Scouting Elgin at Carmel
No. 14 Elgin Maroons (6-3) at No. 3 Carmel Corsairs (8-1)
When: 7 p.m., today
Last week: Elgin def. Aurora Metea Valley, 50-14; Carmel lost to Cincinnati (OH) Elder, 21-14.
Playoff history: Elgin is making its first playoff appearance since 2001. Carmel, the 2003 Class 6A state champion, is making its 11th straight playoff appearance. Last year, the Corsairs were ousted in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs by Prospect, 33-13
Head coaches: Dave Bierman, Elgin; Andy Bitto, Carmel
Fast facts: Elgin has won two straight games and four of its last five. The Maroons are averaging 25.8 points and allowing 18.1 points per game. Carmel ran the table in league play to become the outright champion of the rugged East Suburban Catholic Conference. The Corsairs' only loss of the season came last week in a nonconference game in Ohio. Carmel is scoring 35.7 points and is allowing 11.8 points per game. The Corsairs boast the stingiest defense in the ESCC.
Carmel leaders: Rushing: Jordan Kos, 141 carries for 1,161 yards and 12 touchdowns; Michael Panico, 70 carries for 728 yards and 10 touchdowns. Passing: Brian Serio, 21 of 44 attempts for 425 yards, 1 interception and 7 touchdowns. Receiving: Ryan Cappis, 9 receptions for 233 yards and 4 touchdowns; Patrick Mulroy, 4 receptions for 69 yards and 1 touchdown. Tackles: Luke Venegoni, 97 tackles; Tyler Lees, 97 tackles.
Line on Elgin: Elgin thinks big. As in big plays. "They are a big-play team," Carmel coach Andy Bitto said. "They are very scrappy on defense and explosive on special teams." Such explosiveness keeps the Maroons in every game. "Our kids have scored in every way possible this year: fumble return, interception return, punt, kickoff, run, pass," Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. "So every play can be important and can be points. They've proved that all year. If things don't go well right away we have to remember it can change in one play."
Line on Carmel: The Corsairs are ready to get back to work after suffering their first loss of the season last week. The competitive juices were flowing this week, on the field and off. "Our team is very competitive in practice and in the weight room," Bitto said. "Our strength is our overall team defense and team speed." Carmel will be the toughest test of the season for the Maroons. "They run the ball a lot and they're very good at it, obviously. They don't throw it much, just enough to keep you off balance. Personnel-wise, they're very good. Defensively, we have to fly to the ball and not let them get any big plays. Their three down linemen on defense are as good as any group we've seen. We have to play four good quarters of football, which we haven't done yet this year."