Raiders Prep for Big Game Against Lincoln-Way East

The football team proved its doubters wrong last week with a convincing on the road.

But the thing with doubters: They never really go away.

And that’s certainly the case for the Raiders this week as they play perhaps their toughest game of the regular season tonight against Lincoln-Way East.

The Raiders and Griffins remain as the only two undefeated teams in the Southwest Suburban Blue Conference and represent the conferences most potent offense () and most stingy defense (Lincoln-Way East).

The winner of the game undoubtedly will be labeled a contender for a state title, and the Raiders hope a home-field advantage — school officials have for the game — will kick in within the game’s opening moments.

The Griffins, much like , are relying on a cast of veterans.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Griffins returned senior quarterback Blake Winkler, wide receiver J.J. Robertson and tailback Tyler Starke from last year's 9-2 squad.

Winkler and Robertson have connected on five scores in just three games this season and it will be up to a defense that rates among some of the best in the state to stop the tandem.

According to the Tribune report, has averaged 45.8 points per game while allowing 15 points per game. The Griffins, meanwhile, feature similar stats posting an average 40.2 points while giving up just 12.6 points per game.

Needless to say, this game has the makings to be one of the best in the state.

should have a chip on its shoulder from last year’s . In that game, Bolingbrook quarterback Aaron Bailey sat out with an injury and Lincoln-Way East had their way with the Raiders offense and defense.

"We've got to be able to run the ball,” Bolingbrook head coach John Ivlow told the Tribune. “We haven't been able to do that against them in the last 10 years. We have to make them drive the ball down the field and avoid the big plays. Most high schools can't sustain the long drive, but East is capable of doing it." 

Here are the details for tonight's game:

Who: Lincoln-Way East (5-0,3-0) vs. Bolingbrook (5-0,3-0)

Where:

When: 7:30 p.m.