Scouting Aurora Christian at Walther Lutheran

Aurora Christian (2-1, 1-0) at Walther Lutheran (1-2, 0-1)

Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.

Last year: Did not play.

Last week: Marian Central 20, Aurora Christian 6; Montini 42, Walther Lutheran 14.

Outlook: Aurora Christian proved it can play in the Suburban Christian Blue, but the Eagles can't dig themselves a hole. They fumbled the opening kickoff which led to a quick 7-0 deficit, then marched downfield to score but a penalty negated a successful 2-point conversion. Marian managed 105 yards rushing on 36 carries, and Aurora Christian coach Don Beebe said safety Mitch Holtz had a "phenomenal game," with linebackers Sam Miller and Todd Clapp "all over the field." Offensively the Eagles moved the ball, but 2 interceptions in Marian's end limited scoring except for that early Holtz touchdown run. Interestingly, Aurora Christian ran for more yards than it threw for (123-84) with quarterback Anthony Maddie leading the way with 81 yards. Walther Lutheran's pass defensive looked susceptible, allowing Montini to throw 5 touchdown passes. Aurora Christian will be tested on the perimeter by Walther Lutheran quarterback Sean Cotton, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound, Northwestern-bound athlete. Cotton will just take off, but when he hands off, Beebe calls running back Andre Cooper "the fastest player on the field." The Broncos also will throw it up to 6-4, 215-pound tight end Tyreese Russell, and Beebe is concerned he may not have anyone to battle Russell for the ball 10 feet up. What's it come down to? "Who turns the ball over," Beebe said. "I'll say it over and over."

Next week: Aurora Christian at St. Edward (3-0, 1-0), Sept. 24; Walther Lutheran at Chicago Christian (1-2, 0-1), Sept. 24.