Scouting: Week 4 in the Fox Valley

Oregon (3-0) at Burlington Central (0-3)

When: today at 7 p.m.

Last year: Oregon 14, Central 6

Last week: Byron 17, Burlington Central 9; Oregon 11, Hampshire 8

Outlook: After three straight losses to open the season 0-3 for the first time since 1993, the Rockets want to finish strong in Big Northern Conference play. "What's done is done. You can't lament your situation," Central coach Aaron Wichman said. "It's over with. All you can do is move forward and try to get better." But before the East Division wars begin next week, a final Big Northern crossover tuneup date with the Hawks awaits. Oregon will challenge Central's ability to stop the run. Oregon isn't fancy, just effective. The Hawks use only one or two basic formations and about seven different plays to run the ball right at teams. "It's probably the easiest game to prepare for, but in the game it's the hardest to defend," Wichman said. "If they get 3 or 4 yards, that's all they're asking for. It puts them in third-and-short and that's what they like." Wichman would like to see more consistency from his team. Last week against Byron, the Rockets played three of the best defensive series they've turned in all year, but breakdowns on the fourth series resulted in a touchdown. Special teams were also an issue for Central last week after solid performances in Weeks 1 and 2. To break into the win column, the Central defense has to meet the Hawks head on at the line of scrimmage. The Rockets have given up 523 yards rushing (174.3 avg.) in their first three games. Oregon rushed for 154 yards last week against Hampshire.

Byron (1-2) at Hampshire (0-3)

When: today at 7 p.m.

Last meeting: Byron 46, Hampshire 21, 2003

Last week: Oregon 11, Hampshire 8; Byron 17, Burlington Central 9

Outlook: These members of the Big Northern Conference haven't met since Week 2 of the 2003 season. The schools were essentially traded for each other in 2006, when Byron moved to the BNC's Westen division and Hampshire switched to the BNC-East. The Whip-Purs have played three close games with no wins to show for it, but no one in purple has lost sight of their postseason goal. "The kids have been great. The just keep plugging away," Hampshire coach Dan Cavanaugh said. "They just come out here and work hard every week. Being 0-3 is not what we anticipated, but we've played some pretty good teams. Hopefully, we can build off last week." The Whips played a physical Oregon team to a scoreless tie before falling by a field goal in the rain in double overtime. This needs to be the week a senior offensive line takes control of a game. Through three games the Whip-Purs have been out-rushed by an average of 182.5 yards per game to 95.5 ypg. Fullback Joe Moore has found the sledding tough with teams keying on him. The senior has been held to 86 yards rushing on 23 carries. If the Whips can get their running game going, they can still achieve their goal of reaching the postseason. "Everything is still out there, all our goals, and we really haven't even started conference yet," Cavanaugh said. "Playoffs and conference are still there. We just have to keep getting better."

St. Edward (2-1, 0-1) at Aurora Central Catholic (0-3, 0-1)

When: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Aurora Central 52, St. Edward 36

Last week: Immaculate Conception 22, St. Edward 0; Montini 49, Aurora Central 7

Outlook: St. Edward hopes to bounce back from last week and deliver some payback from last year in one fell swoop. The Green Wave fell flat last Saturday against IC on the artificial surface at Elmhurst College. The energy and enthusiasm the Wave demonstrated in victories in Weeks 1 and 2 were noticeably absent. "It was a disaster; that's the only way to put it," St. Edward coach Mike Rolando. "We weren't mentally focused. We had a bad week of practice and the kids didn't seem to have that backs-against-the-wall attitude like we had the first couple of games. The team didn't seem like it was real excited to be playing. We fumbled the ball, we jumped offsides, we ran the wrong way. It was just a total lack of mental focus, which led to being out-physicaled on the line. We were going backward the whole game and didn't get the job done." Aurora Central scored 3 fourth-quarter touchdowns against the Wave last season to wrest control of a close contest. Quarterback Mike Adams (6-foot-3, 225 pounds), who threw those 3 late touchdown passes against St. Edward and threw for over 2,000 yards last year, returns for his senior season. Last week Adams hooked up with Mark Brauweiler for a 62-yard touchdown pass that pulled the Chargers within 14-7 of Montini with 41 seconds left in the first half. Montini eventually wore down the two-way heavy Chargers to win by a wide margin, but not before leaving an impression on their next opponent. "They are a much-improved team," Rolando said of the Chargers. "Their record may not show it, but they were tied with Harvard at halftime and they were only down 14-7 to Montini. This is an improved team. We hope to come out and show that we have improved. We showed it against a couple of nonconference opponents, but all that's out the window. Once you get into the conference you get a battle every single week, so we're expecting a real tough game."

Prairie Ridge (2-1) at Crystal Lake South (2-1)

When: today at 7:45 p.m. at Ken Bruhn Field

Last meeting: CL South 28, Prairie Ridge 14, 2005

Last week: Woodstock 24, Prairie Ridge 7; CL South 35, Johnsburg 19

Outlook: This is the first meeting between these Crystal Lake schools since the Fox Valley Conference split into divisions. The District 155 rivals have played nine times since 1997. CL South holds a 5-4 advantage in the series and has won the last four meetings by a margin of 118-52. "It should be fun," CL South coach Jim Stuglis said. "We haven't played them or (Crystal Lake) Central for awhile, so it's good for the community and the kids are pretty excited about it. I think some of the fans and parents are more excited about it than we are. Some of the kids haven't played Prairie Ridge yet, so they don't even realize it's a big deal." Prairie Ridge moved the ball well against Woodstock last week, but drives bogged down due to penalties and 4 turnovers (3 fumbles). Third-year varsity starting quarterback Bryan Bradshsaw leads a triple option attack that is tough to defend due to his versatility. Adept at running the option, the senior gives the Wolves the added bonus of an aerial threat that can keep a defense honest. "He's a multitalented athlete who really causes problems," Stuglis said of Bradshaw. "Usually, when you face an option team you can bring everybody up and stop the run. But Prairie Ridge has the ability to throw, so you can't put nine guys in the box. It makes it kind of difficult." The Gators jumped on Johnsburg for 4 second-quarter touchdowns last week, all from junior tailback Colin Masterson, who rushed for 254 yards despite sitting out the second half. Despite a two-year hiatus between meetings, the Wolves are well aware of the Gators' penchant from grinding it out offensively any way they can. "They always seem to find a way to get a first down, whether it's a run, a pass or a fake punt," Prairie Ridge coach Chris Schremp said of CLS. "They haven't changed much since the last time we saw them. They're still a heck of a lot bigger than we are and they'll run the football at you. But any game against our district schools is big because the kids know the other players and the coaches are all familiar with one another. That makes it a big game and our kids are excited about it." How well PR's inexperienced offensive line can handle the Gators' new 3-3-5 defense will be a key factor in the outcome.

Huntley (3-0) at Jacobs (1-2)

When: today at 7:45 p.m. at Jacobs athletic field

Last meeting: Jacobs 46, Huntley 20, 2005

Last week: Huntley 28, McHenry 19; CL Central 14, Jacobs 6

Outlook: Huntley football endured some old-fashioned poundings for the first few years after it joined the Fox Valley Conference in 2003, including three lopsided losses against neighboring Jacobs. The Golden Eagles won all three meetings by a combined score of 175-42. After a two-year hiatus due to the league's divisional split, this budding rivalry is renewed for the first time since 2005 on Jacobs' homecoming night. The Red Raiders are 3-0 for the first time since 2001, when they played in the Big Northern Conference, but they enter this game after a strike-shortened week of practice. Huntley could not practice Monday or Tuesday due to the District 158 teachers strike. An abbreviated practice was held Wednesday before the Red Raiders got one good practice in on Thursday. "Jacobs was going to be tough enough with a full week's preparation," Huntley coach Steve Graves said. "Now, to prepare one day for them and then go in and play that game... we know we're going to have our hands full. We know that game's a rivalry. It'll be a big game." Huntley flexed its muscles last week by totaling 379 yards of offense while holding McHenry to 148. "There's a reason they're 3-0 - they're a good football team," Jacobs coach Dean Schlueter said. "They've had 3 big wins and played solid. This will be a great challenge. Their offense is in your face and gets after it. Defensively, they've got guys running around smacking you." Jacobs has played three close games: a 1-point overtime win at Moline, a 1-point loss to Larkin and an 8-point loss to CL Central last week. "Our kids are playing hard," Schlueter said. "Any of those games could have gone either way. We have to learn to be on the upside of that and just keep at it and not lose our focus on execution."

Grayslake Central (0-3) at Dundee-Crown (2-1)

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

Last week: Dundee-Crown 27, Grayslake North 9; Cary-Grove 42, Grayslake Central 7

Outlook: The Chargers will attempt to win three straight for the first time since 2000 with a victory against the winless Rams. However, Grayslake Central is no pushover. The Rams played tight with Grant into the third quarter and led Antioch at the half. Both of those teams are 3-0. "We're going to make sure our kids are not overconfident because Grayslake Central has played three teams that are probably all going to be in the playoffs," D-C coach Mike Davis said. "They're pretty good. If we take them lightly, they can lay it on us pretty good." The Dundee-Crown defense against the Grayslake Central offense is an intriguing matchup. The Chargers held Grayslake North to 109 total yards last week. "Our defense has been playing real well and they're a real strong offensive team," D-C quarterback Logan Kissack said. "They pride themselves on their offense, and our defense the past few games is doing real well." Dundee-Crown quarterback Logan Kissack said. Dundee-Crown is playing a modified 5-2 defense implemented this summer by defensive coordinator Bob Skillman, a scheme that fits D-C's size-challenged roster. After giving up 49 points in Week 1, the defense has allowed just 14 points the last two weeks.

Johnsburg (1-2) at Cary-Grove (3-0)

When: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Al Bohrer Field

Last week: Cary-Grove 42, Grayslake Central 7; CL South 35, Johnsburg 19

Outlook: Johnsburg has been a member of the Fox Valley Conference since 2006, but no team is a full-fledged FVC member until it faces the Cary-Grove triple option. The Skyhawks get their baptism by fire tonight when they face off with the Trojans in Cary. Johnsburg has talent in quarterback Jerad Grundy, a committed Division-I pitcher (Miami, Fla) and 6-foot-7 tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz roaming the underside of defenses. "You have to account for someone that talented," Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay said of Fiedorowicz. "We don't want to leave anyone alone on him, so we'll look to double-cover on him as most teams do now. He presents some real matchup problems for us." Brad Potts has been a beneficiary of those double teams. He leads the Skyhawks with 257 yards receiving to 196 for Fiedorowicz. Grundy has thrown for 616 yards in 3 games. Johnsburg presents a physical challenge for the Trojans. "They may be the most physical team we've seen so far," Kay said. "They have some guys who play hard physically, but they're two-way players. They're physical up front and they possess excellent skill." Cary-Grove breezed past Grayslake North last week, subbing liberally as early as the second quarter with a 28-0 lead. The backfield of quarterback Tyler Krebs and backs Alex Hembrey, Eric Chandler and Jonas Mack excels behind a talented offensive line. Krebs and Hembrey have gotten most of the headlines, but no player is an island in an option offense. Chandler hasn't had the opportunity to gain big yardage yet, but he has blocked well and made the most of his inside runs, according to Kay, while Mack has blocked well and used his speed to his advantage. "Those two have done a great job," Kay said.

Bartlett (3-0, 1-0) at Lake Park (1-2, 1-0)

When: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Bartlett 35, Lake Park 0

Last week: Bartlett 35, Larkin 6; Lake Park 20, Neuqua Valley 6

Outlook: Lake Park did Bartlett a favor by defeating perennial league power Neuqua Valley in the Upstate Eight Conference opener last week. Whichever team wins this game will be a prime contender for the league title along with the St. Charles schools. Bartlett is ranked No. 7 in Class 8A and is clicking on all cylinders. "We had a real good week of practice and we have our keys ready to go," Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. "Hopefully, we'll be solid on defense. Offensively, it'll be more of the same. We're just fine-tuning stuff on offense and we're fairly healthy. We'll show up and play." So will Lake Park, which beat Neuqua Valley last week despite the absence of three-year starter Chris Buonovolato (6-1, 215) at middle linebacker. Other key Lancers include hard-hitting safety Nick Wiley and Artie Monaco, a senior who will line up at tight end, wide receiver, wing or tailback. Bartlett quarterback Josh Hasenberg has completed 39-of-62 passes for 503 yards and 4 touchdowns against 1 interception. His favorite targets have been senior receivers Cory Brown (10 receptions, 175 yards and 3 TDs) and Alex VanNess (16-168, 1 TD) and tight end Greg Partyka (7-92). The balanced Hawks have also rushed for 505 yards on 129 carries, led by senior tailback Fabian Libreri's 231 yards and 3 TDs in 44 attempts. The Hawks and Lancers have squared off six times since 1998 with Bartlett holding a 4-2 series edge. Bartlett has won the last three meetings, including the last two by a combined score of 54-7. "We've beaten them pretty good the last couple of years, but I expect this to be a good game." Bartlett will get a lift from the return of senior middle linebacker Mike Andreuccetti, who has been out since Week 1 with a dislocated elbow. He won't start but is expected to rotate in after practicing all week.

St. Charles East (2-1, 1-0) at Streamwood (0-3)

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

Last year: St. Charles East 46, Streamwood 0

Last week: St. Charles East 21, Waubonsie Valley 0; St. Charles North 54, Streamwood 0

Outlook: Streamwood's task won't be easy: find a way to stop St. Charles East senior running back Wes Allen, who has already rushed for 405 yards on 73 carries this season. Saints quarterback Tim Russell completed 7-of-12 attempts for 62 yards last week and the St. Charles East defense shut out Waubonsie Valley completely. That doesn't bode well for a Streamwood team that was shut out by St. Charles North last week. The Sabres are trying to find ways to get athletic running back Derrick King into open space, but shaky line play to this point has limited the coaching staff's ability to open things up more. The Saints have more talent from top to bottom.

South Elgin (0-3, 0-1) at Elgin (0-3, 0-0)

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

Last year: South Elgin 49, Elgin 7

Last week: East Aurora 6, South Elgin 3; Kankakee 61, Elgin 0

Outlook: Both teams are winless for the same reason: their offenses haven't been able to establish a running game and their defenses haven't been able to stop the run. Whichever team can impose its will on the other at the line of scrimmage will gain the upper hand in this Upstate Eight contest. Both teams get key performers back from injury this week. Junior middle linebacker Sean Kolber returns for South Elgin. The Storm's leading tackler last season has missed two games due to injury. "Getting Kolber back is big," South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. "He's a leader on the team and a big part of that defense. We've been missing him. The kids filling in have done a pretty decent job, but anyone will tell you when you get your middle linebacker back it takes a lot of pressure off everyone else." The Maroons welcome back senior Cody Thomas, who will switch from fullback to guard to bolster an inexperienced offensive line that returned only one senior this season - Erik McGinn. "We have to get better up front," Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. "We've got a lot of kids with very limited experience, including several juniors who didn't play a lot as sophomores. We hope they keep improving as quickly as they can." South Elgin also has to be wary of mobile Elgin quarterback Tom Roth if the pocket breaks down. Roth has completed 29-of-72 attempts under pressure for 417 yards and 4 touchdowns to go with 4 interceptions. Turnovers are always key. Elgin leads the area with a plus-3 turnover differential through three weeks while South Elgin trails the area with a minus-4 differential. This will be a homecoming of sorts for Schabert, who missed last week's game with an illness. He returns this week to Memorial Field, where he competed as a high school player for Larkin, coached for three years as an assistant at Elgin and paced the sidelines for 11 seasons as the field boss at Larkin. Schabert last coached at Memorial on Oct. 22, 2004, when his Larkin Royals defeated Streamwood 32-13.

Larkin (1-2, 0-1) at East Aurora (1-2, 1-0)

When: today at 7:30 p.m. at Roy E. Davis Field

Last year: Larkin 46, East Aurora 14

Last week: Bartlett 35, Larkin 6; East Aurora 6, South Elgin 3

Outlook: Larkin looks to bounce back from a one-sided affair against Bartlett, which may be the class of the conference. The Royals will attempt to do so against a reinvigorated group of Tomcats that snapped a 16-game losing streak and an 11-game UEC skid by beating South Elgin last week. East Aurora's Michael Turner rushed for 133 yards on 25 carries a week ago, but the Tomcats gained just 200 yards overall. The Larkin defense is giving up 174 yards rushing per game and will be without defensive lineman Cam LaFerle, who dislocated his left knee in the Bartlett game and may need surgery to repair damaged cartilage. If Larkin can stuff the East Aurora run, it could force Tomcats quarterback Richard Jimenez to throw the ball more often than he'd like. Larkin senior running back Brandon Cooks should find room to run against an East Aurora defense that has not been stopping the run against more experienced offensive lines. Expect Larkin to come out fired up. "I'd say the players are going to come out Friday and approach this game as an opportunity to redeem themselves," Larkin coach Matt Gehrig said. "I think they'll come out and show some determination and give it their best."