Scouting Rockford Guilford at Prospect

CLASS 7A

No. 13 Rockford Guilford (6-3) at No. 4 Prospect (8-1)

When: 7 p.m. Saturday at George Gattas Stadium

Last week: Guilford d. Freeport 50-21; Prospect d. Buffalo Grove 28-0

Playoff history: Guilford is making its 14th appearance it won the 1982 state title and its seventh straight under Mel Gilfillan. But its only win in that span was 14-10 over Rockton Hononegah in 2007. Prospect is making its 13th appearance and won titles in 2001, 2002 and 2005. The Knights now have the longest streak of appearances in the MSL East at six years and lost to Wheaton North in the second round last year.

Matchup history: First meeting.

Outlook: Guilford saw some spread offenses in the NIC-10 but QB Steve Dazzo (2,296 total yards, 28 TDs), RBs Peter Bonahoom (843 yards, 8 TDs) and Grant DePalma (391 yards, 7 TDs) and WRs Sam Frasco (21 rec., 311 yards, 3 TDs), Jimmy Ott and Nick Czerniak present a much different challenge for a crew led by DT Jawan Johnson (10 sacks) and CBs D.Q. Hill and Chas Payne. “(Dazzo) runs so well and it's a huge concern to keep him contained,” said Guilford coach Mel Gilfillan. “Our defensive backs have been up for the challenge with the spread offense and have done pretty well against teams that have tried to put the ball up in the air. But we haven't played a team that runs and throws as well as they do.” There isn't much gray area in Guilford's offensive plan run it with speedy junior Dontrell Chance (899 yards, 13 TDs), junior Gerry Ford (592 yards, 10 TDs), Andy Nichols (451 yards, 3 TDs) and QB Cody Bell (360 yards, 2 TDs), who is only 14-for-45 passing for 360 yards with 6 INTs and 1 TD. “They're not the type of kids you bring down with one guy,” said Prospect coach Brent Pearlman. “I don't think they're coming here trying to fool us. I think they're going to come here trying to run the football.” Pearlman said OL Payton Eckert (hand) will play after missing last week.

Advancement: Prospect or Guilford would be at home against No. 5 Lake Zurich (8-1) or on the road against No. 12 Jacobs (6-3) in the second round.