Week 7’s top five games

No. 20 Lincoln-Way East (5-1) at No. 1 Homewood-Flossmoor (6-0)

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The storyline: The undefeated, top-ranked Vikings take on one of their toughest opponents of the season, Lincoln Way-East. The Griffins advanced to the state semifinals last season and returned many of their top athletes, including quarterback Brandon Bauer. This Southwest Suburban Blue conference matchup presents a true test for both teams. Lincoln Way-East is coming off a 48-6 win over Lockport. Homewood Flossmoor, a team with huge quick strike potential on offense, beat Joliet West 44-6 last week.

No. 2 Glenbard West (6-0) at No. 15 Oak Park-River Forest (6-0)

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The storyline: For the second consecutive week Glenbard West plays a top-ranked, tough opponent. The Hilltoppers are fresh off a three-touchdown performance by Vanderbilt recruit Sam Brodner against conference foe Hinsdale Central. Receiver Adam Zybko was a big-time contributor in the win over the previously unbeaten Red Devils. Oak Park-River Forest has been one of the most impressive offensives in the West Suburban Silver, but junior quarterback Jeremy Hunt left last week’s game against York with an injury and his status for Friday is uncertain.

No. 10 Nazareth (5-1) vs. No. 7 Joliet Catholic (6-0) at Joliet Memorial Stadium

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The storyline: Defending Class 6A state champion Nazareth against undefeated East Suburban Catholic Conference foe Joliet Catholic on is a battle that could decide the conference title. The Hilltoppers beat Marian Catholic 53-9 last week. Nazareth shutout Benet 33-0. Joliet Catholic sophomore running back Ke’Von Johnson scored two touchdowns against the Spartans and is an athlete to watch along with the Roadrunners’ Julian Love, a Notre Dame recruit.

No. 19 Thornton (6-0) at No. 24 Lincoln-Way North (6-0)

The facts: 7:15 p.m. Friday

The storyline: Thornton quarterback Sam Taylor III has been unstoppable this season. Taylor, Tionte McDaniel and Master Powell have combined to form a potent offense and now the unbeaten Wildcats have a legitimate shot at the Southwest Suburban Red conference title. One opponent stands in their way for a clear first place slot, the Phoenix. Quarterback and overall athlete Jaylin Branch has done nearly everything for Lincoln-Way North.

Maine South (4-2) at No. 17 New Trier (6-0)

The facts: 7:30 p.m. Friday

The storyline: Maine South’s 72-game Central Suburban South conference winning streak is on the line. After losing the first two games of the season the Hawks have won four consecutive games and quarterback Brian Collis has picked up plenty of momentum along the way. The undefeated Trevians shutout Waukegan 50-0 last week and should have a good shot at avoiding being win number 73 for Maine South.