Scouting: Wheaton Academy @ Aurora Christian

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

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 contenders in a wide open Suburban Christian Conference Gold. 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, linebackers Sam Cote and Tyler Bosse and defensive end Jake Heidorn 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 quarterback Brian Pell rested a sprained ankle last week but 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. The Warriors beat Aurora Christian on the sophomore level last season. Aurora Christian coach Don Beebe said Wheaton Academy is "no doubt" the most athletic team the Eagles have faced, but Warriors coach Ben Wilson could return the compliment even with Aurora Christian running back Donald Patterson still out with an ankle sprain. Rallying to beat nemesis Chicago Christian, running back Johnny Magee had 220 yards rushing and brother Sheldon Magee caught 9 passes for 250 yards including the 73-yard game-winner. Linebackers Sam Miller made 14 tackles, David Benson had an interception and both will have their hands full in pass coverage along with the Magees and safety Nate Jensen. Though Libby and Johnny Magee will have their say on the ground, this may turn into a shootout between Pell and Eagles quarterback Grayson Roberts, who is 28 of 68 passing for 465 yards, 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. "Yeah, we can score some points, but so can they," Beebe said. "It's certainly a game the fans will enjoy watching. And the coaches will have headaches."

Next week: Wheaton Academy at St. Francis (2-1); Aurora Christian at Montini (2-1).