The Playbook: Week 5 games to keep an eye on
The schedule is loaded for Week 5 as we prepare to bypass the midpoint of the 2016 season. A couple major rivalries are back at it, including one crosstown clash that may be the last of its kind thanks to realignment.
Brookfield East at Brookfield Central. Even by the lofty standards of this week's schedule, this might be the main event, a Thursday night battle that pits two of the Greater Metro favorites against each other in a crosstown collision. East faces health questions facing quarterback Jake Graf and running back Sam Santiago-Lloyd. Follow Andrew Gruman on Twitter for updates.
Mukwonago at Arrowhead. This one never needs an introduction, as the two rivals meet looking for footing in the Classic 8 Conference championship race. Mukwonago is 2-0 after a surprising shutout of Muskego one week ago, and Arrowhead is 1-1 after staging its own impressive shutout in downing Waukesha West, following a tough loss to Waukesha North. This league is still anybody's ballgame. Follow Chuck Delsman for updates.
Oak Creek at Franklin. The "Helmet Game" is an annual battle that frequently foretells the Southeast Conference championship, and though this year is no different, neither side is the clear-cut favorite. Franklin escaped one close call and is 2-0 in league play, while Oak Creek lost its close call and sits at 1-1. Follow Steven Tietz for updates.
Catholic Memorial at Muskego. This is a must-have for Muskego, which started the league season 0-2 and as facing a difficult road to achieve playoff qualification. Memorial, meanwhile, is one of the league frontrunners and looking to build up its win total before a brutal gauntlet to finish the season. Follow Andrew Gruman for updates.
Greendale at Pewaukee. Both squads are 4-0 to start the season, and both are battling with New Berlin Eisenhower for the title in the Woodland West. The Panthers have been in nothing but close games so far this season, and if common opponents (New Berlin West) mean anything, Pewaukee might have a slight edge. Follow JR Radcliffe for updates.
Hamilton at Menomonee Falls. Another of the great rivalry games in the area, this one could be the difference between making the playoffs and not. The top stratum of the Greater Metro (Marquette, Brookfield Central and Brookfield East) appears to be laying the groundwork for a Greater Metro title run, and the lower third (West Allis Hale, West Allis Central, Wauwatosa East) may be a year or two away. That leaves these two programs looking for that fourth playoff spot. Follow Evan Frank for updates. The 1976 Falls East football team will be commemorating 40 years over the weekend, as well.
West Allis Central at West Allis Hale. The clash of West Allis may not say a lot about the Greater Metro title picture, but it's potentially a sad final installment for this rivalry, with West Allis Central relocating to the Woodland Conference next year. Follow John Rech for updates.
New Berlin West at New Berlin Eisenhower. Speaking of crosstown rivalries, these two will go toe to toe in the Woodland, with West looking for the upset against the Lions. Follow Tom Skibosh for updates.
Port Washington at Cedarburg. The North Shore has a number of evenly matched squads battling it out for playoff consideration, and while both of these teams could still make the cut, it seems like a strong possibility that one won't. That makes this battle particularly intriguing.
Waukesha West at Waukesha North. "Can they keep it going?" will probably be a familiar refrain for upstart Waukesha North, even if they keep clearing obstacles. This is a great next test for the Northstars who will all but assure themselves their first playoff berth since 2006 with a win. West, meanwhile, looks to get on track after falling to Arrowhead last week.
Shorewood/Messmer at Whitnall. This feels like a semifinal battle for the Woodland West crown, with favored Greenfield also in the mix and lined up to face one of them in the coming weeks. It may not play out precisely like that, but both teams come into this Woodland East clash at 2-0.