Scouting Naperville North at West Aurora

Naperville North (2-1, 0-1) at West Aurora (2-1, 0-1)

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

Last year: Naperville North 55, West Aurora 25.

Last week: Glenbard North 10, Naperville North 3; Naperville Central 45, West Aurora 6.

Outlook: West Aurora coach Buck Drach seeks any type of improvement over last week. It'll be hard against the No. 8-ranked team in Class 8A. Drach was startled and disappointed by the Blackhawks' performance against Naperville Central particularly in the wake of smart efforts against East Aurora and Elgin. "It was just the opposite of what we expected," he said. Saving West Aurora from a shutout was the late-game fumble recovery and 20-yard return by defensive back Nate Zinzer, who ended the game banged up. After a promising opening drive was halted, the Blackhawks finished with 19 yards rushing - a game-high 16 from Booker Ross - which was the lowest total Drach recalled in his long career. West Aurora gave up 265 yards rushing to Naperville Central, and even better Naperville North will likely target that area as well. The Huskies lost both running back Antonio Owens and quarterback Matt LaCosse to injury last week against Glenbard North; LaCosse should return, while back Nick Sianta returned to the Huskies backfield. Along with shucking off the mental challenge of facing this DuPage Valley Conference power, on West Aurora's senior night Drach is looking for a return to pursuit and gang tackling on defense - "We call it a Kodak moment," he said of getting in on tackles - and proper technique on both offensive and defensive lines. Drach will reward the players who provide those facets with playing time. "We're looking at who's giving the effort and playing tough," he said.

Next week: Naperville North at Wheaton Warrenville South (3-0, 1-0), Sept. 24; West Aurora at Wheaton North (3-0, 1-0), Sept. 24.