Friday's news and notes...

*Lyons' Billy McGuinness has been getting the job done for the Lions.

"Since taking over the center back position three weeks ago, we have only been scored on one time in seven games," said Lyons coach Paul Labbato, whose team has recorded wins over Morton, York, Oak Park and Glenbard West of late.

*Geneva (16-2-1), whose losses this season have come to Larkin in the same week, travels to Rockford Boylan (20-2-1) on Saturday.

"It's a drive, but both teams have pretty strong records," Geneva coach Ryan Estabrook said.

Shawn Sloan has been on fire for the Vikings, recording 11 goals in six games. Currently, he has 22 goals and 11 assists.

"The scoring binge has ironically coincided with his change of position from forward to midfield," Estabrook said. "He is currently considering High Point University, Davidson College and Georgetown."

Kendal Spurgin has also found the back of the net with five goals in the last five games.

"He is normally considered the defensive specialist in the middle of the field, but he has been more aggressive in asserting himself offensively," Estabrook said.

*Andrew, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the Pepsi Showdown last month, is looking to earn its first state quarterfinal appearance in the program's history.

Matt Ribbens (nine goals, 10 assists) and Micah Van Bruggen (10 goals, five assists) helped the Thunderbolts win 13 of their first 18 games this season.

"We've been playing solid team soccer as the regular season comes to an end," Andrew coach Pat McDonald said. "The team overall seems mentally prepared not to let up. Their preperation for games is with high energy and commitment."

*Timothy Christian is a big favorite to bring home a Class A state trophy next month. Seniors Jake Schemper and Jeb Nash are the two to watch.

*Whether coaches like to admit it, there are times when players are right. Providence defender Jeff Hayes wanted to move to forward. The switch was finally made and since moving up top, he has scored seven goals in the last six games.

"We are 3-2-1 in those six games opposed to 3-11-1 in the prior 15 games," Providence coach Daniel Potempa said. "He has helped us control the ball offensively and can obviously find the back of the net. The whole team has stepped up and starting playing well under his leadership up top. I wish I would have listened to him and put him there earlier. But let's just hope we are peaking at the right time of the season."

*Marist will host Carmel at noon Saturday. Forrest Olson and Steve Pacholski are two players that have drawn praise from coach Sean Maxwell. Olson has four goals in the last four games - St. Viator, Marian Catholic, St. Joseph and De La Salle.

*The battle of Wheaton will take place Saturday when Wheaton South hosts Wheaton Academy at noon. Drew Bellmer (10 goals), Ricky Munguia and Matt Krieger are the three Tigers to keep an eye on.

- Joe Trost