DuPage football playoff previews
Class 8A
No. 10 Glenbard North (6-3) at No. 7 Loyola (7-2)
Game time: 2 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: The Panthers are playoff qualifiers for the eighth time in nine years, and for the seventh time they'll play a first-round road game. This one will be as tough as any they've faced. Given Glenbard North's emphasis on the run, the injured ankles of running back Tyler Doll, who has 1,220 yards and 18 touchdowns, and fullback Jordan Brooks are of primary concern. The Panthers may lean more on the pass with Northwestern-bound quarterback Evan Watkins and big-play receiver Mike Carev. Defensively, the Panthers are powered on the line by Charleston Soko and Nick Marks. The Ramblers rely on a spread, no-huddle offense featuring a giant corps of receivers that includes 6-foot-7 Rob Wennington, the son of former Chicago Bulls basketball player Bill Wennington. From the talented Chicago Catholic Blue, Loyola boasts five shutouts, including impressive wins over St. Rita and Providence.
No. 9 Hinsdale Central (7-2) at No. 8 Downers South (7-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo, an admirer of Mustangs coach John Belskis since he got into this racket, stresses the discipline needed for the Red Devils defense to keep Mustangs back Scottie Williams from bouncing outside. Hard to believe Hinsdale Central gets a 9 seed, losing only to 9-0 Glenbard West and 8-1 WW South by 10 total points. Quarterback John Whitelaw will be motivated, with the hopeful return of running back Rich Zajeski (ankle). Belskis is quick to emphasize the difference between this year's seven-game winning streak and last year's 9-0 regular season that turned into a first-round upset loss. A healthy Williams is the biggest difference. Avoiding turnovers is a must, something quarterback Chandler Whitmer has become an expert at containing. Whitmer, offered by Illinois, and Whitelaw represent the cream of the state's junior recruiting crop behind center.
No. 15 Simeon (6-3) at No. 2 Naperville North (9-0)
Game time: 5 p.m. Saturday at Lisle's Benedictine University.
The quick hit: The Huskies capped a perfect regular season by beating Wheaton Warrenville South to earn the outright DuPage Valley Conference title. Now, like last year, the defending Class 8A champs need to quickly shift focus to the playoffs. Because Harshbarger-Welzel Field is undergoing excavation for the installation of an artificial surface, the Huskies will play this "home game" at Benedictine. It shouldn't matter against the Wolverines, who have beaten only one team with a winning record. Look for the Huskies to lean on the double wing and running back Nick Mlady, who has 1,164 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, with hopes of making it an early night for the starters. The young defense has excelled beyond expectations thanks in much part to the rapid development of linebackers Jack Krejci and Arnas Gintautas, both juniors, and leading tackler Nick Liftka, a sophomore.
No. 11 Naperville Central (6-3) at No. 6 Mt. Carmel (7-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at Chicago's Gately Stadium.
The quick hit: This matchup goes hand in hand with the wicked schedule the Redhawks played in the DuPage Valley Conference. These teams last met in the 2006 quarterfinals, a game won by the Caravan. For the Redhawks to stage an upset, they'll need a good, healthy performance from their skill players. It starts with junior quarterback Nick Linne, who's blended in nicely in his first starting season. The health of running backs Nick Kukuc and Russell Petty has been an issue this season, but both have contributed to the burgeoning ground game. The big key is do-it-all receiver and defensive back Riley O'Toole, who sat out last week with a quadriceps injury. The good news defensively is lineman Mike Kraft is fully back from an ankle sprain. He and the Redhawks must slow the Caravan's potent option that's rolled for an average of 44 points the last five weeks behind NIU-bound quarterback Jordan Lynch.
No. 12 York (6-3) at No. 5 Warren (8-1)
Game time: 3 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: A couple interesting tidbits gleaned from the IHSA site: York has allowed an average of 0.9 points more than it's scored, while Warren is a positive 15.3. That jibes with York's opponents compiling a 45-36 record to the 36-45 mark of Warren's. York linebacker Erik Westerberg and the Dukes defense will be tested by Warren sophomore running back Tom Lindal, who comes off a 232-yard outing that saw him top 1,100 yards on the season. Blue Devils quarterback Zach Shaw uses the bootleg to throw out of two- and three-receiver sets. York coach Bill Lech, who has taken the Dukes to the playoffs each of his four seasons, thinks kicker/punter Dan Johnston gives his team a field position edge. That's only useful if quarterback Tom Judge, running back Mike DeBernardis can move the chains and come away with points.
No. 14 Waubonsie Valley (6-3) at No. 3 Lincoln-Way E. (8-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: When Waubonsie Valley started the season 0-3, coach Paul Murphy said he wanted his team to play relaxed and have fun. The Warriors then won six straight. Taking the field against a team that's made the playoffs each of its eight years of existence, winning the 2005 8A title, Murphy again hopes his guys don't play tight. They will have to play cohesively, however. Particularly on the line, where the protection quarterback Tyler Castro receives from Anthony Wolf, Tim Homan, Brett Hanson, Mike Barnett and Andrew Szott will predicate whether or not the Warriors advance. If Lincoln-Way's 4-4 defense spreads to the perimeter, the ground game will try to take advantage. The defense will key on the combination of Griffins quarterback Spencer Stanek and wide receiver Eric Sawicki, and running back Kevin Starke.
Class 7A
No. 8 Wheaton North (5-4) at No. 1 Glenbard West (9-0)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Glenbard West.
The quick hit: The hopes of a Wheaton North upset ride on the strength of Northwestern-bound running back Mike Trumpy's hamstring. After sitting a week Trumpy had 9 carries for 44 yards and 2 touchdowns in limited action last week. Even if Trumpy carries his traditional load, the Falcons hope to be balanced offensively with junior quarterback Justin Swider, who's settled in during the last few weeks after Taylor Graham's season-ending injury. While Wheaton North has lacked a 100 percent Trumpy, Glenbard West has missed its leader, offensive lineman Chris Watt (ankle). Coach Chad Hetlet believes Watt intends to play, but he won't go unless he's 100 percent. Glenbard West won its first West Suburban Silver title since 1994 and a huge reason has been its 3-5 defense. The Hilltoppers have allowed just 63 points, fifth best in team history. The run defense has allowed only 44 yards per game.
No. 7 Downers Grove North (5-4) at No. 2 WW South (8-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday, WW South.
The quick hit: Who outside the DGN camp thinks the Trojans can beat the mighty Tigers? Anyone? That alone could be an edge for the visitors. DGN coach John Wander believes victory can be theirs if the line can seal off the inside and option quarterback Dan Sheppard, backs Jermal Jones and Joe Tokarski can keep the Tigers offense on the sidelines. After its first regular-season loss since 2004, WW South can't wait to get back out there. The run game took a hit with Peter Jarrett's ACL tear, but the combo of Julian Banuelos and Mike Olp has shown potential. The passing game of quarterback Joe Furco returns a key player in receiver Mack Tracey, who's been out with a broken wrist. Watch for the penetration of Mike Riss and the Tigers' quick D-line. With Pat Dansdill and James Eshleman at linebacker, and with Kevin Credille and Kyle Blouin back in the secondary, the Tigers defense is at its peak.
Class 6A
No. 11 Riv.-Brookfield (6-3) at No. 6 Glenbard South (7-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Recovering from an 0-3 start, Riverside-Brookfield gradually got the hang of the pass-happy A-11 offense - where all 11 players are potentially eligible receivers - and rides a six-game winning streak behind junior quarterback Bill VandeMerkt. After scouting last week's game and studying plenty of film, the Raiders believe they've got a nickel defensive package that can get the job done. Needless to say, the secondary of Ryan McKean, Kyle Slott, Connor Douglas and Dan Parks will have its hands full with seven receivers coming at them. Quarterback pressure will fall on the quickness and long arms of Kevin Marshall and Austin Teitsma. The Raiders hope the defense can help avoid a shootout, but the offense is capable of its own big numbers led by quarterback Trace Wanless, who's thrown for 949 yards and 17 touchdowns in five games. Jon Holland's got 30 catches and 9 touchdowns.
Class 5A
No. 16 Clark (5-4) at No. 1 Montini (9-0)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Clark coach Tim Lacy has done great things at this prep school east of Oak Park. He's taken the Eagles from 0-7 in their 2004 football debut to 10-2 last year, though their conference wasn't playoff-eligible. In the Chicago Public League Heartland (Illini) they are facing a team whose 16 straight playoff appearances top Class 5A. Clark has fine speed at the skill spots - Montini best be ready for fade and fly patterns - and its defense will blitz plenty, so the Bronco line has to protect quarterback Tom DiCristina. But Montini coach Chris Andriano noted his team's physicality should provide an edge. Montini's had a great season: 27-0 over its three levels for the first time, its first Suburban Catholic Conference title since 2005 and its first unbeaten season since 1995. Can't afford to lose focus now.
No. 13 Belvidere North (5-4) at No. 4 St. Francis (8-1)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Another upstart on local Class 5A plates, coach Curt Tobin's Belvidere North Blue Thunder is in its second year as a school and as a program. For St. Francis to improve upon its 3-6 playoff record the Spartans defense has to key on quarterback Corey Wennmacher, a converted receiver who has run for 1,115 yards, thrown for 753 and has scored 17 touchdowns. The Ryans - linebacker Ferguson, safety O'Donnell - will see to that. Belvidere North has won three of its last four games and played tough in losses to 9-0 Rockford Boylan and 7-2 Rockton Hononegah. Its key will, of course, be 1,403-yard rusher Mark Kachmer. But Stan Bobowski has enjoyed successive 100-yard games and Spartans coach Greg Purnell hopes quarterback Jeff Reckards' play-action passing will spread linebackers Andrew Hildebrand and Alex Tripp a little thin. St. Francis also returns linemen Nate Olver and Nick Pfeiffer from injury.
Class 4A
No. 13 Herscher (5-4) at No. 4 Driscoll (7-2)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: The road to an eighth straight state championship - that's what Driscoll hopes it leads to - starts against this entry from the Interstate Eight Conference Large Division. Herscher has a good offensive triumvirate in quarterback Jace Koerner, receiver Nick Bond and particularly running back Eric Tobey. Driscoll coach Brandon New said Herscher has a big offensive line, but the Highlanders generally out-quick big offensive lines. Driscoll's own offensive line must deal with a Herscher defense that's a 3-5 set but constantly sends seven, eight players to the line. That could be an opportunity for quarterback Steven Schwabe and his cadre of receivers. However, look for tailback Nick Campanella to get more action after running just 3 times for 1 yard last week against Montini. As for that 14-13 loss? "Let's move on and learn from it," New said.
Class 3A
No. 13 Lisle (5-4) at No. 4 Aledo-Westmer Coop (8-1)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Bound for Mercer County to play the winner of the West Prairie Trail Northwest, Lisle coach Dan Sanko is telling the Lions not to be happy simply making the playoffs with last week's 25-14 win over Sandwich. There is precedent for a Lisle upset: In 2002 the Lions were seeded eighth yet beat No. 1 Chicago Christian. Lisle has the makings: big up front, good rushing with Anthony Ventrella and Jake Kretman, timely receptions by receiver Cameron Wright, tight end Lee Gorski. The defense's task is to rein in Aledo quarterback Brett Anderson and breakaway tailback Matt Dawson, who operate out of myriad offensive formations. One of Sanko's predictions for a first-round foe was 9-0 Wilmington. Didn't happen, but games against Wilmington, Coal City, Plano and Reed-Custer may pay off.
Class 2A
No. 15 Immaculate Conception (5-4) at No. 2 Orion (8-1)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Immaculate Conception's calling card has been its offensive line: Matt Purdom, Robert Rivera, Marco Medina, Josh Fenton and Dan Delaney average 248 pounds and have cut swaths for fullback Carlos Rodriguez and tailbacks Paul Hornstra and Robert Peachey for a combined 2,085 yards and 20 touchdowns. Fresh off a 35-7 victory over Aurora Central to reach the playoffs, the Knights now face a team IC coach Bill Schmidt said goes 270, 280 across the board, led by two-way lineman Mitchell White. Strength of schedule - the Suburban Catholic vs. Orion's Olympic Conference - may show which group is better prepared to advance. While IC has to limit Chargers quarterback Josh Sutton and backs Matt Knoll and Kennan Hutchinson, Orion coach Jason Vanhoute likes to isolate tight end Ian Cooper against coverage.
- Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit