Scouting Week 3, Northwest
Hersey (2-0) at Schaumburg (2-0)
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Outlook: Hersey was the only MSL East team to win last weekend’s crossover games. The Huskies are off to great start thanks to the legs of Mario Thomas, who is second in the NW area rushing with 239 yards and the passing of Jack Warner, who has thrown for 241 yards. But the key for the Huskies has to be stopping Schaumburg quarterback Stacey Smith, who is the leading rusher in the NW burbs with 346 yards and an astounding 16.5 average. With Smith leading the way, the Saxons have gained 829 yards on the ground in their first two games. Schaumburg won last year’s meeting 37-21.
Buffalo Grove (1-1) at Palatine (1-1)
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights
Outlook: Both teams are coming off tough losses and looking to turn things around. Palatine, which had its offense in high gear in Week 1, picked up 8 first downs in a 3-point loss to Hersey. Nick Orlando, who threw for just 102 yards, looks to regain his form. A short week was the last thing Buffalo Grove needed after its overtime loss last week. But the Bison hope to rebound on the wheels of quarterback Andrew Apel, who has rushed for 169 yards and 3 TD’s. Palatine won last year’s meeting 42-7.
Hoffman Estates (2-0) at Elk Grove (1-1)
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights
Outlook: Hoffman Estates is unbeaten, and the Hawks are the talk of the MSL. They will gain even more acclaim if they knock off the Grenadiers. Quarterback Jeff Mayes has led the Hawks, passing for 184 yards while rushing 168. Elk Grove coach Larry Calhoun has said his team has to do a better job in the red zone. “We just aren’t scoring enough points,” Calhoun said. “And that’s on me. But we will get that to change.” Adam O’Malley leads the Grens with 397 passing yards on 33-of-57 passing with 3 touchdowns. Elk Grove won last year’s meeting 31-0.
Prospect (0-2) at Conant (2-0)
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Outlook: Conant will look to continue its momentum after two rivalry victories. Five-foot-6 running back Bryson Brown combined for 162 yards in rushing and receiving last week. The Cougars have also had tremendous success in the air with quarterback Danny Modelski throwing for 433 yards and 4 touchdowns. “He is doing a very good job of managing our offense,” said his father, Conant coach Bill Modelski. Prospect is off to its first 0-2 start since 1996. The Knights, who led Barrington last week only to falter late, have surrendered 394 yards passing. Prospect won last year’s meeting 41-21.
Rolling Meadows (1-1) at Barrington (2-0)
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights
Outook: Barrington looks to match its win total for all of last season. The Broncos have been steady in the first two games, rallying to win each in the fourth quarter. Barrington has relied on the play of quarterback Daniel Kubiuk, who has thrown for 334 yards. A short work week is nothing new to the Mustangs, who are playing their third game in the last 18 days. Bobby Suchecki has been looking good, completing 35-of-46 passes for 385 yards while Antonio Antencio has been surprising with his 140 yards and 5.6 average. Rolling Meadows won last year’s meeting 41-7.
Fremd (1-1) at Wheeling (0-2)
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Outlook: It has been a case of lost and found with the Fremd offense in the first two weeks of the season. After a Week 1 shutout, the Vikings got back quarterback Sam Beutler and rolled up a school-record 556 rushing yards last week. The Vikings look to continue that with Jeff McGlade, Garrett Groot, Darius Burchette and Cody Patenaude getting in on the action. Wheeling has stumbled out the gate. But one of the Wildcats’ bright spots has been the play of junior running back Isaac Branch, who has gained 227 yards on 33 carries and scored 4 touchdowns. Fremd won last year’s meeting 56-7
Waukegan (1-1) at Maine West (1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Outlook: Maine West split its first two games against Chicago Public League opponents. The Warriors bounced back in Week 2 with a 36-26 victory over host Solario Academy. Waukegan has also recovered from their season-opening loss. The Bulldogs beat Zion-Benton 14-6. Maine West and Waukegan have not met since 2009 when Waukegan won 34-33.
St. Viator (2-0) vs. Joliet Catholic (2-0)
at Joliet Memorial Stadium
When: 7:30 PM Friday
Outlook: The last time the Lions were undefeated and heading to JCA was in 2009 and St. Viator lost by 3. This season, the Lions are looking to beat the Hilltoppers for the first time ever. But to do that, they must stop JCA running back Mike Ivlow, who has rushed for 513 yards in his first two games with an average of 17.3 yards per carry. But the Hilltoppers have had difficulty the past few years defending against the pass. Lions quarterback Bobby Calmeyn, who has thrown for 9 touchdown passes and 536 yards will look to exploit that. Joliet Catholic won last year’s meeting 33-20.
Lyons (0-2) at Leyden (0-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Outlook: Leyden will have its hands full trying to control a Lyons team that has scored 84 points in its first two games yet remains winless. The Eagles, who are coming off a 35-3 loss to Oak Park, will be looking to improve on their offense. Leyden, which scored 17 points in its first two games will face a Lyons squad that gave up a state-record 675 yards to Willowbrook quarterback Brian Johnson. Lyons won last year’s meeting 49-6.
Christian Liberty (0-2) at Kirkland-Hiawatha (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Outlook: CLA goes on the road for the first time this season in search of a win and some points, as the Chargers were shut the first two weeks of the season. They played a spirited second half against Marquette, allowing just 23 yards and were led by Alex Glynn. Hiawatha won last year’s meeting 20-9.