Scouting West Chicago at West Aurora

West Chicago (1-4, 0-3) at West Aurora (2-3, 0-3)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: West Aurora 20, West Chicago 7.

Last week: Wheaton North 21, West Aurora 13; Glenbard North 42, West Chicago 14.

Outlook: West Aurora coach Buck Drach is not one to pack it in, ever. Even with 5-0 Glenbard North on the slate next week and unbeaten Wheaton Warrenville South waiting in Week 9, he's considering what the Blackhawks need to do to reach the playoffs. First consideration: "We've got to establish a running game, and we haven't completely done that," he said. The Blackhawks have averaged just 3.0 yards per carry, which isn't enough to stay out of the second- or third-and-long situations that force quarterback Josh Campbell (48-of-89 passing, 675 yards, 5 touchdowns) into tough spots. Tyson Lassiter leads West Aurora with 233 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns, followed by Marcus Waller with 144 yards rushing, 3 scores. Still, offensive tackles Alex Chollet and Cal Wagner did their jobs last week in a game that came down to the last play, as did linebacker Kendall Williams and defensive tackle Javonta Black. Their main job defensively this week will be to limit West Chicago running back Brad Wilson, a solid 6-foot-2, 196 pounds. It's West Aurora's homecoming, and the Blackhawks haven't won their homecoming game since 2000. Drach hopes his boys can put aside the usual distractions of pep assemblies and "P.J. day" to break that streak.

Next week: Wheaton Warrenville South (5-0, 3-0), Oct. 8; Glenbard North (5-0, 3-0) at West Aurora, Oct. 8.