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Week 7: Scouting the Mid-Suburban West

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

Last year's result: Palatine 21, Fremd 14

Outlook: The annual "Battle of the Tracks" may not have quite the same spotlight as in recent years, but don't tell that to the players and coaches. The bragging rights should be fiercely contested between a Palatine team that has lost 3 games by a total of 12 points and a resurgent Fremd squad that got its first win last week. Palatine has moved the ball up and down the field behind DJ Angelaccio, who has thrown for 969 yards and Johnny O'Shea, who has 32 catches for 501 yards. But the Pirates have struggled inside the 10 and need to find a way to push the ball over. Fremd has improved offensively thanks to the play of sophomore quarterback Andrew Saxe and junior running back Nick Rattin along with former scout team defensive back now converted running back Rasheed Amos.

Schaumburg (3-3, 0-2) at Conant (1-5, 0-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Schaumburg 35, Conant 10

Outlook: Both teams were oh so close to wins last week. Schaumburg led Hoffman Estates before faltering down the stretch. Still the Saxons can get back on that playoff push with a win here and at least another win tin the final two weeks. Jamari McIntyre and Logan Knox led the Saxon defensive charge while Schaumburg quarterback Deontae Arnold continues to run the read option well. Conant just keeps being inches away from victories. The Cougars have lost 2 games in overtime and 4 of their games by a touchdown or less. Jack Reiger has rushed for 397 yards this season for Conant.

Hoffman Estates (6-0, 2-0) at Barrington (6-0, 2-0)When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last year's result: Barrington 45, Hoffman Estates 41

Outlook: This is virtually the same Hoffman Estates team that lost in a shootout to Barrington last year. And a year older and year wiser, Hoffman has been dangerous all season. The Hawks are not flying under the radar any longer thanks to the play of quarterback Austin Coalson, who has thrown for 1,374 yards, and receivers Jaylan Alexander, who leads the area with 40 receptions for 631 yards and Jayvon Blissett, who has 29 catches for 774 yards. Although graduation hit Barrington hard, the Broncos still have quarterback Ray Niro, the most dangerous offensive player in the MSL. Niro was spectacular last week against Palatine. Niro is a wizard when he has the ball in his hands, making defenders miss as he has rushed for 933 yards. He has also become a magician when he throws it, tossing it for 948 yards and 7 TDs. History sides with Barrington, which has beaten Hoffman Estates in its last 16 games.

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