Scouting: Burlington C. @ N. Boone

Burlington Central (1-3, 0-0) at North Boone (3-1, 0-0)

When today at 7 p.m.

Last year Burlington Central 41, North Boone 14

Last week Oregon 16, Burlington Central 14; Genoa-Kingston 43, North Boone 16

Outlook Coming off back-to-back solid performances the Rockets open Big Northern Conference-East play tonight in Poplar Grove. Last week against run-oriented Oregon, Central allowed 222 rushing yards but held firm on a goal-line stand late in the game. However, a safety on a high punt snap proved costly, as did losing the turnover battle 3-1. "Turnovers really killed us," Rockets coach Aaron Wichman said, "but as far as effort goes and playing hard for four quarters and being more physical like we'd like to be, all those were positives." Central's defense will face the antithesis of Oregon in pass-happy North Boone, which operates out of a shotgun spread with four or five receivers split wide. Limiting the effectiveness of dangerous quarterback Alex Albrecht (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) will be critical. The junior has completed 49-of-87 passes for 932 yards and 12 touchdowns and has been intercepted 4 times. He has also rushed for 449 yards and 5 touchdowns on 59 caries. His favorite receiver is twin brother Jon Albrecht (15 catches, 299 yards, 4 TDs), though junior Mitchell Mischung has 7 receptions for 188 yards and 2 TDs. Alex Albrecht did not play in last season's blowout by Central due to injury. The Rockets have experience against the spread, having faced Kaneland in the season opener. Central is a bit banged up on defense. Junior linebacker Evan Billek will miss this game due to a concussion suffered against Oregon and sophomore defensive back Trevor McMillan is out with a back injury. Starting tailback Tre Llanes will see extended playing time at linebacker while senior Charley Fletcher and junior Brandon Kutrovacz will fill in at cornerback. Getting off to a good start in division play is the aim. "Every year one of our three goals is to be conference champion," Wichman said. "Right now everyone is 0-0. Usually you have to win all five to be conference champ, so we'd like to get one at a time, starting (tonight)."