IHSA Football Playoff Round of 16 previews for DeKalb County teams

Class 5A Second RoundNo. 9 Sycamore (7-4) at No. 1 Antioch (10-0)When: 1 p.m. SaturdayAbout the Spartans: Sycamore has opened the playoffs with a pair of convincing victories. The Spartans beat Crystal Lake South 48-14 in Sycamore to start the postseason, then ousted No. 8 Belvidere 42-20 on the road last week. Throw in a 49-0 win over Althoff Catholic in Week 9, and Sycamore has posted at least 40 points each of the last three weeks, all three performances against playoff teams.Dylan Curtis is the Spartans’ main weapon. He ran 29 times for 176 yards, with Caden Ralph adding 96 yards on seven carries against the Bucs last week. Chaz Wright completed three passes, all to Ben Anderson, two for touchdowns.The Spartans scored on their first three possessions last week, and first-year coach Rob Stover said a fast start will be crucial again this week. So will flipping the field.Stover said the Antioch offense uses a lot of misdirection, and the Spartans will have to stay locked on the ball.