Scouting: DuPage Co. Week 6
WW South (5-0, 3-0) at West Aurora (3-2, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The Tigers went more vertical last week, and why not with big-play receivers Orlando Ross, Mack Tracey and a host of others? The return of DL Rahil Shermohamed brought a boost to the defense - not to mention plenty of QB pressure.
West Chicago (1-4, 0-3) at Glenbard North (2-3, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Like last week, West Chicago aims to control the ball with RBs Mike Dylla and Chris Jackson, who combined for 180 yards. Five turnovers and injuries to three offensive linemen dampened a fierce Panthers rally in a loss to Naperville North.
Wheaton North (3-2, 1-2) at Glenbard East (3-2, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Can the Falcons withstand a broken ankle to QB Taylor Graham and a hamstring tweak to RB Mike Trumpy? Despite a slew of big plays last week - including a late game-winning TD drive - two red-zone turnovers almost cost the Rams dearly.
Fenton (2-3, 1-1) at Elmwood Park (0-4, 0-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The Bison surged to blank Ridgewood last week and keep them in the hunt for the Metro Suburban Conference title and a playoff spot. One danger - Fenton can't afford to look ahead to next week's rematch with Riverside-Brookfield.
Willowbrook (0-5, 0-3) at Addison Trail (1-4, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: While Addison Trail's dominated control of the District 88 trophy, Willowbrook won last year's meeting. Dueling double-wing offenses hit the field, although the Blazers continue to show big-play potential with QB Erik Janik and WR Adam Grow.
Downers Grove South (3-2, 2-0) at Hinsdale South (2-3, 2-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The last West Suburban Gold unbeatens tangle for the coveted Rebel Cannon. Mustangs RB Scottie Williams is thriving despite a banged up offensive line. That's where the Hornets are strong on the left side with Dane DeKing and Cody Kuhlman.
Montini (5-0, 3-0) at Immaculate Conception (3-2, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Like last week's big Suburban Catholic Conference game pitting IC's ground-based offense against Driscoll's schemes, it's gut-check time for IC as the Knights try to limit Tom DiCristina, Brendan Shannon and linebacker Nick Erlenbaugh.
Benet (1-4, 1-2) at St. Viator (2-3, 0-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: On the verge of playoff elimination, Benet's focus is fundamentals and finishing plays on both sides of the ball. Junior Luke Terna may share snaps at quarterback with Jimmy Riley as coach Gary Goforth hopes Riley can spark offense at receiver.
Dwight (0-5, 0-2) at Lisle (2-3, 1-1)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. today, Benedictine University.
The quick hit: Lisle's talent outranks its record, with linemen like Tony Kisla and Tyler Triplett and a receiver like Cameron Wright. Yet if the Lions make the mistakes they did in a 14-7 loss to Plano they may be on the playoff precipice with 5-0 Wilmington up next.
Rockford Christian Life (1-4, 1-2) at Wheaton Academy (2-3, 2-1)
Game time: 3 p.m. Saturday, West Chicago High School.
The quick hit: Brian Pell had 402 yards passing, Anthony Ritchie had 207 yards receiving and 11 tackles - and the Warriors gave up 21 fourth-quarter points in a 42-28 loss to Walther Lutheran. Required: allow no huge plays, hold the line, develop killer attitude.
Driscoll (4-1, 2-1) at St. Edward (3-2, 1-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: If Driscoll defensive ends Trace Jenkins and Sean Banahan dominate as in the 28-0 win over IC, St. Ed backs Moises Quiroga and Jimmy Mathisen are in for a long, long day. X-factor Nick Campanella seeks his third straight 150-yard ground game.
Marmion (2-3, 0-3) vs. St. Francis (4-1, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today, Elmhurst College.
The quick hit: A soggy field moves this to Elmhurst. Playing the Suburban Catholic's fastest squad on artificial turf is not what Marmion needs. Mark Kachmer's a given, but last week QB Jeff Reckards passed to Brett Robinson 7 times for 163 yards.
Lake Park (1-4, 1-2) at Waubonsie Valley (2-3, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Yes, it came against 0-5 Elgin, but Waubonsie's Chris Harris ran for 158 of the Warriors' 229 rushing yards. That, plus quarterback Tyler Castro gives Lake Park lots to think about as back Kevin Thomas and the Lancers fend off playoff elimination.