Scouting Simeon at Schaumburg

CLASS 7A

No. 1 Simeon (10-0) at No. 9 Schaumburg (8-2)

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Gary Scholz Stadium

First-round results: Simeon d. No. 16 St. Ignatius 47-0; Schaumburg d. No. 8 Elk Grove 38-21

Playoff history: Simeon is making its 27th appearance but last week's win was its first since 2001 and first against a non-Public League team since 1998 when it beat East Moline United 22-6. The Wolverines made the quarterfinals in 1990 and 1992. Schaumburg is making its 13th appearance and made the last of its three quarterfinal trips in 2008.

Matchup history: First meeting.

Outlook: Will Simeon be hurt by a lack of tests in the Public League as it has rolled offensively to an average of 50 points a game behind QB Robert Gregory, RB Horactio Banks and WRs Demarius Reed and Darius Scott? It will be a big test for DT Joe Zolper, S Bob Quilico, S Johnny Kirk, DE Pat Felde and LB Josh Marchok. “When you've been knocking people around for seven weeks there is a level of confidence that goes along with that,” said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling. “They're extremely athletic. We have to be gap-disciplined defensively, fundamental when we have 1-on-1 tackling opportunities and run to the ball so we gang-tackle.” Gregory had 528 total yards and 6 TDs in Simeon's only close call when it beat Mt. Carmel 47-41 in the opener. Gregory passed for 144 yards and ran for 87 last week and Banks had 166 yards and 2 TDs on 11 carries. But Simeon's defense will have its own challenges with a Schaumburg offense led by QB Mark Iannotti (1,248 yards passing, 11 TD, 3 INT; 805 rushing, 10 TD) and RB Shepard Little (1,805 yards, 21 TDs; 23 catches, 296 yards, 2 TDs) that has become tougher to slow down with RB Brandon Kibby and WRs Kyle Lamberty and Cole Reyes. “Our offense is so different, we're probably more difficult to defend,” Stilling said.

Advancement: Schaumburg would host a quarterfinal against No. 4 Prospect (9-1) and be on the road against No. 5 Lake Zurich (9-1). Simeon would host the winner.