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Mount Carmel, Oak Lawn, Marist, Lemont and Lincoln-Way Central are picks to click for Week 6.

Brother Rice (5-0, 1-0) at Mount Carmel (5-0, 1-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Matchup breakdown: It’s the regular season Game of the Year. Not just in the Southland but in the state.

These CCL/ESCC Blue rivals have performed as well as anyone. After pulling out a 43-42 thriller over Ohio powerhouse Moeller in their opener, the Caravan have outscored four Illinois opponents by a combined 166-51. The Crusaders have outscored five opponents by a combined 190-49.

Senior quarterback Emmett Dowling has stepped in to lead Mount Carmel’s explosive offense, while junior defensive back Tavares Harrington has been a playmaker in the secondary.

Senior quarterback CJ Gray is playing like a star for the Crusaders and senior lineman King Liggins, an Illinois recruit, leads a dominant defense.

X-factor: Quentin Burrell, Mount Carmel, junior, receiver/kick returner.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Mount Carmel.

Brother Rice's King Liggins (99) tackles St. Rita's Brandon Johnson Jr (23) during a CCL/ESCC crossover game in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / for the Daily Southtown)
Brother Rice's King Liggins (99) tackles St. Rita's Brandon Johnson Jr. (23) during a nonconference game in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

Evergreen Park (3-2, 0-2) at Oak Lawn (5-0, 2-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.

Matchup breakdown: If the Spartans can prevail in this South Suburban Red game, they will head into next week’s showdown against crosstown rival Richards with an undefeated record.

Sophomore running back Kamari Polk, who ran for three touchdowns and caught a 65-yard TD pass in last week’s 48-20 win over Argo, is emerging to form a dynamic backfield duo with senior Alex Soto for Oak Lawn.

Injuries have derailed Evergreen Park’s offense recently as the Mustangs are coming off a 14-0 loss to Reavis. Freshman defensive back Jaylen Chothen and junior linebacker Jacob Ruvalcaba had big performances on defense.

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X-factor: Danny Strelow, Oak Lawn, sophomore, quarterback.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Oak Lawn.

Marist's Luke Detampel (17) passes against Glenbrook South during the Class 8A first-round game in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / for the Daily Southtown)
Marist’s Luke Detampel (17) throws a pass against Glenbrook South during a Class 8A first-round playoff game in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

Marist (1-4, 0-1) at Providence (3-2, 1-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Matchup breakdown: This CCL/ESCC Orange battle has major playoff implications.

A win for the Celtics would go a long way toward solidifying their postseason spot. Providence is looking to bounce back from a 47-35 loss to Wheaton St. Francis.

Despite the defeat, Providence thrived offensively, led by the running back duo of sophomore Brayden McKay and junior Broden Mackert.

Marist will be playing in desperation mode as it tries to win out after an 0-4 start. After a week out, senior quarterback Luke Detampel returned to the lineup Friday and guided the RedHawks to a 29-28 win over IC Catholic. Senior linebacker Eddie Scheel leads the defense.

X-factor: Stephen Brown, Marist, senior, receiver.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Marist.

Lemont's Jackson Dybcio, right, runs the ball against Geneva during the football game in Geneva on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Beacon News)
Lemont’s Jackson Dybcio (9) follows his blockers on an inside run against Geneva during a nonconference game in Geneva on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

T.F. North (3-2, 2-1) at Lemont (3-2, 3-0)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Matchup breakdown: These South Suburban Blue foes have staged some classic games in recent years, most notably in 2023 when Lemont won a wild 19-18 game in Week 9 to qualify for the playoffs.

This season, Lemont’s offense has been productive, averaging 43 points, including 52 in three conference games. Junior quarterback Mike Preuss and senior running back Aiden Rudman lead the way.

T.F. North has struggled offensively in recent weeks, including in last week’s 21-20 win over Bremen. Senior linebackers Malcolm Smith and Geremiah Williams head up a solid defense.

X-factor: Jackson Dybcio, Lemont, senior, linebacker/running back.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Lemont.

Lincoln-Way Central's Lucas Andresen (81) powers his way in for the touchdown against Lincoln-Way West in a conference game on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in New Lenox. (Gary Middendorf/for the Daily Southtown)
Lincoln-Way Central's Lucas Andresen (81) powers his way in for a TD against Lincoln-Way West during a Southwest Valley Red game in New Lenox on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown)

Bradley-Bourbonnais (5-0, 2-0) at Lincoln-Way Central (4-1, 2-1)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Matchup breakdown: The Knights beat the Southwest Valley Red rival Boilermakers twice last season, 28-6 at home in the regular season and 28-16 in a Class 7A quarterfinal on the road.

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But Bradley-Bourbonnais has been impressive thus far this season, with an undefeated resume highlighted by a 41-6 rout of Crete-Monee. Senior Issac Allison and sophomore Ky’ren Edmon form a strong running-back duo.

Senior running back Justin Cobbs has stepped up for the Knights since an injury to Luke Tingley. Cobbs ran for 140 yards and three TDs in last week’s 45-7 win over DeKalb. Senior lineman Aiden Hennings headlines the defense.

X-factor: Lucas Andresen, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, receiver.

Steve Millar’s prediction: Lincoln-Way Central.