Scouting DuPage County football Week 6
Glenbard North (5-0, 3-0) at Glenbard East (3-2, 1-2)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit The Panthers vie for a fifth straight shutout with a defense led by linebacker John Pullia. Banged up running back Evin Natick is a game-time decision. The Rams have been pass-heavy, but the run game, led by Mike Clark, aims to control the ball.
West Aurora (2-3, 0-3) at West Chicago (0-5, 0-3)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit The last two winless DuPage Valley Conference teams play for pride. The Warriors have one of the league's top running backs in Leon Spears. Seven turnovers devastated West Chicago's chances in last week's loss to Glenbard North.
St. Viator (3-2, 1-2) at Benet (2-3, 1-2)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today at Benedictine University.
The quick hit With a tough remaining schedule both teams linger in must-win mode. Benet has another playmaker to stop, this time Lions quarterback Julian Sipiora. E.J. Howe was a workhorse for the Redwings last week, rushing the ball 31 times for 136 yards.
Lisle (1-4, 0-2) at Dwight (1-4, 0-2)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit The playoffs start now for these Interstate Eight Conference Small Division squads. Except for Lisle lineman Dan Kisla (knee), this is the healthiest the Lions have been in a month. Coach Dan Sanko calls senior Ryan Liss his best receiver since Joe Cortez.
Elmwood Park (1-4, 0-2) at Fenton (3-2, 2-0)
Game time 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit Fenton quarterback Eric Justiniano played perhaps his best game of the season last week, rushing for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns and throwing for 2 touchdowns. Tyrell McGee, who rushed for 117 yards, scored his first touchdown of the season.
Marian Central (3-2, 1-1) at Montini (3-2, 0-1)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit Montini took a huge hit when one of the Broncos' toughest tacklers, junior linebacker Alex Walters, dislocated a hip in practice this week. Sophomore Frank Bruscianelli steps into Walters' spot alongside Ryan Gorrell and Zach Tredenick.
Hales Franciscan (0-5) at St. Francis (4-1)
Game time 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit St. Francis quickly scheduled this Chicago Catholic White team to fill the Driscoll slot. Hales has lost 17 of 18 dating to 2007. St. Francis has won its last two games by a cumulative 103-43. Look for the Spartans to add to their 8 interceptions.
Chicago Christian (3-2, 1-1) at Wheaton Academy (3-2, 1-1)
Game time 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit Wheaton Academy coach Ben Wilson bills this homecoming game as a must-win for the Warriors, who have lost 2 straight. Linebackers Tyler Bosse, Jon Fink have been solid all year and must be again against this ex-Private School League rival.
Neuqua Valley (2-3) at Indianapolis Cathedral (5-1)
Game time 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit Quarterback Joey Ippolito's 3 touchdowns and team "D" got a 28-7 win over Waubonsie Valley. Now comes Indiana's No. 1 team. "The tradition and attitude of Mt. Carmel, the schemes and skill players of Hinsdale Central," coach Bryan Wells said.
Lake Park (4-1, 3-0) at East Aurora (0-5, 0-3)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit Lancers linebacker Ryan Gerts (ankle) sat out the 34-6 win over Elgin; he's due another breather before playing South Elgin, Waubonsie Valley and Bartlett. Defensive end Anthony Valdeperas leads Lake Park with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
Glenbard West (5-0) at Addison Trail (2-3)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit After stopping mostly spread offenses Glenbard West faces a run-oriented team. Hilltoppers speedster Nick Burrello hurts opponents in many ways. Red-zone fumbles hampered the Blazers last week, but 300 rushing yards were a positive.
Morton (1-4, 0-3) at Hinsdale South (0-5, 0-2)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit The Hornets suffered two more injuries in their secondary last week, forcing quarterback Kevin Miller to play some safety. Against Morton, though, the concern is not the pass. It's a huge offensive line and a double-wing and option running game.
Proviso East (1-4, 1-1) at Downers South (3-2, 2-0)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit Alone in first place in the West Suburban Gold, Downers South wants to stay there - and keep getting healthier. The return of sophomore running back Josh Williams provided a huge boost last week. He rushed for 120 yards on 8 carries.
Willowbrook (2-3, 2-1) at Leyden (3-2, 2-1)
Game tim: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit Not much went right for Willowbrook in its loss to Downers South, but the Warriors must regroup quickly. The defensive front for both sides played well in last week's games, while Warriors cornerback Joe Pentrancosta stood out with 7 tackles.
Downers North (1-4, 0-2) at Proviso West (4-1, 1-1)
Game time 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit Downers North running back Courtney Greenwood and quarterback Joe Claver lead an offense averaging more than 300 rushing yards a game. The bad news is the 164 points allowed. The Trojans allowed 178 the entire 2008 regular season.
Lyons Twp. (3-2, 1-2) at York (3-2, 2-1)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit The Lions stumbled last week, but quarterback Ryan Mitchell remains one of the Silver's top players. York running back Mike DeBernardis leads the offense, but quarterback Sam Cleary had one of his better games last week with 7-of-9 passing.
Hinsdale Central (3-2, 1-1) at Oak Park (2-3, 1-2)
Game time 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit The Red Devils' offensive juggernaut keeps rolling on thanks to the steady line play of juniors Jack Allen and Scott McDowell. Wide receiver John Lyons is one of the players emerging among quarterback John Whitelaw's many passing options.