Scouting: DuPage Co. football
Naperville Central (2-0, 0-0) at West Aurora (2-0, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: The Redhawks are on a major roll after rallying for last week's win over Neuqua Valley. Fierce defensive pressure starts up front with Cam Brate and Alex Schaefer. West Aurora, led by running back Leon Spears, is 2-0 for the sixth straight year.
Wheaton North (1-1, 0-0) at West Chicago (0-2, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: If Falcons running back Ivan Tamba can't play due to injury, there's confidence with Justin Swider in the backfield. Two special teams turnovers and a fumble really hurt West Chicago's chances last week. Protecting the ball is a major focus.
WW South (1-1, 0-0) at Glenbard East (2-0, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: WW South aims to bounce back from its loss to Maine South. The Tigers must get its ground game moving, so look for Mack Tracey to play more quarterback. Rams quarterback Jack Merrithey has two quality targets in Lee Skinner and Kevin Priebe.
Benet (1-1, 0-0) at St. Joseph (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: Big plays buried Benet in last week's loss to Montini, and the Redwings face more big-play potential with Chargers quarterback Cameron Meredith. Benet linebacker Mike Runger anchors the unit - he pounded out 14 tackles last week.
St. Edward (2-0, 0-0) at Immaculate Conception (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: Improved St. Ed and the 2A champs both target the first Suburban Christian Conference Gold title. The hosts suffered a huge loss with two-way star Carlos Rodriguez out for the season with knee and Achilles' injuries. Enter senior back Deric Shonuga.
Guerin (2-0, 0-0) at Wheaton Academy (2-0, 0-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. today, Wheaton College
The quick hit: Guerin's wins have come against 0-2 teams. Wheaton Academy tailback Kai Libby and a jelling line have opened space for quarterback Brian Pell, receivers Anthony Ritchie and Luke Thorson. Pell threw for 4 touchdowns vs. St. Joseph.
Lake Park (1-1, 0-0) at Larkin (2-0, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today, Elgin High
The quick hit: This looks like dueling backs - Larkin's all-UEC Jalen Williams and Lake Park's Artie Monaco, who has 238 yards and 5 TDs. Lancers quarterback Larry Nawrot is fully back from an ankle sprain that limited his reps in a 22-18 loss to Glenbard East.
South Elgin (2-0, 0-0) at Neuqua Valley (0-2, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: Nearly a must-win already for the Wildcats, owners of a brutal schedule. It's their homecoming, too. Defensive backs Alex Malandro, Justin Brosseau, Ryan McDermott will be on edge against upstart South Elgin's cadre of tall, big-play receivers.
Addison Trail (0-2, 0-0) at Hinsdale South (0-2, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: Quarterback Jack Andrews and running backs Frank Cervantes and Anthony Messina combined for nearly all of the Blazers' 150 rushing yards last week. Likewise, look for the Hornets to remain committed to the running game.
Downers Grove South (0-2, 0-0) at Leyden (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: A third straight road game for the Mustangs, who are 0-2 for a second straight year. A short week against one of the West Suburban Gold challengers isn't ideal, but the passing game keeps improving with Chandler Whitmer finding Ryan Oruche.
Willowbrook (0-2, 0-0) at Morton (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: The Warriors still remember their 2005 defeat to Morton that stands as the Mustangs' lone West Suburban Gold victory since 2002. Willowbrook, which got 11 tackles and an interception from Sean Dunn last week, will be primed for this one.
Lyons Twp. (2-0, 0-0) at Downers Grove North (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: Downers North's defensive focus rests on quarterback Ryan Mitchell, who accounted for over 250 yards last week. Led by Steve Seitz up front, Courtney Greenwood and quarterback Joe Claver accounted for most of the Trojans' 300 rushing yards.
Oak Park (1-1, 0-0) at York (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today at Elmhurst College
The quick hit: Oak Park lost running back Dorion Grant to a broken leg, but it still has rushing talent in Darnell Stapleton. York suffered a huge loss with a knee injury to sophomore defensive lineman-fullback Nick Skuteris, who may miss four to six weeks.
Montini (1-1) at D.C. Everest (Wis.) (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 3 p.m. Saturday, Madison, Wis.
The quick hit: The Broncos visit the equivalent of a 7A team that favors double-tight sets. Behind an improving offensive line unit of Rob Piper, Nick Esposito, Mack Robinson, Kevin Loveless and Pat Suffield, Brandon Pechloff is up to 407 yards passing, 5 TDs.
Walther Lutheran (0-2) at Fenton (0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
The quick hit: Expect an influx of talent and energy for the Bison as Vince Esposito, Kyle McCormick, Travis Masters and Ed Havlovic all return to the lineup. Because of thin numbers on the roster, that quartet represents eight starting positions for the Bison.
Peotone (0-2) at Lisle (0-2)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. today, Benedictine University, Lisle
The quick hit: The host Lions, outscored 45-0 thus far, will require great effort to counter last week's concussion that will sideline tailback Anthony Ventrella for at least this game. Jake Kretmen and the passing combo of Chris Wray to Ryan Liss aim to pick up slack.