Scouting East Aurora @ Larkin

East Aurora (0-7, 0-4) at Larkin (4-3, 1-3)

When Today at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Field

Last year Larkin 38, East Aurora 20

Last week Larkin 47, Streamwood 6; St. Ignatius 47, East Aurora 6

Outlook Larkin has 26 playoff points, a relatively low total, which puts a premium on winning its final two home games against East Aurora and South Elgin (5-2) to guarantee a playoff spot. Otherwise, a decision on postseason play will come down to that tiebreaker if the Royals split their last two games to finish 5-4. Last week Larkin overwhelmed Streamwood from the start and led 33-6 at the half. The coaching staff wants to see more of the same this week against the Tomcats. "We have to try to start the game the way we started last week as far as our intensity and sense of urgency at the beginning of the game," Larkin coach Matt Gehrig said. "It was at a level we had come out with earlier in the season. We have to maintain that ability to start quick with intensity throughout the rest of our opportunities to play this season." Junior safety Lee Jackson will start for the second straight week in place of senior Reid Ellis, who also played wide receiver. Ellis, a tough team leader, broke his tibia in the Elgin game two weeks ago and will remain sidelined for the rest of the season as a result. Leandre Lee could return in Week 9 from a shoulder injury, though his status remains uncertain. The Larkin defense allows an average of 16.4 points per game. The Royals' rushing game is one of the most productive in the area, led by running back Jalen Williams. The senior leads all area rushers with 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, including last week's 303-yard, 3-touchdown performance on 25 carries.