Scouting Yorkville @ Batavia

Yorkville (2-3, 1-2) at Batavia (1-4, 0-3)

Game time 7:30 p.m. today.

Last year Batavia 44, Yorkville 6.

Last week Rochelle 34, Yorkville 7; Kaneland 21, Batavia 17.

Outlook Sounds crazy for a program that has become a consistent force in the area, but Batavia is fighting to stave off playoff elimination starting with its homecoming game tonight. The Bulldogs, up against it with Sycamore, DeKalb and then Geneva ahead of them, have a six-year playoff streak on the line. One thing, though: Batavia coach Mike Gaspari is a grounded, upbeat optimist. "The kids had another great night of practice last night," he said earlier this week. "I do feel we've improved every week." Last week Batavia fell to Western Sun co-leader Kaneland in the last 3 minutes, the Bulldogs' second less by 4 or less points. Good news was the continued development of sophomore running back Danny Seiton, who hit Kaneland for 95 yards and leads the Bulldogs with 229 yards rushing. Lineman Sean Tews and quarterback Noel Gaspari handled the center exchanges flawlessly in wet conditions - which could be duplicated tonight - and defensive end Cole Gardner earned a game ball for his play against Kaneland. Batavia's offense will try to batter Yorkville with a diet of Seiton and fullback Braden Hartmann while keeping the Foxes honest through the air. Gardner, middle linebacker Mike Greco and the Bulldogs defense face a Yorkville team that, under coach Jim Still, has made strides. The Foxes compiled 274 yards in a 21-10 loss to Geneva, and present nice special teams, improved line play and a good passing duo, quarterback Luke Parece to receiver Jaden Richardson. Coach Gaspari obviously plans to impress the homecoming faithful. If a playoff berth isn't in the cards, well, there's only one way he'll approach things: "We're just going to keep on preparing."

Next week: Yorkville at Glenbard South (3-2, 2-1), Oct. 9; Batavia at Sycamore (3-2, 1-2), Oct. 9.