Scouting: Kaneland @ Sycamore

Posted September 17, 2009 11:00 pm

Kaneland (2-1, 1-0)

at Sycamore (3-0, 1-0)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: Kaneland 38, Sycamore 35.

Last week: Kaneland 33, Rochelle 12; Sycamore 33, DeKalb 6.

Outlook: It's pretty simple to see the difference between Kaneland's 17-14 loss to Huntley in Week 2 and the Knights' big win - 33 unanswered points - over traditionally powerful Rochelle. Zero turnovers after 5 the week before. "That was the big difference," said Knights coach Tom Fedderly. "We think we've got a physical defense and they played to their ability, I think." That would be the core of defensive linemen Andy Hladilek, Jimmy Boyle and Eric Dratnol and linebackers Brett Ketza, Blake Serpe and Tyler Callaghan - and particularly defensive back Taylor Andrews, whose forced fumble at Kaneland's 1-yard line "changed the game," Fedderly said. Andrews finished with 6 solo tackles, 6 assists. As for Sycamore, its victory was not as decisive as it would seem, leading DeKalb 7-6 at halftime and 13-6 entering the fourth quarter. On the Spartans, enjoying their second straight 3-0 start, the targets are sophomore quarterback Ryan Bartels, who operates a spread offense; and running back-receiver Marckie Hayes, who Fedderly said is "all over the place." Controlling the line of scrimmage will be a good place to start against this solid running team. Kaneland has its own all-over-the-place athlete in senior Ryley Bailey, who continues to dazzle along with junior quarterback Joe Camiliere (57 of 94 passing, 889 yards, 8 touchdowns, 3 interceptions; 188 yards rushing, 4 touchdowns). Bailey recovered the fumble Andrews caused, caught 9 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown, and flipped to teammate Eric Tattoni on the back end of a hook-and-ladder touchdown that gave the Knights a 14-6 halftime lead. Maybe against Huntley that toss would have landed on the ground, and that's the key for Kaneland tonight against Sycamore. "We can't turn the ball over," said Fedderly.

Next week: Batavia (1-2, 0-1) at Kaneland; Geneva (3-0, 1-0) at Sycamore, Sept. 25.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.