Football: DuPage previews, Week 4

Hinsdale Central (2-1) at Hinsdale South (1-2)

Nonconference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Hinsdale Central 31, Hinsdale South 7.

Last week: Hinsdale Central 26, Lyons Twp. 14; Leyden 33, Hinsdale South 27 OT.

Outlook: This West Suburban Conference crossover stands at 12-12. Hinsdale Central sophomore quarterback John Whitelaw's skills have also opened running lanes. Last week Billy Auriemma ran for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense allowed 127 total yards as the Red Devils scored 26 unanswered points. Hinsdale South running backs Dan Hopp, Rushawn Galloway and Darrin Kidd accounted for many of the team's 323 rushing yards last week. Defensively, coach Alex Bitto knows his team needs to improve its tackling. After a week break, tonight will mark the third time the Hornets have faced the spread offense.

Next week: Hinsdale Central at Oak Park; Morton at Hinsdale South.

Neuqua Valley (1-2, 1-0) at Waubonsie Valley (1-2, 0-1)

Upstate Eight Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today, North Central College.

Last year: Neuqua 25 Valley, Waubonsie Valley 6.

Last week: Neuqua Valley 21, Lake Park 0; St. Charles East 14, Waubonsie Valley 13.

Outlook: Neuqua Valley owns the Indian Prairie Classic lead 7-1. Last week, linebackers T.J. Jordan, Alex Wright and Kaelin Harvey helped the Wildcats pitched their first shutout in 19 games. The offensive line sprang tailback Anton Wilkins for 185 yards, 3 touchdowns. Tonight it's hoped the passing game will keep Waubonsie linebackers Spencer Merritt, Kevin Garbis and Chris Galovec off balance. The Warriors shouldn't come out flat, as coach Paul Murphy felt they did last week. To reclaim a swagger, the passing game must catch up to back Kenny Harrington.

Next week: Larkin at Neuqua Valley; Waubonsie Valley at Elgin.

St. Francis (1-2, 0-1) at Driscoll (3-0, 1-0)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 1 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: Driscoll 44, St. Francis 7.

Last week: Montini 51, St. Francis 7; Driscoll 41, Marmion 0.

Outlook: St. Francis goes from frying pan to fire. After mustering quarterback Jeff Reckards' touchdown run against the No. 2 team in Class 5A they face No. 1 in Class 4A. The Spartans will be challenged to open holes for fullback Stan Bobowski and tailback Mike Kachmer, but sustained offense is what's required against the state champions. Driscoll looked title-ready, hammering Marmion with great games from quarterback David Schwabe, tailback Tim Franken and linebacker Adam Davis, in his season debut. Linemen like Kyle Sanders, Vinny Miceli, Anthony Campanella, John Liberto and Anthony Arena pave the way to success on both sides of the ball.

Next week: Aurora Central at St. Francis; Driscoll at Immaculate Conception.

York (2-1, 1-0) at Downers Grove North (1-2, 0-0)

West Suburban Silver Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: York 14, Downers North 7.

Last week: York 17, Proviso West 12; Downers South 21, Downers North 7.

Outlook: The question is, who can run better ball-control offense? York backs Mike McNulty and Spencer Ingle have better numbers and quarterback Tom Judge is more of a passing threat than Trojans counterpart, Andy Orton. But Downers North held Downers South, No. 7 in Class 8A, relatively close as linebackers Ryan Gresko and Dan Sheppard each made 11 tackles. Fundamentals are key here, particularly in Downers North option offense. Toward that end, last week quarterback Dave Stachura broke his leg and early-season starter Joe Honn's also banged up. Orton's the man.

Next week: Lyons Twp. at York; Downers North at Proviso West.

Immaculate Conception (1-2, 0-1) at St. Edward (0-3, 0-1)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: IC 24, St. Edward 15.

Last week: Marian Central 14, IC 0; Aurora Central 52, St. Edward 36.

Outlook: The good news for IC is it hung right with the No. 1 team in Class 5A even without quarterback Kevin Koch, among five two-way players out. The bad news is the senior will have a cast on his broken ankle the next three weeks, then will require rehab. In his stead coach Bill Schmidt turned to sophomore Will Cronin, who threw for 40 yards. Still, the emphasis is with tailback Jonathon Ellis. Antonio Taylor made 12 tackles, 4 for loss against Marian, and the Knights defense will be pressured by a St. Edward team full of three-year starters that averages 36 points -- but allows 44.

Next week: Immaculate Conception at Driscoll; St. Edward at Marian Central.

Lake Park (1-2, 0-1) at Bartlett (1-2, 0-1)

Upstate Eight Conference

Game time: Noon, Saturday, at Streamwood High School.

Last year: Bartlett 19, Lake Park 7.

Last week: Neuqua Valley 21, Lake Park 0; Larkin 42, Bartlett 35.

Outlook: These are always extremely hard-hitting affairs, Bartlett leading the series 4-1. Lake Park quarterback Larry Nawrot, backs Kevin Thomas and Chris Jasinski and receiver Sean White provide some pop, but the Lancers converted just 1 of 12 third-downs against Neuqua Valley. And the game could have been different had Thomas' apparent 41-yard, game-tying touchdown run not been called back by penalty. But live and learn, and the Lancers defense better learn how to stop hard-charging back Vinnie Libreri after Bartlett watched Neuqua Valley run for 215 yards. Supporting Nawrot on offense, however, is Lake Park's greatest priority.

Next week: St. Charles East at Lake Park; Bartlett at St. Charles North.

Montini (3-0, 1-0) at Aurora Central (1-2, 1-0)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Montini 35, Aurora Central 8.

Last week: Montini 51, St. Francis 7; Aurora Central 52, St. Edward 36.

Outlook: Gaining 518 yards of offense against St. Francis to bring the three-game total to 1,312 yards, Montini coach Chris Andriano said it -- this might be his best team ever. Quarterback Tom DiCristina heads a nice group of skilled kids, but it all starts with the offensive line of Zach Shuta, Mike Desmond, Dave Lembas, Chuck Porcelli and Garrett Goebel. Aurora Central scored 28 fourth-quarter points to race past St. Edward. Montini's goal is to force ACC into predictable situations; St. Edward did last week and Chargers quarterback Mike Adams countered with 343 yards passing, 3 touchdowns each to brother Mark Adams and Kyle Edwards.

Next week: Marmion at Montini; Aurora Central at St. Francis.

St. Viator (3-0, 1-0) at Benet (0-3, 0-1)

East Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today, Benedictine University.

Last year: St. Viator 46, Benet 29.

Last week: St. Viator 33, Marist 7; Nazareth 36, Benet 14.

Outlook: Late Week 2 scoring by St. Francis notwithstanding, St. Viator has rolled to No. 10 in Class 6A with a 113-41 scoring margin. Eric Huber has stepped in nicely at quarterback as has tailback Mike Landuyt, who ran for 148 yards last week. With Joliet Catholic up for Benet in Week 5 this basically is a must-win for the Redwings, whose 4 turnovers all led to Nazareth points last week. It also led to coach Gary Goforth turning to junior quarterback Jimmy Riley, whose perimeter speed he hopes will open things up inside for Mike Wuest and Dan Cannon. Offense has to establish something so linebacker Jim East, cornerback Emmett Carrier don't get run down on defense.

Next week: Marian Catholic at St. Viator; Benet at Joliet Catholic.

Proviso West (0-3, 0-1) at Glenbard West (1-2, 0-1)

West Suburban Silver Conference

Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: Glenbard West 28, Proviso West 22.

Last week: York 17, Proviso West 12; Oak Park 35, Glenbard West 14.

Outlook: As York coach Bill Lech said of his game last week, Proviso West's offense was "bombs away" through the air behind its big offensive line led by 310-pound Randall Stokes and 275-pound Brandon Parker. That mean heads up to Glenbard West defensive backs Jon Macleary, Dave McCaffrey and Chris Brewer -- though Proviso saw Oak Park back Levell Coppage get stronger as the game went on. Against a constantly blitzing Proviso defense Hilltoppers linemen Brad Krumwiede and Chris Watt will need to be solid fundamentally to open holes for fullback Kane Keirnan.

Next week: Downer Grove North at Proviso West; Glenbard West at Addison Trail.

Lisle (0-3, 0-0) at Herscher (2-1, 0-0)

Interstate Eight-Large Conference

Game time: 7:45 p.m., today.

Last year: Lisle 13, Herscher 7.

Last week: Wilmington 33, Lisle 7; Herscher 42, Westmont 7.

Outlook: Lisle has yet to get over the hump, mistakes again disrupting last week's offense and special teams. Lions quarterback John Surber got dinged on the knee, but will be ready to go. He'll need greater protection, made more difficult with two-way tackle Brandon Wessel out two weeks with pneumonia. A steady diet of tailback Ricardo Lee is crucial against a tough Herscher defensive line. Likewise, Herscher quarterback Phil Bruner can throw but the Tigers would prefer to pound the ball with backs Brian Daverin and Eric Tobey, the latter also a threat on returns. Common foes: Herscher lost 18-12 to Wilmington; Lisle lost 35-24 to Westmont.

Next week: Sandwich at Lisle; Herscher at Reed-Custer.

Wheaton Academy (2-1, 1-0) at Luther North (0-3, 0-1)

Private School League

Game time: 1 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: Wheaton Academy 30, Luther North 6 (junior varsity).

Last week: Wheaton Academy 36, Luther South 20; Walther Lutheran 55, Luther North 0.

Outlook: Regardless of Luther North's record, it'd be good for Wheaton Academy to run for more than 2 yards this week. The Luther South game was a big-play fest as Jake Jones returned 1 of his 2 interceptions for a touchdown and Hayden Goeckel recovered a blocked punt in the end zone. Offensive linemen Dan Smith, Tom Vick, Connor Reilly and Tyler Friedl must open running lanes, but quarterback Brian Pell will test Luther North defensive back Elgin Swanigan through the air. Last week Pell threw for 199 yards, 130 of them to 6-foot-4 wide receiver Anthony Ritchie.

Next week: Walther Lutheran at Wheaton Academy; Luther North at Rockford Christian Life.

Downers South (3-0, 0-0) at Willowbrook (3-0, 1-0)

West Suburban Gold

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Willowbrook 10, Downers South 3.

Last week: Downers South 21, Downers North 7; Willowbrook 21, Proviso East 12.

Outlook: With much of the Gold struggling, tonight's showdown may be the title game. Downers South's fierce early schedule shifts focus to Willowbrook's diverse offense: will it flash the high-flying passing game of two weeks ago featuring 6-foot-4 receiver Milton Colbert, or will it attempt a repeat of last week's 300-yard rushing barrage by Wayne Bolden, Brandon Martinez, Sebastian Clark and others? Willowbrook needs both against a stingy Mustangs defense. The improvement of Sean Fancher makes a scary bunch of linebackers, headed by third-year starter Jared Culver, even scarier.

Next week: Proviso East at Downers South; Willowbrook at Leyden.

Addison Trail (1-2, 1-0) at Proviso East (1-2, 0-1)

West Suburban Gold

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Addison Trail 41, Proviso East 16.

Last week: Addison Trail 26, Morton 8; Willowbrook 21, Proviso East 12.

Outlook: Vince Beachem, moving from split end to running back, exploded for 217 of Addison Trail's 325 rushing yards last week behind an improving offensive line anchored by two-way starter Joe DuFour. Mike DeStefano not only added 104 rushing yards, he also led the Blazers with 9 tackles and an interception. Expect more of the ground game tonight against a Proviso East defense that surrendered 300 rushing yards to Willowbrook. The Blazers defense, also led by Jake Goress and Frank Cervantes, must be wary of the big-play potential from the Pirates -- especially at home, where they traditionally play better.

Next week: Glenbard West at Addison Trail; Proviso East at Downers South.

Fenton (1-2, 0-0) at Ridgewood (1-2, 0-0)

Metro Suburban Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Fenton 16, Ridgewood 15; Fenton 33, Ridgewood 15.

Last week: Waterford (Wis.) Union 34, Fenton 7; LaSalle-Peru 43, Ridgewood 0.

Outlook: Last season's top two teams in the MSC each dropped their second straight game last week, Ridgewood's second straight shutout loss, making tonight's conference opener key. Fenton endured a physical challenge in Wisconsin, blitzed by a 27-point second-quarter outburst. One bright sport was the return of receiver Darek Potuszynski, who caught 5 passes for 85 yards in his first game of the season. With both teams playing several players two ways, especially on the lines, Fenton coach Mark Farrell believes tonight's game may come down to who holds up the best.

Next week: Elmwood Park at Fenton; Ridgewood at Riverside-Brookfield.

Wheaton North (2-1, 0-1) at Naperville Central (2-1, 1-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Naperville Central 30, Wheaton North 20.

Last week: Glenbard North 36, Wheaton North 13; Naperville Central 27, West Aurora 13.

Outlook: The emergence of Falcons running back Mike Trumpy, a 200-yard rusher the last two weeks -- put the DVC on notice. The goal tonight, though, is shoring up a defense that allowed 200 rushing yards and 2 touchdown passes last week. With Redhawks quarterback Harrison Daniels tearing it up, the pass defense better be sound. The Redhawks want to force the Falcons into pass situations while trying to even out a minus-5 turnover ratio. Running back Nick Kukuc remains in the lineup as Michael Caulfield recovers from an ankle injury.

Next week: Wheaton North at West Aurora; Naperville Central at WW South.

West Chicago (1-2, 0-1) at Naperville North (3-0, 1-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Naperville North 31, West Chicago 28.

Last week: WW South 37, West Chicago 0; Naperville North 47, Glenbard East 6.

Outlook: The Wildcats remained without injured running back Jake Venchus last week, which kept converted receiver James Eckler in a position to rush for 95 yards. If Venchus returns tonight, Eckler's move back to receiver should boost the struggling passing game. Teams haven't gained much of anything against Naperville North's defense, which is allowing only 153 yards per game. Third-year starting linebacker Kyle Lackner notched 7 tackles in his first game of the season, an arrival that allowed bruising Tyrone Saunders to switch from defense to play fullback on offense.

Next week: Glenbard East at West Chicago; Naperville North at Glenbard North.

WW South (3-0, 1-0) at Glenbard North (2-1, 1-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: WW South 34, Glenbard North 7.

Last week: WW South 37, West Chicago 0; Glenbard North 36, Wheaton North 13.

Outlook: Chris Schweighardt's 2 touchdown catches and Francis Adarkwa's 140 rushing yards helped lead to WW South's nearly perfect balance of 175 rushing and 179 passing yards last week. Most important tonight, though, will be the Tigers' run defense spearheaded by linebacker Mark LaBelle. Glenbard North will continue to pound workhorse running back Tyler Doll, who carried the ball 38 times last week, behind a big line and 220-pound fullback Jordan Brooks. Look for senior Matt Ng and his sure hands to continue shining in all phases.

Next week: Naperville Central at WW South; Naperville North at Glenbard North.

West Aurora (2-1, 0-1) at Glenbard East (1-2, 0-1)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Glenbard East 34, West Aurora 8.

Last week: Naperville Central 27, West Aurora 13; Naperville North 47, Glenbard East 6.

Outlook: West Aurora's winless streak in the DVC extended to 16 straight with last week's loss, but three strong quarters of play signaled hope for the future. Quarterback John Nunnally accounted for both touchdowns including a 51-yard pass to Theo Hicks. Glenbard East seeks a return to its roots of hard-nosed, clock-eating offense. A run game headed by running back Toney Greene, however, will be tested by a huge West Aurora defensive line. Rams three-year starter Brandon Spinner, who intercepted a pass last week, will play despite suffering a broken thumb in the loss.

Next week: Wheaton North at West Aurora; Glenbard East at West Chicago.

Geneva (3-0, 1-0) at Glenbard South (2-1, 0-1)

Western Sun Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Geneva 31, Glenbard South 10.

Last week: Geneva 27, Yorkville 24; Batavia 13, Glenbard South 6.

Outlook: Despite struggling at times, the Vikings, led by quarterback Michael Mayszak and running back Michael Ratay, held on to win their conference opener last week. Both good and bad special teams play proved crucial. The best came late when Geneva recovered a fumbled kickoff and blocked a punt. Tonight presents the first big test for Glenbard South's pass defense, which comes at a good time considering the quick development and quality play of junior defensive backs Kyle Slott and Ryan McKean, who intercepted a pass last week. Glenbard South doubled Batavia's yardage but, like with Geneva, special teams miscues loomed large in the outcome.

Next week: Geneva at Sycamore; DeKalb at Glenbard South.