Week 13’s top five games

No. 1 Loyola (12-0) at No. 4 Glenbard West (10-2), Sat. 1 p.m.

Two teams with tons of momentum meet in what is shaping up to be the best match-up of the playoffs. The winner earns a berth in the Class 8A state title game. The Hilltoppers are the defending Class 7A champs, the Ramblers the defending Class 8A champs. Loyola tight end and overall difference-maker Jake Marwede, a Duke recruit, has seen an increased role in the offense and more of the same can be expected. Loyola quarterback Tommy Herion’s status is unknown. He left last week’s game with an injury. Glenbard West has playmakers all over the field, including senior quarterback Cole Brady who was instrumental in a 38-21 quarterfinal victory over Edwardsville. This match-up will air live on CSN Chicago.

No. 2 Palatine (12-0) at No. 8 Maine South (9-3), Sat. 2 p.m.

Palatine is back in the semifinals for the second consecutive season. The Pirates’ defense is one of the state’s best. Palatine has allowed just more that seven points a game in the playoffs. Maine South started the season slow, but has rebounded to win five consecutive games. Junior running back Fotis Kokosioulis is a key cog in the Hawks offense, as is senior receiver Luke Hinkamp and quarterback Nick Leongas. Both teams played close quarterfinal games last week and expect Saturday’s Class 8A semifinal to be no different.

DeKalb (10-2) at No. 3 Prairie Ridge (12-0), Sat. 1 p.m.

Prairie Ridge quarterback Sampson Evans has been unstoppable this season. The junior scored five touchdowns in a 71-7 victory over Lake Forest in the Class 6A quarterfinals last week. Evans isn’t the only threat that the Wolves bring to the table. Running back Cole Brown is a major threat as well. DeKalb knocked off Cary-Grove 35-21 in the quarterfinals. The Barbs’ explosive offense is led by senior quarterback Derek Kyler and has had no problem putting up points. This one should provide plenty of offensive fireworks.

No. 22 Plainfield North (10-2) vs. No. 11 Fenwick (11-1) at Triton, Sat. 3:30 p.m.

Fenwick’s offense has been its calling card this season. Senior quarterback Jacob Keller is an athletic playmaker and running back Connor Lillig has been a constant contributor. Fenwick’s defense has flown under the radar, but was instrumental in a 28-21 win over Jacobs in the Class 7A quarterfinals last week. Lorenzano Blakeney led the way with two interceptions. Plainfield North has multiple options on offense, including quarterback Brady Miller who established himself as a running threat in the quarterfinal win against Rockford Auburn. The Tigers knocked off top-seeded Bradley-Bourbonnais 49-20 earlier in the playoffs.

No. 15 IC Catholic (12-0) at Monticello (12-0), Sat. 3 p.m.

IC Catholic hasn’t even had a close game this season. A 31-point victory against Riverside-Brookfield is the toughest challenge the Knights have faced. Monticello’s season has been similar, winning every game by double-digits. IC Catholic standout running back Jordan Rowell is a special talent and quarterback Luke Ricobene adds an additional spark. The Knights have an opportunity to turn some heads if they can knock off unbeaten Monticello in a road game.