The Best of the Rest in DuPage County
Benet (1-0) at Marian Central (1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Benet's lines - led by Pat Flavin and his double-digit pancakes on offense, and Jeff Schmittgens on defense - played a key role in a 34-0 win over Oswego East. They'll be key again facing a Hurricanes team that throttled North Chicago 56-12.
Coal City (0-1) at Lisle (0-1)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. today at Benedictine University.
The quick hit: Lisle coach Dan Sanko said Coal City's backfield is bigger than his linemen. So the Lions will try to outquick the Coalers with Anthony Ventrella and Nick Saul, who against Plano threw for 128 yards and touchdowns to Ventrella and Nick Leonard.
Downers Grove North (0-1) at Willowbrook (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Which team will do a better job stopping the run? Downers North's Freddy Palma rushed for his team's 3 TDs while Willowbrook's Jabril Jones and James Bolden combined for 200 of 260 rushing yards for the Warriors, who played six sophomores.
DuSable (0-1) at St. Francis (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today at College of DuPage.
The quick hit: St. Francis starts its tenure at Bob MacDougall Field. The Spartans beat Riverside-Brookfield at its place last week, outside linebacker Jeff Rutkowski making 11 solo tackles and Jack Murphy grabbing 2 interceptions. DuSable is in trouble.
Fenton (0-1) at Hope (1-0)
Game time: 3 p.m. Saturday at Eckersall Stadium.
The quick hit: An encouraging sign from Fenton's 9-7 loss to Leyden was the play of the defense headed by linebackers Matt Szajnowski and Colin Byrne. Big-play potential comes from Hope's skill players, who rolled up 41 points in a victory over Foreman.
Glenbard North (1-0) at Plainfield East (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Panthers quarterback Mark Ng enjoyed his first varsity start by throwing for 140 yards, taking the pressure off running backs Evin Natick and Phil Jackson. Thin on defense, Natick and Jackson must save their energy to contribute at linebacker.
Hinsdale Central (0-1) at Proviso East (0-1)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: The Red Devils were tied 7-7 at the half with Wheaton Warrenville South but the Tigers pulled away to a 28-7 win. Big-play prevention is a major emphasis this week for Hinsdale Central, which allowed 3 touchdown plays of 40-plus yards.
Lake Park (0-1) at Glenbard East (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Lake Park sophomores Zach Gehant, Kevin Teglia, Ronnie Castaldo are on a fast-track learning curve. They'll need support by upperclassmen to corral Rams seniors Steven Kinney and Kevin Priebe, who accounted for all 3 touchdowns last week.
Lyons Twp. (1-0) at Addison Trail (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Expect changes from the Blazers, starting at quarterback. Coach Paul Parpet Jr. wants to take advantage of Anthony Catanese's athleticism, so look for him to play some receiver and running back. Trevor Bermingham will see time behind center.
Metea Valley (0-1) at Quincy (1-0)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Metea saw a similar Wing-T ground-based offense and 3-4/5-2 defense last week in the Mustangs' 27-26 heartbreak loss last week. Plainfield East forced quarterback Jarrett House to try to win it through the air. His 307 passing yards came this close.
Morton (1-0) at York (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The Dukes made a statement against Prospect. Ryan Kent scored 4 touchdowns and quarterback Jim Nudera threw for 160 yards. York's defense must be better than the 460 yards it allowed, but the unit pitched a second-half shutout.
Nazareth (1-0) at Glenbard South (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: After the Raiders' young squad opened against powerful Glenbard West, the game should slow down in this one. Nazareth is the first of three East Suburban Catholic Conference teams featured on Glenbard South's independent schedule.
Oak Park (0-1) vs. Hinsdale South (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today at Hinsdale Central.
The quick hit: The Hornets' offense exploded in last week's win over Romeoville, an effort led by junior running back Kylen Williams, who rushed for 220 yards and 3 scores on 25 carries. Oak Park, though, held up well against Glenbard North's ground game.
Walther Lutheran (1-0) at Immaculate Conception (1-0)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: IC will expect a stiffer test after Jose Godinez and Matt Mesnard combined for 216 yards rushing, 3 TDs in a 28-7 win over Ridgewood. Linebackers Andre Wells, Joe Iavarone must force Walther QB Sean Cotton and his track sprinter pals back inside.
Waubonsie Valley (0-1) at Oswego (0-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: A few critical plays buckled an otherwise solid opener in Waubonsie Valley'ts 17-10 loss to Naperville Central. Warriors defensive end Devon Morgan knocked off a couple helmets; Oswego also will bring it after a last-second loss in 2009.
Wheaton Academy (1-0) at St. Joseph (0-1)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Wheaton Academy cornerback Matt Wiersema set the tone against Westminster (Mo.) by blasting off a kid's helmet in a 28-6 win. Watch for Luke Thorson deep (10 catches, 154 yards) as the defense targets wily St. Joe quarterback Demetrius Carr.