Scouting Bartlett at Waubonsie Valley

Bartlett (1-1) at Waubonsie Valley (1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dick Kerner Stadium

Last year: Waubonsie Valley 21, Bartlett 14

Last week: Crystal Lake South 10, Bartlett 9; Waubonsie Valley 35, Oswego 28

Outlook: This is the Valley Division opener in the Upstate Eight Conference for both teams. Bartlett holds the edge in this series (5-2) and looks for payback for last year's loss to the Warriors. The Hawks nearly pulled out a win last week against a state-ranked team at Crystal Lake South, but they were denied when a 2-point conversion pass was stopped just shy of the goal line. However, the coaching staff saw some encouraging signs. "These kids have a lot of heart and I'm really proud of the way they came out and worked effort-wise from Week 1 to Week 2," Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. "We were extremely happy with what we saw. Our defense played a lot better and, offensively, our running game is pretty good." Bartlett's three-headed monster in the backfield is down to two heads after junior Nate Odisho suffered a broken ankle last week. He had carried 20 times for 108 yards. Andrew Puccini, the team's leading rusher (25-142) will be joined in the backfield more often by senior Aaron Thabuteau, also a starting free safety on defense. Thabuteau has carried 6 times for 29 yards and a touchdown. The Warriors are led by senior quarterback Tommy Kolzow (25 of 44, 286 yards, 4 TD), senior wide receiver Eric Josupait (12 rec., 145 yards, 2 TD) and receiver Joe Storto (5 rec., 71 yards, TD). Northwestern-bound tight end Mark Szott missed last week's game against Oswego with a thigh bruise but may return this week. "They're more experienced this year," Meaney said of the Warriors. "They've got an option run game and threats at wide receiver. They are extremely good. It'll be a challenge for us. We'll have to stop some of their main plays."