Naperville Central (No. 6 in Class 8A, 8-1)
Fresh off claiming the program’s first DuPage Valley Conference title since 2001 after Friday’s 28-7 win at Lake Park, Naperville Central turns its focus to trying to make a return trip to DeKalb. Their 2013 Class 8A state title won at Huskie Stadium serving as motivation, the Redhawks will open opposite No. 27 Bolingbrook. Behind Conor Joyce, Emmanuel Rugamba and Matt Lehmann, Naperville Central has averaged 31.4 points during its five-game winning streak entering the postseason. If the Redhawks beat the Raiders, who upset Homewood-Flossmoor on Friday, Curie or Warren awaits.
Benet (No. 12 in Class 7A, 7-2)
Benet enters the Class 7A postseason on a three-game winning streak, highlighted by its Week 8 upset of Joliet Catholic, and will host 21st-seeded St. Charles North. The Redwings’ offense – aside from a Week 3 loss to Notre Dame and a shutout loss at Nazareth – has put up at least 21 points in their seven victories. The North Stars have won four straight games since a 20-point loss to Batavia in Week 5 and have scored at least 28 points in every game. Cary-Grove or Belleville West could be next for Benet.
Neuqua Valley (No. 19 in Class 8A, 6-3)
A two-game losing streak is how Neuqua Valley got to 6-3 entering the postseason for a second straight year. The Wildcats head to Hinsdale to meet No. 14 Hinsdale Central in the programs’ first meeting since 2006. With an eye towards getting healthier and if the Wildcats can regain their form that saw them win five straight games from Week 3 to Week 7, a date with either Waubonsie Valley or Edwardsville could come calling.
Waubonsie Valley (No. 30 in Class 8A, 5-4)
Its five victories marking its lowest regular-season total under Paul Murphy since 2006, Waubonsie Valley will make a trek to third-seeded Edwardsville looking for a new lease on life. Losses to Naperville North and Wheaton North to end the year may have put a little damper on things, but the Warriors did beat both Naperville Central and Glenbard North. An upset would send Waubonsie Valley to a second-round tilt either at home against Hinsdale Central or on the road at Neuqua Valley.
