Football: Scouting Week 4, Northwest

St. Viator (2-1, 1-0) vs. Joliet Catholic (2-1, 1-0) at Joliet Memorial StadiumWhen: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: JCA 35, St. Viator 20

Outlook: Could this be the year the streak ends? St. Viator has never beaten Joliet Catholic in the 25 meetings between the schools. St. Viator led by 2 touchdowns last year, but faltered down the stretch. This year, the Lions boast one of the most potent offenses in the state, averaging 36 points. St. Viator quarterback Tyler Johnston leads the area in passing with 794 yards and 8 touchdowns. But the Lions aren't one-dimensional, rushing for 273 yards last week. They will need all the offensive firepower they can get facing a JCA team that is ranked first in the Class 5A polls. The key may come from how well the Lions can stop the Hilltoppers' vaunted running game.

Wheeling (2-1) at Barrington (3-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: This will be a good measure to see how far Wheeling has come. The Wildcats played keep-away from Palatine last week, running 73 plays to Palatine's 43. Wheeling welcomed back Isaac Branch last week to its backfield after sitting out the first two games with an ankle injury. But it was quarterback Amani Dennis who stole the show, using his feet and arm to extend drives for the Wildcats. The pair will face a Barrington defense that has speed at the linebacker spot with Jake Coon and Mark Bornhofen on the prowl. Barrington quarterback Johnny Davidson, who was 12-of-20 for 109 yards against Hersey's tough secondary, may have more room to throw to receivers Seamus Moran, Scotty Miller and Mitch Pfeiffer.

Fremd (2-1) at Buffalo Grove (2-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: Buffalo Grove saw its terrific comeback fall just over a second short of victory. Now the Bison will see if they can bounce back against a Fremd team that is beginning to operate on all its gears. Trey Cervantes has done well for the Bison, throwing for 564 yards and 5 touchdowns. He will need to keep the ball away from a ball-hawking Fremd secondary led by Ryan Haas, Jake Haas, Ken Lyke and Kevin Schmoeller. Fremd has won its last two games by returning to its pound-and-ground play. The Vikings have piled up 672 rushing yards in its last two games behind that huge offensive line that averages 265 pounds.

Conant (2-1) at Hersey (1-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: After a season-opening loss, Conant seems to have found its stride the last two games. The Cougars have scored 56 points in their last two games thanks to the surprising play of backup quarterback Kevin Smith, who rescued his team last week at BG with a touchdown run with 1.1 seconds to play. Smith, who threw for 158 yards last week, could have a difficult time against a stout Hersey defense. The Huskies secondary, led by safety Will Trossen, held Barrington to just 109 yards passing last week and has allowed just 321 yards all season. Hersey looks like it has found its own passing game with quarterback Eric Portenlanger taking over the reins last week and throwing for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Prospect (0-3) at Palatine (1-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: Palatine looks to bounce back from its tough last-minute loss last week to Wheeling. Coach Rick Splitt was disappointed with his team's defensive performance, which allowed Wheeling to convert 11 of 17 on third down and all 3 fourth-down attempts. The Pirates have been strong on the offensive side, averaging 31 points thanks to the rushing of Chris Cornelius, who has gained 435 yards this year to lead the area. Prospect has struggled on the offensive side of the ball, scoring just 16 points this year. It won't get any easier for the Knights, who will be without the services of quarterback Matt Drew due to concussion.

Elk Grove (0-3) at Schaumburg (0-3)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: What a difference a year makes. Last year, this would have been a marquee matchup between playoff contenders. This year, it is a battle between a pair of teams who are both looking for their first win. Elk Grove has struggled offensively, scoring just 2 touchdowns in its first 3 games. But the Grenadiers' defense has been tough all season and allowed Fremd just 19 yards passing last week. Schaumburg finally found its stride offensively last week, rushing for 215 yards with the bulk of it coming from Justice Macneal-Young, who already has 375 yards this season. The Saxons are still trying to find their passing game, having amassed 79 yards in three games.

Hoffman Estates (3-0) at Rolling Meadows (2-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: Hoffman Estates won its third game in a season last week for the first time since 2001 and won its first 3 games of the year since 1994. Now the Hawks look to fly into skies that they have visited just once in school history as they seek their fourth consecutive win to open the season. That happened most recently in 1988, when Hoffman Estates won its first 10 games. This matchup present a pair of dual-threat quarterbacks. Hoffman Estates has Jeff Mayes, who has rushed for 167 yards while throwing for 381. Rolling Meadows counters will RJ Mattucci, who has rushed for 332 yards and tossed for another 259. One key is if Meadows can contain Hoffman Estates running back Connor McCreary, who has rushed for 250 yards this season.

Addison Trail (3-0, 1-0) at Leyden (0-3, 0-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Leyden 41, Addison Trail 20

Outlook: The Eagles make their 2014 West Suburban Gold debut against an Addison Trail team that is on a roll. Leyden has struggled on both sides of the ball in its first three games. The Eagles are coming off a disappointing 48-0 loss to Lyons last week, when they had just 3 first downs. In its first 3 games, Leyden has scored just 3 touchdowns. Now the Eagles face an Addison Trail team that has bumped off state powers Hinsdale Central and Downers Grove South in consecutive weeks. The Blazers, who shut out Downers Grove South last week, have allowed just 2 touchdowns all season.

Evanston (1-2) at Maine West (1-2)When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last year's result: Evanston 42, Maine West 21

Outlook: Maine West looks to go back to the drawing board after being thrashed last week by Waukegan 47-0, giving up 34 second-quarter points. Coach Jason Kradman's crew, which had two of its players ejected last week, had only 31 yards of offense and finished with minus-5 yards rushing. Evanston has struggled offensively as well. The Wildkits have scored just 4 touchdowns all year and are coming off a 24-7 loss to Highland Park.

North Shore (0-3) at Christian Liberty Academy (0-3)When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last year's result: North Shore 16, CLA 12

Outlook: North Shore has forfeited two of its first 3 games as the Raiders look to stay healthy enough to get 5 wins and make the playoffs. They face a CLA team that they have never lost to and edged last season. But coach Dave Daniels and his Chargers hope to be game enough to earn their first win, which would snap a 12-game losing streak.