Scouting Elgin at Larkin

Elgin (2-2, 1-1) at Larkin (2-2, 1-1)

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Field

Last year: Elgin 28, Larkin 21

Last week: Geneva 34, Elgin 13; Larkin 16, St. Charles East 14

Outlook: The Town Jug game is important this season beyond the usual cross-town rivalry aspect between these Elgin schools. The winner moves above .500 and has a legitimate playoff shot. This is the first time since 2001 both teams enter this game with records of .500. The Maroons halted a seven-game losing streak against their cross-town rivals last season, but Larkin still leads the all-time varsity series 30-18. The Elgin offense has had trouble sustaining drives. The Maroons are averaging 248.8 yards per game. "Our defense has done a great job of keeping people out of the end zone, but our offense has to get some first downs to get us out of there and change field position," Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. "When we need a first down we have to get a first down. We haven't been able to do that. The steadiness has to come." Larkin coach Mike Scianna said his team has to keep an eye on Elgin senior running back Jordan Dean, who has the ability to take over games like he did last year, when he returned a blocked field goal for the winning touchdown in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. He respects the Maroons overall. "They're a very good team, probably the best team we've seen on film," Scianna said. "They're strong on the defensive line. They impressed me against Geneva. They've got quite a few decent players, but at one point they had six guys going both ways."