Scouting Week 9, Northwest
Hoffman Estates (2-6, 0-4) at Barrington (7-1, 3-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Barrington looks to continue its strong season against a Hoffman Estates team that has lost its last five. Last week, it was the Barrington defense that emerged. Led by Colin Castagna, who had a sack and his 7th blocked punt of the season, the Broncos blanked Palatine, holding them to just 42 yards passing. Dan Kubiuk also carried on with his fine play at quarterback; he has thrown for over 1,500 yards. Hoffman has struggled after winning 2 of its first 3 games with injuries taking its toll on the Hawks. Barrington beat Hoffman 49-19 last year.
Fremd (6-2, 3-1) at Conant (5-3, 2-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: With the unexpected return of quarterback Sam Beutler from a torn ACL and the running of Garrett Groot, the Fremd offense is operating in high gear again. Groot has been uncanny the past two weeks, rushing for nearly 360 yards and 8 touchdowns. With a win, the Vikings should earn themselves a top-five seed in the North bracket of the 8A playoffs. Conant, which broke a two-game losing streak last week, is also looking forward to the playoffs this year. The Cougars seek to improve their seeding in 7A behnd the play of Danny Modelski, who has thrown for 1,731 yards and Elias Gardenr, who has rushed for 480 yards, including 85 last week. Fremd beat Conant 48-7 last year.
Schaumburg (7-1, 3-1) at Palatine (4-4, 1-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Schaumburg looks to bounce back from its 3- turnover performance against Fremd last week. “We got a bit complacent,” Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling said. “I would expect that to change.” Stacey Smith, who was held to just 56 yards rushing in the second half, still leads the area with 1,348 yards. It is win-or-go-home for Palatine, which needs a victory here to qualify for the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year. The Pirates need to generate some offense after being held scoreless last week. Palatine beat Schaumburg twice last season, winning 51-18 in the regular season and 42-14 in the playoffs.
Wheeling (2-6, 1-3) at Hersey (3-1, 5-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Joe Montana-to-Jerry Rice has nothing on the Hersey combination of Jack Warner-to-Eddie Miklasz. The pair have been absolutely unstoppable the past two weeks, hooking up 18 times for 459 yards and 5 touchdowns. Warner, who has thrown for 750 yards and 6 touchdowns during that span, has the Huskies in contention for an MSL title. Wheeling hasn’t had the season it hoped for. But the Wildcats could still spoil Hersey’s party, as running back Isaac Branch needs 65 rushing yards to break the 1,000-yard mark. Hersey beat Wheeling 19-6 last year.
Buffalo Grove (2-6, 1-3) at Rolling Meadows (3-1, 5-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Bobby Suchecki and Rolling Meadows had their own “drive” moment last weekend, and with a victory over Buffalo Grove, the Mustangs will claim a second consecutive MSL East title. The IHSA tiebreaker to deterimine which MSL East teams gets an automatic playoff big is point differential between the three tied teams in their games against one another. By that formula, Rolling Meadows is at 2, Elk Grove at zero and Hersey at minus 2. Suchecki has been solid for the Mustangs the past three weeks, throwing for 793 yards and 6 touchdowns, and looks to continue his strong play and lead a team which has steadily corrected its shortcomings. Buffalo Grove broke a six-game losing streak last week, and nothing would suit the Bison better than acting as spoilers. Rolling Meadows beat Buffalo Grove 48-21 last year.
Elk Grove (5-3, 3-1) at Prospect (1-7, 1-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Elk Grove needs a win to clinch a state playoff berth, as a to finish at 5-4 in the regular season would most likely leave them short of the required playoff points to advance. Led by quarterback Adam O’Malley, Elk Grove has been a scoring machine in its MSL East games, averaging 37.5 points per game. O’Malley has thrown for 1,998 yards this year, but had his streak of 300-plus yards game stopped last week at 3. Prospect has struggled over the last two weeks, managing just 11 points total and only 86 for the season. Luis Leguer was a bright spot for the Knights last week, rushing for 149 yards against Buffalo Grove. Prospect beat Elk Grove 14-10 last year.
St. Patrick (5-3, 3-2) vs. St. Viator (5-3, 2-3)
Where: Forest View Education Center
When: Friday 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: A St. Viator win most certainly puts the Lions in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. A loss could put them a playoff point or two short, so there is plenty to play for on the turf at Forest View. They key for St. Viator will be the play of quarterback Bobby Calmeyn, who is the leading passer in the area with 2,004 yards. The Shamrocks have won 3 games by a total of 4 points including a 1-point win over Joliet catholic. “It is a huge game for us,” St. Viator coach Brandon New said. “It is exciting and a pressure opportunity for us. Anytime a team beats JCA,, they get your attention.” St. Patrick beat St. Viator 42-30 last year.
Maine East (2-6, 0-4) at Maine West (1-7, 0-4)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: The annual battle between East and West ends up this year determining who finishes last in the Central Suburban North. Maine West is coming off its toughest performance of the season, as the Warriors lost to Glenbrook North 50-0. Joe Marella, who threw for 435 yards two weeks ago but was limited to just 71 yards against Glenbrook North, looks to get back on track against a Maine East team that has allowed nearly 40 points per game. Maine East beat Maine West 13-7 last year.
Leyden (2-6, 2-3) at Proviso East (0-8, 0-5)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Outlook: Leyden came into this season as defending West Suburban Gold champions. Now the Eagles look to finish off their disappointing season on a strong note against a Proviso East team that has not won a game in two years. Leyden suffered a tough 28-21 loss to Willowbrook last week after leading 21-7 at the half. Running back Aaron Whigham continues to deliver tough yards for the Eagles, who beat Proviso East 18-7 last year.
Christian Liberty Academy (0-8, 0-8) at Luther North (4-4, 4-4)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Outlook: Christian Liberty put together its best performance of the season last week, but still came up a bit short in a 33-28 loss to Westminster Christian. Alex Glynn was huge for the Eagles, rushing for 178 yards and 4 touchdowns. CLA can act as spoiler this week by knocking Luther North out of the playoffs with a victory. Luther North beat CLA 26-21 last year.