Scouting South Elgin at Stevenson

CLASS 8A

No. 8 South Elgin (7-3) Storm at No. 1 Stevenson Patriots (10-0)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Last week: In first round action, South Elgin def. Warren, 21-13; Stevenson def. New Trier, 21-0.

Playoff history: 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… Stevenson is making its 22nd-straight playoff appearance. Last year, the Patriots, who finished as the Class 8A state runner-up in 2002, lost to Mt. Carmel in the second round, 23-16.

Head coaches: Dale Schabert, South Elgin; Bill McNamara, Stevenson.

Just the facts: South Elgin lost its final two regular season games and three of its last four. The Storm score 35.2 points and allow 17.9 points per game… Stevenson won its second straight North Suburban Lake Division championship. The Patriots are scoring 35.2 points and are allowing 12.6 points per game.

South Elgin leaders: Rushing: Brad Birchfield (128 carries, 752 yards, 13 touchdowns), Adolpho Pacheco (48 carries, 483 yards, 2 touchdowns); Passing: John Menken (71-of-143, 1,330 yards, 15 touchdowns, 9 interceptions); Receiving: Domico Failla (23 receptions, 399 yards, 5 touchdowns), Kenny Lowden (19 receptions, 344 yards, 4 touchdowns), Adolpho Pacheco (18 receptions, 307 yards, 5 touchdowns).

Stevenson leaders: Rushing: Joe Cassata (132 carries, 1,142 yards, 18 touchdowns), Nathan Kahn (92 carries, 404 yards, 7 touchdowns); Passing: Kevin Earl (81-of-153, 1,323 yards, 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions); Receiving: Steve Salata (42 receptions, 742 yards, 8 touchdowns), Anthony Bozin (12 receptions, 166 yards, 1 touchdown); Tackles: Brion Wood 105 tackles, Carl Miller 87 tackles.

Line on South Elgin: South Elgin hasn't had a great end to its season. Not only did the Storm lose its last two regular season games, it lost multiple running backs to injury. But South Elgin keeps plowing ahead. Last week against Warren, it was reserve back Rowell Siazon who stepped up. He rushed for 56 yards and a big fourth-quarter touchdown that gave the Storm some breathing room. Siazon was filling in for Brad Birchfield, whose back began to cramp in the game. “We've had a lot of kids fill in this year and Rowell did a great job of that,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. “We went down right away (7-0 to Warren) and we were playing without some key guys, but we didn't panic. I was pleased with our composure.”

Line on Stevenson: Watch out, world. Stevenson is an imperfect 10-0. “I still do not think we've played our best game yet,” Stevenson coach Bill McNamara said. “We have the potential to be even better and we've been working towards that goal in practice this week. We need to take care of the ball, tackle well and not give up any big plays and play solid on special teams. South Elgin is a very talented football team. They have good athletes and good team speed.”