Scouting Crystal Lake South at Grant

Crystal Lake South (9-2) at Grant (4-5)

When: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last Year: Crystal Lake South 24, Grant 7

Outlook: The Gators, who enter the season ranked sixth in Class 7A poll by Associated Press, have won six straight season openers, including last year's victory over the Bulldogs. CL South possesses an offensive line to be reckoned with, including cornerstone senior tackles Jake Bernstein (6-4, 279, Vanderbilt) and Fahn Cooper (6-6, 300, Bowling Green). Third-year starting quarterback Drew Ormseth returns. Last year against Grant, he ran for a touchdown and completed 5-of-10 passes for 80 yards with 1 interception. Senior end Brett Barchard and junior middle linebacker Steve Forner return to lead CL South's defense. Grant missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2004. The offense will be directed by Leo Minne, who switches from wingback to quarterback in the option. Last year he rushed for 810 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Bulldogs have no starters returning to the O-line, but a strength lies on the outside, where track athletes man the wide receiver positions. "They're a great first-game matchup for us because they always battle," new CL South head coach Chuck Ahsmann said. "And they also run some option stuff. A lot of the teams we'll play run the double-wing option, so it's good for us to see that and start preparing for it."