Scouting Zion-Benton at Lakes

Zion-Benton (0-4) at Lakes (3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday

Last week: Zion-Benton lost to Lake Zurich, 45-0; Lakes def. North Chicago, 41-14.

Skinny: Since opening the season with a 27-20 loss to Deerfield, Zion-Benton has been outscored 43-7 by Minooka, 42-7 by Lake Forest and 45-0 by Lake Zurich. But the Zee-Bees' opponents are a combined 14-2, with Minooka, Lake Forest and Lake Zurich all 4-0. Lakes coach Luke Mertens isn't expecting an easy game for his Eagles, especially since NSC Lake teams typically beat NSC Prairie teams. "We have never performed well in the crossover, nor has the Prairie for the most part," Mertens said. "(Zion-Benton's) record doesn't mean much to us because they have lost to outstanding teams. We know we are the underdog, but we are also excited to get the opportunity to play such a large school like Zion-Benton." ... Lakes' leading rusher, James Zell (268 yds., 8.4 avg.), missed last week's game against North Chicago, and Mertens said the speedy running back is for sure out the next two weeks. "We are hoping to have him back three weeks from now," Mertens said. Sophomore Direll Clark filled in well for Zell against North Chicago, rushing for more than 100 yards and 3 touchdowns. ... Lakes recorded 3 interceptions against North Chicago, with Josh Pohlman, Devin Grote and Donte Arnold coming up with the picks. It was Pohlman's third interception of the season.