Class 7A quarterfinal: Scouting Benet at Lincoln-Way Central

Class 7A

No. 17 Benet (8-3) at No. 9 Lincoln-Way Central (10-1)

Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.

Last week: Benet 26, No. 1 Hononegah 0; Lincoln-Way Central 21, No. 8 Hersey 7.

Outlook: Benet's defense is in top form, but the Redwings face a team playing just as well defensively. Every level of Benet's defense contributed to last week's second shutout of the season. John Benish up front, Devin Petersen at linebacker and Ben Cooney in the secondary all present challenges for offenses trying to sustain drives. And sustaining drives is just what the Knights did last week. They piled up nearly 400 total yards, including 250 rushing yards. Six-foot-three, 210-pound Mike Morgan was a workhorse in the ground game, carrying the ball 37 times for 163 yards. Lincoln-Way Central, whose only loss was a 28-14 defeat to unbeaten Lincoln-Way East in Week 5, boasts four shutouts and four games allowing 7 points or fewer. Knights linebacker Matt Granberry is one of the better defensive players Benet will face this season. The Redwings' offense did just enough last week thanks to running back Ben Hickey, who had 19 carries for 140 yards. Sophomore quarterback Colin Gillespie continues to mature with each start.

Advancement: The winner advances to the Class 7A semifinals against the winner between No. 4 Batavia and No. 12 Lincoln-Way West.