Week 2 playoffs, DuPage Valley: District 204 rivalry, Part II
Class 8A
No. 30 Waubonsie Valley (6-4) at No. 19 Neuqua Valley (7-3)
Game time: 6 p.m. Saturday.
Last week: Waubonsie Valley 20, No. 3 Edwardsville 17 (OT); Neuqua Valley 29, No. 14 Hinsdale Central 26.
Outlook: Neuqua Valley holds a 13-5 series edge against its District 204 archrival, winning four of the last five, including a 23-20 decision in a 2012 8A quarterfinal. Waubonsie battled a full 48 minutes-plus to upend Edwardsville in overtime on Tanner Westwood's 8-yard run-option pass to Mikey France. Linebacker Ray Braun's late touchdown-saving stop typified a gutty defensive effort that must be continued. Tailback Max Ihry will attempt to deflate Neuqua's offense by steadily adding to his 1,038 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. Using discipline to limit the Warriors' triple-option and cleaning up last week's 3 turnovers are Neuqua coach Bill Ellinghaus' keys. He said big-time players make big-time plays in these games and he's got them: Nick Osikowicz leads the Wildcats in rushing and tackles, Isaiah Robertson caught 2 touchdown passes from Jack Stankoven last week to up his total to 9, and Owen Piche and Brett Borske make teams pay when they overcommit to Robertson.
Advancement: The winner advances to a Class 8A quarterfinal game against the winner between No. 6 Naperville Central (9-1) and No. 22 Warren (6-4).
No. 6 Naperville Central (9-1) at No. 22 Warren (6-4)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Naperville Central 14, No. 27 Bolingbrook 7; Warren 42, No. 11 Curie 41 (OT).
Last year: Naperville Central 23, Waubonsie Valley 10.
Outlook: Looking at last week's scores suggests quite a matchup between Warren's offense and Naperville Central's defense. The Blue Devils leaned on 1,000-yard rusher Darrius Crump in the first half against Curie but then put in a wrinkle with Jalen Powe working out of the Wildcat. He rushed for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns after halftime, including Warren's game-winning score in overtime. The Redhawks' defense has been brilliant with lineman-linebacker Rick Hatton and defensive backs Jon Barker and Garrett Purdy. Warren's defense may not boast the front seven brute force of Lake Park and Bolingbrook, but the Blue Devils have a strong secondary led by Powe. Redhawks quarterback Conor Joyce dominated at times last week, both with his legs and his arm. Look for running backs Luke Brady and Jeremiah Wiggins to be more involved in this one. They'll balance the offense with big-play receivers Emmanuel Rugamba and Matt Lehmann.
Advancement: The winner advances to a Class 8A quarterfinal game against the winner between No. 30 Waubonsie Valley (6-4) and No. 19 Neuqua Valley (7-3).