Scouting: DuPage County football
Wheaton North (2-2, 1-1) at West Aurora (2-2, 0-2)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
Outlook As Falcons quarterback Taylor Graham continues to sit with a knee injury, junior Reece Butler builds upon his first varsity start last week. After managing 50 rushing yards last week, Wheaton North must do a better job on the ground.
West Chicago (0-4, 0-2) at Glenbard North (4-0, 2-0)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
Outlook Glenbard North's riding three straight shutouts, so the Wildcats must be creative to find points. Last week they scored twice on interception returns. Panthers running back Evin Natick may be out, but Ben Hester rushed for over 100 yards last week.
Naperville Central (3-1, 1-1) at Glenbard East (3-1, 1-1)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
Outlook After combining to commit 9 turnovers last week, it isn't hard to guess where the focus lies for both teams. Quarterbacks Nick Linne and Jack Merrithey carry their respective offenses ... which defense will do a better job bringing pressure?
Benet (2-2, 1-1) at Nazareth (2-2, 0-2)
Game time 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Outlook A lack of execution cost Benet last week. Focusing on the ground game with E.J. Howe is an emphasis, while defensive standouts Mike Runger and Nick Melka, who had 2 sacks last week, will try to slow Nazareth running back LaSteven McKinney.
Plano (3-1, 1-0) at Lisle (1-3, 0-1)
Game time 7:15 p.m. today at Benedictine University.
Outlook Linebacker Pat Heatherly hit Seneca with 14 tackles, but after Seneca ran for 450 yards in a 33-13 win Lisle can expect more of the same. Tough Jake Kretmen and Nick Nigro will give their all trying to get the ball back to quarterback Chris Wray.
Fenton (2-2, 1-0) at Ridgewood (2-2, 1-0)
Game time 7 p.m. today.
Outlook It's only one game, but Fenton slid right into the inside track toward the Metro Suburban Conference title with last week's 33-22 home win over Riverside-Brookfield. The goal is to stay on track and creep closer toward that critical sixth victory.
Wheaton Academy (3-1) at St. Francis (3-1)
Game time 7 p.m. today.
Outlook Brian Pell's 375 yards passing, 4 touchdowns couldn't deliver Wheaton Academy a win last week. Run defense was an area that will again be tested by St. Francis' Mark Schmitt, Bob Miller and Colin O'Donnell, all over 100 yards against Montini.
Immaculate Con. (2-2, 1-1) at Marian Central (2-2, 1-1)
Game time 7 p.m. today.
Outlook The Knights got well at Guerin - 331 yards rushing led by Conor Hendricks' 145 yards, 3 touchdowns, quarterback Will Cronin's 116 yards, 3 touchdowns. Marian offers a physical foe that linemen Robert Rivera, Nick Stam have to counter for success.
Lake Park (3-1, 2-0) at Elgin (1-3, 1-0)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
Outlook Last week Lake Park coach Andy Livingston won the 100th game of his 16-year career, 42-7 over Streamwood in the Upstate Eight. This week Clay Cooper and friends shoot for the Lancers' first 4-1 start since their 2003 Class 8A semifinal season.
Addison Trail (2-2, 2-0) at Proviso East (0-4, 0-1)
Game time 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Outlook The combination of running back Frank Cervantes and quarterback Anthony Catanese combined for all 5 of the Blazers' touchdowns last week. Expect more of the same against the Pirates, who are allowing more than 36 points per game.
York (2-2, 1-1) at Downers North (1-3, 0-1)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
Outlook With 390 yards of offense York nearly overcame five turnovers - four in the first half - in last week's loss to Proviso West. After trying to slow a potent passing game, the Dukes face a punishing ground game headed by Trojans quarterback Joe Claver.
Hinsdale Central (2-2) at Hinsdale South (0-4)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
Outlook Four defensive stops helped Hinsdale Central rally for a 56-42 win over Lyons Twp. Quarterback John Whitelaw, who piled up over 500 total yards, was amazing. Injuries are mounting for the Hornets, forcing their entire secondary to play two ways.
DeKalb (1-3, 0-2) at Glenbard South (2-2, 1-1)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
Outlook The Raiders aim to create a consistent running attack beyond quarterback Trace Wanless, who rushed for over 100 yards last week. Receiver-linebacker Nick Slezak continues to shine after catching 8 passes last week and notching 14 tackles.