013. Geneva is headed for the playoffs for the third straight year and 11th time in 12 seasons. The Vikings look to shake off last week's loss to rival Batavia and improve their playoff seed.

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