DuPage Valley promises to be one of most interesting conference races

The race is on.

As we get ready for Week 3 of the 2007 IHSA football regular season, most teams will begin conference play this week.

Here's a quick look at some of the more interesting conference races shaping up from here on out this fall.

DuPage Valley: So far it's been all good for the DVC, posting an impressive 12-4 nonconference record.

Naperville North, West Aurora, Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South are a perfect 2-0 heading into conference play this week.

My favorite? Naperville North looks tough and is the favorite, yet never count out WW South from any DVC race. The Tigers really impressed me on both sides of the ball in last Friday's 31-21 win over Waubonsie Valley.

Darkhorses? Naperville Central (1-1). The Redhawks have talent and coaching and will give all comers fits in the DVC race this fall.

Chicago Catholic League Blue: Talk about impressive, how about the Blue's 11-1 nonconference record, with the only loss coming from Providence Catholic, who lost to Class 8A power Lincoln-Way East (2-0) 14-6 in Week 1.

My favorite? St. Rita has the look and swagger of a state champion early on this season. Look for the Mustangs to do battle against Mt. Carmel (2-0) for the conference crown.

Darkhorse? Either Loyola Academy (2-0) or Providence Catholic (1-1).

North Suburban Lake: Stevenson at 0-2? Warren at 0-2?

Look for the Lake to be a potentially wide open conference race this season. My favorite? I'll take Lake Zurich to win the conference, yet a handful of teams have a great shot at giving the Bears fits, including Libertyville (1-1) and surprising Lake Forest (2-0).