St. Rita’s mission to return to the state title game in Champaign isn’t quite finished yet.

No. 12 St. Rita (9-2) at No. 4 St. Charles North (10-1)When: 1 p.m. SaturdayAbout the North Stars: St. Charles North is riding a 10-game winning streak. Headlined by two-way standout RB/LB Drew Surges, the North Stars have rolled since their Week 1 loss to Palatine — who also is still alive in the Class 8A playoffs. Their formula to win starts with establishing Surges and then opening up passing opportunities for Will Vaske to a host of receivers. Defensively, the North Stars have been mostly excellent limiting big plays and chunk yardage.About the Mustangs: St. Rita balanced a two-quarterback system in the regular season, but appears settled on junior QB Jett Hilding, who threw three touchdown passes last week in a win over Prospect. Mustangs running back DJ Stewart has been effective as just one of several playmakers on offense. Defensively, Rita has done well in the turnover margin and that’s always a key to win games, particularly on the road.Up next: The winner plays either Mt. Carmel or Brother Rice in the Class 7A semifinalsNo. 7 Yorkville (10-1) at No. 18 Batavia (8-3)When: 1 p.m. SaturdayAbout the Bulldogs: Batavia survived double overtime in an ultimate win over previously undefeated Hersey last week. Th Bulldogs’ recipe for success begins on the ground with Ryan Whitwell and star linebacker Tyler Jansey has been unleashed as a situational rusher. Jansey has been a machine on both sides of the ball production-wise. Drew Gerke is as dangerous as anyone left in the field on special teams, so look for field position to be a key aspect in this one.About the Foxes: Like Batavia, Yorkville is battle-tested in overtime situations. Yorkville survived quadruple overtime last week to defeat Moline. Defensively, the Foxes are led by Colorado State recruit Andrew Laurich, Wyoming commit Jake Davies and Blake Kersting on their fierce D-Line. Offensively, standout running back Gio Zeman, who has rushed for 973 yards and six TDs this season, is questionable for this week with a shoulder injury. Josh Gettemy will then get the lion’s share of carries in that scenario.Up next: The winner advances to the Class 7A semifinal round against the winner between No. 11 Lake Zurich (10-1) and No. 3 Pekin (11-0).

Drew Surges spoon fed St. Charles North another win Saturday in Hoffman Estates.

St. Charles North wanted to start fast in its Class 7A playoff opener against Maine West, and the North Stars achieved that goal.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox football playoff opening round matchups.

The royal season for York continued Saturday.

Rob Pomazak had a conversation with Drew Surges this season that he has only had with a very select group of players since becoming head coach at St. Charles North.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox Week 9 football matchups.

Let’s do a quick check of the Upstate Eight Conference in terms of the conference title race and the playoffs.

Led by a strong rushing attack, one big play via the passing game and a stout defensive effort, St. Charles North won its seventh straight game with a workmanlike 14-7 triumph over Glenbard North.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox Week 8 football matchups.

One player who qualifies as a special teams stud is Bartlett’s Blake McCluskey.

Senior Ryan Surges was everywhere during the North Stars’ 38-7 DuKane Conference victory over their crosstown rival St. Charles East.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox week 7 football matchups.

One of the Fox Valley area’s gridiron good guys is calling it a day.

The St. Charles North football team put visiting Lake Park on the ropes early Friday night. The Lancers got off those ropes and put up a fight late, but the North Stars prevailed 27-13.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox Week 6 football matchups.

Streaks of black smudges blanketed Drew Surges’ uniform.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox week 5 football matchups.

St. Edward broke into the win column in a big way in Week 4 with its 37-0 win over future conference compadre Chicago Christ the King.

There was never a doubt.As St. Charles North running back Drew Surges crossed the goal line for a touchdown to pull the North Stars within a point with 49 seconds to go against defending Class 7A champion Wheaton North, the offense was not leaving the field.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox week 4 football matchups.

What a difference a year makes.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox week 3 football matchups.

Here’s our look at what to expect in Fox area week 2 football matchups.

Tyson Moorer ran off the bench to line up at wide receiver as his Palatine football team faced a 3rd-and-6 and his team ahead by just six points Friday.

Here's our look at what to expect in Fox area week 1 football matchups.

Here’s our look at what to expect in the DuKane Conference.

Nolan Possley has put his own stamp into cultivating the next chapters of St. Charles East football.