Unity is not as big as it has been but that hasn’t mattered a bit. QB Dylan Sturgeon and RB Matt Franks are a ton. St. Teresa is not as big either but just keeps rolling along.

It’s not for the Apollo title yet, but these two teams have clearly established themselves at the top. Effingham has not allowed a point through five games. Mount Zion has given up just 23. First team to score wins?

These are the last two unbeatens in the Big 12 and MacArthur can play the “No respect” card all it wants this time as the Generals face a team in which it may actually be the underdog.

This game will be big for both teams in regards to playoff hopes. Both would likely still make it with a loss, but a win would make them breathe much easier.

Maroa can’t sleepwalk past Argenta, but the Trojan faithful is looking ahead to Tuscola and Central A&M

Normal has just gotten past 2-3 Centennial and 1-4 Normal West in the past two weeks. That could give Eisenhower hope.

Meridian’s hopes could rest of who is able to answer the bell. Warrensburg has been shutout back to back after it looked like things might be getting better.

Both teams have been struggling on offense. Something should give this week.

Cerro Gordo hasn’t had many easy weeks where the offense and defense has clicked together. Maybe this week?

It’s still not clear just how good either team is. Robinson was looking improved until its game at Mount Zion. Charleston has played better lately but has still not completely answered the questions.

Casey took a week off from Little Illini play to trounce Metro-East Lutheran. Now it’s back to making a run at another unbeaten season.

It’s been a little while, but Arthur is back on top of the Little Okaw Valley. How long can they stay there?

After a tough start against a rugged schedule, Arcola finally broke through for a win. It’s not out of the question that the Riders get on a roll and still make the playoffs.

Sangamon Valley feels like it is just a handful of plays away from being 4-1 instead of 1-4. It could be another tough week with 5-0 Williamsville up.

Pana’s offense struggled a second straight week but the defense again did a great job. Both sides of the ball will need a good game to catch 5-0 Greenville.

The tough stretch starts now for MacArthur. So far the Generals are 4-0 against teams that are a combined 3-13. The next three are against teams a combined 10-2.

Tim Nolen returns to Mount Zion, this time in charge of the Maroons. He’ll find a Braves team that is dominating.

It looks like a heckuva mismatch on paper. Maybe St. Teresa will be caught looking ahead to unbeaten Tolono Unity next week while coming off the high of a win over Maroa-Forsyth. (But not likely.)

Meridian gained a little momentum back. Now can that continue against a Maroa team that is looking to get some people off the sideline and back on the field?

Eisenhower continued to get better last week but it will need at least as much to stick with Danville.

Between injuries and a very tough opening schedule, Tuscola sits at 2-2. But …

Argenta had a rough time last week without QB Derek Hodges. A&M may be closer to putting it all together in time for a playoff run.

Monticello needs to pick up the wins in the games it will be favored because the Sages still have games with 4-0 St. Teresa and 4-0 Tolono Unity.

Arthur’s Justin Schuring has been as good as anyone lately — and that includes Cerro Gordo’s Nathan Lawler. This will be for first in the Little Okaw.

Olney hasn’t been able to defend many teams and Effingham has been as impressive as anyone.