Scouting Cary-Grove at Crystal Lake South

Cary-Grove (5-2, 3-0) at Crystal Lake South (7-0, 3-0)

When: today at 7:15 p.m. at Ken Bruhn Field

Last year: Cary-Grove 28, Crystal Lake South 18

Last week: Cary-Grove 23, McHenry 20 (OT); Crystal Lake South 48, Huntley 14

Outlook: The battle for Valley Division supremacy will come down to matchups between these longtime Fox Valley Conference rivals. Can Vandy-bound senior tackle Jake Bernstein of CL South keep Cary-Grove defensive tackle Rich Kersten away from quarterback Drew Ormseth? Will Ormseth be able to target wide receivers Kenny King (16 rec., 294 yards, 4 TD) and Brad Walovitch (7-236-3) against Cary-Grove's speedy 3-3-5 defense? How effectively can Trojans sophomore linebackers Zach Marszal and Kyle Norberg shake blocks and pursue CL South senior running back Bolek Mikulec (123 carries, 676 yards, 5 TD)? Will Gators defensive end Brett Barchard disrupt the triple-option backfield of Cary-Grove junior quarterback Corey Laktas (264 yards, 2 TD), fullback Ryan Mahoney (563 yards, 10 TD) and wingback Patrick O'Malley (476 yards, 7 TD)? All questions will be answered, beginning at 7:15 p.m. Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay spoke of the challenges the undefeated Gators present: “They'll come out there with that offensive line that rivals the NFL, he said. “They've got big backs, playmakers at wide receiver and Ormseth has been making plays for three years. So they have the experience at the quarterback position, which you need in big games. Kay also complimented his own quarterback, Laktas, saying, “he really did his homework in the off-season and understands the offense. I couldn't be happier for a guy who's worked so hard and competed so well. The Gators are impressed with the revamped Trojans, who have rebounded for 5 straight wins after an 0-2 start. “They've improved a lot and they've moved some kids around, CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. “They've got some young kids and you can see the confidence they've gained by playing at this level and having success. It's going to be a formidable challenge. Their running backs are impressive. They're both very good. Between 5,000-8,000 fans are expected for the annual showdown. “That's what high school sports are all about, Ahsmann said. “For a high school kid to play in that kind of arena is just awesome.