Scouting Bartlett at Wheaton North

Bartlett at Wheaton North

Nonconference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last year: Did not play.

Outlook: Two teams with high expectations meet in the first year of this series. Wheaton North's defense returns only one starter in linebacker Mike Swider, and that unit will be severely tested by Bartlett's experienced offense featuring Air Force-bound quarterback A.J. Bilyeu, who threw for 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Bilyeu is one of five three-year starters for the Hawks, whose defense faces its own challenge against Wheaton North and first-year varsity quarterback John Peltz. He'll also rely on an abundance of skill players including receivers Johnny Daniels and Micah Penn, who combined for about 50 catches for 500 yards last year. Junior running back Patrick Sharp rushed for 500 yards.

Next week: Elgin at Bartlett; Wheaton North at Geneva.