Preview: Neuqua Valley at Larkin

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

Last year: Neuqua Valley 56, Larkin 39

Last week: Larkin 38, East Aurora 20; Waubonsie Valley 28, Neuqua Valley 26

Outlook: Larkin evened its record last week with a win at East Aurora, but the Royals could take a quantum leap forward if they can knock off perennial league contender, Neuqua Valley, which has lost to Naperville North (41-19), Lake Park (20-7) and Waubonsie Valley this season. "If we come out on top this week, it would make a huge difference in our season and would be a big win for the program," Larkin coach Matt Gehrig said. The Wildcats are in the unusual position of having to win 4 of their last 5 games to qualify for a playoff spot, but they remain dangerous. Quarterback Alex Lincoln threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Conner Yearian to pull the Wildcats within 2 points of Waubonsie with 4:41 left in the fourth quarter last week. Running back Nate Pena carried 23 times for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, the Neuqua defense surrendered 258 passing yards and 4 touchdowns last week. Larkin's offense revolves around an improving offensive line and four key athletes: quarterback Jeff Saurbaugh, who lined up late in last week's game as a receiver after he returned from leg cramps, speedy receivers Justin Kalusa and Yousef Salem, and running backs Brandon Cooks and Jalen Williams. Williams returns this week from a one-week suspension. Cooks ran for a 65-yard touchdown last week and Kalusa returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown. No one dressed in Royal blue is discounting the challenge presented by Neuqua Valley despite the Wildcats' 1-3 record. "They're definitely very good, no question about it," Gehrig said. "They have a lot of good players, and they're loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. They're still one of the top teams in the Upstate Eight."