DuPage football previews, Week 3
St. Charles East (1-1, 0-0) at Waubonsie Valley (1-1, 0-0)
Upstate Eight Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Did not play.
Last week: Lincoln-Way East 20, St. Charles East 7; Wheaton Warrenville South 31, Waubonsie Valley 21.
Outlook: Two teams figured among the UEC favorites each come off losses to state powers. St. Charles East, which opened with a 30-7 win over Batavia, was within 13-7 of Lincoln-Way East on junior Wes Allen's 79-yard run. But the Saints turned the ball over seven times, which leads to this week's battle cry of Waubonsie coach Paul Murphy: "elminate our mistakes." Incorrect blocking, a high long snap and 3 turnovers undid the Warriors' chances before and after pulling within 17-13 of WW South. The goal tonight is to get output from quarterback Tyler Castro, tailback Kenny Harrington and the offensive line.
Next week: Streamwood at St. Charles East; Neuqua Valley at Waubonsie Valley.
Marian Central (2-0, 0-0)
at Immaculate Conception
(1-1, 0-0)
Suburban Catholic Conference
Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Elmhurst College.
Last year: Marian Central 42, Immaculate Conception 13.
Last week: Marian Central 41, Stillman Valley 19; IC 21, Walther Lutheran 15.
Outlook: The defending Class 5A runner-up rolls on thanks to three-year starting quarterback junior Jon Budmayr. He's passed for more than 500 yards behind a line that returns Notre Dame-bound Sean Cwynar, Cody O'Neill, Jack Gilliland and Eric Parker. In question for IC is quarterback Kevin Koch, who had an ankle rolled after completing 11 of 14 passes for 160 yards against Walther Lutheran. Regardless, IC -- which led Walther 21-0 -- will require opportunistic defense and ball control offense in the form of running backs Jon Ellis and Nick DiBrito.
Next week: Marian Central at Marmion; IC at St. Edward.
Lake Park (1-1, 0-0) at Neuqua Valley (0-2, 0-0)
Upstate Eight Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Neuqua Valley 35, Lake Park 27.
Last week: Naperville Central 37, Lake Park 13; Plainfield Central 21, Neuqua Valley 17.
Outlook: Lake Park comes in with five straight losses to the Wildcats after winning in 1998 and '99. Out-sized here, the Lancers will rely on speed to spring double-wing backs Will Kalish and sophomore Chris Jasinski, who ran for 56 yards in his debut last week. Fellow soph, quarterback Larry Nawrot, will try to exploit a Neuqua defense that gave up 225 yards passing last week. Neuqua's own passing game returns tight end Regi Miskel from injury and Northwestern-bound offensive tackle Jeff Radek from suspension. Still, tailback Anton Wilkins is the goods on a team that, as coach Bryan Wells said, "needs to make plays."
Next week: Lake Park at Bartlett; Neuqua Valley at Waubonsie Valley.
York (1-1, 0-0) at Proviso West (0-2, 0-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.
Last year: York 43, Proviso West 12.
Last week: Downers Grove South 35, York 21; Hinsdale South 28, Proviso West 13.
Outlook: Looking up at a 22-0 Downers South first-half run wasn't what York coach Bill Lech had planned, but it allowed him to put in junior quarterback Tom Judge to see what he could do in a shotgun set. Judge went 15 of 20 for 136 yards with a touchdown to Jordan Banuelos and will get the start Saturday. That doesn't mean the Dukes are shifting their offense; running backs Mike McNulty and Spencer Ingle will still get the ball as often as possible. The Dukes offensive line will have to pick up Proviso West's constant blitzing; on defense its gear up for a four-wide shotgun and alternating bombs downfield or quick slants.
Next week: York at Downers Grove North; Proviso West at Glenbard West.
Naperville North (2-0, 0-0) at Glenbard East (1-1, 0-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Naperville North 31, Glenbard East 14.
Last week: Naperville North 49, Oswego East 0; Glenbard East 21, Oak Lawn 9.
Outlook: The Huskies continued to roll last week as a running clock allowed the starters to rest for most of the second half. The bench helped limit Oswego East to 100 total yards. Defensive lineman Brian Jaros, offensive lineman James Fissinger and fullback Jack Roberts were a few of the names lauded by coach Larry McKeon. A short week was no distraction for Glenbard East as playmakers began to emerge. Junior Toney Greene rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown against Oak Lawn while sophomore quarterback Jack Merrithey completed 13 of 16 passes for 144 yards.
Next week: West Chicago at Naperville North; West Aurora at Glenbard East.
Glenbard South (2-0, 0-0) at Batavia (1-1, 0-0)
Western Sun Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Batavia 24, Glenbard South 18.
Last week: Glenbard South 31, Fenton 12; Batavia 41, West Chicago 0.
Outlook: Glenbard South is 2-0 for the first time since 2002, which is also the last time the Raiders beat Batavia. A knee injury will force running back Nick Summers out of the lineup and force some offensive shuffling. Expect to see Mike Oratowski and Will Hill more prominently in the ground game. Batavia had a huge bounce-back game from its opening loss, taking advantage of 10 turnovers by West Chicago to pull away. Linebacker Shane Holl led the defense with 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery and 2 tackles for loss. Thanks to so many short fields the Bulldogs offense needed only 9 first downs to break open the game.
Next week: Geneva at Glenbard South; Batavia at Rochelle.
Lyons Twp. (2-0, 0-0) at Hinsdale Central (1-1, 0-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Lyons 25, Hinsdale Central 14.
Last week: Lyons 49, Proviso East 13; Hinsdale Central 35, Morton 14.
Outlook: Lyons survived a 3-0 decision over Sandburg in its opener and enters Silver play as a slight favorite. Slippery quarterback Eddie Viliunas will pass on occasion but otherwise runs behind an offensive line that, as Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo said, "is the opposite of small." On the other side Red Devils linemen Ben Morrison, Robbie Mains, Tim Curran, Jack Curatolo and Collin Watkins will protect blossoming sophomore quarterback John Whitelaw. Last week he accounted for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns and completed 11 of 14 passes to eight receivers, including safety Nick Chenier with a 66-yard touchdown catch in his debut at receiver.
Next week: Hinsdale Central at Hinsdale South; Oak Park at Lyons.
Luther South (0-2, 0-0) at Wheaton Academy (1-1, 0-0)
Private School League
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today, Wheaton College.
Last year: Did not play.
Last week: Mooseheart 26, Luther South 12; Genoa-Kingston 50, Wheaton Academy 7.
Outlook: After Wheaton Academy returned to football with a bang in its opener, the Warriors were brought down to earth. Though athletic at the quarterback and wideout spots, Week 3 foe Luther South will offer a more level playing field as the Warriors enter conference play. Execution and toughness on the line of scrimmage is the goal, giving quarterback Brian Pell a chance at hitting receivers Anthony Ritchie and Jake Jones in stride. A defense that allowed Genoa-Kingston 400 first-half yards will be bolstered by the addition of 6-8, 290-pound tackle Karl Ellis.
Next week: Chicago Christian at Luther South; Wheaton Academy at Luther North.
Marmion (2-0, 0-0) at Driscoll (2-0, 0-0)
Suburban Catholic Conference
Game time: 1 p.m., Saturday.
Last year: Driscoll 15, Marmion 8.
Last week: Marmion 42, Kaneland 38; Driscoll 41, Spring Valley Hall 0.
Outlook: Driscoll's last-possession rally cost Marmion a 2006 playoff slot. The Cadets have the horses to seek revenge. Third-year coach Dan Thorpe has initiated a spread offense that last week saw quarterback Ricky Bird hit receiver Sean Fichtel 12 times for 191 yards in a win over the No. 2 team in Class 5A. But Bird can't find 6-3 Fichtel, 6-4 James O'Shaughnessy or Manny Juarez from his backside, so Driscoll will pressure with Trace Jenkins, Frank Barcal, John Liberto and Anthony Campanella. Marmion linebacker Nick Zuccarini will try to do what Rock Island Alleman and Spring Valley Hall couldn't -- contain Driscoll quarterback David Schwabe and tailback Tim Franken.
Next week: Marian Central at Marmion; St. Francis at Driscoll.
Downers North (1-1) at Downers South (2-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Downers South 31, Downers North 14.
Last week: Downers North 35, Addison Trail 0; Downers South 35, York 21.
Outlook: Without the big names of Downers South -- though Trojans linebacker-tight end Art Gutzke is getting there -- North's plan is its familiar ball-control option. Behind the quarterback trio of Joe Honn, Andy Orton and Dave Stachura, back James Gaston debuted last week with 29 yards on 6 carries. Despite missing two of its top players -- running back Scottie Williams and wide receiver-cornerback Tyler West -- Downers South rolled to victory last week. Both will return tonight. Nick Brown stepped up with 120 rushing yards last week while fellow backup Wes Manzer matched him in receiving yards.
Next week: York at Downers North; Downers South at Willowbrook.
Wilmington (1-1) at Lisle (0-2)
Nonconference
Game time: 7 p.m., today, Benedictine University.
Last year: Wilmington 14, Lisle 7.
Last week: Wilmington 18, Herscher 12; Westmont 35, Lisle 24.
Outlook: This Interstate Eight Conference crossover pitting friendly rival coaches Dan Sanko of Lisle and Jeff Reents of Wilmington provides some urgency for the Lions. Lisle has suffered from two slow, mistake-prone starts; the 24-7 second-half margin over Westmont came too late. Lisle running back Ricardo Lee, who ran for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns last week, impresses Reents. Lee -- and a Lisle offensive line that has to allow quarterback John Surber time to throw -- will meet returning all-IEC linebacker Tom Fritz and tackles-for-loss leader Mike Gruhn. Sophomore quarterbacks Surber and Wildcat Colin Webb make this a game of ball security.
Next week: Coal City at Wilmington; Lisle at Herscher.
WW South (2-0, 0-0) at West Chicago (1-1, 0-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: WW South 50, West Chicago 0.
Last week: WW South 31, Waubonsie Valley 21; Batavia 41, West Chicago 0.
Outlook: WW South coach Ron Muhitch believes his team is at midseason form in a few areas: the consistent play of quarterback Mike Piatkowski, the cohesion of the Will Matte and Nate Williams-led offensive line, and the tenacious play of the defense. Muhitch, however, would love to see someone step up on offense as a big-play threat. West Chicago's loss to Batavia can be summed up with one statistic -- 10 turnovers including three on special teams. The return of running backs Jake Venchus and Trevor Bodie from Week 1 injuries should help the offense move the ball.
Next week: WW South at Glenbard North; West Chicago at Naperville North.
Hinsdale South (1-1, 0-0) at Leyden (1-1, 0-0)
West Suburban Gold
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Hinsdale South 31, Leyden 21.
Last week: Hinsdale South 28, Proviso West 13; Glenbard West 41, Leyden 0.
Outlook: First-year Hornets coach Alex Bitto picked up his first varsity win last week behind a bruising ground game. Bolstered by the return from injury by lineman John Lyons, Darrin Kidd and Dan Hopp combined for 250 of the team's 300 rushing yards. Quarterback Gary Mayberry also threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Rushawn Galloway. The Hornets snared 4 interceptions, two by Dan Miller, against a spread offense. Tonight, though, they'll face a run-oriented unit led by running back Josh Serrano. After running for 276 yards in the opener, Glenbard West held him to 1 yard on 8 carries last week.
Next week: Hinsdale Central at Hinsdale South; Leyden at Morton.
Proviso East (1-1, 0-0) at Willowbrook (2-0, 0-0)
West Suburban Gold
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Willowbrook 29, Proviso East 14.
Last week: Lyons Twp. 49, Proviso East 13; Willowbrook 35, Oak Park 14.
Outlook: This season Proviso East is trying to recover from a tremendous graduation loss of 16 current college players, including four Division I athletes. Willowbrook seeks its first 3-0 start since a 6-0 beginning in 2000. The Warriors used their punishing ground game to win their opener against Glenbard East but turned to the air against Oak Lawn. Quarterback Kevin Pohl completed 11 of 15 passes for 266 yards, including 7 catches for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns to 6-foot-4 receiver Milton Colbert. Wayne Bolden is another playmaker. The running back returned a kick for a touchdown to help the Warriors pull away.
Next week: Addison Trail at Proviso East, Downers South at Willowbrook.
Montini (2-0, 0-0) at St. Francis (1-1, 0-0)
Suburban Catholic Conference
Game time: 1 p.m., Saturday.
Last year: Montini 27, St. Francis 24.
Last week: Montini 33, Benet 0; St. Viator 49, St. Francis 28.
Outlook: Taking what was given, Montini quarterback Tom DiCristina completed 23 passes to 8 receivers, for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns. Broncos middle linebacker Dan Grimes made 11 tackles and defensive end Garrett Goebel 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks. DEs Goebel and Mark Kaseeska, outside linebackers Dex Jones and Joe Florio and cornerbacks Sean Cahill and Nick Gianfortune must contain St. Francis' Mark Kachmer on the outside of the Spartans' Wing-T without overlooking fullback Stan Bobowski. Last week St. Francis lacked the execution of its opening win; the Spartans will need it to keep Montini's offense safely on the sideline.
Next week: Montini at Aurora Central; St. Francis at Driscoll.
Hinsdale South (1-1, 0-0) at Leyden (1-1, 0-0)
West Suburban Gold
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Hinsdale South 31, Leyden 21.
Last week: Hinsdale South 28, Proviso West 13; Glenbard West 41, Leyden 0.
Outlook: First-year Hornets coach Alex Bitto picked up his first varsity win last week behind a bruising ground game. Bolstered by the return from injury by lineman John Lyons, Darrin Kidd and Dan Hopp combined for 250 of the team's 300 rushing yards. Quarterback Gary Mayberry also threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Rushawn Galloway. The Hornets snared 4 interceptions, two by Dan Miller, against a spread offense. Tonight, though, they'll face a run-oriented unit led by running back Josh Serrano. After running for 276 yards in the opener, Glenbard West held him to 1 yard on 8 carries last week.
Next week: Hinsdale Central at Hinsdale South; Leyden at Morton.
Glenbard West (1-1, 0-0) at Oak Park (1-1, 0-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.
Last year: Oak Park 26, Glenbard West 14.
Last week: Glenbard West 41, Leyden 0; Willowbrook 35, Oak Park 14.
Outlook: The Silver's best running back, Oak Park's Levell Coppage, meets a defense that's allowed 4 yards rushing in two games. Last week Glenbard West's 3-5 defense held Leyden's Josh Serrano -- who in Week 1 ran for 276 yards -- to 1 yard on 8 carries and coach Chad Hetlet won his first game at Glenbard West. Linebackers Garrett Edwards, Kyle Krumwiede, Joe Baginski and Chris Kallapodi are after Coppage, who's run for nearly 240 yards with 4 touchdowns. Three-year defensive tackle Jonathon Bibbie confronts a Glenbard West offense that diced Leyden for 373 rushing yards; tailback Bryant Venson and fullback Kane Keirnan each topped 100.
Next week: Proviso West at Glenbard West; Oak Park at Lyons Twp.
Glenbard North (1-1, 0-0) at Wheaton North (2-0, 0-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Glenbard North 29, Wheaton North 26.
Last week: Crystal Lake South 15, Glenbard North 13; Wheaton North 42, Plainfield North 28.
Outlook: After dropping a close one to Crystal Lake South, the state's No. 3 team in Class 7A, Glenbard North faces the Falcons -- ranked seventh in 7A. The Panthers got a boost when running back Tyler Doll returned from injury to rush for 120 yards. Four turnovers, though, stymied Glenbard North's comeback attempt. Wheaton North presents another pounding ground game. Mike Trumpy rushed for 203 yards last week. Key plays came from throughout the field as Wade Cervenka and Keith Maltese nabbed late interceptions. Jack DeAno's 92-yard kick return helped extend the lead.
Next week: WW South at Glenbard North; Wheaton North at Naperville Central.
Benet (0-2, 0-0) at Nazareth (1-1, 0-0)
East Suburban Catholic Conference
Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.
Last year: Benet 46, Nazareth 28.
Last week: Montini 33, Benet 0; Nazareth 47, Riverside-Brookfield 0.
Outlook: Despite the score Benet improved over Week 1, especially with the Pete Schimeck-led defense and held its own against tough Montini nearly the entire game. John Paul Payne threw for 128 yards, but the ground game offered just 31 yards, 1.2 a carry. Running behind returning starters Kyle Honn, Dan Schroeder and James Ricci is the emphasis as the Redwings look to score their first points of 2007. Nazareth obviously improved after losing 28-27 to St. Francis in the opener. Returning quarterback Phil Kaiser mans a spread set featuring back LaSteven McKinney, who's run for 294 yards and 6 touchdowns. Jake Fuller keys a strength at linebacker for former Driscoll coach Tim Racki.
Next week: St. Viator at Benet; Nazareth at Marian Catholic.
Proviso East (1-1, 0-0) at Willowbrook (2-0, 0-0)
West Suburban Gold
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Willowbrook 29, Proviso East 14.
Last week: Lyons Twp. 49, Proviso East 13; Willowbrook 35, Oak Park 14.
Outlook: This season Proviso East is trying to recover from a tremendous graduation loss of 16 current college players, including four Division I athletes. Willowbrook seeks its first 3-0 start since a 6-0 beginning in 2000. The Warriors used their punishing ground game to win their opener against Glenbard East but turned to the air against Oak Lawn. Quarterback Kevin Pohl completed 11 of 15 passes for 266 yards, including 7 catches for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns to 6-foot-4 receiver Milton Colbert. Wayne Bolden is another playmaker. The running back returned a kick for a touchdown to help the Warriors pull away.
Next week: Addison Trail at Proviso East, Downers South at Willowbrook.
West Aurora (2-0, 0-0) at Naperville Central (1-1, 0-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.
Last year: Naperville Central 12, West Aurora 3.
Last week: West Aurora 21, Elgin 13; Naperville Central 37, Lake Park 13.
Outlook: West Aurora is 2-0 for the fourth straight season, but the last two seasons the Blackhawks went winless in the DVC. West Aurora has perfect offensive balance so far -- 271 rushing yards and 271 passing yards. With a lingering injury to starting tailback Michael Caulfield, junior Nick Kukuc led a balanced ground game with 58 rushing yards last week. Junior receiver Riley O'Toole is developing into a game-breaker. His 57-yard touchdown on a reverse helped the Redhawks break out to a 16-0 first-quarter lead. As always quarterback Harrison Daniels, who's thrown for 555 yards, remains the main threat.
Next week: West Aurora at Glenbard East; Wheaton North at Naperville Central.