Week 4: Scouting the Mid-Suburban West

Maine South (2-1) at Palatine (2-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Maine South 28, Palatine 14

Outlook: Palatine is hoping to have LB Cortez Hogans back in the lineup for this week's tilt with defending state champion Maine South. Palatine, which lost to the Hawks in last year's semifinals, will need Hogans and the rest of the Pirate defense playing at its best to slow down a Maine South offense that is averaging nearly 42 points so far. Palatine, which struggled a bit scoring points in their opening-game loss, has come alive the past two weeks, averaging 34 points. The DJ Angelaccio-to-Johnny O'Shea combination is looking to have a big night for the Pirates.

Glenbrook North (3-0) at Schaumburg (2-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: After an opening-week loss, Schaumburg has begun to play at a higher pace. The Saxons looked very solid in their lopsided win over Niles North. Jordan Salgado is proving to be dangerous in the backfield, having scored 4 TDs last week as the Saxon offense amassed 347 yards, with most of it coming on the ground. Glenbrook North struggled against Elk Grove last week, and the Spartans' 3 opponents are a combined 1-8 this year.

Glenbrook South (3-0) at Barrington (3-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Barrington 41, Glenbrook South 15

Outlook: Ray Niro has been shredding defenses for Barrington this season. The senior quarterback has rushed for 525 yards and thrown for another 501 as the Broncos have averaged nearly 43 points. The Broncos defense came up with its best effort of the season last week, holding New Trier to 9 points. Glenbrook South visits the Broncos with their best start since 2014 under second-year coach David Schoenwetter.

New Trier (1-2) at Conant (1-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: If not for a few plays, Conant could easily be 3-0. The Cougars, who were winless a year ago, are coming off another terrific effort, but one that ended in an overtime loss last week at Glenbrook South. Conant continues to rely on a rugged ground attack led by Jack Reiger and Mason Sykes. New Trier had high hopes for its season but has lost 2 in a row, including a 36-9 loss to Barrington in which the Trevians surrendered 224 rushing yards.

Evanston (2-1) at Fremd (0-3)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: The Vikings have lost their first 3 games of the season for the first time since 2010. But that 2010 team recovered to win 5 of its last 6 and make the playoffs, and that remains the focus at Fremd. Andrew Saxe and Will Josten, who were both on the bench at the start of the season, are playing key roles in the backfield. The Vikings defense, which despite allowing 37 points to Maine South last week, has been very good this year and should be able to contain an Evanston group that had 61 rushing yards last week.

Vernon Hills (1-2) at Hoffman Estates (3-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Did not play

Outlook: At the start of the season, this game had all the earmarks of being one of the top games of the week. Now it is a game that features two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions. Hoffman Estates, which came into the season with high expectations after qualifying for the playoffs last year, has been nearly unstoppable this year, piling up 92 points while allowing just 17. Vernon Hills, which was second in the state a year ago in class 5A, has allowed 102 points in their last 2 games. The game is part of Hoffman Estates' Hawks for Vets weekend in which families with a military service connection will be saluted. Vernon Hills has suffered two decisive losses in a row. In Week 2, Zion-Benton shut out the Cougars 49-0. But the defending Class 5A state runners-up aren't in panic mode, and are convinced that they are improving each week by way of their tough nonconference schedule against bigger schools ... Vernon Hills did put up 30 points on Rolling Meadows and all 4 touchdowns came through the air. Junior quarterback Derek Jarrell found Jack Himel four 3 touchdowns, of 3, 25 and 5 yards. Jarrell also hit senior Luke Perlin for a touchdown ... The Hawks, who rolled up 395 yards of offense, scored all 34 of their points last week in the first half. Jaylin Johnson had a big day. He rushed for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries. Meanwhile, Hoffman Estates quarterback Austin Coalson completed 19-of-22 passes for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jaylan Alexander caught 7 passes for 94 yards.