Scouting Wauconda at Lakes

Wauconda (2-5, 1-3) at Lakes (5-2, 2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Wauconda def. North Chicago, 34-26; Lakes lost to Antioch, 28-14.

Skinny: Lakes can clinch its second straight playoff berth with a victory over Wauconda. But the Eagles aren't making postseason plans just yet. “We haven't forgotten about our game against Wauconda last year, Lakes coach Luke Mertens said of Wauconda's 41-12 Week 9 victory. “They just destroyed us last year. We're really excited to play them because of that, and because of what it would mean for the playoffs. To us, their record right now is completely out the window. They play us tough.…Mertens says that a big reason Wauconda is so dangerous is quarterback Brian Kent, who can hurt defenses with his passing as well as his quick feet. Last week against North Chicago, Kent ran for 135 yards and 3 touchdowns and passed for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns. “You definitely have to change up your defense against a guy like Kent, Mertens said. “You can't just blitz him because he can also beat you with his feet. He's a very good athlete and I think he's definitely a Division I quarterback. You aren't going to find many quarterbacks better than him in the state. Junior wide receiver Jake Ziolkowski has been one of Kent's favorite targets. Last week, he caught 4 passes, including a touchdown, for 84 yards…Lakes' offense usually favors a run-oriented attack, but last week against Antioch, the passing game rolled up some big plays. Using a two-quarterback rotation, the Eagles passed for 189 yards, slightly more than the 171 yards they rushed for. Chris Hoffman completed 5-of-11 passes for 112 yards while Jeff Eder added 8 completions (13 attempts) for 77 yards. “Their running attack has pretty much carried them all year, but now we've got to think a little bit more about their passing game and about two different kids at quarterback, Wauconda coach Dave Mills said. “Lakes is also very tough on defense. They've got a lot of kids who pursue the ball. They do a nice job.…Lakes is allowing 18.9 points per game, second-fewest in the North Suburban Prairie Division.