Scouting DuPage County football
Addison Trail (4-4, 4-1) at Leyden (4-4, 3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The Blazers have no time to hang their heads over last week's key loss to Downers South. Not when they must win to reach the playoffs. After surrendering a punt return for a touchdown last week, Addison Trail is focusing on special teams play.
Aurora Christian (5-3, 1-3) at St. Francis (5-3, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn.
The quick hit: As usual against a high-octane spread offense like Anthony Maddie's at Aurora Christian, the Spartans' goal is to keep the chains moving on the ground with Ben Trimble, Bobby Miller, Colin O'Donnell. Hunter Bolin, etc., must wrap up the wily Maddie.
Downers Grove South (6-2, 5-0) at Morton (4-4, 3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: A win clinches the outright WSC Gold title for Downers South, but the Mustangs also can knock Morton from playoff contention and improve their own postseason seed. Running back Josh Williams continues to work his way back from an ankle injury.
Fort Zumwalt South, Mo. (1-7) at Glenbard South (3-5)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Glenbard South ends its journey as an independent with a game against the only out-of-state team on its schedule. Running back Wes Sanders last week rushed for 142 yards and returned a kick and punt for touchdowns to help beat Woodstock.
Immaculate Conception (5-3, 3-1) at Chicago Christian (2-6, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: IC, with just 31 playoff points, likely needs a win to reach the postseason. In this Suburban Christian Conference Gold option grinder, IC's Conor Hendricks and Jose Godinez are key both running and then spying host quarterback Jason Vander Laan.
Lake Park (2-6, 2-3) at Neuqua Valley (5-3, 3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Andy Livingston's last game after 17 years as Lake Park's head coach. He hopes the Lancers' Zach Gehant-led offense can put some points on the board against a rugged Neuqua defense and keep Wildcats back Trent Snyder on the sidelines.
Herscher (7-1) at Lisle (4-4)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. today, Benedictine University, Lisle.
The quick hit: With 33 playoff points even an Interstate Eight crossover win may not be enough for a playoff berth. But on senior night the Lions look to slow the Herscher spread offense. Three-year starter Anthony Ventrella won't leave anything on the field.
Hinsdale Central (4-4, 2-3) at Proviso West (5-3, 2-3)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Despite a slew of injuries that included losing two-way standout Jake Knowles, Hinsdale Central still can reach the playoffs with a win. While Jack Allen and Scott McDowell are awesome on the offensive line, Mike Pircon also has been solid.
Metea Valley (1-7) at Elgin (5-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: "It's becoming like 'Groundhog Day,'" coach Ted Monken said of the Mustangs' tendency to trail early and stall in the red zone. The Jarrett House-to-Alex Hagemaster passing combo aims to break the pattern. Big key: kick and punt coverage.
Naperville North (5-3, 3-3) at West Chicago (1-7, 0-6)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Naperville North's offense struggled in last week's loss to Wheaton North, but it'll get a boost with the return of playmaker Antonio Owens. Defensively, Dan Pinkerton and Nick Krejci bolster a unit definitively led by linebacker Nick Lifka.
Oak Park (2-6, 0-5) at Downers Grove North (1-7, 0-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: With Downers North thin at quarterback, expect the Trojans to lean heavily on the ground game. Cody Pooler, filling it at quarterback for injured starter Riley McGinnis, and running backs Freddy Palma and Anthony Rada aim to keep the chains moving.
Proviso East (0-8, 0-5) at Hinsdale South (2-6, 1-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Two struggling teams hope to close on a high note. Proviso East, shut out five times, and Hinsdale South have combined for only 27 points the last three weeks. After struggling with ball control last week, extending drives is a goal for the Hornets.
St. Edward (6-2, 4-0) at Wheaton Academy (5-3, 3-1)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday, West Chicago High.
The quick hit: A Suburban Christian Gold game St. Ed where seeks its first conference title since 1978, Wheaton Academy its first since 1958. The Warriors' 30 playoff points means a loss might be the end for such veterans as Aaron Pell, Sam Cote and Kai Libby.
Wheaton North (6-2, 4-2) at Glenbard East (3-5, 1-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: With the offense struggling the Falcons will lean on the defense with lineman Montrell Williams and linebacker Trevor Schmit. The Rams need to eliminate opponents' big plays. Last week they allowed punt and interception returns for touchdowns.
WW South (8-0, 6-0) at West Aurora (4-4, 2-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: WW South must be wary of the inspired Blackhawks vying for their first playoff berth since 1994. West Aurora's pass defense would be wise not to focus too much attention on Tigers receiver Titus Davis. Travis Kern is proving to be just as dangerous.
Willowbrook (2-6) at York (7-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: As much as York leans on running back Ryan Kent, leading the area with 1,067 rushing yards and 92 points scored, he's not the Dukes' lone weapon. Last week big-play receiver David Byerley caught 4 passes for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns.