Scouting Huntley at Cary-Grove

Huntley (3-2, 1-0) at Cary-Grove (3-2, 1-0)

When: 7:15 p.m. Friday at Al Bohrer Field

Last year: Cary-Grove 23, Huntley 0

Last week: Cary-Grove 49, Jacobs 21; Huntley 43, McHenry 13

Outlook: Both teams put 3-game winning streaks on the line in this Valley Division clash in the Fox Valley Conference. Huntley has won 3 straight since the switch to the I-formation offense, but the offensive depth will be tested this week. Running back Jordan Hyatt was likely lost for the season last week with a broken thumb. Senior running back Chris Cunningham, who carried 6 times for 93 yards including a 72-yard touchdown, will miss the game with an ankle sprain. However, there's nothing wrong with Christian Cervantes, who rushed last week for 165 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown. The Red Raiders' recent winning streak came against schools with a combined record of 1-14. The Trojans represent a large step up in class. "They have guys who play hard with great technique," Huntley coach Matt Gehrig said. "It's a very good football team we're about to see. It's definitely a challenging task to try to simulate in practice what you'll see in the game with their option offense. We've just emphasized that you have to play low, attack your responsibilities and dictate tempo as much as we can to offset their timing." Cary-Grove blindsided Jacobs with 35 first-half points, the kind of blowout the 2009 state-title team reeled off with regularity. The offense rushed for 413 yards, led by sophomore Ryan Mahoney (12 carries, 167 yards, 3 TDs) and quarterback Corey Laktas (16-146). Laktas threw for 2 touchdowns, including one to Mahoney. The Trojans limited Jacobs to 143 total yards. "We've improved a great deal in terms of the speed of our play, and our defense has improved a great deal," C-G coach Bruce Kay said. "Huntley has a very good attack and they move the ball well. They've been getting big plays from their running backs and their quarterback (Tim Lycos) is quick and mobile and is a playmaker. They've had great success since they decided to run the ball. Our defense has to control that. Every game is big when you have to win at least five if not six (games) to get into the playoffs." Cary-Grove has won all six meetings between these programs since Huntley joined the FVC in 2003.