Mid-Suburban Week 7: Schaumburg gears up for Conant
MID-SUBURBAN WESTSchaumburg (4-2, 1-1) at Conant (5-1, 1-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Conant 35, Schaumburg 7
Outlook: Schaumburg continues to fire on all cylinders offensively. The Saxons have averaged 35.3 points in their last 4 games and still have their eyes on an MSL title. Schaumburg, which has been almost exclusively a running team the last few years, has added an aerial assault to the offense, courtesy quarterback Justin Perez, who has thrown for 882 yards and 6 TDs. But Perez will have to deal with Palmer Graham, one of the area's top two-way players. Graham is a shutdown corner who doubles as an explosive receiver and is coming off of an 11-catch, 224-yard and 3-touchdown performance. Cougars quarterback Kyle Bradley is now the area leader with 1,266 yards, while Jake Jakubosky is the area's second-leading rusher with 729 yards.
Barrington (6-0, 2-0) at Palatine (4-2, 1-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Palatine 24, Barrington 14
Outlook: Barrington is in sole possession of first place in the MSL West. And if the Broncos would like to stay there, they need to topple Palatine, team that knocked off Barrington last year on its way to the division title. Barrington's huge offensive line, anchored by 6-foot-3, 285-pound Alex Serrano and 6-3, 290-pound Nick Bart could give Palatine's smaller defensive line fits. That would give lots of running room to Nate King, who has gained 718 yards, and Johnny Davidson, who has rushed for 585 yards and thrown for 1,105. Barrington will need to ground Palatine's passing game. Zach Oles has thrown for 1,109 yards and looks to get the ball to Matt Lamm and Jovone Stricker, who both have 24 receptions.
Fremd (5-1, 1-1) at Hoffman Estates (2-4, 0-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Fremd 48 Hoffman Estates 17
Outlook: Fremd is coming off its best game since Lou Sponsel took over the Vikings just over three seasons ago. Fremd was hugely impressive on both sides of the ball as it dominated crosstown rival Palatine. But the Vikings are hoping the injury bug has not caught up with them - wide receiver Cordell Finley out for the year with a broken foot and other injuries. Former Fremd and current Hoffman Estates coach Mike Donatucci would like nothing better than to turn his team's season around against his former squad. The Hawks have got very nice production lately from wide receiver Brandon Hall, who has over 70 yards receiving in each of his last two games.
MID-SUBURBAN EASTRolling Meadows (4-2, 2-0) at Prospect (1-5, 0-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Rolling Meadows 46, Prospect 14
Outlook: At the start of the season, many suspected this game might be a key to deciding the East title. Now it seems more like a case of two teams headed in opposite directions. Rolling Meadows has found ways to win, with two of its victories coming by 2 points or less. It will also be a homecoming of sorts for Mustangs quarterback Asher O'Hara. The junior, who has thrown for 924 yards, played at Prospect the last two years before his family moved to the Rolling Meadows area. Prospect has run the ball well all season, but has just 244 yards passing this year.
Wheeling (1-5, 1-1) at Buffalo Grove (1-5, 0-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Buffalo Grove 14, Wheeling 10
Outlook: Wheeling is coming off of its best defensive game of the season and it helped the Wildcats notch their first victory. Led by Dylan Draka, Wheeling contained Prospect's ground game and forced 2 turnovers in the process. Wheeling coach Brent Pearlman will be back on the sidelines this week after sitting out last week's game. Buffalo Grove has dropped 5 in a row with its defense allowing 43.8 points per game. But the Bison offense continues to shine under quarterback Trey Cervantes, who has thrown for 1,209 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Hersey (3-3, 2-0) at Elk Grove (1-5, 1-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Hersey 42, Elk Grove 7
Outlook: Hersey continued its upward climb and stayed tied for first in the MSL East with Rolling Meadows. The Huskies continue to get tremendous effort from their 1-2 punch at quarterback in Tommy Jackson and Owen Goldsberry, who continue to keep opponents guessing. Defensively, Hersey has turned things up in conference play, allowing just 3 touchdowns so far. The Huskies allowed Buffalo Grove just 47 yards rushing last week. But Hersey can ill afford to overlook Elk Grove and its revitalized running game. The Grens have averaged 213 yards in their last two games, which were a 1-point win and a 2-point loss. Azeez Alabi leads the Elk Grove running attack with 520 yards and Peter Green has also been effective.