Neuqua Valley ready for first game against Wheaton Warrenville South

Neuqua Valley (2-1, 2-1) at Wheaton Warrenville South (1-2, 1-2)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Neuqua Valley 28, Waubonsie Valley 7; Glenbard North 28, WW South 6.

Last year: Did not play.

Outlook: Neuqua coach Bill Ellinghaus is excited to debut against "an historical program." To add dash to his offense - in addition to dashing receiver-safety Isaiah Robertson, who last week totaled 196 yards with a 94-yard interception return - Ellinghaus ran some Wildcat offense with another receiver, Owen Piche. Regardless of the scheme, offensive linemen Tom Cwiok, A.J. Cwiok, Michael Peterson, Joe Backe and Jake Zeiler have to be at their best against the Tigers' strong defensive front led by Solomon Jackson and Jack Bucholz. WW South also needs a big game from corners Blaze Barista and Sam Milnamow. Offensively, the Tigers are hurting badly. Two quarterbacks are out - Jack Maher is now behind center - and leading rusher J.J. Johnson may not play because of an ankle injury. Coach Ron Muhitch says to expect an offense that'll "make vanilla look exciting." If it helps eliminate the five turnovers from a week ago, so be it. More than ever the Tigers must value possessions.

Next week: Neuqua Valley at Bartlett; WW South at Naperville Central.

Lake Park (1-2, 1-1) at Naperville North (0-3, 0-2)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Outlook: As Lake Park's offense seeks consistency, the defense found a spark with the shift of Jontrell Mitchell from linebacker to safety. Last week Naperville North's Cam Hardy scored on a 94-yard run. He adds to an already-strong ground game.

Metea Valley (1-2, 1-2) at Wheaton North (1-2, 1-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Outlook: Wheaton North may have found an answer to its run game last week after Cullen Heimburger rushed for 136 yards on 24 carries. Metea hung right with Naperville Central on the stat sheet last week, headed by Conner Lovely's 24 of 33 passing for 236 yards.