Lincoln-Way Central (6-3) at Maine West (8-1)

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Matchup breakdown: The Knights look to win a Class 7A first-round game for the second straight season as they make the trip to Des Plaines.

Maine West comes in on a five-game winning streak, but with some questions about its quality of competition. The Central Suburban North champions’ opponents went just 24-57 combined.

The Warriors will look to ride senior running back Maksym Makota.

Lincoln-Way Central will answer with its own strong running game, led by senior Tyler Tulk.

Junior quarterback Drew Woodburn, son of coach David Woodburn, can make things happen through the air as well.

With these teams placed in what appears to be a wide-open quarter of the 7A draw, this could be the start of a deep run for the winner.

X-factor: Luke Tingley, Lincoln-Way Central, junior, receiver/running back.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln-Way Central.

Glenbrook South (5-4) at Marist (8-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.

Matchup breakdown: The RedHawks return to the Class 8A playoffs after a one-year absence.

It was a strong regular season under first-year coach Mike Fitzgerald. Marist has wins over four playoff teams and its only loss came in overtime, 31-30 to Joliet Catholic in Week 4.

While the RedHawks figure to lean heavily on senior running back John McAuliffe (Cornell), senior quarterback Jacob Ritter is another threat with his legs as well as his arm.

Glenbrook South has been competitive in losses to good teams, including a 31-28 defeat to Maine South and a 30-24 loss to Hersey.

To stay close to Marist, the Titans will need a big game from junior receiver Parker Ward.

X-factor: Brad Fitzgibbon, Marist, senior, defensive lineman.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Marist.

Brother Rice (6-3) vs. Fenwick (7-2)

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Triton College, River Grove.

Matchup breakdown: It’s an all-CCL/ESCC clash in this Class 7A first-round game.

Brother Rice has already won at Triton this season, beating St. Patrick there 48-0 in Week 5, which started a five-game winning streak for the Crusaders.

This trip to River Grove figures to be a bit more challenging, but Brother Rice is clicking offensively with junior quarterback CJ Gray and senior receiver Jimmie Maxson III finding their form.

Fenwick’s only losses are to Joliet Catholic and Mount Carmel and the Friars’ defense is tough, led by senior lineman Nate Marshall (Auburn).

Junior quarterback Jamen Williams went out with an injury in Fenwick’s Week 9 win over Carmel and his status is uncertain.

X-factor: Tyler Lofton, Brother Rice, senior, running back.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Brother Rice.

Crete-Monee (6-3) at Chatham Glenwood (7-2)

Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday.

Matchup breakdown: Two teams that have been perennial contenders in Class 6A match up in the first round. Crete-Monee is making its 17th consecutive playoff appearance, while Glenwood is in the postseason for the 21st straight year.The Warriors are looking to rebound from a 56-14 loss to Kankakee and unleash its dynamic passing attack, led by junior quarterback Derrin Couch.

Junior receiver Dorian Patterson has been Couch’s favorite target.

These teams last met in a 2021 first-round game, with Crete-Monee rolling to a 51-0 win at home.

Expect things to be much closer this time. The Titans are coming off a quarterfinal run in 2023 and are averaging 37 points behind junior quarterback Colten Knoedler.

X-factor: Grady Mueller, Chatham Glenwood, junior, running back.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Crete-Monee.

Tinley Park (5-4) vs. Morgan Park (8-1)

Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday at Gately Stadium.

Matchup breakdown: The only first-round game between two Southland schools takes place in Class 5A.

The Mustangs made a statement in Week 9, crushing Simeon 42-6 for their eighth straight win.

Morgan Park is full of star power on both sides, led by senior quarterback Marcus Thaxton and senior linebacker/defensive back Jovan Clark (Wyoming).

Tinley Park needed a Week 9 win to make the playoffs and came through with a 34-20 victory over T.F. South.

The Titans could stay close if they can control the clock with their running game and keep the explosive Mustangs off the field.

Senior running back Keoni George has piled up 1,416 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground for Tinley Park.

X-factor: Jahmare Washington, Morgan Park, senior, defensive back/receiver/kick returner.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Morgan Park.