Week 8’s top five games

No. 8 Hinsdale Central (6-1) at Hinsdale South (5-2)

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The storyline: Hinsdale Central is coming off a 51-21 win over No. 23 Lyons. The Red Devils have played one of the toughest schedules in the area and it doesn’t get any easier this week against the Hornets. Red Devils senior Christian Bobak has fueled their rushing attack since returning from an early season injury. He’s a workhorse with the ability to bust open for big runs. Hinsdale South is headlined by running back Marcus Curry and Michigan State defensive lineman commit Josh King, one of the area’s top players.

Oak Forest (7-0) at Lemont (6-1)

The facts: 7 p.m. Friday

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The storyline: Two playoff eligible teams matchup in a pivotal game in the race for the South Suburban Blue conference title. Lemont advanced to the Class 6A state championship game last season and its lone loss this season is to Richards. Oak Forest has been on a massive roll this season. Its closest test so far was last week’s 35-27 win over Tinley Park. Stealing the show for Oak Forest is Nick Czeszewski, who scored three touchdowns in that win over the Titans.

No. 15 Oak Park-River Forest (6-1) at No. 23 Lyons (5-2)

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

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The storyline: The Huskies piked up their first loss of the season last week as No. 2 Glenbard West beat them 34-7. Back-up quarterback Keegan Smith was at the helm due to an injury to junior Jeremy Hunt in Week 6. Oak Park-River Forest and the Lions have both played incredibly tough schedules this season so they know what to expect Friday. Lyons sophomore quarterback Ben Bryant completed 56 percent of his passes last week in a 51-21 loss to No. 8 Hinsdale Central.

Fremd (5-2) at No. 16 Barrington (6-1)

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

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The storyline: This Mid-Suburban West conference match-up has both teams looking for vengeance after losing close games in Week 7. The Broncos picked up their first loss of the season, 26-24 against a solid Palatine team. The Vikings took Hoffman Estates to overtime and went on to lose 25-24. Barrington remains in a three-way hunt for the conference title with No. 24 Conant and Palatine. Fremd has been using Michigan State defensive back commit Kenney Lyke at the running back slot as well as wide receiver. Junior quarterback Tommy Josten has had a nice season for the Vikings and looks to a bright future.

No. 3 Loyola (7-0) at St. Rita (3-4)

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

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The storyline: The Ramblers are in the drivers seat for the Catholic League Blue title. They face a young and hungry St. Rita team. Loyola’s staunch defense has allowed only 38 total points through the first seven games. The Ramblers have shut out three opponents, including highly-regarded Brother Rice. They are just as dangerous on offense, posting an average of nearly 40 points per game. St. Rita’s three wins this season (Dunbar, Aurora Christian, St. Joseph) have all come at home, so it is possible the Mustangs could make things interesting.