DuPage County football previews

The best of the bunch

1. Naperville Central at Glenbard North: Two 4-3 DVC teams anxious to lock up a playoff spot.

2. Driscoll at Marian Central: A week after the Montini whuppin', Marian is visited by the unbeaten Highlanders.

3. Glenbard South at Rochelle: Raiders can guarantee a playoff spot with a tough win on the road.

4. Glenbard West at Lyons Twp.: Slim playoff wiggle room for Hilltoppers with Hinsdale Central up in Week 9.

5. York at Willowbrook: West Suburban Conference crossover always a high point for both local rivals.

Toughest schedule award

With 40 playoff points -- a number representing the total number of wins by opponents on a team's schedule -- Benet and Immaculate Conception share an argument for the area's toughest schedule.

Streaking

Glenbard South won its third straight game last week, matching its longest winning streak since 2003.

Wait till next year

Wheaton Academy officially lost its chance for playoff eligibility last week in its first varsity season since 1989. Still, coach Ben Wilson said: "We've learned a lot to help us get better for next year."

Naperville Central (4-3, 3-2) at Glenbard North (4-3, 3-2)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last year: Naperville Central 22, Glenbard North 0.

Last week: Naperville Central 34, West Chicago 21; Glenbard North 35, Glenbard East 0.

Outlook: The winner pretty much clinches a playoff spot, the loser must wait until Week 9. Naperville Central's defense was great early last week, thanks in part to stability in the unit. Josh Jelesky is thriving since his switch to inside linebacker, a move that allowed Matt Jones to thrive at his natural spot at outside linebacker. Glenbard North quarterback Evan Watkins gets better each week. Against Glenbard East he completed 11 of 12 passes for 170 yards. The Panthers hope to pressure Redhawks QB Harrison Daniels with their linemen, led by Frank Cusumano and Greg Mahan.

Next week: Glenbard East at Naperville Central; West Aurora at Glenbard North.

West Chicago (2-5, 1-4) at West Aurora (3-4, 1-4)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last year: West Chicago 19, West Aurora 17.

Last week: Naperville Central 34, West Chicago 21; Naperville North 37, West Aurora 0.

Outlook: West Chicago piled up its second-highest yardage total of the season last week with 372. Even though 260 came in the air, the Wildcats remain committed to the run with Mason Brandstedter. The Chris Wille-to-Trevor Bodie passing combination led to 9 catches for 160 yards and a pair of touchdowns. West Aurora must win to stay playoff eligible. The Blackhawks emerged relatively unscathed from their two-week march through the unbeaten tandem of Wheaton Warrenville South and Naperville North. A win tonight would give the program its most DVC wins since 2004.

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

WW South (7-0, 5-0) at Glenbard East (1-6, 0-5)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last year: WW South 45, Glenbard East 7.

Last week: WW South 32, Wheaton North 20; Glenbard North 35, Glenbard East 0.

Outlook: For all the players emerging for the Tigers -- running back Peter Jarrett and receiver Kendrick Perry included -- the coaching staff named fullback Mike Olp the offensive player of the week for his unsung and steady blocking effort against Wheaton North. Glenbard East accomplished its goal of controlling the ball in the first half last week, but a pair of holding penalties near the red zone cost key chances at points. The goal remains the same tonight -- running backs Brandon Hayes and Toney Greene must churn out the yardage to keep the Tigers' offense off the field.

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

Wheaton North (4-3, 2-3) at Naperville North (7-0, 5-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last year: Naperville North 28, Wheaton North 27.

Last week: WW South 32, Wheaton North 20; Naperville North 37, West Aurora 0.

Outlook: With plenty of playoff points, the Falcons need one more win to all but seal their first playoff berth since 2003. The latest team to play the DVC unbeatens in consecutive weeks, Wheaton North will no doubt stick to the formula of pounding junior running back Mike Trumpy at the Huskies defense. Naperville North coach Larry McKeon wants to get his passing game more involved with quarterback Jordan Tassio. While Tom Costantino and Alex Dieckmann have been consistently snaring balls, Nick Mlady, Tom Walsh and Dan Hess also aim to get in the mix.

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

Benet (2-5, 2-3) at Marian Catholic (4-3, 2-3)

East Suburban Catholic Conference

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

Last year: Marian Catholic 34, Benet 13.

Last week: Benet 23, St. Patrick 20; Marian Catholic 31, Marist 10.

Outlook: Deep at kicker, Benet is. Kevin Kron joined Wells Lifka as Redwings kickers emerging in clutch wins. Kron made 2 field goals in the last four minutes and 11 points overall against St. Pat's. Quarterback Jimmy Riley found Emmett Carrier on an 80-yard touchdown pass and the Benet backfield all did their jobs well. It starts up front, however, and this week Pete Schimeck and the defensive line will be up against the likes of returning all-ESCC lineman Richard Wilson. His group of playoff-sniffing hogs helped Marian snap a 10-10 tie with Marist behind 204 second-half rushing yards. Quarterback Evan Watson, tailback Malcolm Allen both broke the 120-yard mark.

Next week: Notre Dame at Benet; Marian Catholic at St. Patrick.

Manteno (3-4, 1-3) at Lisle (1-6, 1-3)

Interstate Eight Conference Large

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

Last year: Lisle 42, Manteno 21.

Last week: Reed-Custer 7, Manteno 3; Peotone 35, Lisle 28.

Outlook: Lisle's defense let a tie game slip late against Peotone. With Lions linebackers Mike Nigro and Jon Kolosky and cornerback Joe McCarthy all suffering possible season-ending injuries last week, the no-quit Lions will have to strap it on extra tight to tackle Manteno back Jimmy Sandling. Offensively, improved line play and the continued development of sophomore quarterback John Surber has led to decent production with a season high in points against Peotone. Fast running back Ricardo Lee remains the standard, now over 800 yards on the season. "They're solid defensively," Lisle coach Dan Sanko said of Manteno, "but I like that challenge."

Next week: Plano at Manteno; Lisle at Dwight.

Fenton (3-4, 2-2) at Elmwood Park (2-5, 0-4)

Metro Suburban Conference

Game time: 7 p.m., today.

Earlier this year: Fenton 55, Elmwood Park 21.

Last week: Ridgewood 26, Fenton 21; Riverside-Brookfield 42, Elmwood Park 0.

Outlook: In-game injuries took a toll on the Bison in their second MSC loss to Ridgewood, but Fenton is healthier now. Quarterback Ricky Prignano and two-way lineman Alex Mroz battled and excelled through the pounding. Prignano accounted for more than 200 yards of offense, including 170 in the air. Still seeking its first-ever MSC win, Elmwood Park scored its only conference points this season in the earlier meeting against Fenton, which broke out to a 42-7 lead three weeks ago. In a pass-happy spread offense the Tigers must protect the quarterback better against Fenton's fierce pass rush.

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

IC (2-5, 1-4) at St. Francis (2-5, 1-4)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 1 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: St. Francis 42, Immaculate Conception 6.

Last week: Marmion 33, IC 7; St. Edward 28, St. Francis 26 (OT).

Outlook: Both these teams' playoff hopes ended last week, but not their pride. Immaculate Conception, led by linebackers Antonio Taylor and Chris Mulligan, running back Jon Ellis and receiver Jack Dempsey, will try to establish its ground game and get the early lead as the passing game remains in development. St. Francis, unfortunate recipient of St. Edward's first win in 27 games, looks simply to get better, coach Greg Purnell said. Injuries have impacted the Spartans offensive line, but wingbacks Stan Bobowski and Mark Kachmer still pack inside-out punch. The combo of quarterback Jeff Reckards and receiver Bob Vonderhaar could be a difference.

Next week: Aurora Central at IC; Marian Central at St. Francis.

Driscoll (7-0, 5-0) at Marian Central (6-1, 4-1)

Suburban Catholic Conference

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

Last year: Marian Central 21, Driscoll 0.

Last week: Driscoll 62, Aurora Central Catholic 35; Montini 33, Marian Central 0.

Outlook: Hardly dimmed by Montini's big win last week in Woodstock, this is Driscoll's strongest foe thus far. The Highlanders, whose starters returned after 3 straight ACC touchdowns cut a 42-0 lead, have the speed edge but must sustain toughness and focus, especially on the line where Kyle Sanders, Vinny Miceli, Andrew O'Reilly, Anthony Arena and Mike Labadessa take on Notre Dame recruit Sean Cwynar and, if healthy, junior Cody O'Neill. This may also be the emotional return of quarterback Jon Budmayr from a hamstring pull. Driscoll can't count on 4 turnovers and a blocked punt that stymied Marian last week.

Next week: Montini at Driscoll; Marian Central at St. Francis.

St. Edward (1-6, 1-4) at Montini (7-0, 5-0)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 1 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: Montini 56, St. Edward 0.

Last week: St. Edward 28, St. Francis 26 (OT); Montini 33, Marian Central 0.

Outlook: St. Edward's 26-game losing streak ended on Ryan Gilbert's 25-yard touchdown pass and Moises Quiroga's and Nevin Bens' stop of St. Francis' 2-point conversion. Green Wave momentum faces trouble against Montini, which has beaten defending Class 5A champ Sacred Heart-Griffin and runner-up Marian Central. Line play by Garrett Goebel, Dave Lembas, Chuck Porcelli and John McMahon (4 sacks and a fumble recovery), speed and inventive play calling like John Borsellino's halfback pass to Sal Mazzulla had it over Marian. The challenge will be to stop St. Edward's ground game and avoid a lag between Marian and Driscoll.

Next week: Marmion at St. Edward; Montini at Driscoll.

South Elgin (2-5, 2-2) at Waubonsie Valley (5-2, 3-1)

Upstate Eight Conference

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

Last year: Waubonsie Valley 49, South Elgin 6.

Last week: St. Charles East 38, South Elgin 19; Waubonsie Valley 34, Bloom Twp. 0.

Outlook: Fielding its first team of seniors, South Elgin would love to help spoil Waubonsie Valley's playoff drive. If they're able, it'll be solid quarterback Peter Scaffidi who does most of the spoiling. He'll need great protection and scrambling ability to avoid a Waubonsie Valley defense, led by linebackers Spencer Merritt and Kevin Garbis, that's looking good. Offensively, another Warriors receiver came to the fore; following Mark Hilgers' 7-catch outing against Lake Park, last week Alex Stokowski caught 3 passes all for touchdowns. After missing the 2006 playoffs despite 5 wins, coach Paul Murphy will have all guns blazing for win No. 6.

Next week: South Elgin at Streamwood; Waubonsie Valley at Larkin.

Lake Park (2-5, 1-4) at East Aurora (0-7, 0-4)

Upstate Eight Conference

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

Last year: Lake Park 44, East Aurora 13.

Last week: Lake Park 32, Streamwood 0; Elgin 40, East Aurora 6.

Outlook: After four straight shutouts a much-needed explosion catapulted Lake Park last week, started by running back Chris Jasinski taking off for 57 yards on his first carry. Though the Lancers led just 7-0 at halftime and completed no passes, it was a team win that could translate to this week -- clutch defensive stops by linebacker Chris Buonavolanto, movement by the offensive line. Then Jasinski took over on special teams and offensively, finishing with 122 yards rushing. East Aurora has quickness as typified by Robert McGowan's 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Elgin but has scored the least and allowed the most points in the UEC.

Next week: Elgin at Lake Park; East Aurora at Bartlett.

Streamwood (1-6, 1-4) at Neuqua Valley (3-4, 3-2)

Upstate Eight Conference

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

Last year: Neuqua Valley 35, Streamwood 7.

Last week: Lake Park 32, Streamwood 0; Neuqua Valley 24, Bartlett 23.

Outlook: The playoffs in the balance, Neuqua rose up against Bartlett; Streamwood will face similar resistance. The Sabres hung with Lake Park early but didn't finish drives and never recovered despite Dan Poierier's 60 yards rushing. Regarding rushing, Neuqua's Anton Wilkins is averaging 168.4 yards a game. Among other difference-makers like kicker Nick Schneider, defensive end T.J. Jordan and the combo of Denzel Neal and Mitch McGilliard, who stopped Bartlett's late 2-point conversion try, is quarterback Alex Lincoln, whose 152 yards passing last week opened Neuqua's offense.

Next week: South Elgin at Streamwood; Neuqua Valley at St. Charles North.

Leyden (4-3, 3-2) at Addison Trail (1-6, 1-3)

West Suburban Gold

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

Last year: Addison Trail 41, Leyden 14.

Last week: Lyons Twp. 56, Leyden 0; Downers South 43, Addison Trail 12.

Outlook: After being outscored 106-7 the last two weeks, and with unbeaten Downers South looming in Week 9, tonight is a must-win situation if the Eagles hope to make the playoffs. One bright spot last week was running back Josh Serrano, who rushed for 64 yards to move over the 1,000-yard mark on the season. Addison Trail can help play the part of spoiler with a victory. Despite the lopsided loss to Downers South, the Blazers still got 200 rushing yards from Michael D'Ambrose. The key is to break out to an early lead. The Blazers were sacked five times after they fell behind and were forced to pass.

Next week: Downers South at Leyden; Addison Trail at Hinsdale South.

Morton (0-7, 0-4) at Downers South (7-0, 4-0)

West Suburban Gold

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

Last year: Downers South 49, Morton 0.

Last week: Proviso East 43, Morton 0; Downers South 43, Addison Trail 12.

Outlook: The records tell the story in this one. It's been another struggle of a season for Morton, which lost its 11th straight Gold game last week. Downers South has shut out Morton in nine of the last 10 meetings, the lone points coming in 2005. After a physical game against Addison Trail, expect Downers South to try and heal up this week. Two-way standout Tyler West and running back Scottie Williams both got banged up and may sit this one out to prepare for the home stretch. Sean Fancher was explosive on special teams last week. He blocked one punt and recovered another blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown.

Next week: Willowbrook at Morton; Downers South at Leyden.

Hinsdale South (2-5, 1-3) at Proviso East (4-3, 3-2)

West Suburban Gold

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

Last year: Proviso East 12, Hinsdale South 10.

Last week: Willowbrook 41, Hinsdale South 14; Proviso East 43, Morton 0.

Outlook: Looking to eliminate turnover troubles, Hinsdale South has veered away from its option game in favor of a more stable pro set as it looks to set a strong tone for 2008. Dan Hopp thrived in the backfield last week as a feature back, rushing for 117 yards on 20 carries. The Hornets aim to prevent Proviso East from making its first playoff appearance since 1998. The Pirates might be on the postseason bubble as a five-win team, so they'll need two more wins to guarantee a berth. Averaging about 23 points per Gold game, the Pirates have hit the 40-point mark the last two weeks.

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

Proviso West (1-6, 1-4) at Hinsdale Central (5-2, 3-1)

West Suburban Silver

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

Last year: Hinsdale Central 30, Proviso West 12.

Last week: Oak Park 37, Proviso West 20; York 33, Hinsdale Central 28.

Outlook: Proviso West is 1-6 but socks people hard. Led by linebacker Garick Laudo, the Panthers fly to the ball and blitz constantly. That blitzing does make them vulnerable to a quarterback like Hinsdale Central's John Whitelaw, who can bounce it outside or throw to the likes of Troy Laing and Matt Huber, back from injury this week. Behind Laing's 2 touchdown catches, a Whitelaw touchdown run and Connor Marrero's touchdown grab, the gutty Red Devils rallied from a 21-0 hole at York. They lost on a long touchdown pass -- which vertically inclined Proviso West will try to match all day.

Next week: Proviso West at Proviso East; Hinsdale Central at Glenbard West.

Downers North (1-6, 0-4) at Oak Park (4-3, 2-2)

West Suburban Silver

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

Last year: Downers North 20, Oak Park 10.

Last week: Glenbard West 6, Downers North 0; Oak Park 37, Proviso West 20.

Outlook: Defensively, Downers North is staunch: Art Gutzke, Dan Sheppard, Ryan Gresko, Mike Whittington and Andy Orton head a unit that in conference play has allowed 13 points a game. Offensively, the Trojans have made more than a dozen quarterback changes and are down to one main back, James Gaston. They'll need great blocking from Joe Bonomo and the offensive line. Seeking a third straight playoff berth, Oak Park offers 700-yard tailback Levell Coppage and receiving depth that concerns Downers North coach John Wander. Huskies quarterback Clarke Cuthbert will test the defense out of a spread offense.

Next week: Lyons Twp. at Downers North; Oak Park at York.

Glenbard West (4-3, 2-2) at Lyons Twp. (6-1, 3-1)

West Suburban Silver

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

Last year: Lyons 30, Glenbard West 20.

Last week: Glenbard West 6, Downers Grove North 0; Lyons 56, Leyden 0.

Outlook: Glenbard West has the hardest playoff push in the county, vs. WSS co-leaders who are a combined 11-3. Today, coach Chad Hetlet needs the defense of linemen Theo Odom and Mike Dixson, who stuffed Downers North at crucial points; and 3 interceptions in West's first 3-shutout season in 17 years. But they'll need more than 1 touchdown; Kane Keirnan's 3-yarder topped an outing that otherwise lacked a finishing touch. Lyons shotgun quarterback Eddie Viliunas is one of the best, but back Alex Sewall (ankle) may only play defense, a concern for coach Jack Derning.

Next week: Hinsdale Central at Glenbard West; Lyons at Downers Grove North.

Glenbard South (5-2, 3-2) at Rochelle (5-2, 3-2)

Western Sun Conference

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

Last year: Rochelle 30, Glenbard South 7.

Last week: Glenbard South 38, Yorkville 6; Geneva 24, Rochelle 15.

Outlook: Although Glenbard South's passing game looks strong with quarterback Kevin Marshall and receivers Chris Loos and Jon Holland, a main goal tonight is to maintain ball control and keep Rochelle's offense off the field. In a close game kicker Scott Langel, who booted a field goal, five extra points and three touchbacks last week, could be a difference-maker. Rochelle began the season with five straight wins but stumbled in close losses to Sycamore and Geneva. Containing the Hubs' smashmouth running game, something Geneva managed at times last week, is the top priority for the Raiders tonight.

Next week: Glenbard South at Sycamore; Rochelle vs. DeKalb at Northern Illinois University.

Wheaton Academy (2-5, 1-4) at Lake Forest Academy (2-4, 2-3)

Nonconference

Game time: 2 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: Wheaton Academy 44, Lake Forest Academy 22 (junior varsity).

Last week: Chicago Christian 56, Wheaton Academy 6; Lake Forest Academy 27, Luther North 24.

Outlook: "Almost a carbon copy of our team," Wheaton Academy coach Ben Wilson said of IHSA associate member Lake Forest Academy. The Caxys have about the same size and speed, they blitz and run the spread offense. The Warriors hope to clean it up after a rash of turnovers allowed Chicago Christian to post a 30-0 first-quarter lead in Wheaton Academy's first homecoming game since 1989. Wilson looks to pound the ball on the ground with tailback Chris Reddick behind tackle Connor Reilly and an improving offensive line.

Next week: Wheaton Academy at Aurora Christian; Lake Forest Academy at Rockford Christian Life.

York (5-2) at Willowbrook (5-2)

Nonconference

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

Last year: York 41, Willowbrook 16.

Last week: York 33, Hinsdale Central 28; Willowbrook 41, Hinsdale South 14.

Outlook: Lots of offense in this West Suburban Conference crossover. York brings quarterback Tom Judge and running back Mike McNulty, who behind a solid line teamed for a 53-yard, game-winning touchdown pass last week. York's looking for its defensive line to hurry Willowbrook's passing game; the Warriors counter with Ricky Draski, who had 3 sacks last week. The Warriors got their ground game going after struggling for a couple of games. Look for the same formula of balance between the Wayne Bolden-led ground game and the Milton Colbert-led passing game. Willowbrook gets some help back on the line as Alberto Estrada returns from injury tonight.

Next week: Oak Park at York; Willowbrook at Morton.