Scouting McHenry at Crystal Lake South

McHenry (1-7, 1-3) at Crystal Lake South (8-0, 4-0)

When: today at 7:15 p.m. at Ken Bruhn Field

Last year: Crystal Lake South 36, McHenry 0

Last week: Jacobs 54, McHenry 35; Crystal Lake South 28, Cary-Grove 14

Outlook: It would be the mother of all letdowns were the Gators were to lose to pass-happy McHenry one week after vanquishing perennial Valley Division champion Cary-Grove. The Gators have earned at least a share of the Valley title already. If they beat McHenry, they keep Cary-Grove from earning a split title, which would be the Trojans seventh straight in the FVC. "We want to be selfish," CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. "The kids aren't taking (McHenry) lightly. They know something special is on the line." McHenry, which operates out of a full spread offense, nearly upset Cary-Grove two weeks ago before falling in overtime, 23-20. The Warriors are led by quarterback Robert Tonyan, who has thrown for over 2,300 yards and 19 touchdowns. "We can move the ball on them," Ahsmann said. "It's a matter of not giving up too many plays against that offense. Watching the Cary film, they played straight cover-3. We'll challenge them with some different coverages. It's good for us to see this now because we might see a team in the playoffs that runs the spread. Their quarterback is rated highly in our area and they have some good receivers who can run." CL South starting nose guard Brandon Mitchell recently underwent successful surgery after suffering an injury in practice. He won't return this season. Senior Kyle Enos has taken over at nose. Running back Bolek Mikulec has returned to the team, though he may not play against McHenry. Mikulec (683 yards, 5 TD) was taken from the field on a stretcher last week with possible nerve damage. However, he dressed for practice this week, Ahsmann said, and is expected to at least dress Friday night. The Gators have won the last 7 meetings in this series.