Scouting the Fox Valley area's Week 7 matchups

Burlington Central (4-2, 2-0) at North Boone (2-4, 1-1)

When: 7 p.m. today at Pine Tree Field

Last week: Burlington Central 15, Richmond 12; North Boone 31, Marengo 27

Last year: Burlington Central 41, North Boone 7

Outlook: This is a game the Rockets should win, thus becoming playoff eligible. But they'll have to do it without senior standout running back/linebacker Jason Wagner, who is in a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury in last week's win over Richmond. Wagner, who is the fifth-leading scorer in the area and has 397 rushing yards this season (5.5 per carry average), will be out anywhere from 1-3 weeks, BC coach Aaron Wichman said. So who do the Rockets turn to? "Max Kling will get a few more carries and Tim Maroder will get a few more carries," Wichman said. "Nick Smith will get some time too. It will be that way on defense too. (Wagner) is obviously a very valuable player for us and these other guys will have to step up until he comes back." Wagner's absence will also mean a heavier load for FB Greg Dickson, who leads the Rockets with 401 yards, 7 TDs and a 5.21 per carry average. North Boone's wins this season are over 1-5 Rockford Lutheran and 0-6 Marengo, but that doesn't mean Wichman will allow the Rockets to look ahead to their final two games of the regular season against Hampshire and Harvard. "We always just take one game at a time and (North Boone) has some skilled athletes," Wichman said. The Vikings spread their offense with double-twin and twins-open sets. QB Alex Beck threw for 285 yards and ran for 92 more against Marengo last week. "We'll have to ready and we'll have to tackle well in the open field," Wichman said.

Richmond-Burton (2-4, 0-2) at Hampshire (4-2, 1-1)

When: 7 p.m. today at Hampshire Athletic Field

Last week: Burlington Central 15, Richmond 12; Harvard 26, Hampshire 13

Last year: Richmond-Burton 35, Hampshire 6

Outlook: Hampshire needs one more win to become playoff eligible for the fourth straight season. The Whip-Purs would love to earn that victory while simultaneously paying back the Rockets for a lopsided loss a year ago. But Hampshire coach Dan Cavanaugh warned that judging Richmond-Burton solely by its 2-4 record would be a mistake. "They're a team that is not far away from being 6-0, really," Cavanaugh said. "They've lost some close games and the two they won were close also. They've lost some really close games against some good teams. They beat Johnsburg the second week of the season and Johnsburg turned around and beat Jacobs the next week. And now their backs are against the wall." One more loss and the Rockets miss the playoffs for the second straight year. Both teams were defeated by league-leading Harvard (R-B lost 26-0). However, Hampshire beat Winnebago 35-19, whereas Richmond-Burton lost to the Indians 34-14. The Rockets run a double-tight end, wing-T offense. "They try to run the ball down your throat -- pound, pound, pound," Cavanaugh said. "Then they'll step up and throw a play-action pass." Hampshire has to find a way to be productive offensively once teams scheme to shut down 6-foot-4 tight end T.J. Burzak (22 catches, 465 yards, 8 TDs). Last week the senior had nearly 100 yards receiving in the first half but was limited in the second half to one short reception. "Offensively, we didn't execute the way we would like to, but Harvard had a lot to do with that," Cavanaugh said. "When teams put two players in his area, we should be able to go somewhere else or run the ball. We've been very inconsistent running the ball this year and we have to get better."

Prairie Ridge (6-0, 2-0) at Huntley (2-4, 1-1)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Harmony Road Campus

Last week: Prairie Ridge 48, Grayslake North 7; Johnsburg 24, Huntley 21

Last year: Huntley 26, Prairie Ridge 0

Outlook: On Monday Prairie Ridge coach Chris Schremp showed his team the tape of last year's 26-0 loss to Huntley in its entirety. "A couple of minutes into it you could have heard a pin drop," Schremp said. "There's a little extra motivation for our guys this week, no doubt about it. Last year Huntley lost a few games going into it and we went in there on a little winning streak. I think we went into that game a little immature and with not the best attitude and we got an eye-opener." The Wolves are thinking payback tonight and they have the horses to do it. The PR offense is clicking on all cylinders, scoring 39 points per game. Running back Sam Campbell has taken over as the area's rushing leader. The senior has carried 95 times for 848 yards and 14 scores. His per-carry average is 8.92 yards. Junior quarterback Bryan Bradshaw has completed 47-of-81 passes for 715 yards and 7 touchdowns. "This year they can beat you with any phase of the game; The Bradshaw kid has improved that much from last year," Huntley coach Steve Graves said. "Their special teams and running game were good least year and they are better this year. But the single most important thing for their club is the way their defense is playing." Prairie Ridge's physical defense has held opponents to just 11.8 points per game. That's not encouraging news for Huntley, which has had its trouble scoring this season against teams with .500 records or better. Against Wauconda (5-1), Woodstock (3-3), Cary-Grove (5-1) and Johnsburg (3-3), the Red Raiders have averaged 10.3 points a game. In recent weeks Huntley's offense relied more on the running game than the spread passing scheme it sometimes utilizes. "I like to spread the field and throw a bit and we hoped to balance it out this year, but we've realized it's not going to happen," Graves said.

Jacobs (3-3, 1-1) at Woodstock (3-3, 0-2)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Larry Dale Field

Last week: Jacobs 16, Crystal Lake South 7; McHenry 28, Woodstock 13

Last year: Jacobs 33, Woodstock 7

Outlook: Last season Jacobs followed up a victory over undefeated Crystal Lake South with a win against Woodstock that made the Golden Eagles playoff eligible. This week Jacobs will try to follow another big win over CL South by running the table, which would guarantee it a playoff spot. However, winning two of their three remaining games would probably do the trick for the Golden Eagles based on playoff points. The key this week is no letdown, particularly when playing on the road. "We addressed it at the beginning of the week," Jacobs coach Dean Schlueter said. "We have to deal with it head-on and be aware of the possibility of it. That's something we can control, so we're making sure we keep things in perspective, keep our goals in sight and continue to prepare." The Jacobs defense prepared this week for the multiple formations it will be faced with by the Blue Streak offense tonight. Woodstock has duel threats in running backs Cole Freund (642 yards, 6 TDs) and quarterback Derek Brown (65-144, 1,087 yards, 6 TDs). He throws to a myriad of receivers led by Ryan Ortmann (27 receptions, 445 yards, 6TDs). However, the Blue Streaks managed only 10 points two weeks ago against Crystal Lake South and 13 points last week against McHenry, both losses. The Woodstock defense has been impressive at times this season like when it surrendered only 13 points in Week 2 against Glenbrook North (5-1). But the Streaks have allowed 4 touchdowns per game the last two weeks against quality opponents. "It's a defense that pressures you all the time," Schlueter said. "They like to put a lot of guys up close and force you to throw."

Crystal Lake South (5-1, 1-1) at Dundee-Crown (1-5, 0-2)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at the D-C Bowl

Last week: Jacobs 16, Crystal Lake South 7; Cary-Grove 37, Dundee-Crown 7

Last year: Crystal Lake South 51, Dundee-Crown 6

Outlook: Crystal Lake South looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season, a 16-7 defeat at Jacobs. Despite the loss the Gators are still ranked No. 7 by the Associated Press in this week's statewide poll of Class 7A teams and are charted at No. 11 in the Daily Herald Top 20. Offensively, the Gators are led by quarterback Ian Ormseth. A 62-percent passer, the senior has thrown for 679 yards and 4 touchdowns. Running back Colin Masterson has been elusive. The sophomore has burst onto the scene with 570 yards and 2 touchdowns on 78 carries, good for fourth in yards gained among all area rushers despite the fact he missed two games. When CL South does throw the ball, it's usually aimed toward seniors Ryan Kelley (12 catches, 222 yards) or wideout Sean Wilson (9 receptions, 158 yards, touchdowns). "They're a good offense," D-C coach Mike Davis said. "They have big backs who are also really quick and (Ormseth) throws a good ball." Crystal Lake South's offense could be without fullback Derek Mortensen. The 205-pound junior left the Jacobs game in the fourth quarter with a high ankle sprain and is questionable for tonight. South is hoping star middle linebacker Casey Macko (45 tackles) is ready to go. Already playing with a troublesome shoulder injury that may require surgery after the season, Macko sat out practices on Tuesday and Wednesday with walking pneumonia. Dundee-Crown has lost four straight since beating Streamwood 49-7 in Week 2, but D-C has a fighter's chance every week, thanks to improving junior quarterback Logan Kissack and an offense powered by the rushing tandem of seniors Matt Cutinello and Ian Salvatini. Cutinello could crack the top 10 in area rushing tonight with a solid performance. He enters the game with 438 yards and 4 touchdowns on 74 carries. Salvatini has been solid, too. The senior has gained 326 yards and scored 5 touchdowns on 51 carries. Junior Tommy Newman returns this week from injury and add depth to the backfield. D-C last beat the Gators 12-7 in 2004, but has dropped the last two meetings. CL South can't afford another loss within the division. "We still hold our own destiny in our hands with what we want to accomplish," Gators coach Jim Stuglis said. "The big thing is that we have to play now with a sense of urgency. Every play has to mean something because we found out we can't just turn it on when we want to. We have to do it now, not the next series, and it all boils down to blocking and tackling. Fundamentals."

Cary-Grove (5-1, 2-0-) at McHenry (5-1, 2-0)

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

Last week: Cary-Grove 37, Dundee-Crown 7; McHenry 28, Woodstock 13

Last year: Cary-Grove 34, McHenry 7

Outlook: The winner of this contest between first-place teams will enjoy at least a 1-game lead on every team in the Valley Division with two games to play. Cary-Grove is once again developing into a difficult defense to score against. The Trojans are holding teams to an average of 11.2 points per game this season and have not given up more than 16 points in any game. That 3-3-5 defense will be challenged by the Warriors' balanced attack. McHenry scored more points (19) against undefeated Prairie Ridge than any other team this season despite losing the game and the Warriors have scored an average of 37 points the last three weeks against Johnsburg, Dundee-Crown and Woodstock. Mark Iglesia leads the rushing attack with 704 yards and 7 touchdowns on 95 carries, but the key to the Warriors' offensive success lies in the trenches. "They are very fundamentally sound on the offensive line," Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay said. "They get off the ball and they block very well. Their fullback and tailback execute the sweep and the iso and they are tough plays to stop. They are dangerous, fast, they run hard and they have balance with their attack. They will throw the ball to a number of people." McHenry quarterback Tyler Marunde has thrown for 574 yards and 9 TDs. Cary-Grove's triple option attack has multiple weapons McHenry will have to contend with, including sophomore running back Eric Chandler, who has rushed for a team-best 500 yards on 95 carries and has scored 4 TDs. Quarterback A.J. Hoger has rushed for 483 yards and 7 scores and has thrown for 365 yards and 9 touchdowns on 19-of-47 passing. Hoger has been intercepted just once in 47 passing attempts. Andrew Schuh (365 yards, 3 TDs) and Kyle Gray (229 yards, 2 TDs) are also dangerous out of the backfield, and Dan McCall is the team's most potent receiving threat with 11 catches for 246 yards and 4 touchdowns. An intangible? The Trojans have more recent experience in big games, including a state quarterfinal last year. "I hope so," Kay said when asked if experience in big games will be a factor. "We'll see. We're going up to McHenry and we've performed well under pressure all year. We certainly need to play our best game because they have definitely improved from the first tape we saw of them right through last week against Woodstock. Their blocking and fundamentals are better than they were three weeks ago." Fullback Nick Parfitt remains sidelined with a knee injury for Cary-Grove.

St. Francis (2-4, 1-3) at St. Edward (0-6, 0-4)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Greg True Field

Last week: Marmion 7, St. Francis 5; Driscoll 42, St. Edward 16

Last year: St. Francis 41, St. Edward 8

Outlook: The perfect Homecoming night scenario for St. Edward goes like this: The Green Wave scores early against St. Francis, gets a couple of key turnovers they can turn into points, runs clock and protects the ball for the school's first victory in 27 attempts. If that scenario plays out, members of the Wave could be ringing the big victory bell at the south end of Greg True Field, which has remained dormant since 2004. But St. Francis is hardly a pushover. The Spartans must win this week and next week against Immaculate Conception in order to make their Week 9 game against Marian Central meaningful. St. Francis linebacker Ryan Ferguson, defensive lineman Jason Lombardi, cornerback Brett Robinson and the rest of the Spartans held Marmion to 172 total yards last week, but Marmion never broke and got 3 turnovers. As such, Spartans coach Greg Purnell is looking for a better push up front against St. Edward with more sustained blocks to get running backs Stan Bobowski and Mark Kachmer rolling. St. Edward coach Mike Rolando compared St. Francis to Hampshire, which beat the Wave 46-41 on opening day. "They're a good team and they've got a couple of losses against a tough schedule," Rolando said of the Spartans. "There's not a week you can take off in this conference. They pound the ball. They're a tough team, they have a big tight end/wide receiver like Hampshire did. Hopefully, we can cover him better than we covered Hampshire's." Making matters difficult for the Wave is the dreaded injury bug, which bit starting running back/middle linebacker Jimmy Mathisen last week. The senior was awaiting final diagnosis Wednesday, but is believed to have torn the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the Driscoll game. He'll be replaced by junior Jaime Torres at linebacker and Nevin Bens will likely tote the ball a few more times in Mathisen's absence. Starting defensive end Alex Arciuch, a sophomore, will also sit out with a concussion. The good news for the St. Edward program is that Adam Gilles is out of the hospital. The junior defensive back/wide receiver was hurt in practice last Tuesday. He spent six nights in the hospital with a lacerated liver and bruised kidney.

Neuqua Valley (2-4, 2-2) at Bartlett (4-2, 3-1)

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

Last week: St. Charles East 17, Neuqua Valley 14; Bartlett 38, Elgin 35

Last year: Neuqua Valley 42, Bartlett 17

Outlook: Neuqua Valley's five-year skein of playoff appearances is on the line. For a chance at a sixth, the Wildcats must play tough particularly on the line against a Bartlett team that hasn't scored less than 28 points this season -- more than Neuqua has in all but its 56-point romp vs. Larkin. Though Andrew Reuter's 40-yard field goal with 4.8 seconds left beat Elgin, Bartlett's offensive balance -- quarterback Josh Hasenberg threw for 192 yards, back Vinnie Libreri ran for 192 -- is something Neuqua would like to approach. Bartlett led the Upstate Eight in points in 2006 and is on target to set a new school record, scoring an average of 34.2 points per game. As always, tailback Anton Wilkins excelled last week with 166 yards rushing and a Wildcats program-tying 97-yard kickoff return. "Wilkins is the guy we've got to corral or he'll get his 100 yards for sure," said Bartlett coach Tom Meaney. "Of the three films we have of them, he touched the ball 82 percent of the time. He's the main cog in their offense. We'll have our work cut out for us against Wilkins, that's for sure." Meaney said another concern is Neuqua's big offensive line, including bookend 285-pound tackles. "It's a big group, so we have to use our quickness up front to make something happen. It'll be a good test to see if our 5-10 linemen can occasionally beat one of their bigger kids."

Elgin (2-4, 0-3) at East Aurora (0-6, 0-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at East Aurora Athletic Stadium

Last week: Bartlett 38, Elgin 35; Thornwood 41, East Aurora 12

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: This is the first meeting between these Upstate Eight Conference teams since 2004, when the Maroons beat East Aurora 28-18. The Tomcats have speed at the skill positions, but not the same kind of speed Elgin possesses. Nor does East Aurora have comparable size along the interior lines like other UEC teams, thus their winless record. The Tomcats haven't shown the offensive firepower to compete with a team like Elgin, which last week scored 21 points in the second half to tie Bartlett before falling on a last-second field goal. Expect Elgin to come out fast and sharp with its figurative back to the playoff wall. "The kids need to play with that sense of urgency because we're at a point where we're desperate for every win," Elgin coach Tom Kim said. "We hit our guys hard in practice this week for mistakes, mental errors. We're trying to shore up the little things that have hurt us." On most nights Elgin has faced teams physically larger on the whole. Not tonight. That should mean a productive day for the Elgin defense, which is keyed up front by tough-as-nails nose guard Terrell Walker (5-10, 195) and defensive linemen Jake Juarez (5-11, 190) and Adam Jazwiec (5-9, 230). "I've said all season it all starts up front," Kim said. "They know that they're outsized a lot of the times, but often that's been an advantage to them internally." Any Tomcat who advances past the defensive line will have to deal with athletic linebackers like Ben Harris (6-1, 220) and Kenny Williams (6-0, 215). "We can win if we play well," Kim said, "but you have to caution yourself. They haven't won yet and they're hungry. They could easily surprise us the way we've surprised some teams this year."

St. Charles North (3-3, 2-1) at Larkin (3-3, 3-1)

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

Last week: St. Charles North 34, South Elgin 7; Larkin 40, Streamwood 7

Last year: Larkin 36, St. Charles North 13

Outlook: Here's the dilemma for St. Charles North: do you blitz Larkin quarterback Cam Kinley, one of the most prolific passers in the state of Illinois (1866 yards, 26 touchdowns), or do you back off and drop linebackers into coverage? "If they bring pressure, obviously, our type of offense has to make sure we have an answer for it," said Larkin coach Dave Bierman. "They'll bring people off the edge, so we have to make sure we get (the pass) off. It seems like they're more of a pressure team than a coverage team. But that puts pressure on their secondary, and that's where the gun really helps." Larkin counters blitzers by having Kinley drop into the shotgun, out of which he can still take a three-step drop and find receivers on deep routes like Nick Bee (33 catches, 728 yards, 8 TDs), Ryan Shriver (33-550-7) and Jake Kane (24-465-8). The Larkin trio rank 1-2-3 in area yardage, in large part because they are each dangerous after the catch. "Those kids have done a great job of making yards after the catch. They are not only getting open, but their downfield blocking has led to more big plays." Homecoming for Larkin could be a happy one if the Royals take care of their assignments on special teams. The North Stars will run reverses on kickoffs and they are known for bringing pressure on punts. Sometimes eight St. Charles North players will line up and rush the punt, sometimes they'll drop a few back into a blocking formation. Either way, the Larkin punt team has to account for every body.

Streamwood (1-5, 1-3) at Lake Park (1-5, 0-4)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last week: St. Charles East 17, Neuqua Valley 14; Waubonsie Valley 24, Lake Park 0

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: This is the first meeting between these Upstate Eight teams since 2002, when Lake Park triumphed 22-7. The UEC's third-lowest (Streamwood) or its lowest-scoring team (Lake Park) will earn win No. 2 this week. Streamwood went 3-and-out in 7 of its first 10 possessions last week, then Dan Poierier scored on an 11-yard run. Lake Park defensive end Andy Kasper, an O-line convert, will pressure Sabres quarterback Dan Roman. Lake Park, which returns quarterback Larry Nawrot from a Week 5 concussion, suffered its fourth straight shutout despite Jordan Davis and Bob Hauschildt blocking for fullback Kevin Thomas. Continuing that improved offensive execution -- and another big game by linebacker Rocky Sansone -- should finally net the Lancers points.

St. Charles E. (5-1, 4-0) at South Elgin (2-4, 2-1)

When: Noon Saturday at Millennium Field

Last week: St. Charles North 34, South Elgin 7; St. Charles East 17, Neuqua Valley 14

Last year: St. Charles East 35, South Elgin 7

Outlook: The Saints' offensive line has come along nicely, allowing quarterback Sam Gunther (79-for-140, 731 passing yards, 6 touchdowns), running back Wes Allen (706 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns), fullback Chris Caci (11 carries, 87 yards last week) and wide receivers Matt Hammer (41 catches, 431 yards) and Jake Krzeczowski (19 catches, 169 yards) to get their names in the newspapers quite often this fall. Quarterback Pete Scaffidi will look to get the Storm offense going, but they've been sputtering in recent weeks. Some of that might have to do to an injury to running back Josh Kabala in Week 5. Whether or not Kabala returns to tonight, it might not make much of a difference against a ravenous St. Charles East defense. South Elgin has scored just 14 points in the past two weeks while the Saints defense has given up 1 touchdown in the past three weeks. That certainly bodes well for the Saints, who will attempt to win their fifth straight and put themselves in position for a potential undefeated conference season with their game against St. Charles North next Friday. "We'll see what happens," Saints coach Ted Monken said. "Their kids want to win as bad as we do. It's still high school football and you can't say that no team can win. If we show up and turn it over 7 times like we did against Lincoln-Way East, you know, just because of the records you can't stop preparing." On a team with plenty of positives, the Saints have remained disciplined regardless of if they're scheduled to play a state champion from a couple of years ago (Lincoln-Way East) or a team that didn't exist a two seasons ago like South Elgin. The Saints kept the practice week as similar as possible with the Saturday day game. "It's not the same level of comfort," Monken said. "We kept it as normal as we could and shoved things back a little." Not likely to be shoved a little or a lot is the Saints defense which should give the Storm fits. "They know they are playing well, but after watching film on Saturdays they still see where they can improve," Monken said. That defense is expected to help the Saints improve to 5-0 in the Upstate Eight.