FIRST AND SHORT

The Playbook: Area games to watch in Week 7

JR Radcliffe
jr.radcliffe@jrn.com

The final third of the regular season is upon as in high-school football. Here's a snapshot of the big games on the schedule -- there are several -- and the places to go for game-night updates.

Franklin at Kenosha Indian Trail. The Southeast Conference title could very well come down to this battle in Kenosha, with both teams at 4-0 in league play thus far. Follow Steven Tietz for updates.

Mukwonago at Waukesha North. Even as we start to get some handle on the Classic 8 title chase, there remains a number of big games left on the schedule. Both teams are looking for a playoff berth – and North could clinch its first since 2006 with a win. It’s a colossal battle for both sides. Follow Evan Frank for updates.

Greenfield at Messmer/Shorewood. The winner of this game gets the Woodland East title. Will it be the preseason favorite Greenfield or the upstart co-op program looking to upset the apple cart as it gears up for a return to the postseason for the first time since 2013? Follow Dan Zielinski for Twitter updates.

Germantown at Cedarburg. This might very well be a playoff game. The winner is all but assured a spot in the postseason, and the loser is behind the 8-ball.

Kettle Moraine at Arrowhead. Normally, this would be a game you’d expect Arrowhead to win, but the Lasers are fighting for their playoff lives and the Warhawks seem at least slightly vulnerable. Even if the win-loss record suggests a team that’s struggling to make the playoffs themselves, the Warhawks have a favorable late-season schedule. Follow Chuck Delsman for updates.

New Berlin Eisenhower at Greendale. This is at least a curiosity between two strong Woodland West teams, though it seems both are looking up at Pewaukee in the chase for the league title – though Wauwatosa West (who plays Pewaukee this week) did upset the Pirates last year. Follow Andrew Gruman for updates.

Catholic Memorial at Waukesha West. This has the feel of a Classic 8 title clash, with Memorial at 4-0 in league play and Waukesha West looking like the top contender to unseat the Crusaders, coming in with a 3-1 league record.

Slinger at Oconomowoc. Every game is an adventure for the Oconomowoc football team, though the Raccoons will still be favored in this homecoming battle as they seek a second straight Wisconsin Little Ten title and third in what will be the conference's final four years. Follow JR Radcliffe for updates.