Everything you need to know through first third of the season
Whether your favorite high school football team is 3-0, 0-3 or anything in between, one thing is certain - a state playoff berth is still within reach for all.
Perhaps it's not a realistic goal for some schools but it never hurts to dream.
As the regular season has already reached the one-third mark, 8 of our 10 local teams - including a trio of unbeatens - will bring winning records into this weekend's action. Here's a look at the early season developments, trends and improvements needed for each squad as homecoming and Senior Night festivities loom on the horizon.
Aurora Central (0-3, 0-1)
Trends: The Chargers haven't qualified for postseason play since 1997 and it appears that the drought will linger at least another season. Junior-laden ACC is still looking for its first victory and first complete game.
Led by talented senior quarterback Mike Adams, Coach Mike Curry's Chargers have been very competitive in 7 of their first 12 quarters. In Week 1, they outscored Mendota 20-7 in the second half but still fell 28-20. In Week 2, they played Harvard to a 21-21 draw after 3 quarters only to allow 3 fourth-quarter TDs. Last weekend, they were within 7 points of Montini (14-7) late in the first half before eventually falling 49-7.
Improvements needed: Try to avoid giving up big plays.
Aurora Christian (3-0, 1-0)
Developments: The Eagles have something new - a $1.5 million dollar state-of-the-art home field and something a little more familiar - veteran quarterback Jordan Roberts at the helm. Roberts, who owns 33 career 100-yard passing games, has also received plenty of help from his defense.
Linebacker Luis Solorio and defensive backs Lewis Gaddis and David Zielke have anchored an Eagles' defense that has allowed just 18 points in 3 games.
Improvements needed: More consistent offensive numbers as the Eagles aim for their seventh consecutive postseason berth.
Batavia (1-2, 0-1)
Trends: Points haven't been hard to come by during Batavia games this season (168 total). Six of quarterback Jordan Coffey's 7 TD passes have been to wide receiver Erich Zeddies. It appears that the Bulldogs will be involved in several more high-scoring shootouts before season's end as they try for their sixth consecutive postseason appearance.
Improvements needed: Shoring up the run defense. Wes Allen, Chris Jackson and Kevin Marshall have all topped the 100-yard mark on the ground so far against the Bulldogs.
Geneva (3-0, 1-0)
Developments: It's hard not to talk about senior running back Michael Ratay, who has already scored 13 TDs while sitting out the second half against Dundee-Crown and Yorkville. However, the Vikings' massive offensive line deserves a lot of credit, as does their opportunistic defense, paced by defensive backs Sean Grady, Michael Santacaterina, linebacker Brennan Quinn and defensive linemen Frank Boenzi, Andrew Clausen and Cory Hofstetter. Geneva has allowed just 1 touchdown per game. This team figures to be a tough out come November.
Improvements needed: Continued growth from first-year starting quarterback Brandon Beitzel.
Kaneland (2-1, 1-0)
Trends: Sophomore quarterback Joe Camiliere has enjoyed three straight 200-yard passing efforts but the Knights wouldn't be 2-1 without a stingy defense. Second-year coach Tom Fedderly's team held a potent Rochelle offense to 12 points last weekend and will need more big performances in upcoming weeks against Batavia, Geneva and Glenbard South.
Improvements needed: Like most teams, fewer turnovers and more points.
Marmion (2-1, 0-1)
Developments: Playing Friday night home games with permanent lights at newly christened Fichtel Field. The Cadets began the season with impressive wins over South Elgin and Kaneland before last week's 28-6 loss to perennial power Marian Central Catholic in their SCC debut.
Improvements needed: More consistent offensive numbers as Marmion heads into a brutal three-game stretch against Driscoll, Montini and St. Francis.
St. Charles East (2-1, 1-0)
Trends: Senior tailback Wes Allen (405 yards) has been the focal point of the Saints' offense, but wide receiver Paul DeBord and fullback Kyle Wiebe have also played key roles this season. Defensively, linebacker Pat Friel plugs the middle and the Saints have received a huge lift from juniors Jonathan Voytilla, Phil Bucaro, Mark Lindholm and Matt Payne.
Improvements needed: Cut down turnovers (9 in 3 games) and penalties.
St. Charles North (2-1, 1-0)
Developments: Before the season, North Stars coach Mark Gould felt his squad had more depth than in past years. That certainly has been the case, especially last week, when Sean McGushin filled in for Nick Neari at quarterback and running back Jordan Huxtable gained 160 yards with 3 first-half touchdowns during their record-breaking, 54-0 rout of Streamwood. Kyle Harmon and Eric Battle are also capable of running the ball.
Improvements needed: Cut down turnovers (7 in first 2 games).
St. Francis (3-0, 1-0)
Trends: The Spartans are 3-0 thanks in large part to running back Mark Kachmer, who topped the 400-yard mark in Week 2 against DeKalb. St. Francis coach Greg Purnell calls Kachmer "the fastest football player he has seen" in 25-plus years of coaching. Last week, St. Francis snapped Driscoll's 24-game win streak with a 27-7 home field victory. Next up - Montini (3-0).
Improvements needed: When a team has outscored its opponents by a staggering 129-20 margin, it's difficult to find areas of improvement.
West Aurora (2-1, 0-1)
Trends: The Blackhawks began the season with a 2-0 mark for the fifth straight year. However, they also suffered their fifth consecutive DVC opening loss last week against Naperville Central (41-2). Markus Cocroft has made West Aurora's special teams look pretty special with punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Improvements needed: Perhaps a re-examination of their nonconference schedule. While it's commendable that West Aurora continues to face longtime rivals East Aurora and Elgin, it does little to help prepare the Blackhawks for the rugged DVC.
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