Scouting Warren at South Elgin

No. 9 Warren Blue Devils (6-3) at No. 8 South Elgin Storm (6-3)

When: 4 p.m., Saturday

Last week: Warren def. Libertyville, 47-14; South Elgin lost to Waubonsie Valley, 20-10.

Playoff history: Warren is making its fourth straight playoff appearance and its 10th in the last 11 years. The Blue Devils' lone miss during that stretch was in 2006. Last year, they lost a Class 8A second round game to Loyola, 21-7. South Elgin is making its second straight playoff appearance and its second in school history. Last year, the Storm lost to St. Charles North in the first round, 28-16.

Head coaches: Dave Mohapp, Warren; Dale Schabert, South Elgin

Fast facts: Warren got off to a rough 1-2 start but got back on track quickly. The Blue Devils also finished strong with victories in their last two games. Warren scores 24.6 points and allows 11.8 points per game. The Blue Devils' defense is the second-stingiest in the North Suburban Lake Division, behind Lake Zurich. South Elgin has lost two straight games and three of its last four. The Storm score an Upstate Eight Valley Division-best 36.8 points and allow 18.4 points per game.

Warren leaders: Rushing: Nolan Sordyl, 123 carries for 917 yards and 6 touchdowns; Tom Lindal, 112 carries for 707 yards and 15 touchdowns. Passing: Bob Boesch, 55 of 105 attempts for 558 yards and 2 touchdowns. Receiving: T.J. Parker, 12 receptions for 165 yards; Tom Lindal, 11 receptions for 78 yards. Tackles: Matt Goad, 89 tackles; Gary Eppinger, 78 tackles.

South Elgin leaders: Rushing: Brad Birchfield, 118 carries for 725 yards and 12 touchdowns; Adolpho Pacheco, 48 carries for 483 yards and 2 touchdowns. Passing: John Menken, 65 of 130 attempts for 1,212 yards, 9 interceptions and 14 touchdowns. Receiving: Domico Failla, 19 receptions for 326 yards and 4 touchdowns; Kenny Lowden, 18 receptions for 307 yards and 4 touchdowns; Adolpho Pacheco, 18 receptions for 307 yards and 5 touchdowns. Tackles: Andre York 51 tackles; Jake Randich, 49 tackles.

Line on Warren: Warren might have perfect timing. The Blue Devils seem to be peaking just when they should be. “Our offense and kicking game has shown signs of improvement over last couple of weeks,” Warren coach Dave Mohapp said. “We are closer to getting all three phases making positive contributions in a game, and we will really need that in the playoffs.” Mohapp has said his defense has been a strength all season.

Line on South Elgin: It's a new season (the playoffs), and South Elgin is looking to turn over a new leaf. The Storm finished up the regular season with a whimper, losing three of its last four games. “When we play with enthusiasm and unselfish we can perform at a very high level,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. “We have to get back to where we were the first five weeks of the season. We overcame a number of injuries, illnesses, and personal problems to reach this opportunity. This is our second trip in a row into the playoffs in just five seasons of varsity football. We are proud of that and want to build upon it.”