Scouting Elgin @ Waubonsie Valley

Elgin (2-4, 2-1) at Waubonsie Valley (3-3, 2-2)

When Today at 7:30 at Dick Kerner Stadium

Last year Waubonsie Valley 46, Elgin 21

Last week Elgin 28, Larkin 21; St. Charles East 21, Waubonsie Valley 14, OT

Outlook: Elgin didn't excel on offense in its upset of Larkin last week (127 total yards), but 2 defensive touchdowns and a blocked field goal return were enough to turn the tide. Can the Maroons capitalize on the momentum? "We think they can," Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. "They're starting to believe in each other a little more. I hope they've learned that together they can do some things. They've got another real big test." The Warriors were stung by St. Charles East in overtime last week after leading 14-3 early in the fourth quarter. Running back Maurice Bowman rushed 17 times for 47 yards and senior quarterback Kenny Clay ran for a team-high 58 yards on 13 carries and completed 6-of-13 passes for 58 yards with 2 interceptions. The Saints rushed for 297 yards against Waubonsie Valley, but Elgin's line isn't anywhere near as beefy. To loosen up the linebackers on Waubonsie's homecoming night, the Maroons must pass for more than the 11 yards they amassed last week. "Our passing game has to get more effective because they'll load the box and do some things to stop (running back) Jordan (Dean), so I hope it'll give us some opportunities to throw the ball and hit some open receivers," Bierman said. "We just have to control the mistakes. A punt is not a bad play if we can exchange it for field position."