Week 8’s top five Chicago area games

SHARE Week 8’s top five Chicago area games
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Hinsdale Central’s Hayden Waters gets the play from a coach as the Red Devils play Glenbard West, October 7, 2017. Allen Cunningham / For the Sun-Times.

No. 4 Phillips (7-0) at Solorio (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday

Another tough matchup for undefeated Phillips. Solorio’s loss came against a solid Raby team, and the Sun Warriors are on a two-game winning streak. Solorio features talented quarterback Quincy Patterson, who scored three touchdowns last week against South Shore. Patterson made headlines this summer when he advanced to the Elite 11, a national skills competition featuring the top 11 quarterbacks in the country. Phillips has offensive firepower with quarterback J’Bore Gibbs, running back Craig Elmore and tight end Jahleel Billingsley.

No. 5 Loyola (6-1) at Providence (5-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday

A Catholic League Blue matchup featuring two teams that have been hot since early in the season. Loyola is on a six-game winning streak, and Providence is on a five-game winning streak. The Celtics handled Fenwick in a crossover game last week, winning 37-0 behind running back De’Shon Gavin. Ramblers running back Hamid Bullie has been invaluable this season, as has quarterback Quinn Boyle.

No. 3 Maine South (6-1) at New Trier (5-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday

Both teams have plenty on the line and both will have top prospects on the field in this Central Suburban South matchup. The winner takes over first place in the conference. Maine South’s only loss came in Week 2 against No. 1 Lincoln-Way East. The Hawks have dominated since then, led by running back Fotis Kokosioulis and a strong defense. New Trier is riding a four-game winning streak after starting 1-2. Players to watch for the Trevians include junior quarterback Carson Ochsenhirt and junior running back Brian Sitzer.

No. 13 Lyons (6-1) at No. 21 Hinsdale Central (5-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday

Both teams have been impressive on offense this season, except against Glenbard West. The Lions are averaging 33 points behind quarterback Ben Bryant. When they are clicking, they are hard to stop. The Red Devils are led by jack-of-all-trades back Garrett Oakey and highly recruited linebacker Aaron Antoniou. They also can put up points in a hurry.

Cary-Grove (5-2) at No. 22 South Elgin (6-1), 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Cary-Grove’s running game has been plagued by injuries, but big performances from junior quarterback Quinn Priester and sophomore fullback Blake Skol have kept things rolling. South Elgin is trying to avoid back-to-back losses. South Elgin quarterback Nate Gomez has an excellent connection with receiver Jaron Wells. They lead an offense that averages more than 40 points.

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