Scouting this weekend’s DuPage County football games
By Kevin Schmit and Dave Oberhelman
kschmit@dailyherald.com
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Glenbard North (5-1, 4-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (3-3, 3-1)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Glenbard North 23, Naperville Central 0; WW South 55, West Chicago 14.
Last year: WW South 13, Glenbard North 7.
Outlook: The Panthers can wrap up a 10th straight playoff berth with a win, while WW South needs a win to avoid having to sweep its last two games. Glenbard North continues to ride junior running back Justin Jackson, who has 1,297 rush yards and 18 touchdowns. The Tigers have been pretty good against the run, and it starts up front with tackles Dan Chism and Hollis Henry. Running inside might be tougher, but Jackson’s speed makes him more dangerous on sweeps. WW South’s offense took a step forward last week with big rushing efforts from Brandon Adams, Isaiah Campos and Zach Moberg. Perhaps more important, though, were the 2 touchdown passes caught by electric receiver Corey Davis. Jackson and Panthers quarterback Brian Murphy barely played defense last week, but they may be pressed into action in the secondary to keep Davis and Brandon Moore from getting the ball. Linebackers Mario Rodriguez and Alex Smith bring heat on the quarterback.
Next week: Wheaton North at Glenbard North; Glenbard East at WW South.
Leyden (5-1, 4-0) at Willowbrook (5-1, 3-0)
West Suburban Gold
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Leyden 20, Morton 0; Willowbrook 29, Downers Grove South 27.
Last year: Leyden 31, Willowbrook 0.
Outlook: After edging rival Downers South, Willowbrook faces test No. 2 in a rough stretch to close the regular season. A win not only puts the Warriors alone in first place in the Gold, it also makes them a guaranteed playoff qualifier. Two completely contrasting styles butt heads in this one. Leyden’s Pro I power running game, headed by running back Mikey Gulo, counters Willowbrook’s finesse offense led by quarterback Brian Johnson and running back Jeremy Barnes, who last week respectively contributed 200 passing and rushing yards. Warriors coach Nick Hildreth expects the most physical game his team has seen since a 49-7 loss to Glenbard West in Week 2. The Warriors have become more physical since then thanks to do-it-all senior Dom Battaglia and linebacker Dan Harris, a pair of third-year starters who last week combined for 30 tackles. Four takeaways, including 2 interceptions by Battaglia, showed the big-play potential of the defense that needs to limit Leyden’s drives.
Next week: Proviso East at Leyden; Willowbrook at Addison Trail.
Montini (5-1, 4-0) at Marian Central (6-0, 4-0) Suburban Christian Blue
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Montini 49, Immaculate Conception 0; Marian Central 28, St. Francis 8.
Last year: Marian Central 21, Montini 20; Montini 52, Marian Central 27 (Class 5A quarterfinals).
Outlook: A battle between the Nos. 1 and 3 teams in Class 5A, each a state title contender. Montini’s main task is limiting dual-threat quarterback Chris Streveler, headed to Minnesota. Streveler completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,241 yards, 13 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and rushing for 515 yards, 11 TDs. One of Montini’s strengths, though, is its four-man defensive line that allows linebackers Mike Maduko, Nick Sanzeri and Joe Nitti room to roam. Marian also offers tailback Ephraim Lee and receiver Greg Walczak, who averages 27.6 yards a catch, for 5 TDs. Montini coach Chris Andriano said the difference between last year’s results was containing Streveler, but the stats reveal a greater difference in the Broncos’ offense — 278 yards the first game, 574 the second. Receiver Joey Borsellino earned 100 yards with 3 TD catches. Turnovers will exact a heavy price. “This will be a classic game,” Andriano said.
Next week: Aurora Christian at Montini; Marian Central at St. Edward.
Waubonsie Valley (6-0, 3-0) at Neuqua Valley (6-0, 3-0)
Upstate Eight Valley
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Central College in Naperville.
Last week: Waubonsie Valley 35, South Elgin 20; Neuqua Valley 59, Metea Valley 32.
Last year: Waubonsie Valley 27, Neuqua Valley 21 (OT).
Outlook: “Like a playoff game without the loser going home,” said Waubonsie coach Paul Murphy of the game to decide the conference title and District 204 bragging rights. Warriors quarterback Dylan Warden ran in last year’s game-winning touchdown; he returns having run for 265 yards, thrown for 590 and accounted for 10 touchdowns. Wisconsin-bound tight end Troy Fumagalli is his favorite target and the workhorse is tailback Austin Guido with 1,240 yards rushing, 20 TDs. Neuqua Valley, which owns a 9-4 series lead, has yet to face an option offense this season, but last week defensive linemen Mike Casas, Godfrey Collins and Tyler Speich looked like they could handle anything, Speich with 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Wildcats quarterback Dylan Andrew has a dangerous option in blazing receiver Mike Dudek, a 4.4 sprinter. Coach Bill Ellinghaus looks to establish the run. Why not? He’s got tailback Joey Rhattigan with 889 yards, 14 TDs. “It’s going to be fun,” Ellinghaus said.
Next week: East Aurora at Waubonsie Valley; Neuqua Valley at Lake Park.
Wheaton North (6-0, 4-0) at Naperville Central (3-3, 3-1)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Wheaton North 41, West Aurora 28; Glenbard North 23, Naperville Central 0.
Outlook: As Wheaton North, already a playoff qualifier, tries to close in on a second straight DVC title, Naperville Central considers this a must win with Naperville North looming next week. Although the Falcons notched their fourth performance with at least 40 points, coach Joe Wardynski knows his team must sharpen its focus. The quarterback combo of Johnny Peltz and Clayton Thorson remains vital to the offensive success, while the defense is sparked up front with Kellen Cleveland and Kaelen Bradford. They’ll need to put pressure on Naperville Central quarterback Jake Kolbe — similar to Glenbard North’s pressure last week — to thwart the big-play potential of receivers Ben Andreas, Lasoda Thompson, Blake Butler and Jimmy Nashert. The Redhawks have struggled with the run in recent weeks, and they’d love to get running back Nick Thomas going. Defensively, Naperville Central struggled against the run last week. Keeping that unit off the field will be key against the Falcons.
Next week: Wheaton North at Glenbard North; Naperville North vs. Naperville Central at North Central College.
Addison Trail (2-4) at Glenbard West (6-0)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: The Blazers, on their fourth quarterback with sophomore Chris Lacni, are hurting on both sides of the ball. Last week’s surprising early lead allowed Glenbard West to rest key players and allowed others like receiver Luke Domask to step up.
Downers Grove South (1-5, 1-2) at Proviso East (0-6, 0-3)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: Last week’s loss to Willowbrook eliminates Downers South from the playoff picture for the first time since 1996. Three straight losses by an average of 5 points shows how close the Mustangs are to contention. Look for a bounce-back effort.
East Aurora (0-6, 0-3) at Metea Valley (1-5, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: This is the last home game for the Mustangs, who will battle to end the season with momentum. They won the second half last week, quarterback Blaise Bell throwing for a sweet 305 yards with touchdowns to Peyton Mitchell and Taylor Lyons.
Glenbard South (3-3, 1-1) at Fenton (2-4, 1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Fenton aims to stay alive for a playoff berth, and it’ll take aim with an improving passing game that saw Gary Baker taking snaps in the polecat. Glenbard South ran for 339 yards last week. Expect more of that commitment from running back Justin Gjerazi.
Hinsdale South (4-2, 2-1) at Morton (2-4, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Hornets coach Mike Barry didn’t consider last week’s loss to Hinsdale Central a setback, not with 400 yards of offense. The bulk is coming from quarterback D.J. Deolitsis. Defensive end Antanas Riskus is a solid complement to Matt Dangles.
Immaculate Conception (4-2, 2-2) at Aurora Christian (6-0, 4-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: A Suburban Christian Conference crossover with implications for both Gold and Blue divisions. IC’s Demetrius Carr, Tim Hipskind, Joe Iavarone, Sean Fenton and Co. attempt to revive the veer offense while also dealing with a potent spread offense.
Lake Park (2-4, 1-2) at South Elgin (3-3, 2-2)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: Lots of passing, from both teams. Receiver Jimmy Strauss returned from injury last week to help Lake Park’s effort to remain playoff eligible. A constant is linebacker Ronnie Castaldo: 17 tackles, a forced fumble and interception against Bartlett.
Lisle (3-3, 2-2) at Westmont (2-4, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Wilmington denied Lisle its shot at an Interstate Eight Small title, but the Lions still have the Old Plank Road Trophy to aim for. Another 11 tackles by linebacker Kevin Coppin and 109 yards plus a pick by two-way guy Dawon Burrell could get it done.
Marmion (1-5, 1-3) at St. Francis (3-3, 1-3)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday, College of DuPage
The quick hit: In a Wing-T faceoff, both SCC Blue teams must also beware the play-action pass. St. Francis held tough with Marian Central last week, Dan Beck, T.J. Jackson, Alex Alcantara and quarterback Michael Robinson running for more than 240 yards.
Nazareth (3-3, 1-3) at Benet (5-1, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Benedictine University
The quick hit: Two of Nazareth’s losses are to ESCC powers Marist and Joliet Catholic. Benet won’t take this game lightly. The Redwings’ offense keeps finding playmakers. Last week Jack Toner, Nick Surges and Nick McTarnaghan contributed big receptions.
Oak Park (4-2, 2-2) at Hinsdale Central (5-1, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: While Andrew Pyle and Hinsdale Central’s defense tries to slow Huskies running back Jakari Cammon, Oak Park’s defense has its hands full with Red Devils quarterback Brian Owens, running back Jack Adams and a fierce offensive line.
Proviso West (4-2, 1-2) at Downers Grove North (5-1, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Proviso West seeks to atone for last week’s lopsided loss to Glenbard West. A fifth win would make the Panthers playoff eligible and in line for a fourth straight berth. Trojans quarterback David Edwards and running back Kyle Leto power the option game.
St. Edward (2-4, 1-3) at Wheaton Academy (2-4, 2-2)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, West Chicago High School
The quick hit: Wow — 112 Wheaton Academy points the last two games. The squad is getting healthy, and an SCC Gold share is even a possibility. John Mark Wiersema, Nathan Lopez and the Warriors defense target Davontae Elam, 331 yards rushing a week ago.
West Aurora (1-5, 0-4) at Naperville North (3-3, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: West Aurora hangs tough in the DVC, but the Blackhawks must overcome long stretches of poor play. Expect the Huskies to follow the same formula of a powerful ground game. Five new starters since the opener have solidified the defense.
West Chicago (0-6, 0-4) at Glenbard East (0-6, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: After a tough stretch of schedule, West Chicago’s starting to feel it on the injury front. The ground game especially is trying to heal up. Glenbard East’s Javone York, in only his second start on defense, stepped up with 15 tackles and a sack last week.
York (0-6, 0-3) at Lyons Twp. (2-4, 1-3)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: The Lions started the season with high expectations but find themselves a loss away from missing the playoffs. York allowed 322 rushing yards and 4 ground touchdowns last week. The Dukes need to be wary of Lions quarterback Zach Mahoney.