Football: Scouting Week 6, Northwest

Wheeling (2-3, 0-1) at Elk Grove (0-5, 0-1) When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Elk Grove 27, Wheeling 7

Outlook: After losing two consecutive games, Wheeling looks to turn things around. The Wildcats allowed big plays by Rolling Meadows to spoil Week 5 as Wheeling gave up 438 total yards. The good news was the resurgence of running back Isaac Branch, who had 145 rushing yards as the Wildcats piled up 384 yards of offense themselves. Elk Grove came within a 2-point conversion in the final minute of picking up their first win. The Grens' offense, led by the passing of Sean Fege (196 yards, 2 touchdowns) showed some life as Elk Grove scored nearly as many points (20) in one game as it had (21) over the previous 4 games combined.

Hersey (3-2, 1-0) at Buffalo Grove (3-2, 1-0) When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Hersey 20, Buffalo Grove 14

Outlook: The battle for Arlington Heights Road should be a defensive struggle. Hersey has allowed just 12 points per game, and the Huskies defense its usually stingy self last week, limiting Prospect to just 1 touchdown. Offensively, the Huskies are having trouble scoring points but are moving the ball thanks to quarterback Eric Portenlanger and top receiver Cole Monckton, along with the running of Jordan Edwards. Buffalo Grove came up big defensively when it held off a late 2-point conversion try to preserve their 1-point win at Elk Grove. John Maddox started his first game at quarterback, replacing the injured Trey Cervantes. Maddox looked good in his first start, throwing for 90 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another score. But he will have his work cut out for himself this week as the Bison face one of the top defensive secondaries in the area.

Prospect (0-5, 0-1) at Rolling Meadows (4-1, 1-0) When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Rolling Meadows 37, Prospect 6

Outlook: Things continue to shine for Rolling Meadows quarterbacks. Former Mustang and now New England Patriot Jimmy Garoppolo threw his first NFL touchdown pass last weekend, while current Rolling Meadows varsity QB RJ Mattucci had a big night as well. Mattucci threw for 3 touchdowns and had a 79-yard scamper for another. He now has thrown for 662 yards and 8 touchdowns and has rushed for 526 yards. Jack O'Neill also continues to be a bright spot for the Mustangs with 28 catches for 375 yards. Prospect has begun to find life in its offense thanks to the play of Greg Suarez at quarterback. He had the Knights offense on the move last week, rushing for 57 yards and passing for another 156 after a 10-for-11 effort. In his two starts at quarterback, Prospect has scored 35 points.

Palatine (3-2, 1-0) at Hoffman Estates (3-2, 0-1) When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Last year's result: Palatine 25, Hoffman Estates 0

Outlook: History does not appear to be on Hoffman Estates' side here. The Hawks have lost 7 in a row to the Pirates, have been shut out 2 of the last 3 meetings and scored just 4 touchdowns in the last six years. But this is not your older brother's Hoffman team. Despite losing to Fremd last week, Hoffman, led by backup running back Chady Bitre (147 rushing yards), had 424 yards of offense and 26 first downs. Palatine has been explosive offensively, thanks to the running of Chris Cornelius, who is coming off a 230-yard game to up his MSL-leading total to 729 yards. Defensively, Palatine was able to keep points off the board against Conant and force 3 turnovers to get a much-needed win. But the Pirates still gave up 385 yards and 24 first downs.

Fremd (4-1, 1-0) at Schaumburg (1-4, 0-1) When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Fremd 36, Schaumburg 27

Outlook: Fremd ignored the homecoming hype last week and was strictly business in its win over Hoffman Estates. The Vikings had 455 yards of offense, with nearly half of that coming on the ground as the Vikings unveiled a two-quarterback system with Cordell Finley and Nick Bossong getting plenty of acton. The Vikings running game may suffer since they may be without the services of one of their top backs in Jawan Gaines, who scored 6 touchdowns in the last 2 games. Schaumburg, which has won 3 of its last 4 against Fremd, is coming off one a rough ride last week at Barrington. Justice Macneal-Smith did break free a couple times for Schaumburg and upped his yearly rushing yardage to 567 yards on 104 carries.

Barrington (5-0, 1-0) at Conant (2-3, 0-1) When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Barrington 32, Conant 20

Outlook: It's tough to find a weakness with the Barrington team. The Broncos are averaging 43 points, and they had 49 at halftime last week against Schaumburg. That enabled the Broncos to rest their starters for the short week. Johnny Davidson continues impress with his play at quarterback where he has thrown for 903 yards and 13 touchdowns. Mitch Pfeiffer has caught 15 passes, 6 of which have been touchdowns. The starting defense, led by David Danhauer, Jake Coon and Mark Bornhofen, has allowed just 4 touchdowns this year and no points in the last 6 quarters. Conant had 385 yards of offense last week but managed just 14 points thanks to 3 turnovers. Kyle Bradley was 13 of 26 for 186 yards in his first start back after being injured earlier this year.

Highland Park (5-0, 1-0) at Maine West (1-4, 0-1) When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Last year's result: Highland Park 27, Maine West 12

Outlook: It has been a rough go for new Maine West coach Jason Kradman this year. His team has allowed an average of 42 points per game and had 65 points scored against it last week by visiting Niles North. Maine West now faces a Highland Park team that is not only the cream of the crop in the Central Suburban North, but one that is averaging nearly 30 points.

Carmel (3-2, 2-1) St. Viator (3-2, 2-1) at Forest View When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: St. Viator 17, Carmel 14

Outlook: This will be a spotlight game since it is the only game Friday night in suburban Cook and Lake Counties. St. Viator has won the last two meetings in what is a great rivalry matchup. The Lions and quarterback Tyler Johnston bounced back nicely after the Lions' loss to Joliet Catholic. Johnston overcame 3 interceptions but still manage to throw 3 TD's and 290 yards, bringing his season total to 1,426 yards and 11 TDs. Johnston has spread the wealth to wide receivers Matt Darling, who is expected to be back for this game, along with Ben Dickey, Sal Cannella and Cole Kmet. Carmel has had an impressive win against Chicago Phillips but lost badly to Joliet Catholic before winning its last two conference games against Marian Catholic and St. Patrick. Rondel Jamison had 128 yards rushing last week against St. Pat.

Leyden (0-5, 0-2) at Hinsdale South (4-1, 2-1) When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Hinsdale South 26, Leyden 3

Outlook: Leyden came close to breaking through for a win against Downers Grove South last week before succumbing 14-10. But it doesn't get an easier this week as the Eagles face a Hinsdale South team that is coming off a disappointing loss to Addison Trail in a game that most likely determined the winner of the West Suburban Gold. Leyden is still looking to get is offense going and is averaging less than 8 points.

Christian Liberty (0-5, 0-5) at Hope Academy (4-1, 4-1) When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last year's result: Hope 68, CLA 0

Outlook: The good news for the Chargers was that they broke their 3-game scoreless streak last week against Mooseheart. But CLA has opened its last two games by allowing fumble returns for touchdowns and has not been in the game from that point on. And it doesn't get any easier for the Chargers this week as they face a Hope team that is averaging 43 points over the last 4 games and scored 70 points last week.