Scouting Hampshire at Marengo

Hampshire (1-6, 1-2) at Marengo (1-6, 1-2)

When: today at 7 p.m. at Rod Poppe Fields

Last year: Hampshire 18, Marengo 0

Last week: Richmond-Burton 41, Hampshire 7; Marengo 24, North Boone 21

Outlook: The Indians snapped a 13-game losing streak last week, when they edged North Boone, marking the first time Marengo had won a division game in the Big Northern Conference since 2004. "They've gotten better," Hampshire coach Dan Cavanaugh said. "They beat North Boone and have a little momentum going. We've seen them on film and they're a pretty physical team that moves the ball well. They're pretty much a running team, nothing fancy. They line up and run it down your throat if they can. And they play good, solid defense. We'll have our hands full." The Whip-Purs should get a boost this week from the return of senior fullback Lorenzo Brandon, who has been out of action for over a month with a separated shoulder. Senior Mike Kuefner leads the Whip-Purs with 420 yards and 6 touchdowns on 110 carries, but the offense has had trouble gaining traction this season. Hampshire averages 213.7 total yards per game. The Whips have won 4 straight games against Marengo since the schools resumed the series following a nine-year layoff.