Scouting: Fox Valley area football openers

Larkin (5-5) at McHenry (6-4)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at McCracken Field

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Larkin hopes to reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons and a win on the road in McHenry would be a big lift in that direction. The Royals run a spread offense and have returning senior quarterback Cam Kinley back on offense. He threw for 1,474 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. Kinley and leading returning receiver Nick Bee (20 catches, 2 TDs) could have a big night on slippery, soggy McCracken Field, which will probably turn into a mudbath by the second quarter due to recent heavy rains. In fact, the sophomore game between these schools was moved to 9 a.m. Saturday at Larkin in order to preserve McCracken for the varsity game. Playing McHenry in the opener instead of Oak Park-River Forest for the first time in eight seasons is fine by Larkin coach Dave Bierman. "The first couple ballgames are still the first couple of ballgames no matter who you play," Bierman said. "No matter what anyone ran last year, you never know. You can get a lot of mistakes in early ballgames sometimes. You can win if you make fewer than the other team." McHenry isn't a team prone to a lot of mistakes. That's why it reached the state playoffs for the 19th straight season in 2006 under first-year coach Tim Beagle. But the Warriors have just one full-time starter returning on offense, senior guard Jordan Walsh (6-4, 290). Seniors Mark D'Angelo (5-8, 165) and Zach Borter (6-1, 190) split time at wide receiver last year. Tyler Marunde (6-1, 185) was the backup quarterback last year and is now the starter. Beagle is high on senior fullback John Doessel (5-9, 200). Walsh (DL), Borter and D'Angelo (secondary) started on defense last year, as did senior strong safety Hank Hartwig (5-9 180). "Larkin graduated a lot of seniors and we graduated a lot of seniors," said Beagle. "We look like we're in the same boat. We're figuring out some question marks around the ball on offense and defense and looking to get these players some experience."

Plainfield Central (3-6) at Elgin (2-7)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Memorial Stadium

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: This could be an interesting matchup between teams that have posted identical records of 11-25 the last four seasons combined. Elgin is coming off a 2-7 finish but returns one of the area's best football players in running back/linebacker Kenny Williams (6-0, 210). In the past two seasons Williams has rushed for 2,294 yards and 23 touchdowns. The offense could strike a nice balance, however, with the emergence of junior quarterback Tom Roth, who last season threw for 557 yards and 8 touchdowns. Plainfield Central coach John Jackson (11th season, 52-45) told the Joliet Herald News that this year's seniors entered the off-season "with the attitude that they have to get better and they worked their little tushies off all off-season. This could be as strong a team as we have had in a long time." The Wildcats attack not with a twin set, but with actual twins. Returning senior quarterback Cyle Schultz, who completed 97-of-187 passes last season for 1,561 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was intercepted 9 times. Cyle's twin brother Chris Schultz (36 catches, 517 yards, 4 TDs) is the team's leading returning receiver and starts at left cornerback. Another target is Brandon Wilson (18 receptions, 408 yards, 2 TDs). Chris Schultz is one of the only players to play both ways for Jackson, who opts for the two-platoon system in most cases. That could make things tougher on Elgin, which will use multiple players on both sides of the ball out of need. Elgin is approaching this game the same way the Maroons plan to approach the subsequent eight. "We are going to be very competitive only if we realize we are going to play one game at a time, not look ahead," Elgin coach Tom Kim said.

Marmion (5-4) at South Elgin (0-9)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Millenium Field

Last year: Marmion 48, South Elgin 34

Outlook: South Elgin will be much improved over the 2006 version that lost to Marmion in the program's varsity debut last August. The Storm played that game like a football team with butterflies, turning the ball over 5 times. However, they were still in the ballgame late in the second half despite those miscues and the excused absence of receiver Josh Smith, who went on to become South Elgin's most dangerous offensive threat with 37 catches, 592 yards and 7 touchdowns. "We made a lot of mistakes in that game," said Storm coach Dale Schabert. "I don't know if having (Smith) there would have made a difference, but it would have balanced the field more." Smith and senior receivers Jordan Uvegas (19 catches, 253 yards, 2 TDs) and Kevin Davis will each see plenty of throws from senior quarterback Pete Scaffidi, who threw for 1,289 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Marmion will be quarterbacked by 6-2, 200-pound junior Ricky Bird. The strength of the Cadets' defense lies in the secondary that will try to slow down South Elgin's spread attack. "South Elgin, they are going to bring it all," Dan Thorpe said. "They have great enthusiasm. It's their senior year. They are a very explosive offense."

Crystal Lake Central (6-4) at Streamwood (1-8)

When: Noon Saturday at Millenium Field

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: When the contract for this new home-and-home nonconference series was signed, CL Central had been through as many down seasons as Streamwood. But last year the Tigers rose up and made the playoffs for the first time since 1991 under coach Jon McLaughlin, who enters his fourth season. It was CL Central's first winning campaign in eight years. This year the Tigers have only 15 seniors on the roster, including linemen Josh Fick (6-3, 235) and Wayne Ryals (6-1, 245). They'll pave the way for junior fullback Anthony DeGani (5-10, 190), who ran for 1,000 yards last year and was named all-Fox Valley Conference. "A lot of our offense revolves around whether we have a good fullback, and he's back there, so we're excited about that," said McLaughlin. Fick (LB), Brett Unger (6-0, 175, CB) and Evan Van Klei (6-2, 215, DE, junior) are back as starters on defense. Streamwood has athletes at the skill positions, several of whom will be asked to play on both sides of the ball. Coach Cal Cummins likes tall, speedy receivers and he has bookends in returning letterman Kyle Holder (6-4, Jr.) and sophomore Derrick King (6-2). Though Central made the postseason last year, Cummins is pleased to be opening against the Tigers rather than Schaumburg, which beat the Sabres in four straight season openers and five of the last six. "Last year Crystal Lake Central snuck into the playoffs at 5-4, but the previous three or four years they had been struggling," Cummins said. "You feel like you're going to be competitive if the kids do the right thing."

Hampshire (7-4) at St. Edward (0-9)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday at Greg True Field

Last year: Hampshire 36, St. Edward 13

Outlook: Hampshire has won four straight in this series, including the last two meetings by a combined score of 89-25. The Green Wave was overmatched by every opponent the last two years with the vast majority of the roster spots filled by underclassmen. As a result, the Green Wave enters the 2007 football season saddled with a 20-game losing streak that dates back to the 2004 season. "The kids are dying to get on the field and see how we've improved," said St. Edward's third-year coach, Mike Rolando, who directed a structured off-season lifting program. The Wave will be led by three-year varsity starting quarterback Ryan Gilbert, who has an athletic receiver to throw to in junior Cory Diaz, who led the team with 28 catches for 442 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2006. Junior Moises Quiroga (50 tackles) and senior Matt Ardiente (48 tackles) return as linebackers for a defense that features more upperclassmen than freshmen and sophomores for the first time in three seasons. Hampshire is coming off a 7-win season in which it reached the second round of the playoffs before falling to Amboy. The Whip-Purs will be led by quarterback Trace Teboda, who has a big, athletic tight end to target in senior T.J. Burzak (6-2, 210), who made 26 catches last year for 358 yards and 2 touchdowns. Fullback Joe Moore (5-10, 185) ran for 476 yards and 8 touchdowns last year as a sophomore. "St. Ed's has got a lot of kids back and they play in that conference (Suburban Catholic) where you can be an awfully good team and not win a game," Cavanaugh said. "I think St. Ed's is going to be a good team this year."

Prairie Ridge (8-3) at Jacobs (7-4)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Jacobs Athletic Stadium

Last year: Prairie Ridge 38, Jacobs 24

Outlook: This has the makings of a great game. Prairie Ridge returns nine starters on each side of the ball from a team that went 8-3 and reached the second round of the playoffs for the second year in a row. Led by the area's leading rusher from last year, senior running back Sam Campbell (1,486 yards, 18 TDs), and change-of-pace back Joe Rategan (777 yards, 15 TDs), the Wolves are built to score points and burn clock in the triple option offense. Four of five offensive linemen return and junior quarterback Bryan Bradshaw has improved tremendously as a passer in the off-season, according to PR coach Chris Schremp. The Wolves are the defending co-champions of the Fox Division but they'll have their hands full with Jacobs, which has a very big offensive line anchored by bookend tackles Jeff Czjaka (6-5, 285) and Cam Allsworth (6-6, 325). The Golden Eagles are coming off their second playoff appearance in two seasons and hope to make it three out of four with returning running back Darius Bowers (611 yards, 6 TDs) and fullback Bobby Molinaro (211 yards, 1 TD) carrying the load. Senior Kyle Magnuson takes over at quarterback for graduated all-area QB Dan Barch. "With the amount of experience we have coming back we would certainly like to build of last year," Jacobs coach Dean Schlueter said.

Burlington C. (10-2) at Kaneland (11-2) Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: Kaneland 55, Burlington Central 32

Outlook: Don't be surprised if you see some Kaneland players on both sides of the ball, including senior Phil Christensen on the offensive and defensive line. New coach Tom Fedderly said the Knights will put their best players on the field and with a roster only in the 30s, two-way players could see action. Since the Knights, who reached the Class 5A semifinals a year ago, will continue to spread the ball up-and-down the field, the eyes will be on QB Jody Henningson as he begins the post-Boone Thorgesen area. The Blazek name is familiar in that Adam was a key receiver last year so now it's brother Alex's turn to catch the ball. Jamie Snyder has been a key member of the backfield for a couple years now. Quarterback Dan Hagberg takes over a Burlington Central offense from graduated Juston Lee that features seniors in tight end Bryan Bell, fullback Greg Dixon and running back Jason Wagner. All three players are two-way starters. Offensive linemen Jason Shallcross and Matt VanAcker will work hard to create openings for the Rockets, who made the third round in Class 4A last year, to launch through. The Knights have scored 97 points against Burlington Central in the past two season openers. "Offensively I anticipate the same look we've seen from (Kaneland) the last two years," said BC coach Aaron Wichman. "Our kids are excited to play. Kaneland has put a lot of points on the board two years in a row against us and we'd like a chance to redeem that."

Wauconda (4-5) at Huntley (5-4)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Huntley Athletic Stadium

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Huntley has high hopes for the 2007 season based on the progress made in 2006, when the Red Raiders finished 5-4 but missed the playoffs on points. Returning for third-year coach Steve Graves are senior quarterback Casey Popenfoose (540 yards passing, 610 yards rushing) and junior linebacker Jordan Neukirch (6-2, 227), one of the best returning athletes in the Fox Valley Conference. The Red Raiders shouldn't expect an easy game despite the fact former Chicago Bear Glen Kozlowski's Bulldogs have won 4 games in his four seasons as head coach, but hopes are higher this season with a bevy of returning players, led by running back Brad Wisniewski (6-foot-2, 230 pounds), who set school records last year for rushing yards (1,735), carries (284) and touchdowns (19). He'll run behind four returning starters along the offensive line. Quarterback Garrett Dorsey started the final three games of last season. Cornerback Colin McKenzie is a returning all-North Suburban Conference pick. "Huntley's not going to be an easy game for us," Kozlowski said.

Dundee-Crown (1-8) at Geneva (11-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Burgess Field

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Dundee-Crown gets a chance to play someone outside the Fox Valley Conference during the regular season for the first time since a Week 6 meeting with Gordon Tech in 2005. And this opponent is a good one. Geneva lost to archrival Batavia last season in a Class 6A state semifinal. The Vikings return touted running back Michael Ratay, who missed most of last year with an injury. Receiver Mike Mayszak switches to quarterback this year. Dundee-Crown hasn't had a winning season since 1995 and is coming off a 1-8 season in which it was outscored 323-111. "They've been down before, but they've got some speed which is a concern for us," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. "With our young players and it being the first game, there's a shorter margin for error. If we put the ball on the ground then we could end up leaving not very happy." Dundee-Crown coach Mike Davis might have said it best when he stated, "I can think of a lot easier way to open the season than to go and play Geneva." Still, he's optimistic that the Chargers will be better this season, even though with a roster of only 45 players, the team is at a disadvantage against bigger programs. "Geneva has had things rolling good lately and it's going to be a tough opener," Davis said. "I'm comparing our team to the one we had two years ago that went 3-6. We lost to Cary-Grove 7-0 and lost another in the last seconds. Our offensive line is the best one I've had. We're not very big, but the guys played a lot last year."

St. Charles North (7-4) at Cary-Grove (11-1)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Al Bohrer Field

Last year: First meeting

Outlook: A streak can either be extended or ended when Cary-Grove takes the field tonight. The Trojans will put their 28-game regular-season winning streak on the line when they host the North Stars, who enter their seventh season of varsity football competition. St. Charles North won the first season opener in school history last season by nipping Fremd by a point. Fremd went on to win 10 straight afterward. Junior quarterback Nick Neari will get the opportunity to lead St. Charles North's offense. Coach Mark Gould likes to give a number of different players opportunities in the backfield, including returning starter Nic Higgins at running back. Kyle Harmon and senior Colton Hinrichs also should receive some chances. Cary-Grove senior fullback Nick Parfitt rushed for 504 yards on 97 carries contributing in a backfield that shared the ball plenty, but an ankle injury means he'll likely miss this game. That could mean more touches in the triple option offense for seniors Kyle Gray (384 yards, 8 TDs) and Andrew Schuh (266 yards, 2 TDs). Sophomore Eric Chandler (5-9, 160) will fill in for Parfitt. Senior A.J. Hoger takes over at quarterback. He was the backup a year ago. Senior lineman Mike Yocius (6-4, 290) will be difficult to handle on both the offensive and defensive lines. Defensively, the key returnee for the Trojans is linebacker Paul Rands, who made 49½ tackles last season. "This will be different and interesting to see what we come up with and then make adjustments," North Stars coach Mark Gould said of facing Cary-Grove for the first time. The Trojans aren't doing much talking in the preseason. "This is one of those teams there isn't much to say about until we see it on the field," Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay said. "We certainly have some question marks we have to find the answers to. Only time will tell."

Bartlett (5-5) at Glenbard North (6-4)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Glenbard North Athletic Stadium

Last year: Glenbard North 36, Bartlett 28

Outlook: It's just a short jog down Army Trail Road for the Bartlett Hawks to reach Glenbard North's campus. But the drive home has always been a long one for Bartlett, which has never beaten the Panthers on the field since this series began in 1998. Bartlett is a junior-heavy team this season with 45 of them on the roster, including junior Kyle Zelinsky (6-1, 210), who will team up with fellow inside linebacker Ryan Javan (5-11, 200), the only other starter returning to Bartlett's defense. Bartlett reached the playoffs for the seventh straight season in 2006, rallying for five wins after opening the season 0-4. Glenbard North has made five straight trips to the postseason. To make appearance No. 6 in a row will require a good season from junior quarterback Evan Watkins, who at 6-foot-6, stands five inches taller than his tallest offensive lineman, three of whom return from last year. Watkins led the sophomore team to an 8-1 finish in 2006. He'll throw to receiver Matt Ng, who made 36 receptions for 452 yards last season. But Glenbard North should have a balanced offense with running backs Carl Gerrick and Tyler Doll. "In the past we've relied heavily on the run," said head coach Ryan Wilkens. "This year we'll be able to throw it a little bit more." Unlike the junior-dominated Hawks, seniors are projected to line up at 15 of 22 positions tonight for the Panthers.

Crystal Lake South (8-3) at Crete-Monee (7-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Crete-Monee Stadium

Last year: First meeting

Outlook: This game was originally scheduled to be played tonight, but was postponed until Saturday night due to water-logged field conditions in Crete. "Apparently they put a new crown on the field this year and they said (Thursday) whole chunks of it are coming up," Gators coach Jim Stuglis said. Most coaches will tell you Week 1 games are crapshoots since all teams are relative unknown quantities until they take the field for the first time. That unfamiliarity goes double for this interesting matchup of 2006 playoff qualifiers. "We don't know a single thing about them because they have a new coach," Stuglis said of the Warriors. "We know they have a lot of returning speed from last year, but in terms of what schemes they're using we have no clue." Crete-Monee's new coach is Jerry Verde, a lifelong Crete resident who athletic director Gene Cahan plucked from the staff at Homewood-Flossmoor, where Verde was the defensive coordinator. He was a decorated linebacker at south suburban Marian Catholic in his high school days. Verde takes over a program that won SICA-South conference titles last year at the varsity and sophomore levels. The varsity qualified for the playoffs for the second straight season. CL South, which has qualified for the postseason six years in a row, returns senior quarterback Ian Ormseth, but he'll do more handing off than passing. Three new running backs will split carries behind an offensive line led by seniors Alex Misialek (6-4, 315, T) and Trace Hummel (6-3, 255, G). The defense is led by senior middle linebacker Casey Macko, who piled up 88 tackles during the regular season as a junior.