Scouting Stillman Valley at Burlington Central

Stillman Valley (3-0) at Burlington Central (0-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday at Rocket Hill

Last meeting: 2005, Stillman Valley 28, Burlington Central 6

Last week: Genoa-Kingston 28, Burlington Central 24; Stillman Valley 49, Hampshire 7

Outlook: The sledding doesn't get any easier this week for Central, which welcomes the defending Class 3A state champions to Rocket Hill. The Cardinals, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A this season, have outscored three opponents 141-39. "They keep it very simple," Central coach Aaron Wichman said. "They're not going to do anything fancy on either side of the ball. They just do what they do, do it well and dare you to beat them. They've been very successful and they do what we're striving to do as a program: get on people right away and don't let up. That's the sign of a good ballclub." The Rockets have been a slow starting team in first halves. After falling behind early against Kaneland and Genoa-Kingston, the offense came alive late in both ballgames only to see time run out. In three contests, Central has been outscored 54-6 in the first half and 55-46 in the second half. "It's taken us awhile to get going in each game," Wichman said. "We've put an emphasis on getting a good start offensively, and the defense needs to make that important stop when we need it." The Rockets will play without offensive lineman Thomas Juns (5-1, 255). He sprained an ankle on the final play of the Genoa-Kingston game. Running back Tre Llanes rushed 13 times last week for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns.