Scouting Glenbard West at Downers Grove South

Glenbard West (1-0) at Downers South (0-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.

Last week: Glenbard West 41, Glenbard South 7; Bolingbrook 28, Downers Grove South 21.

Last year: Glenbard West 27, Downers South 14.

Outlook: Eleven penalties for 95 yards prevented Glenbard West's margin over Glenbard South from being more significant. Against Downers South, the Hilltoppers can't afford such mistakes. Their offense moved well while shying away from last year's punishing ground attack. Trace Sorey and Nick Burrello still churned up yards, but the debut of quarterback Mike Matthew led to 173 passing yards. Special teams failed the Mustangs last week and overshadowed impressive games by running back Josh Williams and receiver Ryan Oruche, who's a threat on kick returns. Staying with the Hilltoppers depends on making them work for every point.

Next week: Glenbard West at Hinsdale Central; Leyden at Downers South.