Scouting: Lakes @ North Chicago

Lakes (2-2, 1-1) at North Chicago (0-4, 0-1)

When 7:30 p.m.

Last week Lakes lost to Vernon Hills, 20-17; North Chicago lost to Zion-Benton, 42-8.

Outlook All eyes will be on North Chicago, which will host its first game since the entire football team was suspended for a game (in Week 3) for its role in a Week 2 bench-clearing brawl against Simeon. The good news is, the Lakes-North Chicago series has a clean, trouble-free history, so expectations are for smooth sailing-But don't think both teams won't be fiercely competitive and intense. They're both coming off of losses. "We had a tight game with Vernon Hills last week and we had our chances. I think we're really ready to get back at it," Lakes coach Luke Mertens said. "We're assuming (North Chicago) will be excited to get back on their home field and they've got some really good backs and some big linemen that will be a challenge for our defense."-The Eagles will challenge North Chicago with a balanced offense that relies heavily on 5-foot-6 sparkplug Andrew Tubek. The senior running back rolled up 54 rushing yards last week and also scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass. Speaking of the pass, Lakes quarterback Nick Hibbing completed 11-of-27 passes for 155 yards last week. The Eagles also use senior Ryan Noon at quarterback in red zone situations. "I really like what they're doing over (at Lakes) this year," North Chicago coach Glen Kozlowski said. "They're running the ball great and they had the opportunity to beat Vernon Hills last week. They're definitely a step above where they were last year."