Raiders brace for showdown with Griffins

Although every game is important for the Bolingbrook football team, the game Friday night at home against Lincoln-Way East (No. 4 in the Chicago Sun-Times) might turn out to be the biggest game of the regular season.

The Griffins are 6-0, including 4-0 in the Southwest Suburban Conference Blue. If the ninth-ranked Raiders (5-1, 3-1) want any shot of repeating as conference champions, a win against Lincoln-Way East is vital.

"We've gotten on a little roll right now and we have beaten a few teams since we lost to Lockport," running back Jamel Martin said. "We want at least a share of the conference title and we are going to have to beat a very good team to do that."

Martin joined an exclusive club Sept. 19 against Thornton as he rushed for a season-high 306 yards on 36 carries in the team's 42-21 victory. In the history of Bolingbrook football, the 300-yard rushing mark has been reached only nine other times. All the running backs who rushed for 300 yards in a Bolingbrook uniform ended up playing in college, with two of the three playing in the NFL.

"To be on this list with these guys is just a real honor; I can't put it into words," Martin said. "I'm thankful for my offensive line though. We have stayed healthy and they have really come together to help open up holes for me to get all of these yards."

The Raiders defense has been sharp as well. In the last two games, Bolingbrook has forced a total of 11 turnovers while committing just three. Last week in the 42-6 win against Homewood-Flossmoor, Bolingbrook picked off five passes and recovered three fumbles to put its offense in great field position.

The Raiders can't afford to start slow against the Griffins, who have averaged 43.2 points per game. They also have outscored their opponents 98-7 in the first quarter. Last week against Sandburg, Lincoln-Way East jumped on the Eagles early with two quick scores on offense and a defensive interception for a touchdown en route to a 49-0 win.

Ryne Van Gennep has completed 64 percent of his passes for 990 yards and 10 touchdowns. The one downside to Van Gennep could be his wildness, as he's been picked off five times.

Lincoln-Way East also has a trio of receivers that could cause the Raiders fits. Brandyn Jackson, Matt Hartmann and Alex Evans all have over 200 yards receiving. Jackson leads the team in receptions (23) and yards (293).

Matt Hartmann will carry the load at running back; he has gained 298 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Last season, Bolingbrook defeated Lincoln-Way East 27-17.