Scouting Larkin at Batavia
Larkin (1-1, 0-0) at Batavia (1-1, 0-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today
Last year: Did not play.
Last week: Oswego East 35, Larkin 34; Batavia 28, West Chicago 21.
Bulldogs outlook: Tonight marks Batavia's debut in the Upstate Eight Conference's River Division. "It's an exciting week for everybody in our league," said Batavia coach Mike Gaspari. "You're basically starting over regardless of where you started the first two games." Batavia would obviously like to build on last week's victory over West Chicago. The Bulldogs withstood a strong challenge by the DuPage Valley Conference entry, using balanced offense of 174 yards rushing, 166 yards passing. Quarterback Noel Gaspari's accuracy (30-of-50) is much improved over his sophomore season. Thus far Batavia's calling card is diversity. Coach Gaspari has run 14 different offensive formations, with linemen like Alec Lyons (6-3, 235) and Brian Wilson (6-2, 275) getting reps at fullback, Lyons gaining 51 yards on 6 carries last week. Stats list nine different receivers having caught passes led by David Peskind (10 catches, 120 yards); Emund Kabba (17 carries, 66 yards) heads seven different rushers. "We're really turning into a fun team to watch," Gaspari said. Doesn't sound fun to coach against, the situation facing Larkin first-year man Mike Scianna. Coming off a 35-21 win over McHenry, last week the Royals allowed an Oswego touchdown with 3:35 left. The Royals' offensive stalwarts are quarterback Kyle Newquist (32-of-54 passing, 545 yards, 4 touchdowns; 24 carries, 123 yards, 3 touchdowns); and his (overwhelmingly) top target Trevor Whitehead (27 catches, 480 yards, 4 touchdowns). For Batavia, a game of keepaway may be in order. "We've got to have ball control and be sound on special teams like we were the first couple weeks," Gaspari said.
Royals outlook: Larkin has developed a dangerous offense under coach Mike Scianna and offensive coordinator Bobby Bennett, scoring 69 points in their first two outings. Junior quarterback Kyle Newquist is on fire. He has rushed for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns and has completed 32-of-54 attempts for 545 yards and 4 touchdowns without an interception. Newquist's top receiver is senior Trevor Whitehead. He already has 27 receptions for 480 yards and 4 touchdowns. "Those two took the time and worked out together all summer and those things pay off," Scianna said. The Royals will take the field without senior inside linebacker Brandon Williams, who suffered a concussion last week. Frankie Hawywood moves from the secondary to replace Williams. Batavia's offense is led by quarterback Noel Gaspari, the son of Batavia coach and athletic director Mike Gaspari. The junior has completed 28-of-49 attempts for 367 yards and 2 touchdowns. "It's always hard to play against a quarterback whose dad is the coach," Scianna said. "History shows players like that have a tendency to pick you apart. (Noel Gaspari) can throw, he has good receivers and good backs. They'll throw some wrinkles at you." One such wrinkle is Batavia's wildcat formation. Tailback Edmund Kabba possesses game-breaking speed. The Bulldogs are led defensively by a veteran front four of Brian Wilson (6-2, 275) Alec Lyons (6-3, 235), Jeff Hartzell (6-4, 325) and Cole Gardner (6-5, 235). Lyons doubles as a fullback.
Next week: St. Charles East (0-2) at Larkin, Sept. 18; Batavia at Bartlett (1-1), Sept. 17.