Scouting Week 1 in the Fox Valley
By Jerry Fitzpatrick and Dave Oberhelman
jfitzpatrick@dailyherald.com
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Batavia (8-2) at Oswego (9-2)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last year: Oswego 40, Batavia 38.
Outlook: Last year this game didn't go down to the wire, it went past the wire. Down by 4 points with seven seconds left, Oswego quarterback Steven Frank threw a Hail Mary that came up short - but Batavia was flagged for a face mask which awarded the Panthers an untimed play from the Batavia 24-yard line. Frank found Joe Hennessey in a crowd to end what had been a Bulldogs 12-game winning streak. Hennessey is back as is Frank, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound senior who has nine scholarship offers and is listed as the No. 32 senior in the state, the second quarterback behind Evanston's Matt Little, according to "Edgy" Tim O'Halloran at Rivals.com. Batavia's all-new defensive line will be put to a quick test, but Bulldogs defensive coordinator Matt Holm will choose the right time to blitz fast linebacker Zack Majka. If the Bulldogs can pressure Oswego's tall quarterback, cornerback Brett Bowman (7 interceptions in 2014) may pick up some loose change. Batavia also isn't highly experienced on its offensive line but has lots of depth both up front and with different types of runners, headed by 190-pound tailback Zach Garrett. If it's another shootout like last year, Batavia quarterback Kyle Niemiec should be right in the middle of it. Sharing duties with since-graduated Evan Acosta he completed 16 of 18 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. Bulldogs receiver Canaan Coffey had an outstanding night against Oswego, 13 catches, 173 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Next week: South Elgin at Batavia, Sept. 4; Providence at Oswego, Sept. 4.
Lincoln-Way Central (5-5) at Huntley (8-2)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: Two playoff teams from a year ago meet in a one-time nonconference matchup. The Knights reached the Class 7A playoffs last year, their first postseason appearance since 2009. New coach Jeremy Cordell spent the previous five campaigns at Glenbard South, guiding the Raiders to the playoffs the last four years. LW-Central is led by two-way lineman Bryan Ditchman (6-3, 295), an offensive guard and nose guard committed to Florida International. He is the Knights' only returning offensive starter and one of three returning defenders. Senior quarterback Austin Strilko (6-2, 195) didn't start last year but nevertheless garnered an offer from Division-II Henderson State (Ark.). "That's pretty impressive for a kid who did not start as a junior," Cordell said. Strilko will face a veteran Huntley defense led by cornerback Tim Ryan (North Dakota), safety Anthony Bellantuono (3 Ints.) and linebacker Tim McCloyn (Illinois State). The Red Raiders are led offensively by senior quarterback Anthony Binetti (6-1, 200), who as a junior completed 111 of 200 attempts for 1,860 yards and 22 touchdowns. "They have some pieces and play in a great conference," Huntley coach John Hart said of the Knights. "That'll be a great challenge for us, just a great first game."
Next week: Kaneland at Lincoln-Way Central, Sept. 4; Huntley at DeLaSalle, Sept. 4.
Prairie Ridge (6-4) at Cary-Grove (13-1)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: These District 155 sister schools run similar option offenses and similar 3-3-5 defenses. "Now I know what teams feel like when they play us to start the season," Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg said. The Wolves return senior fullback Nathan Griffin from a playoff team that shared the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division title. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry in 117 attempts. Griffin, sophomore offensive lineman Jeff Jenkins (6-4 255) and sophomore Samson Evans are returning all-FVC Fox picks. Evans gets the nod at quarterback. "He's just a perfect match for our offense with how athletic he is, not just the way he runs but the way he throws the ball, too," said PR coach Chris Schremp, who will start five sophomores in all. Senior safety Jon Tieman was another all-conference selectee. Class 7A state runner-up Cary-Grove graduated nine starters on defense and six on offense, but the Trojans return all-area fullback/linebacker Tyler Pennington, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior. In 14 games last year Pennington carried 274 times for 1,833 yards and a school-record 35 touchdowns. Senior John Sullivan takes over at quarterback in the triple option after serving in a backup role last year.
Next week: Grayslake Central at Prairie Ridge, Sept. 4; Lake Zurich at Cary-Grove, Sept. 4.
St. Charles East (4-5) at South Elgin (5-4)
Nonconference
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Last year: South Elgin 49, St. Charles East 14.
Outlook: These nearby Upstate Eight schools meet in a nonconference season opener for the second straight season. South Elgin returns several key players from a team that finished 5-4 but was denied a playoff berth. One of the biggest offensive lines in the program's 10-year history is led by senior guards Mike Ribando (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) and Matt Zimmerman (6-4, 270), the latter drawing interest from the Ivy League and Stanford. They block for third-year running back Shawn Griffin, an all-UEC Valley pick and a successful track sprinter. Rotating quarterbacks Jake AmRhein and Nate Gomez have a stable of talented wide receivers, including returning all-UEC Valley picks Derek Kumerow and Andrew Kamienski. Last year they combined for 76 receptions, 1,192 yards and 14 touchdowns. St. Charles East's greatest area of improvement here would be to trim the 495 yards of offense the Storm gained. The Saints have athletes at the right spots - Nick Candre at defensive back (and receiver ... and kicker/punter) - plus linebackers like Jack Russell and Mitch Guillaume. Offensively at this point last season St. Charles East's quarterback spot was relatively unsettled. That is not the case now as junior Zach Mitchell, pulled up late last season, has the job to himself. He's a solid passer, as was older brother Jimmy, but can also tuck and run. Cam Canales figures to be the Saints' offensive workhorse at running back, and although the Saints don't return lots of reps up front, there is some size with 220-pound Jake Rosenfeldt, 225-pound K.C. Walsh and a pair 260 and up, Logan Waxman and Max Schumann.
Next week: Jacobs at St. Charles East, Sept. 4; South Elgin at Batavia, Sept. 4.
West Aurora (4-5) at Geneva (10-2) Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last year: Geneva 41, West Aurora 23.
Outlook: Every coach and player in the state is ready for Week 1. West Aurora coach Nate Eimer especially. He's anxious to see how his stable of athletes performs with another year under their belt, particularly against one of the local toughies in this Upstate Eight Conference crossover. Junior DaQuan Cross led the Blackhawks in both rushing and tackling last season and against Geneva, running for 136 yards and making 4 tackles to tie for game honors with twin brother DaVion Cross and Chandler Behrens - who each likewise return. Offensive linemen Sam Deisher and Alex DeBolt return after helping West Aurora run for 367 yards in last year's opener. But if West Aurora proves itself it'll have to come on defense after allowing 21 unanswered third-quarter points to let the game get away. A 3-5 set full of returning linebackers and defensive backs will encounter a Geneva offense somewhat in transition. After two-plus years of slinging quarterback Daniel Santacaterina comes Sean Chambers, who earned 2014 all-UEC River honors at safety. Chambers was not just plucked from nowhere, he's been trained at quarterback throughout high school. And as athletic as West Aurora is, the Blackhawks will need all their speed to stay up with the likes of receiver Ryan Skibinski and tailback Justin Taormina, who scored on both a run and a catch in last year's opener. Of interest - in a world of spread offenses West Aurora favors the Wing-T while Geneva coach Rob Wicinski goes Pro I, where he's got 205-pound linebacker Jack Bodine doubling up at fullback. Also: West Aurora enters 2015 with the 48th most wins in Illinois history at 526; Geneva's 84th with 478.
Next week: Plainfield East at West Aurora, Sept. 4; Geneva at Richards, Sept. 4.
*****
Aurora Central Catholic (6-4) at St. Edward (10-1)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: These rivals have squared off 16 times since 1997 as members of three conferences. The Chargers lead the series 9-7. Defending Metro Suburban East champion St. Edward returns Dwayne Allen and Jake French, the respective league offensive and defensive players of the year.
Bartlett (4-5) at Conant (4-5)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Bartlett has 50 seniors on its 73-man roster, including five third-year starters. Two-way players Kyle Sanft and Nolan Bernat aim to lead the Hawks back to the playoffs after a two-year absence. Conant returns 15 starters, including senior quarterback Kyle Bradley.
Chicago Brooks (3-6) at Kaneland (4-5)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Kaneland is 4-0 against this Chicago Public League outfit, but since the Knights' 44-0 win in the 2011 nonconference series debut the games have been entertaining. This is a great time for Kaneland freshman back Jonathan Alstott to get up to game speed behind returning linemen Logan Strand, Tristan Kinder and Andrew Kray.
Elgin (1-8) at Dundee-Crown (2-7)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Dundee-Crown won two games last season while Elgin prevailed only once, thus a win is crucial for each considering the respective tough conference games that lie ahead. Elgin quarterback Terrance Miller Allen has a strong arm and athletic receivers, but will the Dundee-Crown defense give him time? Watch for an improved D-C offensive line to try to establish the run.
Hampshire (4-5) at Burlington Central (6-4)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: First-year Central coach Jason Newburger debuts against the programs's rival. He wants the Rockets to be explosive offensively, led by returning senior quarterback Robert Doubek. Hampshire seeks its third straight win in the series behind nimble 304-pound, two-way lineman Matt Kielbasa.
Hoffman Estates (4-5) at Streamwood (3-6)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: New Streamwood coach Don Guindon wants his offense to establish the run and his defense to stop the run, like the Sabres did when they last made the playoffs in 2011. Hoffman Estates defensive end Dante Cleveland (6-3, 255) and the Hawks seek their first winning record since 2000 and first playoff berth since 1994.
Larkin (0-9) at Mundelein (0-9)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Both teams seek turnarounds after finishing winless a year ago. Larkin returns all-Upstate Eight River wide receiver AJ Hunter and junior quarterback David Hibbler. New Mundelein coach Larry Calhoun led Elk Grove to the playoffs twice in the last three seasons.
Marian Central (7-5) at Crystal Lake South (4-5)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: This is the final meeting in a 4-game series. Marian Central dominated the first three clashes by scores of 31-0, 28-2 and 32-0. CL South returns all-FVC Valley tailback Corey Sheehan (933 yards, 5 TD). New coach Mike Maloney takes over at Marian after a successful turnaround at Johnsburg.
Mooseheart (3-6) at Westminster Christian (4-5)Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Westminster Christian is led by 10 seniors for the first time in three years of varsity football. The Warriors lost 6-6, 270-pound lineman Isaac Hawn, who transferred to St. Charles North, but they picked up a transfer quarterback in Tannor Park from Arizona. First-year coach Zach Meeks leads Mooseheart.
Plainfield Central (0-9) at Marmion (6-4)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Despite Plainfield Central's winless 2014 record including Marmon's 26-7 victory, Cadets coach Dan Thorpe cautions against the Wildcats' speed that got behind Marmion's secondary. The battle between Marmion 255-pound tackle Wes Kramer and Plainfield Central 300-pound center Taylor Schmidt should be fun.
Prospect (3-6) at Jacobs (5-4)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Jacobs seeks a playoff return after missing out on points as a 5-4 team last year. Quarterback Chris Katrenick, an all-conference pick as a sophomore, picked up an offer from Virginia this summer. Third-year senior quarterback Matt Drew leads the Knights.
Schaumburg (1-8) at St. Charles North (8-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: St. Charles North's huge offensive line and returning running back Eric Lins provides North Stars junior quarterback Zach Mettetal some buffer in his first varsity start. On the other side, the North Stars defense hopes to give fits to another junior, Schaumburg quarterback Justin Perez.
Senn (6-3) at Aurora Christian (5-5)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Aurora Christian typically handles these Chicago Public League foes. The Eagles beat Senn 42-6 last season behind 287 yards passing, 6 touchdowns. Though Aurora Christian brings nearly an all-new squad, the Beebe brain trust will tell sophomore quarterback Drew Clippert exactly which seams to exploit.