Scouting: Glenbard E. @ Lake Park
Glenbard East (1-0) at Lake Park (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
Last year: Did not play.
Last week: Glenbard East 27, Willowbrook 7; Lake Park 34, Conant 20.
Outlook: Glenbard East coach Dennis Lueck declared last week's defensive effort the program's best in a long time. The Rams forced a pair of turnovers, turned away Willowbrook twice in the red zone and allowed only 130 total yards, including 22 in the air. Offensively, the Rams had near perfect balance with 200 passing and 157 rushing yards. Third-year starting quarterback Jack Merrithey accounted for the bulk of that total with a 15-of-19 passing performance and 35 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. With 17 plays gaining at least 10 yards, the Rams avoided long third-down situations and forced Willowbrook to defend the entire field.
The great thing about Lake Park's opening win was the confidence it gave returners like quarterback Larry Nawrot, linebacker Ryan Gerts, center David "Turk" Turczyniak. Bad news was a twisted ankle may hold Nawrot out of tonight's game; good news was backup George Herrmann's positive direction. Coach Andy Livingston called Herrmann a "hero" - he considered quitting football but stuck it out. Another hero was back Artie Monaco, solid as advertised with 141 yards rushing and touchdowns of 21, 3, 39 and 3 yards. A Lancers defense led by Gerts, Christian Bartnicki and Matt Kaiser can't stop Merrithey but must contain him.
Next week: WW South (1-0) at Glenbard East; Lake Park at Larkin (1-0).