A look at the best high school football games this week.
No. 25 Phillips at No. 1 Loyola, 4:45 p.m. Friday
It’s the fifth consecutive ranked opponent for the Ramblers (4-0), and the second straight game scheduled on the fly because of COVID-19 disruptions. These teams last met in a memorable 2017 game at Gately Stadium, when Phillips held on for the biggest regular-season win by a Public League team in years. The Wildcats (2-0) have a talented young quarterback in junior Tyler Turner and a pair of Division I defensive backs: Deavion Pierce (Miami, Ohio) and Willie Jones (Bowling Green). Vaughn Pemberton’s running and a lockdown defense have been an unbeatable combination for Loyola.
No. 16 Prospect at Buffalo Grove, 7 p.m. Friday
The Mid-Suburban East title is on the line, with both teams coming in 4-0 overall and in league play. Prospect has been dominant, averaging 46 points a game. Senior quarterback Gary Moeller, who announced Wednesday on Twitter he’ll be a preferred walk-on at Wisconsin, accounted for six touchdowns last week vs, Hersey (four passing, one rushing, one interception return). Cornell recruit Ayden Anderson has been a spark for Buffalo Grove’s offense.
No. 11 Glenbard West at No. 9 Hinsdale Central, 7 p.m. Friday
Glenbard West (2-0, 1-0 West Suburban Silver) returns to action for the first time since week two in one of the most anticipated games of the season in the west suburbs. As usual, the Hilltoppers like to spread the ball around among a variety of backs running behind a line anchored by Syracuse-bound guard Wes Hoeh. Quarterback Michael Brescia, a Colgate recruit, paces a potent offense for Hinsdale Central (4-0, 3-0), which averages 41 points a game.
New Trier at No. 8 Maine South, 7 p.m. Friday
The Central Suburban South title goes to the winner with both teams coming in 4-0 overall and in the conference. Maine South has one of the state’s premier tight ends in 6-5 junior Chris Petrucci, a three-star prospect who committed to Northwestern on Wednesday. Hawks quarterback Luke Leongas, who returned home after playing last fall at North Fort Myers (Florida), is sidelined after re-injuring his right knee against Glenbrook South last week. Brody Roth has been a difference maker on both sides of the ball for New Trier.
Kenwood vs. No. 23 Simeon, 3 p.m. Saturday at Gately
Simeon (2-0, 2-0 Illini Red Bird) has the Public League’s best lineman: 6-8, 300-pound offensive tackle Cameron James, a Minnesota recruit. Three-star senior wide receiver/defensive back George Gumbs and sophomore receiver Malik Elzy, who has a Michigan offer, are two more to watch for the Wolverines. Kenwood (1-1, 1-1) also has a pair of receivers to keep an eye on: Jalil Martin, the Public League’s top junior prospect, and sophomore Logan Lester.
