Scouting: Michigan Lutheran at ACC

Michigan Lutheran (3-0) vs. Aurora Central (0-3)

Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday, Valparaiso University.

Last year: Did not play.

Last week: Marian Central 56, Aurora Central 7; Michigan Lutheran 25, Three Oaks River Valley (Mich.) 14.

Outlook: Marian offered a little too much size, speed and depth at skill positions for ACC to handle, though coach Mike Curry credited Tyler Scott's blocking. And Alex Schaefer returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. So, it's on to Valparaiso to face a Michigan Lutheran team in its third season of football and its inaugural varsity season. "They're 3-and-0, we're 0-and-3, so that's what we're looking at," Curry said. Tom Curry is the head coach's son and the Chargers' defensive coordinator. "They've got some nice weapons, but they're young," Mike Curry said. He's still concerned about getting the Chargers offense working overall, running the ball and stopping the run defensively. Schaefer has 175 yards on 35 carries, and he may be aided this week by the possible return of junior Zach Tobin from an ankle injury. ACC also returns two-way skill guy Joe Bonifas (thumb) and gets a hopefully healthier John Belovich (elbow) on the line. This may be a good game to get quarterback Stewart DeWaard more passing attempts. Mainly due to field position, the junior has thrown just 19 passes, completing 8 for 56 yards. Though playing on a college field and its artificial surface has its allure, ACC has more than that on its collective mind. "They'll like playing on that," Curry said, "but other than that it's another game. We've been stressing that we've got to win it."

Next week: St. Edward (3-0, 1-0) at Aurora Central, Sept. 25; Michigan Lutheran has an open date.