Scouting: Wheaton North @ West Aurora

Wheaton North (2-2, 1-1)at West Aurora (2-2, 0-2)

Game time 730 p.m. today

Last year Wheaton North 38, West Aurora 27.

Last week Glenbard North 32, Wheaton North 0; Naperville North 55, West Aurora 25.

Outlook West Aurora still has 4-0 Glenbard North and 3-1 Wheaton Warrenville South and Glenbard East on the schedule, which essentially makes every Blackhawks game a playoff game. After taking consecutive losses to Naperville Central and Naperville North, West Aurora figures to stack up a little better against the Falcons, as it did in 2008. Wheaton North lacks starting quarterback and Ohio State recruit Taylor Graham (knee), and may remain without tailback Ivan Tamba (ankle). That means the Blackhawks defense will probably be focused on Justin Swider at tailback and junor Reece Butler at quarterback. It'll be a tougher job with West Aurora's leading tackler and senior middle linebacker Tony Ellison out for the year after suffering a broken ankle last week, and defensive tackle Fetim Azemi reinjuring his knee. Long-yardage situations in particular have been difficult for West Aurora to contain. Contain? Tailback Leon Spears can barely be stopped. Aided by the blocking of tight end Dave Hulett and his own blazing speed, Spears accounted for 190 of West Aurora's 199 net offensive yards last week 141 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing, and a 49-yard touchdown catch. Amazingly, he added an 85-yard kickoff return for touchdown. But he can't be the only game in town. Coach Buch Drach is looking to distribute the ball offensively, and create turnovers defensively. What Drach is really looking for, he said, is to "find some way to stop people. We're giving up too many points."

Next week Wheaton Warrenville South (3-1, 2-0) at Wheaton North