Scouting: Neuqua Valley at Naperville North

Nonconference

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

Last year: Naperville North 41, Neuqua Valley 14.

Outlook: It didn't matter that in 2007 this game led to Naperville North eventually claiming the Class 8A championship - it was not something Neuqua would proudly post in its scrapbook. The Wildcats trailed 21-0 after a quarter and 41-7 entering the fourth quarter, and they allowed the Huskies to reel off 415 net yards. In 2008 Neuqua offers a spread offense that features second-year starting quarterback Alex Lincoln and two returning receivers, 6-foot-4 Conner Yearian and 6-2 Joshua Schaffer, the latter headed to Western Michigan. Nate Pena, who ran for 254 yards with 3 touchdowns last season in a support role, assumes tailback duties with speedster Desmond Nolen in the wings. Coach Bryan Wells takes over as defensive coordinator, promising an aggressive approach that should allow returning linebacker Kaelin Harvey plenty of action. It'll be a no-huddle defense to match the no-huddle offense. With fellow linebacker Pat Keeley and defensive backs Owen Larson and Denzel Neal all returning quality experience, the Wildcats may afford to let Harvey and defensive end Mike Khalil loose. Naperville North may not be the same team that hoisted the big trophy Thanksgiving weekend in Champaign, but the Huskies remain tough despite entering the season with a great deal of uncertainty behind center. Senior quarterback Matt Manade, who last year backed up all-stater Jordan Tassio, is out with a leg injury suffered during preseason practice. The Huskies now turn to 6-5 sophomore Matt LaCosse to direct the offense, and he'll have plenty of help growing into the starting role. Running backs Nick Mlady, who rushed for 1,300 yards last year, and Pat Waite both return to the double-wing offense in front of a powerful offensive line returning three starters including 6-5, 270-pound Arizona-bound tackle Jake Baratz. Questions also linger on defense where only lineman Tim Weidenbacher returns as a starter. It's not ideal, but two-way play may be the answer early in the season for the Huskies, who will have left guard Alex Helms playing some linebacker. The secondary - a team strength last year - may be tested more than ever by a Wildcats passing game expected to be improved. The Huskies, though, have the perfect way to keep that offense off the field. If the double wing is churning yards, it'll eat up a ton of clock.

Next week: Plainfield Central at Neuqua Valley; Naperville North at Oswego East.