Football playoff capsule: Providence at Oswego

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Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday

Up next: Providence would host Crete-Monee or Normal Community.

Playoff history: Providence is in the playoffs for the 30th time, including 19th in succession. The Celtics are 73-20 in playoff games and have won 9 state titles and finished second twice. Oswego is in for the 22nd time, including eighth in succession. The Panthers are 29-19 in playoff games and have won 2 state titles.

The rundown: Oswego, out of the Southwest Prairie Conference, has had interesting games against several Joliet area opponents. The Panthers opened the season with a 6-3 overtime win over Morris, they beat Plainfield Central 27-24 in two overtimes in Week 7 and lost to Minooka 34-14 in Week 8. Oswego has not scored less than 14 points in a game since Week 1. But Providence, champion of the Chicago Catholic Blue, stifled several strong offensive attacks after losing to Lincoln-Way East 28-7 in Week 1. The Celtics played what may have been the state's toughest schedule and still are allowing only 12.4 points and 99.1 rushing yards per game. Tackle Steve Laski, end John Huguelet, linebacker Tyler Plantz and cornerback Pete Houlihan are among the defensive leaders. Oswego survived Bloomington 28-26 last week, while Providence rolled over Chicago Harlan 41-7. Senior tailback Tim Hanrahan is in a groove for the Celtics. After a 209-yard game vs. Harlan, he has rushed for 1,274 yards and is averaging 5.7 per carry.