Jacobson: Kaneland became the first local football team to clinch a playoff spot with its sixth victory last week. Playing a strong schedule in the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference, Sycamore (4-2) likely needs only one more win to assure itself of another postseason berth. After consecutive losses to Ottawa and Morris, is this the week the Spartans finally break through for their fifth win?

Nitz: This is an interesting contest between two teams I think are evenly matched. I watched Rochelle get blown out by Kaneland two weeks ago, but who haven’t the Knights beaten easily of late? The main concern with Sycamore is the Spartans’ ability to score points right now. They’ve scored six the past two weeks combined. The Hubs’ Wing-T attack can put points on the board. But in the past two weeks, Rochelle has shown it can give up points rather easily.

What’s the key for Sycamore if the Spartans finally are going to get back into the win column?