Scouting Lakes at Sycamore
No. 14 Lakes Eagles (6-3) at No. 3 Sycamore Spartans (8-1)
When: 7 p.m., Saturday
Last week: Lakes lost to Grant, 35-14; Sycamore def. Yorkville, 33-0.
Playoff history: This is Lakes' second straight playoff appearance and the third in school history. Last year, the Eagles lost in the second round (their furthest advancement) to Woodstock, 42-17. This is Sycamore's third playoff appearance in the last four years, with a miss in 2008. Last year, the Spartans advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals before losing to Montini, 31-17.
Head coaches: Luke Mertens, Lakes; Joe Ryan, Sycamore
Fast facts: Lakes has lost two of its last three games. The Eagles are averaging 22.7 points and allowing 20.9 points per game. Sycamore's only loss came in Week 8 to Kaneland, 30-13. The Spartans finished second in the Northern Illinois Big 12 East. They score 33.9 points and allow 13.1 points per game.
Lakes leaders: Rushing: Mike Pfeiffer, 63 carries for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns; Donte Arnold, 46 carries for 290 yards and 3 touchdowns. Passing: Jeff Eder, 54 of 98 for 595 yards, 8 interceptions and 3 touchdowns; Chris Hoffman, 16 of 37 attempts for 234 yards, 3 interceptions and 4 touchdowns. Receiving: Mike Hough, 16 receptions for 167 yards and 1 touchdown; Tanner Blain, 12 receptions for 179 yards and 0 touchdowns. Tackles: Tyler Menheer, 59 tackles; Donte Arnold, 46 tackles.
Sycamore leaders: Rushing: Eric Ray and Tommy Nice. Passing: Ryan Bartels. Receiving: Jordan Kalk; Eric Ray. Tackles: David Lord; Ben Olson.
Line on Lakes: The Eagles have had more than their fair share of injuries, especially in the backfield. Starting running back James Zell has missed most of the season with a knee injury and his replacement also went down with an injury after one game in the starting spot. And yet, here's Lakes in the playoffs for the second straight season. "We have faced a lot of adversity this year with injuries," Lakes coach Luke Mertens said. "I am proud of the way multiple players have stepped up to fill in where needed." Former wide receiver Mike Pfeiffer is a good example. He's stepped in and become the Eagles' top rusher and is a big reason the rushing game is still strong. "Our strength is running the football," Mertens said. "We need to put together drives to eat up some clock and keep their (Sycamore's) explosive offense off the field."
Line on Sycamore: It's going to be Lakes' size against Sycamore's speed. Head coach Joe Ryan says his team's biggest strength is its jets. "We are coming off the ball on both sides and playing fast," Ryan said. "We need to take care of the ball and get off the field on third downs."