Week 10’s top five games

Sandburg (6-3) at Palatine (7-2)

The facts: 1 p.m. Saturday

The storyline: No. 21 Palatine has been on a roll since a Week 1 loss to Stevenson. The Pirates only loss was in Week 6 against Fremd and they have won three consecutive since. Sandburg enters the the playoffs on a two game losing streak, but those games were against ranked opponents. Palatine, the MSL West champs, are led by quarterback Zach Oles. Oles scored three touchdowns and rushed for 287 yards on 36 carries in a win against Conant last week. Sandburg comes out of the Southwest Suburban Blue looking for redemption after a final seconds loss to Lincoln Way-East last week.

Marist (5-4) at No. 13 Notre Dame (8-1)

The facts: 7 p.m Friday at

The storyline: No. 13 Notre Dame’s only loss of the year was to Marist in Week 4. The RedHawks have lost four games this season, but they were in close games to Joliet Catholic, Nazareth, Mount Carmel, and Benet — all currently ranked. Western Illinois quarterback commit Tyler Tsaglis and the Dons captured the East Suburban Conference title with a win over Carmel. For Marist, quarterback Brendan Skalitzky has been instrumental along with receivers Liam Keffer and James Duncan.

Neuqua Valley (6-3) at No. 14 Hinsdale Central (7-2)

The facts: 6 p.m Saturday

The storyline: No. 14 Hinsdale Central is coming off two challenging weeks with an overtime win over Hinsdale South and a 39-7 loss to No. 11 Oak Park-River Forest. Neuqua Valley emerges ready to roll after a tough DuPage Valley Conference schedule. One of the Wildcats’ top performers throughout the season has been junior receiver Isaiah Robertson who had five receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown against Glenbard North last week. Hinsdale Central’s offense has been fired up this season by running back Christian Bobak.

Glenbard North (7-2) vs. No. 14 Mount Carmel (7-2) at Gately

The facts: Noon Saturday

The storyline: Perhaps the marquee matchup in Class 7A this week, No. 14 Mount Carmel takes on Glenbard North, who is knocking on the door of the Super 25. Mount Carmel has been led all season by Northern Illinois quarterback commit Anthony Thompson. Glenbard North’s ace running back Vittorio Tricase sat out with an injury last week, but running back Devion Hodges is one to watch. Defensive back Tyrik Henderson stepped up with two interceptions for the Panthers.

Hinsdale South (6-3) at No. 19 Thornton (8-1)

The facts: 7 p.m. Friday

The storyline: This first round Class 6A game has the potential to be a great one. Thornton’s one loss was to Lincoln Way-North. Hinsdale South won the West Suburban Gold thanks to a big performance from receiver Ravon Johnson against Morton last week.. The Hornets lost to two Class 8A playoff teams and one Class 7A playoff team. losses came at the hands of two Class 8A playoff teams and one 7A squad. Thornton quarterback Sam Taylor III has been a star this season, and he will have to come up big for the Wildcats.