Scouting this weekend’s DuPage County football games
By Kevin Schmit and Dave Oberhelman
kschmit@dailyherald.com
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Aurora Christian (4-0, 2-0) at St. Francis (3-1, 1-1)
Suburban Christian Blue
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Aurora Christian 52, Wheaton Academy 14; Montini 30, St. Francis 7.
Last year: Aurora Christian 41, St. Francis 14.
Outlook: Romping through its first four games by a cumulative margin of 230-21, Aurora Christian finally faces stern competition. “Obviously, it’s going to be at a different pace for us,” Eagles coach Don Beebe said. Aurora Christian sent three skill players to Northern Illinois after winning its second straight Class 3A title last year, but tailback Legend Smith is quite capable and 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior quarterback Austin Bray targets multiple weapons. Two-way standout Jonah Walker heads a line ranking among the strongest St. Francis will see. Aurora Christian needs all that and more to subdue St. Francis star running back James Butler, who has run for 650 yards and 9 touchdowns on 68 carries. Montini contained him to 103 yards last week. Beebe believes close contests are decided by turnovers, and last week St. Francis’ Tom Petrando and Mike Shaw each caused fumbles the Spartans recovered. St. Francis celebrates its homecoming and the dedication of Kuhn Memorial Stadium.
Next week: Marmion at Aurora Christian; St. Francis at Marian Central.
Elmwood Park (1-3, 0-0) at Glenbard South (4-0, 0-0) Metro Suburban Conference
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Bloom 53, Elmwood Park 12; Glenbard South 29, Rich South 12.
Last year: Elmwood Park 20, Glenbard South 19.
Outlook: The only thing standing between Glenbard South and last season’s Metro Suburban Conference title was a 1-point loss to Elmwood Park. This is a chance for the Raiders to avenge that loss and begin conference play with a statement win. The only thing slowing down Glenbard South the first four weeks has been injuries, and last week’s win continued the unfortunate trend. Quarterback Alex Jeske, who has thrown for 827 yards, sat out the second half as a precaution for a sore back. The Raiders also have injury issues on their offensive line that forced some in-game adjustments. Zach Smith, who has rushed for 10 touchdowns, shows no signs of slowing. Sophomore Jimmy Ebbole has been a huge boost to the offense. The return of Trent Woods from a torn ACL suffered at the end of last season has provided a spark to the Tigers, but they must shore up their run defense after allowing more than 300 yards on the ground to Bloom.
Next week: Lake Forest Academy at Elmwood Park; Glenbard South at Riverside-Brookfield.
Hinsdale Central (3-1, 2-0) at Glenbard West (3-1, 2-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Last week: Hinsdale Central 31, Proviso West 0; Glenbard West 44, Lyons Twp. 7.
Last year: Glenbard West 28, Hinsdale Central 23.
Outlook: This game comes at a scary time for Hinsdale Central, which two weeks ago lost starting quarterback Chase Hamilton to a foot injury. Last week backup Jacob White, a standout linebacker and running back, hurt his ankle. The Red Devils didn’t attempt a pass after White’s injury, but they didn’t need to do anything but run it behind a physical offensive line led by Michigan State-bound Brian Allen. White and Ben Stefani combined for 250 rushing yards. Glenbard West is dealing with its own injury troubles on defense. Linebacker Austin Warden is out for the season, which forces some adjustments. Outside linebacker Grant Greeno may shift inside. The Hilltoppers’ offense is really rounding into shape. Scott Andrews is hitting his stride in the backfield, and Devante Toney has been a man among boys at times while splitting duty at fullback and on the defensive line. North Carolina State-bound offensive lineman Eric Shute should return from a rib injury.
Next week: Lyons Twp. at Hinsdale Central; Glenbard West at Oak Park-River Forest.
Montini (4-0, 2-0) at Marmion (4-0, 2-0)
Suburban Christian Blue
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights.
Last week: Montini 30, St. Francis 7; Marmion 28, Marian Central 10.
Last year: Montini 30, Marmion 22.
Outlook: This is the first time Montini will be on the Fichtel Field grass since 2009, when Marmion won 18-7. Broncos coach Chris Andriano is concerned with the speed and deception of Marmion’s double-wing offense featuring Mike Montalbano and Josh Meyers, who counter 225-pound fullback Lucas Warren. The Broncos’ own burner, Leon Thornton III, broke out with 3 touchdown receptions, including an early 83-yarder against St. Francis. Notwithstanding 260-pound Oscar Garza this is not Marmion’ biggest offensive line, though three-year starter Zach Siwiec has seen it all. Montini’s Ohio State-bound defensive end, Dylan Thompson, continues to dominate, with 2 more sacks last week and 10 tackles to tie linebacker Mike Maduko for team honors. Marmion coach Dan Thorpe said long drives were key to last week’s win at Marian, and again third down will be big in this one, which showcases solid quarterbacks in Montini’s Alex Wills and Marmion’s Brock Krueger.
Next week: IC Catholic at Montini; Marmion at Aurora Christian.
South Elgin (1-3, 1-1) at Metea Valley (2-2, 2-0)
Upstate Eight Valley
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights.
Last week: South Elgin 48, East Aurora 20; Metea Valley 20, Bartlett 6.
Outlook: Earning the first 2-0 conference start in its four-year history, Metea Valley won’t want to falter before next week at Neuqua Valley. The Mustangs face a Storm squad that earned win No. 1 for first-year coach Pat Pistorio, succeeding the venerable Dale Schabert. Against a depleted East Aurora squad sophomore Shawn Griffin ran for 151 yards and all-UEC quarterback Rob Cuda threw 3 touchdown passes to Nick Menken. Despite South Elgin’s record, Metea coach Ben Kleinhans looks to the Storm’s first three foes — Benet, St. Charles East and Neuqua Valley are a combined 10-2. But along with offensive stalwarts Blaise Bell, Bryson Oliver, Nick Dodson and Jay Parker — who ran for 178 yards and a touchdown last week — Kleinhans feels the Mustangs defense has improved weekly. Against pass-first South Elgin, defensive linemen Erin Morgan and Matt Hartdegen look to apply pressure, allowing cornerbacks Ron Edwards and Peyton Mitchell and free safety Tommy Ensminger to limit big plays.
Next week: Waubonsie Valley at South Elgin; Metea Valley at Neuqua Valley.
Addison Trail (0-4, 0-2) at Hinsdale South (1-3, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Two teams with disappointing starts try to turn their seasons around. Hinsdale South, sparked by junior quarterback Robert Regan, controls its own Gold destiny thanks to last week’s win. Jaavion Bradley continues to shine for Addison Trail.
Bartlett (1-3, 1-1) at Waubonsie Valley (3-1, 1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: Bartlett’s Jordan Flint threw for more yards than the Hawks gained on the ground in a loss to Metea Valley, typically not Bartlett’s forte. Another big night by Waubonsie quarterback Jack Eddy leading a bevy of skill players could again contain the Hawks.
Benet (4-0, 1-0) at Marian Catholic (2-2, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: Benet held powerful Crete-Monee to 6 points thanks in part to defensive lineman Tommy Burke, in for injured Steve Hubona. The Redwings begin in earnest their assault on a second straight ESCC title with the first of five straight league games.
Downers South (2-2, 2-0) at Leyden (1-3, 1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: It hasn’t been easy for Downers South this season, but the Mustangs edged Morton to stay atop the West Suburban Gold standings. Quarterback Jordan Skach and receiver Javon Turner powered a second-half rally from a 14-0 deficit.
Dwight (0-4, 0-2) at Lisle (2-2, 1-1)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday at Benedictine University.
The quick hit: Every game is a playoff game for Lisle, which might need 6 wins. The Lions seek more of the same from senior back Sam Fairley, who broke a 69-yard run as part of his 112-yard night against Reed-Custer. Lisle has made only 2 turnovers in 4 games.
Glenbard North (3-1, 2-0) at Glenbard East (2-2, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Rams struggled mightily last week while playing without starting quarterback Drake Pusateri and defensive back Javon York. Both hope to return for this one. They need all hands to slow running back Justin Jackson, who last week added 5 TDs.
Leo (4-0) at Fenton (3-1)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: A staggered opening half to the season saw Leo claim a forfeit win last week. The Bison need to slow Lions quarterback Latrell Giles. Fenton’s already matched last year’s win total behind its ground game led by Alex Cowan and Tom Corona.
Lyons Twp. (1-3, 0-1) at Downers North (2-2, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: This is a pivotal game for both teams in terms of playoff qualification. Downers North feels it let one slip away last week against Oak Park, a game the Trojans played without standout defensive leader Vontae Diggs due to injury.
Marian Central (3-1, 1-1) at IC Catholic Prep (3-1, 2-0)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Thus begins IC’s brutal SCC crossover stretch. Clark Brinkman caught 7 passes for 131 yards in a win over St. Edward; quarterback Jack Copher should target him again. Keys include back Randy Leslie keeping Marian honest and being solid up front.
Naperville Central (4-0, 2-0) at West Aurora (1-3, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: Naperville Central’s offense, defense and special teams accounted for its first 3 TDs last week. Ben Andreas showed instant impact with a 98-yard kick return. An underrated defense has its eyes set on slowing West Aurora back Isaiah Ruffin.
Neuqua Valley (3-1, 1-0) at East Aurora (0-4, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: Just getting better will be Neuqua’s focus, but it’s hard for Mikey Dudek to do that. The receiver hit St. Charles East with an 86-yard return on the opening kick, returned one 94 yards for a touchdown and caught 5 passes for 154 yards and 4 TDs.
Oak Park (4-0, 2-0) at York (2-2, 0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Quarterback Lloyd Yates scored in overtime last week to keep the Huskies in play for a WSC Silver title. York’s quick start was dulled last week with a loss to Willowbrook, but the Dukes can be encouraged by the 170 ground yards they churned.
Walther Christian (1-3, 1-1) at Wheaton Academy (1-3, 0-2)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday at Wheaton College.*
The quick hit: Two-way starter John Gemmel returns for the Warriors after missing last week. Headed by an active line that should do well against Walther, David Thrasher gets another start at quarterback, with Camden Meade also ready to run the wildcat.
West Chicago (0-4) at Batavia (3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Batavia is a buzz saw that will occupy everyone from Wildcats lineman Alex Maltese to linebacker Mike Otzwirk to defensive back Nirmal Patel. West Chicago aims to keep Batavia off stride with the one-2 of Jordan Lelito and Danny Lazzerini.
Wheaton North (3-1, 1-1) at Lake Park (1-3, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: The DVC grind is taking a physical toll on Lake Park behind center, but the Lancers hope Bobby Accetura’s back at quarterback. Wheaton North’s passing game is potent, but Dom Garza’s giving the Falcons a needed boost on the ground.
Willowbrook (3-1, 1-0) at Morton (1-3, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Willowbrook’s Hayden Adams had an epic game last week for the Warriors while scoring on 2 receiving touchdowns and an interception return. Morton nearly earned an epic win over Downers South but couldn’t maintain a 14-0 lead at halftime.
WW South (4-0, 2-0) at Naperville North (1-3, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: WW South’s relentless run defense gets a test against Huskies running backs DeSean Brown, Sharad Crosby and Leon Hardy. A week after Isaiah Campos rushed for over 100 yards for the Tigers, Zach Moberg did the same against West Aurora.
* — Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights.