Week 7, Fox Valley: Huntley, Crystal Lake South battled for Valley lead

Crystal Lake South (5-1, 2-0) at

Huntley (6-0, 2-0)

Fox Valley (Valley)

Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday

Last week: Crystal Lake South 41, Dundee-Crown 6; Huntley 22, Jacobs 19

Last year: Huntley 38, Crystal Lake South 7

Outlook: Already guaranteed a playoff spot for the second straight year and the third time in coach John Hart's four seasons, Huntley attempts to retain sole possession of first place in the FVC Valley while improving its playoff seed. The Gators' only loss was a 21-14 setback in Week 1 to state-ranked Marian Central. "I think they're really physical, much more than they have been the last few years since I've been around," Hart said of CL South. "They have some good skilled kids. The tailback (Corey Sheehan) and fullback (Kyle Leva) are difference-makers for them and the tight end (6-foot-3 senior Drew Murtaugh) gives them a big target to throw to." The Red Raiders average 38.7 points per game, but they turned the ball over 6 times last week. Such miscues could prove costly against CL South, which has claimed 12 more turnovers than it has committed. "We have to find a way to stop them or we're not going to win the game," CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. "It'll be a challenge and we'll have to do things a little differently. We're not going to be able to just man up and push them around." Huntley defensive back Anthony Bellantuono (26 tackles) and offensive linemen Justin Domingo (6-0, 275) will not play due to injuries suffered last week.

Next week: Crystal Lake South at Jacobs (5-1); Huntley at McHenry (1-5)

Jacobs (5-1, 1-1) at

Cary-Grove (5-1, 1-1)

Fox Valley (Valley)

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

Last week: Cary-Grove 1, McHenry 0 (forfeit); Huntley 22, Jacobs 19

Last year: Cary-Grove 49, Jacobs 7

Outlook: How the timing-reliant Cary-Grove option offense reacts to an unprecedented, 15-day, midseason layoff remains to be seen. Jacobs is expecting a heavy dose of junior fullback Tyler Pennington, who has rushed for 589 yards and 7 touchdowns on 121 carries. He averages 5.2 yards per tote. "We just hope to do a good job on him and keep him out of the end zone," Jacobs coach Bill Mitz said. "We're hoping to make some plays on first down. That's when they like to churn out 7, 8 yards. They may pound that kid 50 times to keep our offense off the field. We have some pretty good kids, too." Jacobs quarterback Chris Katrenick looks to bounce back from a 17-of-51 performance at windy Huntley. This season he has completed 79 of 136 passes for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. His top receiver is Nathan Meland (30 rec., 376 yards, 4 TD), who caught a 27-yard scoring pass against Huntley. The Jacobs defense forced 6 turnovers in that game, including a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Sean Barnes. "They really get to the football," said Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg, who pointed to Jacobs middle linebacker Casey Dennison and linemen Mark Comstock and Jack Golnick as examples. "They have a lot of guys who play with a lot of passion and it's very evident. It seems like they have some real tough kids."

Next week: Crystal Lake South (5-1) at Jacobs; Cary-Grove at Dundee-Crown (1-5)

Dundee-Crown (2-5, 1-2) at McHenry (1-6, 0-3)

Game time: canceled

The quick hit: Dundee-Crown wins by forfeit, announced Wednesday by McHenry, where a strike by District 156 teachers carried into a second week.

Hampshire (4-2, 2-1) at Prairie Ridge (5-1, 4-0)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday

The quick hit: The Whip-Purs look to derail the No. 5 team in Class 6A. The Wolves haven't lost since a season-opening, 21-14 setback at Cary-Grove. "It's a great opportunity for our players to put Hampshire on the map in the Fox Valley Conference," coach Mike Brasile said.

Grayslake North Knights (3-3, 2-1) at Woodstock Blue Streaks (2-4, 1-3)When: 7:15 p.m., today

Last week: Grayslake North def. Crystal Lake Central, 21-7; Woodstock lost to Prairie Ridge, 63-6.

Skinny: Grayslake North snapped a three-game losing streak last Friday night and now looks to finish the season strong. None of the Knights' remaining three opponents - Woodstock (2-4), Grayslake Central (0-6) and Woodstock North (3-3) - has a winning record. The Knights need to win twice in order to become playoff-eligible, while three wins will secure their fourth postseason appearance in a row. RB Dami Oladunmoye surpassed 1,000 rushing yards (1,086) last Friday night. The junior has scored 12 touchdowns. ... Woodstock's only wins are against winless opponents - Round Lake and Grayslake Central.

Woodstock North Thunder (3-3, 1-2) at Grayslake Central Rams (0-6, 0-3)When: 7:15 p.m., today

Last week: Woodstock North lost to Hampshire, 34-24; Grayslake Central lost to Danville, 56-16.

Skinny: Grayslake Central quarterback Luke Shepherd and wide receiver Noah Comerford hooked up on their fifth touchdown reception of the season last Friday night in Danville. The Rams also got a TD run from Mikey Andrews in losing for the 16th straight time. Linebacker Ryan Ford leads the Rams with 40 tackles. ... After a 3-0 start, Woodstock North has lost three games in a row. Against Hampshire last Friday night, 3 Thunder turnovers led directly to 20 points for the Whip-Purs.