Scouting Grant at North Chicago
Grant (3-4, 2-2) at North Chicago (1-6, 1-3)
When: 7:30 p.m., today
Last week: Grant lost to Vernon Hills, 20-0; North Chicago lost to Wauconda, 34-26.
Skinny: While North Chicago has long been out of playoff contention, Grant is in a much different position. Based on their high number of playoff points (34 already), the Bulldogs will more than likely qualify for the playoffs if they win out and finish with the minimum five victories. "We told our kids last weekend that the playoffs started for us that Saturday," Grant coach Kurt Rous said. "We've got to play like we're in the playoffs already."-The Bulldogs will get a much-needed boost with the return of starting quarterback Leo Minne, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury he suffered during the first quarter of a Week 5 victory over Wauconda. "He's ready and we're really glad to have him back," said Rous, who has been forced to install a revolving door at the quarterback position in recent weeks. After Minne got hurt, Rous turned to backup Alex Villa to take the reins. Villa guided the Bulldogs to victories over Wauconda and Mundelein. But then last week, Villa was forced to serve a one-game suspension for an off-field disciplinary issue. That's when Rous turned to his third- and fourth-stringers, Nick Fanella and Alex Cacchione. With Villa back this week, the Bulldogs will be close to full strength on offense-Defensively, Grant must contend with a dangerous North Chicago offense that can put points on the board in a hurry. Last week against Wauconda, quarterback Jermaine Garrett and Darrell Robinson connected for 2 touchdown passes. "Their quarterback really has an arm," Rous said. "And if you let some of their guys (in the backfield) get outside on you, they can really hurt you with their speed. Defensively, they've also got some guys who can really fly around and they'll give us fits if we don't block well. We've got to play hard against these guys. They have nothing to lose and we have everything to lose."