It's still a very big game

It figures that even in an off year, Stevenson and Libertyville have still managed to find a way to make their annual grudge match significant.

The North Suburban Conference's perennial powers have both suffered their setbacks this year -- to the tune of lackluster 4-3 records.

But tonight's game in Lincolnshire will be anything but ho-hum. Both Stevenson and Libertyville are still in playoff contention and need a victory to keep that hope alive.

"Last year, we both came in to the game with identical records -- the difference was we were both 6-0 and there were implications with that," Libertyville coach Randy Kuceyeski said. "But the implications are still there this year, too. For both teams, a lot is riding on our last two games. Both of us want to keep our playoff streaks going."

Stevenson hasn't missed the playoffs since 1988. That's 18 straight playoff appearances. The last time Libertyville missed the playoffs was in 1996. That's 10 straight appearances.

"There's definitely a different dynamic to this game than most years," Stevenson coach Bill Mitz said. "But it should still be a great game. It's a great rivalry with two great programs.

"We could have both probably had much better records coming into this game but we both challenge ourselves by scheduling tough competition. We know that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best."

Stevenson opened the season with three straight losses -- to Loyola, Glenbrook South and Lake Zurich, teams that are considered among the top in the state.

Libertyville has also lost to Lake Zurich, as well as to a surging Warren team and to Carmel, one of the best teams in the state.

By the numbers: The Libertyville record book doesn't quite look the same as it did just a week ago.

That's because the superlatives kept coming in the Wildcats' huge 55-26 victory over Zion-Benton last Friday.

First off, kicker Alvaro Castro made a school-record 47-yard field goal. It was his seventh field goal on the season, which is also a new record.

Alex Mendrygal had made six field goals in 1998.

"Alvaro will either play soccer or football at the next level," Libertyville coach Randy Kuceyeski said of Castro, who also plays soccer at Libertyville. "He certainly has the capability to kick in this game.

"I'm really hoping to give him the chance to kick a 50-yarder this season. You should have seen the 47-yarder. He cleared that thing by 15 yards."

Also in that Zion-Benton game, the Wildcats scored 55 points for only the second time since 1923. That year, Libertyville scored 70 points against New Trier.

Meanwhile, quarterback Tom Piazzi threw for 246 yards. The week before, he tallied 210 passing yards.

Kuceyeski says it was the first time Libertyville had ever netted 200-plus passing yards in back-to-back games.

Safety first: Pulling double duty seems to suit Carmel safeties Ryan Williams, Chris Salvi and Jake Sinkovec just fine.

They've been key to Carmel's solid defense by making plays no matter what an offense throws at them.

"We've got those three running in the alley because they're athletic and we're trying to disguise whether our scheme is a run or pass defense," Bitto said. "They've got to make plays no matter what the play is, and they do. All three of them can defend the run and the pass really well."

Williams has rolled up 70 tackles in 7 games and has 5 tackles for a loss. Salvi has 48 tackles and 4 interceptions and Sinkovec has 27 tackles, but is the emotional leader of the group.

"Teams are averaging only 60 rushing yards per game on us, so they try to pass on us," Bitto said. "But we're allowing only about 5 yards per pass. Those guys are a big reason. They're all over the place."

Michigan man: The football roster on the University of Michigan Web site doesn't even link to a bio for former Carmel star running back Jimmy Potempa.

It probably will soon, though if Potempa keeps playing the way he has.

Wolverine fans will want to know exactly who that little 5-foot-6 dynamo is.

Potempa is bucking all the odds. Not only is he a true freshman, he's a walk-on. And yet, he's found himself running the ball in games for Michigan this year.

So far, he's gained 17 yards on 5 attempts, which may not seem like a lot, but Michigan coaches think so highly of him that they put him on the travel roster.

"A freshman walk-on playing and traveling? Are you kidding me? It's amazing," Carmel coach Andy Bitto said of Potempa. "I mean, it's amazing anywhere. And it's unheard of at Michigan."

Potempa had some offers from Division II schools but was determined to go to a Division I school. Problem was, he was walking a one-way street.

"We couldn't get the MAC schools to give him a scholarship," Bitto said. "So he decided he was going to walk on at Notre Dame or Michigan. Now look at him. I bet those MAC schools would love to have him now."

Bear down: The Chicago Bears will soon show Vernon Hills coach Tony Monken some Lovie.

And a check for $1,500.

Monken was named the Chicago Bears High School "Coach of the Week" on Monday and will be awarded $1,500 to apply to his football program. He and the other award winners from this season will also attend a Bears' game, and practice and a "chalk-talk" with Bears coach Lovie Smith.

"I'm pretty excited about that," Monken said about the chalk-talk. "And the $1,500 is nice. We could use it to (upgrade the team's video and statistics programs) or maybe we could just do something really special for the kids."

Two-minute guy: In 2001 when Vernon Hills played in a lot of close games, the team was dubbed the "Cardiac Cougars."

Vernon Hills coach Tony Monken says that this year's team, which has had four games decided in the final two minutes, is the reincarnation.

And that's good news for backup quarterback James Hallendorff. His specialty is running the Cougars' two-minute offense.

So far, he's done a pretty good job. He's helped Vernon Hills to dramatic victories against Lakes in Week 3 and against North Chicago last week.

With time winding down against North Chicago, he completed a big pass to freshman DaVaris Daniels and he then ran in a touchdown from a yard out to seal the victory.

"James just has a little bit of a better arm than (starter) PJ (Marsek) and he sees the field a little better with the passing game," Monken said. "He's the best thrower on our team and we have a lot of confidence in him."

Hallendorff has embraced the role, even though it comes with a lot of pressure. After watching from the sideline for the better part of a game, he can be thrown onto the field for the first time with the game on the line.

"James really understands his role and he deals with the pressure really well," Monken said. "We're not afraid to put him in the game in any situation, simply because he handles himself so well."