Scouting Glenbard East @ Wheaton North

DuPage Valley Conference

Glenbard East (4-4, 2-4) at Wheaton North (4-4, 3-3)

When 7:30 p.m. today

Last year Wheaton North 24, Glenbard East 21

Last week Glenbard East 35, West Aurora 33; Wheaton North 10, Naperville North 3

Outlook The winner advances to the playoffs, the loser's season is over. A Glenbard East victory sends the Rams to only their second postseason berth, their first since 1999. While the Rams love playing at home, being on the fast track of Wheaton North's artificial surface gives them an advantage. Quarterback Jack Merrithey's been a playmaker since his sophomore year. This senior season he's thrown for nearly 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, much of that going to physical 6-foot-6 receiver Lee Skinner and 6-3 Kevin Priebe. The running game's been inconsistent, but last week Matt Clark ran for 125 yards as the Rams rushed for a team total of 260. Wheaton North's defense has struggled at times, but the Falcons are strong up front led by returning starter Sam Weatherred. Offensively, the Falcons had to make dramatic changes after Ohio State-bound quarterback Taylor Graham was lost with a knee injury. Junior backup Reece Butler's been solid, providing a much-needed boost to the running game in addition to his passing combo with Richard Finley. Glenbard East's defensive strength comes in the secondary with cornerbacks Ryan Pokrywka, who had 3 pass knockdowns and an interception last week, and Kevin McGarry.