Scouting Neuqua Valley at Bartlett

Neuqua Valley (5-2, 3-1) at Bartlett (5-2, 3-1)

When: today at 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Field

Last year: Neuqua Valley 16, Bartlett 0

Last week: Neuqua Valley 43, Waubonsie Valley 6; Bartlett 41, Metea Valley 7

Outlook: Bartlett and Neuqua Valley enter the penultimate game of the season tied in the loss column with Valley Division rivals Waubonsie Valley (3-1) and South Elgin (4-1). Because the Hawks have only winless East Aurora remaining on the schedule after this week, a victory over Neuqua Valley would essentially mean a share of their fifth title in the Upstate Eight Conference in 10 years. “It could look good if we play well, and right now the kids are up for the challenge and excited about the prospect, Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. The Hawks hold a 7-6 lead in the series, though Neuqua Valley has won 4 of the last 5 meetings since Bartlett defeated the Wildcats in a first-round playoff game in 2004. How intense is the rivalry? When the Hawks went 12-1 in 2008 and reached the Class 8A semifinals, they had to eke out a 31-28 regular-season win over Neuqua Valley, which went 4-5 that year. The coaching staffs will play a chess match in this game, particularly when Bartlett has the ball. The Wildcats generally devote six players to stopping the run, Meaney said, with the rest concentrating on the pass. “They are big inside and talented, Meaney said. “We'll mix it up and not be one-sided at all. We have to try to keep them off-balance. Our goal is to always be balanced, but if someone gives us something we think we can capitalize on, that's what we'll go with. We've been working hard in practice, putting some new things in and concentrating hard, trying to get ready for it. Bartlett's offense has rushed for 1,533 yards and 19 touchdowns and thrown for 1,094 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior running back Andrew Puccini took over last week as the leading rusher in the Fox Valley area. He has carried 110 times for 819 yards and 8 touchdowns. Junior quarterback A.J. Bilyeu has completed 73-of-108 attempts for 985 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also rushed 44 times for 266 yards and 7 scores. Receiver Zach Karys is Bartlett's leading receiver with 25 receptions for 569 and 7 touchdowns.