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Week 9: Scouting the Mid-Suburban West

Schaumburg (4-4, 1-3) at Palatine (8-0, 4-0) When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Palatine 14, Schaumburg 7

Outlook: Schaumburg desperately needs a win, which would secure a playoff spot. The Saxons, who had won 4 in a row, have now lost 3 straight and have struggled defensively during the losing streak. No one in the area is playing as well as Palatine. Led by Chicago Bears player of the week Zach Oles, the Pirates are averaging 38 points. Palatine's defense could be one of the best-kept secrets around. They have come up big when needed and twice stopped Barrington last week on fourth-and-1 plays. With a win, Palatine would secure a top-four seed in the extremely competitive Class 8A field.

Barrington (7-1, 3-1) at Conant (0-8, 0-4)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Barrington 40, Conant 34

Outlook: Barrington is looking to get healthy and back on track this week after a disappointing loss to Palatine last week. With a win, the Broncos would likely clinch a home game for the first round of the playoffs. Their vaunted running game, which features a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Logan Moews (1,129 yards) and Ray Niro (1,115 yards), took a huge hit with an injury to lineman and three-year starter Nick Bart. Conant coach Bill Modelski will retire from coaching at the conclusion of this game, ending a 11-year career as head coach for the Cougars.

Hoffman Estates (6-2, 2-2) at Fremd (5-3, 2-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Hoffman Estates 25, Fremd 24 (OT)

Outlook: Both teams are playoff-bound so what is at stake here is seeding. Coach Mike Donatucci and the Hawks were able celebrate in front of their fans as Hoffman Estates cemented its first first trip to the playoffs in 22 years with a Week 8 victory. The Hawks have a dynamite passing combo led by quarterback Austin Coalson, who has thrown for 1,743 yards and 19 touchdowns. Jaylan Alexnader has been on the receiving end of 6 of those catches for 599 yards. Fremd has continued to look impressive after rolling past Schaumburg. The Vikings are also looking to move up in the seeds behind an offense that has been in high gear the past two weeks. Tommy Josten, who has thrown for 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns, leads a Viking offense that has scored 91 points over the last two weeks.

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