Yorkville, Kaneland, Burlington Central, Elgin and South Elgin picks to click for Week 7.
Yorkville (6-0, 2-0) at Oswego East (5-1, 1-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: This is the first of many upcoming Southwest Prairie West showdowns on the docket for the final three weeks of the regular season. The Foxes, who are in first place, have a one-game lead over the Wolves and three other teams.
This could end up being a classic defensive struggle. Yorkville and senior linebacker Luke Hendershott have given up only 58 points this season, while Oswego East and junior linebacker Jack Ponto have allowed a conference-low 54 points.
It’s also a showcase for two top senior running backs, with Oswego East’s Jasiah Watson pitted against Yorkville’s TJ Harland.
X-factor: Caleb Viscogliosi, Yorkville, senior, linebacker.
Rick Armstrong’s prediction: Yorkville.
Yorkville’s TJ Harland (5) uses a stiff-arm to get around the left edge for a gain against Oswego during a Southwest Prairie West game in Oswego on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
Rochelle (3-3, 1-2) at Kaneland (5-1, 2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: The Knights are looking to clinch playoff berth. Senior quarterback Jalen Carter returned from minor injury last week and put up 250-plus yards of offense in a 34-14 win at Sycamore, Kaneland’s first victory over the Spartans since 2018.
Before the game, both teams will pause to honor junior running back Dylan Manning. A third-year starter for Rochelle who has more than 2,000 yards rushing in his career, Manning collapsed on the sideline following last Friday’s 37-14 loss at Morris. He was airlifted to Loyola Medical Center and underwent surgery to remove a blood clot and relieve pressure on his brain.
A post on Facebook by the Rochelle football program reported another procedure was done to help reduce swelling and that Manning’s overall condition has improved.
X-factor: Jackson Little, Kaneland, junior, linebacker.
Rick Armstrong’s prediction: Kaneland.
Burlington Central’s Landon Arnold, a senior quarterback, shows off his passing form at practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (Paul Johnson / The Beacon-News)
Huntley (3-3, 3-3) at Burlington Central (5-1, 5-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Senior quarterback Landon Arnold accounted for 265 yards last week for the Rockets in a 42-7 rout of McHenry. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, while running 11 times for 154 yards and another TD.
A win would give Burlington Central its first 6-1 start to a season since 2006.
Last week, Huntley dropped a 35-34 decision to Fox Valley Conference leader Prairie Ridge.
X-factor: Parker Auxier, Burlington Central, junior, running back/defensive back.
Rick Armstrong’s prediction: Burlington Central.
Burlington Central’s Parker Auxier (22) and Mckade Naus (11) defend Geneva’s William Pascoli (11) during a Class 6A second-round playoff game in Geneva on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2024. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)
Elgin (4-2, 2-1) at Streamwood (2-4, 2-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: This Upstate Eight West matchup has playoff implications for both teams. The Maroons need a win to become playoff eligible, with upcoming dates on Oct. 17 on the road at South Elgin and Oct. 24 at home against Bartlett.
Elgin hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2019.
Junior quarterback Jacob Rufino, however, is coming off a 204-yard passing performance with six TDs last week in a 43-21 win over Larkin.
Streamwood needs three straight wins to to become playoff eligible and will close out the regular season with games on Oct. 17 at Elmwood Park (0-6) and on Oct. 24 at home against West Aurora (5-2).
X-factor: Coreyon Johnson, Elgin, senior, athlete.
Rick Armstrong’s prediction: Elgin.
South Elgin’s Gavin Mueller (1) carries the ball against West Aurora during an Upstate Eight West game in Aurora on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
South Elgin (4-2, 3-0) at Bartlett (2-4, 2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Matchup breakdown: Can Bartlett’s defense, which is giving up an average of 28 points a game, stop the Storm and top threats in tight end Gavin Mueller and running back Darrion Thurman?
Both seniors have come up with big play after big play as South Elgin, which has taken control of the Upstate Eight West race, averages 35.8 points a game.
Bartlett needs to finish with three straight wins to close out the season playoff eligible at 5-4.
An upset Friday night will be crucial in that bid. Bartlett then plays at Larkin and Elgin.
Senior quarterback/cornerback Tyler Meziere had a huge game last week for Bartlett in a 41-2 win over East Aurora. He ran for one TD, threw for another and returned two interceptions for TDs.
X-factor: Dane Henson, South Elgin, senior, safety.
Rick Armstrong’s prediction: South Elgin.
