This weekend’s big games
1. Brother Rice at St. Rita, 7:30 p.m. Friday: These neighborhood rivals — both 6-1, 2-1 — clash with the Catholic Blue title on the line. Rice will keep a close watch on St. Rita sophomore Johwon Akui, who ran for 230 yards and two TDs last week. Pick: St. Rita.
2. Thornton vs. Bartlett at Streamwood, 6:30 p.m. Saturday: Biggest test for Bartlett since a season-opening upset of then-No. 2 Glenbard North. Thornton needs a challenge to prepare for the state playoffs. The Wildcats’ first six opponents are a combined 19-30. Pick: Bartlett.
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3. Lemont at Oak Forest, 7:30 p.m. Friday: Lemont’s first step toward a return trip to Champaign would begin with a victory over Oak Forest (7-0, 3-0) for the South Suburban Blue title. Lemont (7-0, 3-0) will match running back Danny Hayes against Oak Forest’s Bobby Walsh. Pick: Lemont.
4. Bolingbrook at Sandburg, 7:30 p.m. Friday: After an emotional victory over Lincoln-Way East last week, will Bolingbrook (7-0, 3-0) flatten out against surprising Sandburg (6-1, 3-0), which edged Lincoln-Way Central? Bolingbrook has forced 29 turnovers. Pick: Bolingbrook.
5. Wheeling at Prospect, 7:30 p.m. Friday: The Mid-Suburban East title is on the line as Wheeling’s defense zeros in on Prospect QB Miles Osei and WRs Mike Przespolewski and Austin Sobey. Pick: Prospect.
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Scoop Nation, it’s your turn
*Find more of Sakamoto’s Week 8 picks and comment on them in his blog, The Inside Scoop, at chicagotribune.com/sakamoto
*Make your own picks in our high school football challenge at chicagotribune.com/football