Scouting: Wheaton Academy @ Aurora Christian

Wheaton Academy (3-0, 1-0) at Aurora Christian (2-1, 1-0)

Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division

Game time 7:15 p.m. today.

Last year Aurora Christian 31, Wheaton Academy 19.

Last week Wheaton Academy 21, Guerin 0; Aurora Christian 20, Chicago Christian 15.

Outlook: These teams are certainly contenders in a wide-open SCC Gold. Upstart Wheaton Academy, in its third varsity season after a 19-year layoff, has improved defensively, with 4 defensive touchdowns, including cornerback Kai Libby's 2 interception returns last week in the shutout of Guerin. Free safety Anthony Ritchie, defensive end Jake Heidorn and linebackers Sam Cote and Tyler Bosse are other principals on a defense that will be pressured to contain Aurora Christian's 4.6 sprinters, brothers Sheldon and John Magee. Wheaton Academy backup quarterback Tommy Decker filled in last week while starter Brian Pell rested a sprained ankle, but Pell is back tonight, having completed 38 of 61 passes for 496 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in 2 games. Ritchie, with 16 catches for 258 yards and 1 touchdown, is the top target along with Jimmy Johnson and Wheaton North transfer Luke Thorson. The Warriors beat Aurora Christian on the sophomore level last season and will face another quarterback named Roberts from the defending Class 2A runner-up. Sophomore Grayson Roberts has passed for 495 yards with 8 touchdowns, 6 interceptions. "Our lines match up well," Warriors coach Ben Wilson said, "and the game will depend on who can stop who from making the big play."

Next week Wheaton Academy at St. Francis; Aurora Christian at Montini.