Brother Rice has relied on an explosive offense to post an undefeated season.

Loyola has leaned on its defense in its pursuit of perfection.

The two powers are going to collide at 7:30 p.m. Friday when the Crusaders (8-0, 3-0) host the Ramblers (8-0, 3-0).

At stake: the Catholic League Blue title.

“It's going to be electric,” Brother Rice coach Brian Badke said. “Loyola is very big and physical and they play great defense. It's brawn versus speed.”

More like speed to burn when referring to the Crusaders. While much of the attention will surround whether Loyola's defense can contain Brother Rice receiver Ricky Smalling (47 catches, 953 yards, 14 touchdowns), the Crusaders have proved they're far from a one-man show.

Smalling, an Illinois recruit, is capable of scoring every time he touches the ball. But fellow receivers Branden Houston (30-611, 9 TDs), Patrick Murphy (12-215, 1 TD) and David O'Keefe (6-73, 1 TD) are dangerous.

And Brother Rice quarterback Dino Borrelli has been exceptionally accurate, completing 124 of 193 passes for 2,166 yards and 29 TDs against only three interceptions.

“We have other weapons you have to defend if you key on Ricky,” Badke said. “We're going to need other guys to step up.”

Equally important for Rice will be the performance of running back Xazavian Valladay (127 carries, 1,136 yards, 13 TDs), a Wyoming recruit. An effective ground attack will make the passing game even more dangerous.

“We have to be able to run the ball against these guys,” Badke said. “I think we can.”

Loyola's offense centers around 6-foot-5, 235-pound senior Jake Marwede. The Duke recruit can play quarterback, tight end and fullback for the defending Class 8A state champs. Receiver David Terrell Jr., the son of former Bears receiver David Terrell, will be poised to steal the spotlight from Smalling.

“It's going to come down to who wins the battle up front and not turning the ball over,” Badke said. “We have to play very smart and very physical. We're excited to be in the position to win the Catholic Blue outright.”

Not satisfied: Hillcrest quarterback James Lipscomb had a business-like response when asked what he was feeling after Friday's 53-0 victory against Evergreen Park, which guaranteed the Hawks a spot in the postseason.

Hillcrest hadn't qualified for the playoffs since 2009.

“Get back to work,” said Lipscomb, a senior. “We expected to make the playoffs this year. That was one of our goals. But we have to stay focused and keep working hard.”

The Hawks were in good position to reach the playoffs last season, winning their first four games. However, a five-game losing streak to end the season prevented Hillcrest from fulfilling that ambition.

Hawks coach Marquice Cole believes last season's experience played a part in this season's uprising.

“Last year was new,” Cole said. “The kids really didn't understand everything it takes to win games. We're more disciplined this year and they know how to face adversity.”

Senior receiver/running back Marcus Garrett has scored three touchdowns on four different occasions. He's also produced on defense when called upon.

“He has six sacks,” Cole said. “Marcus is a great athlete.”

Did you know: The last time Joliet Catholic (1-7) finished below .500 was 1959 and last time it suffered at least seven losses in a season was 1948.

pdisabato@tribpub.com

Twitter @disabato