Scouting Mundelein at Libertyville

Mundelein (0-2) at Libertyville (0-2)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Mundelein lost to Marmion Academy, 13-6; Libertyville lost to Carmel, 55-27.

Outlook: Hungry Wildcats typically don't feed on Mustangs, but the Libertyville Wildcats are hoping to do just that with Mundelein coming to their den. Not only are the Wildcats hungry for their first win, they're also hungry for a big helping of revenge. They're still stewing about last year's Week 9, mud-bowl loss to Mundelein, which essentially was the final nail in the coffin that kept Libertyville out of the playoffs. "It's not like we're talking about that all the time because there's really not much more to say," Libertyville coach Randy Kuceyeski said of last year's Mundelein loss. "But is that a motivating factor for us? Of course. But I would also say that winning any game for us is big right now, no matter who we're playing. We've had two tough games to start the season. We need a win right now."-The Wildcats, who can put points up in a hurry with a no-huddle, spread offense that can look impressive with crafty quarterback A.J. Schurr wheeling and dealing, have been focusing on their defense this week. Libertyville has given up 96 points in two games, for an average of 48 points per game. "Our biggest problem is our perimeter defense," Kuceyeski said. "When the ball gets out to the perimeter or to that second level, we're just not getting the job done. We're making mental errors and we're not getting to the right spots. It's not for a lack of trying, because we're playing hard. It's just a lack of focus. We have to make the play."-Libertyville's defensive problems should be lessened this week with the return of safety Max Ebert, who was out last week against Carmel after suffering a concussion in the season opener at Barrington. "That's not an excuse, but (Ebert) is definitely one of our better safeties," Kuceyeski said. "It will help to have him back."-Mundelein's issues are a bit different from Libertyville's. The Mustangs were fairly tough on defense last week, giving up only 13 points to Marmion. But the offense had a tough time moving the ball and wound up turning it over three times. Senior fullback Pablo Mata put the Mustangs' only points on the board with a 48-yard touchdown run.