Facing strong air attack

Bolingbrook's Jamel Martin pushes his way through the Sandburg defense during the Raiders' victory. COREY R. MINKANIC / FOR THE SUN

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The Bolingbrook Raiders didn't earn any style points in their 26-13 victory at Sandburg on Oct. 16.

However, they are in the driver's seat for the Southwest Suburban Blue title.

Bolingbrook (7-1, 5-1 SWSB) can cap off its near-perfect regular season with a victory at Lincoln-Way Central (6-2, 4-2) on Oct. 23 beginning at 7 p.m.

A win guarantees them a share of the conference title, If Thornton should knock off Lincoln-Way East (7-1, 5-1), the Raiders win the championship outright.

Another indication of how the season has gone so far for Bolingbrook comes from how the Class 8A playoff seeds are shaping up going into this weekend.

The Raiders are currently fourth in the 8A standings which makes them the highest-rated one-loss rated team. Ahead of Bolingbrook is undefeated Fremd, Maine South and Stevenson.

"We are getting a few kids back and we are jacked up and ready to take a shot at the conference title," Raiders coach John Ivlow said. "Our goal is to get that home first-round football game."

One thing that has quickly emerged from the Raiders is the passing game as Bolingbrook has averaged 257 yards in the past two games. In the previous six games, the Raiders only averaged 121 yards through the air.

"It is a matter of just seeing what your kids can do. We weren't sure about the offensive line, but they are improving each week and the same five guys are out there which is important," Ivlow said. "When you are pretty healthy and solid along that offensive line, you are able to do more things."

Aaron Bailey remained red hot as he caught three balls in the game, two of which went for touchdowns. Bailey now has four touchdown catches in two games.

"I'm really starting to feel more comfortable out there now. Early in the season, before the games, I got all nervous but that doesn't happen now," Bailey said. "I just take my time, play football, and get open."

While Bolingbrook had some trouble on both sides of the football in the third quarter against Sandburg, the special teams were there to pick up the slack as they would block two consecutive field-goal attempts in the third quarter from inside the 30.

"Special teams are always big and we have been really solid this year, especially on our blocks and kickoff returns," Ivlow said. "Games are all about field position and you need to put yourself in good situations."

Unlike their last two games, Bolingbrook will face a Lincoln-Way Central offense that seemingly loves to drop back and pass. The Knights feature an offense that averages 150 yards per game through the air and Lincoln-Way Central has gained more yards through the air this season

(1,204) then on the ground (928).

Knights quarterback, Bryan Hennessy has been very effective through the air this season as he has completed 63 percent of his passes and thrown for 11 touchdowns. What is more remarkable is that he has not thrown an interception in the first eight games.

Hennessy's main targets will be Jeremy Wallace and Sean Truesdale. Both players have over 450 yards receiving this season and Wallace leads the team with seven touchdowns.

The only real threat besides Hennessy to run for the Knights is Alex Russo who averages 65 yards per game and has scored eight touchdowns.

With their 6-2 record, Lincoln-Way Central has already qualified for the postseason and they are looking to improve upon their current seeding of 13th in the 7A playoffs.

Lincoln-Way Central went 6-4 last year and has qualified for the playoffs every year since 1995.

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