Game of the Week preview: No. 12 Loyola at No. 14 Brother Rice

It should be one to remember in the Catholic League Blue when No. 12 Loyola (2-1) visits No. 14 Brother Rice (3-0) on Friday in the Sun-Times’ Game of the Week.

Loyola looks to rebound after a a 17-12 loss to No. 11 Mount Carmel last week. Quarterback Matthew Schiltz and Rory Boos have proven to be a formidable duo early but couldn’t deliver in the end against the Caravan.

Brother Rice has rolled so far with wins against No. 15 Marist, Crete-Monee and Fenwick. The win against Marist came in Week 1 when the RedHawks were ranked fifth. The Crusaders’ 20-16 victory showed they could play with anyone, and they haven’t let up.

The Crusaders have already surpassed their win total from last season, and the future looks bright for a team with a lot of experience.

The winner likely will be the early-season favorite in the Catholic League Blue, so the stakes are high. However, it’s not the only exciting game in Week 4. Here’s a rundown of four other games you’ll want to keep an eye on.

No. 4 Homewood-Flossmoor (3-0) at No. 23 Bolingbrook (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday

This Southwest Suburban matchup was a contender for game of the week.

The Vikings were tested in a 33-30 overtime win over Michigan City in Week 1, and they have rolled since. In Week 3, the Vikings sprinted to a 32-0 halftime lead and beat Stagg 42-0.

The talented Raiders are led by Quentin Pringle, who was responsible for four touchdowns in their closest game of the season, a 34-24 victory against St. Charles North. The shifty back could give H-F’s defense trouble.

Cary Grove (3-0) at No. 19 Huntley (3-0), 7 p.m. Friday

The winner will be in the driver’s seat in the Fox Valley Conference. Cary-Grove is coming off an offensive explosion of 485 total yards in a 49-0 victory against Hampshire in Week 3. The Trojans have an opportunity for a signature win against Huntley, which knocked off preseason conference favorite Prairie Ridge to end the Wolves’ 30-game win streak last week. Look for Huntley sophomore running back Ryder Havens to continue making a name for himself.

Evanston (3-0) at No. 6 Barrington (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday

Barrington had a big win in Week 3 against Maine South thanks in part to big games from quarterback Tommy Fitzpatrick and receiver Eric Darlington. It now faces another test against Evanston, which has quietly racked up wins thanks to a talented offense led by running back Quadre Nicholson, quarterback Ben Tarpey and receiver Michael Axelrood.

No. 22 St. Charles East (3-0) at Wheaton-Warrenville South (3-0), 7 p.m. Friday

This DuKane conference clash is intriguing. WW South has allowed only three points and Joe Ives has five interceptions this season. The Tigers already have more wins than last year. St. Charles East is led by quarterback William Crossen and running back Justin Jett working behind a talented offensive line.

Sun-Times high school football stories:

• Simeon Shocks Phillips, wins Public League “Super Bowl”
• Week 3: Video highlights; photo gallery and scores all in one place
• Mount Carmel pulls out a win over Loyola in last three seconds of the game
• Supremely accurate Payton Thorne leads Naperville Central past Naperville North
• Week 3 scoreboard
• How the Super 25 fared in Week 3

Watch Sun-Times Game Week every Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Want the latest info and analysis on high school football? Our preps team of Michael O’Brien, Beth Long and Annie Costabile will share all the latest news, insights and Super 25 football rankings in a new livestream show called “Sun-Times Game Week.” You can watch it LIVE every Monday at 4:30 p.m. right here on our high school sports Facebook page. You can also ask questions using the hashtag #SunTimesGameWeek