Week 9 Games to Watch: St. Francis (6-2) at Nazareth (4-4)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While St. Francis (Wheaton) has already secured a playoff bid, it's now or never for Nazareth Academy. St. Francis has turned some heads in their first season in the CCL/ESCC, with statement wins over Joliet Catholic, Immaculate Conception, and St. Rita. Nazareth, on the other hand, finds themselves in a likely win and get in scenario against the Spartans. However, this is not unfamiliar territory for the Roadrunners. Nazareth won a Week 9 game a year ago to make the playoffs and went on to win 7 in a row on their way to a state title. The following 3 players from each team will play a big role in Friday's Matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">ST. FRANCIS SPARTANS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["121350"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The star quarterback and Ball State commit has had quite the season through 8 weeks, placing 2nd in the state in passing yards. The 6'3, 215 lbs senior has elite accuracy, incredible touch, and showcases plus athleticism when scrambling or in the the quarterback run game. Milivojevic has a massive arm, as there is not a throw on the field that he can't make. Whether it's a level 1, 2, or 3 ball, Milivojevic has the arm strength, touch, and velocity to complete the throw. He has been perhaps the biggest reason for St. Francis' success this year and will continue to put teams on notice in Week 9 and throughout the playoffs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["132228"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Beres is another Spartan who has lit up the stat sheet this season. He currently ranks 4th in Illinois with 107 tackles on the season. The senior linebacker his highly instinctual and highly physical. He can sniff out plays and has the natural ability to diagnose run plays and get downhill in a hurry. And when Beres comes in for a tackle, he brings it. He is a high motor player who will not be denied until he makes the tackle. Long story short, Beres has a nose for the ball and will be around it all Friday night against the Roadrunners.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["278900"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The junior wide receiver has been the go-to target for Milivojevic throughout the season. Willis has the ability to find the soft spots in zone coverage and run himself open once he spots the gap. The 5'10 athlete proves to have soft hands, elite route running, and is most lethal after the catch. He has great speed that allows him to separate at the top of routes and can make a move as soon as he secures the ball. This allows him to gain chunk yardage. Willis is a matchup nightmare that Nazareth will need to keep an eye on for 4 quarters.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65309a79e11d2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">NAZARETH ROADRUNNERS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278245"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The junior edge rusher will have a massive impact on the game on Friday. Facing one of the top quarterbacks in the state, Kaminski can heat up the opposing offense and force them to get the ball out quick. He displays fantastic bend, polished pass rushing moves, and plays with a high motor that proves to be relentless in pursuit of the opposing QB. Kaminski is already a top 10 player in the state and plays his best when it's do or die time. With Kaminski rushing the quarterback, the Roadrunners defense is sure to see the benefits throughout the game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["118787"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Malachuk is a junior quarterback who is used to having his back against the wall. He stepped up in a big way in the playoffs last year as Nazareth raced to a state championship victory, while Malachuk earned the 5A State Championship MVP. It's time for Malachuk to show out again, as he has all season, as this dual-threat signal caller can get it done both through the air and on the ground. When passing, he has a strong arm and impressive deep ball accuracy. On the ground, Malachuk has elite vision and plus speed. He'll need to have a big night on Friday to earn a playoff birth, but do not be mistaken, Malachuk is up for the challenge.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["271881"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The 2024 hybrid safety / outside linebacker is building off his impressive junior season with an even better senior campaign. Flanagan does it all for the Roadrunners, as he is a polished pass rusher, shows elite physicality in the run game, and can cover. It all stems from Flanagan greatest asset, his ability to tackle. Whether it's on the edge, in the box, or in the open field, Flanagan is as sure-handed a tackle as one will find. He has solid footwork, a strong lower base, and brings his arms on every tackle. Flanagan has a nose for the football and will make plays in a variety of ways come Friday night.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65309a79e132e"} /-->