Cook County Week 1 football previews

NONCONFERENCE

St. Viator (4-5) at Hersey (1-8)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Roland Goins Stadium

Last year's opener: St. Viator d. Hersey 33-7

Outlook: St. Viator has the target on its back not only because it has high expectations but also from winning the last four meetings in the battle for Arlington Heights bragging rights, which Hersey leads 16-13. "They're a good team and well-coached and it will always be a tough game," said Viator coach Chris Kirkpatrick. "I really feel like they're going to fight and claw and scratch (without injured QB-DB Steve Nelson)." Hersey will miss senior DE Connor Rollins this week (twisted knee) but has plenty of experience and size. "It's always a great matchup," said Hersey coach Mark Gunther. "They've had our number the past couple of years and it's always a great atmosphere to open the season."

Barrington (9-3) at Libertyville (5-5)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year's opener: Barrington d. Libertyville 21-14

Outlook: Barrington ended a three-game losing streak last year in a series between old North Suburban Conference rivals which dates to 1928. But this time Libertyville comes in with more experience with third-year starting HB-FB James Zotto, who has an offer from Illinois State, Western Michigan-bound OT Jon Hoffing (6-4, 300) and FB-MLB Nick Penny. "They've got some firepower back offensively and it will be a great challenge for us," said Barrington coach Joe Sanchez. "'Kuz' (Libertyville coach Randy Kuceyeski) always puts a great 'D' out there. For both schools it's an opportunity to gauge where you're at right away." Barrington senior Terrance Terry takes over the spread offense at QB and junior A.J. Schurr takes over as Libertyville's QB.

Schaumburg (7-5) at Maine South (14-0)

When: 7 p.m. today at Wilson Field

Last year's opener: Maine South d. Schaumburg 52-20

Outlook: Schaumburg won't have to worry about prolific QB Charlie Goro, who is at Vanderbilt after leading Maine South to the 8A state title. But there is still plenty for the Saxons to worry about, starting with Indiana-bound RB-OLB burner Matt Perez. "Perez is a stud," said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling. "He's fun to watch as long as you're not playing him." Tyler Benz moves to QB and plays LB, SS Ronnie Muck is back and Victor Nelson (6-7, 305) provides the beef. "They just reload," Stilling said. It should also literally be an electric atmosphere in Maine South's first home game with permanent lights and new Field Turf.

Buffalo Grove (3-6) at Mundelein (1-8)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year's opener: BG d. Mundelein 22-10

Outlook: Both teams should have a better idea of what to expect with BG's Jim Farrell and Mundelein's Bob Stone in their second seasons in charge. "Bob is going to get them playing harder for him," Farrell said. "I expect it to be a tough game." Mundelein also expects to have an easier time finding the end zone after scoring 25 of its 49 points in its only win over Zion-Benton as QB Brian Santiago is back and Eric Barraza (6-2, 280) anchors the offensive line. "Mike (BG receiver Cornely) had a great night (3 TD catches) but we did a lot of things to keep that game closer," Farrell said of penalties and special teams breakdowns. "Hopefully we'll come in a little cleaner and more polished than last year."

Lake Forest (5-5) at Palatine (7-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Chic Anderson Stadium

Last year's opener: Lake Forest d. Palatine 30-15

Outlook: Palatine unveils its new Field Turf a year after playing on Lake Forest's new field and lighting system. The Pirates trail the series 4-1 and would like to get off to a better start in their quest for a third straight playoff trip but have a formidable defensive task with Notre Dame-bound QB Tommy Rees. "He was real good last year and I'm sure he's improved," said Palatine coach Tyler Donnelly. "Notre Dame doesn't just take anybody. We should be very quick (defensively) and we feel good about that because we have some formidable opponents coming up, starting with Game 1."

Lake Zurich (6-4) at Fremd (8-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Hale Hildebrandt Field

Last year's opener: Lake Zurich d. Fremd 33-21

Outlook: Despite a pair of kick returns by returning RB Evan Wright, last year was only the second time in Fremd's 14-year playoff run it started with a loss. Lake Zurich expects to have senior QB Peter Rantis, an elusive runner who started the last three games last year, leading its option attack. "Last year they ran a lot more spread but we have to prepare for both," said Fremd coach Mike Donatucci. "It will help us down the road." Lake Zurich coach Bryan Stortz could be questionable since his wife Jamie is due any day with their second child.

Dyett (8-1) at Rolling Meadows (5-5)

When: 7 p.m. today at Robert A. Hoese Athletic Field

Last year's openers: Dyett d. Kenwood 30-12; Meadows d. Hinsdale South 41-28

Outlook: Meadows goes into the great unknown for its opener after it was dropped by Hinsdale South and an anticipated game with Dunbar was switched to the decade-old school on Chicago's South Side. "We'll see what they're like and if they're a decent opponent we'll line up and play them again," said Meadows coach Doug Millsaps as his team begins its drive for a seventh straight playoff trip. Dyett finished second in the Chicago Public League Small South Division last year and moves up to the Great Lakes Division, where it will also be eligible for the state playoffs. The Eagles are led by senior OT-NT Eugene Spencer (6-1, 265), explosive RB-LB Jamal Walls and RB Ricky Harris in their spread offense. "We know if we have to pound it out we can," said second-year Dyett head coach John Terry, who played at Simeon. "But we'd love to take it to the air." Depth is obviously a concern but Terry loves the chance to play a top-notch suburban program. "You can't beat that," Terry said. "You're talking about inner-city guys who really don't get the opportunity to get out of the city to play anybody. To get the opportunity with coach Millsaps is an experience that will go way past whatever the score is going to be."

Wheeling (6-4) at Maine West (2-7)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year's opener: Wheeling d. Maine West 48-13

Outlook: One of the best signs for Maine West in a series it trails 3-2 is it comes in healthy after it went in last year minus seven injured starters. The other is a different attitude under third-year coach Chris Hare. "We have to get this first one and get the ball rolling," Hare said. "Our players, and part of it is confidence and buying into what we're doing, they are more prepared to play and more prepared to succeed." Which will be crucial, especially defensively, against a younger Wheeling team which has dangerous RB Weston Ross in its option attack. "Maine West's talent level will be better and Chris will have a better handle on what he wants to do," said Wheeling coach Dave Dunbar. Senior CB Joel Rangel is questionable (broken finger) but Dunbar expected junior catback Luke Smith (twisted ankle) to play.

Elk Grove (2-7) at Niles North (5-4)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Chuck Pos Stadium

Last year's openers: Elk Grove d. Oak Park 23-20; Niles North lost to Leyden 30-0

Outlook: Elk Grove begins its new era under Brian Doll while Niles North begins what it hopes is its first trip to the postseason since 1994. Doll has some familiarity with the Vikings' wing-T since he was the defensive coordinator when New Trier won their Central Suburban crossover 42-14 last year. "I'm glad we're playing on a nice (Field Turf) surface and that will help us with our speed," Doll said. "Niles North is big so we'll have to use our speed." The Vikings lost standout RB Terry Turner but return nine starters on both sides of the ball led by QB Mike Granato, junior TE-MLB George Newhouse, RB-CB Johnny Walker and an offensive line which averages 247 pounds. "We feel pretty confident we know what we're going to get defensively," said fifth-year Niles North coach Scott Smith, who assisted at Hersey, Prospect and St. Viator. "We're preparing as best we can to contain (QB Nick Meyer) and we feel pretty good we can compete upfront."

York (6-4) at Prospect (7-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at George Gattas Stadium

Last year's openers: York d. Highland Park 26-22; Prospect d. Downers Grove North 48-14

Outlook: Prospect decided it wanted a different opening look after going 6-2 in openers with Downers Grove North so it picked up one of its West Suburban Silver rivals. "There's something that gives me the feeling they're going to line up and try to stuff it down our throats," said Prospect coach Brent Pearlman. "We'll have no choice but to respond. I think we'll find out a lot about our defense." Pearlman would be correct since York lost QB Tom Judge (2,500 total yards, 17 TDs) to graduation but has experience upfront led by Jack Deiters (6-2, 285). "We're going to have to be able to run the ball to be successful," said York coach Bill Lech. That could also be its best defense against Prospect's high-powered offense led by QB Miles Osei. Senior LB Erik Westerberg has led the team in tackles the last two years in what could be dubbed the "Grouwinkel Bowl" for coach Gary Grouwinkel, who led both schools to their first playoff appearances (Prospect in 1977 and York in 1985).

Lake Park (4-5) at Conant (4-5)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Charles O. Feutz Field

Last year's opener: Conant d. Lake Park 15-13

Outlook: The last two meetings have come down to the final minutes in a series Lake Park leads 4-3-1 dating to 1968. "They really have been goofy games both times," said Conant coach Bill Modelski, whose team basically got all of its points last year off the kicking game. Lake Park hopes to contend for a playoff berth and make a run at the Upstate Eight title with third-year starters in QB Larry Nawrot (1,404 yards, 12 TDs) and LB Ryan Gerts (101/2 tackles for losses).

Bartlett (12-1) at Hoffman Estates (2-7)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Dennis Garber Stadium

Last year's openers: Bartlett d. Glenbard North 28-21; Hoffman d. Woodstock 7-0

Outlook: Hoffman makes a big leap up with its opener against last year's Class 8A semifinalist without junior starting QB David Gutierrez (fractured bone in foot), who coach Bill Helzer hopes can return next week. Senior Bryan Proskey will start for Gutierrez. "He has some experience and he's worked hard," Helzer said. "It was neck-and-neck (for the starter), he's a senior and we trust him with the keys to the car." But it won't be an easy road in Hoffman's first game on its new Field Turf even though Bartlett was hit hard by graduation, including LB Kyle Zelinsky (Central Michigan) and QB Josh Hasenberg (Colgate). "Nothing against Woodstock, but it's a little closer and they also have turf and we knew it would be a challenge for us," Helzer said. "We've reminded our kids every day we're opening with an 8A semifinal team. They know Bartlett and that's been our motivation all offseason." And Bartlett expects to challenge for another Upstate Eight title and make a 10th straight playoff trip with third-year starters Jim Crain and Mike Banks at OLB and Greg Partyka at TE. "We'll know right where we are," Helzer said.

Fenton (4-5) at Leyden (4-5)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at West campus, Northlake

Last year's openers: Fenton d. Maine East 42-13; Leyden d. Niles North 30-0

Outlook: Leyden doesn't want to be too neighborly as it begins a season with high expectations and has matchups looming with Proviso West and stud WR Kyle Prater and perennial West Suburban Gold power Downers Grove South. "It's kind of a backyard rivalry and kind of a natural matchup to play," said Leyden coach Tom Cerasani. Fenton is coached by Mark Farrell, the brother of BG coach Jim, and plays in the four-team Metro Suburban Conference. The Bison have only 24 players on the roster but 12 are returning starters led by lineman Richie Rebmann (6-5, 275), MLB Nico Watt and RB Tyrell McGee (500 yards in five games).

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC

Christian Liberty (0-3) at Alden-Hebron (9-1)

When: 4:30 p.m. today

Last year: Alden-Hebron d. Christian Liberty 76-0

Outlook: Christian Liberty hopes to show how far it has come since the first varsity game in its history last year at Hebron. "It will tell us a lot," said coach Jim Kaulkins of the Chargers' first game as a full IHSA member school in the new Northeastern Athletic Conference. "I remember going there last year and it was one of the worst and best things that happened to us. It's a great coach (John Lalor) and system they have and we look at them and want to be like that." Alden-Hebron won four straight Indian Trails Conference titles and has lost only two regular-season games the last five years. The Giants lost TE-LB Zack Kleven to a knee injury but return senior OT-DE Jared Hilton (6-4, 210) and speedy WR-RB-S Dillion Lalor in their spread offense.