Scouting Week 8 Fox Valley football

Bartlett (5-2, 4-0) at Neuqua Valley (5-2, 3-1)

When: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Bartlett 25, Neuqua Valley 23

Last week: Bartlett 42, Metea Valley 0; Waubonsie Valley 27, Neuqua V. 21, OT

Outlook: It's a pivotal matchup between league heavyweights. These teams have combined to either share or outright win eight titles in the Upstate Eight Conference since 2001. Bartlett holds an 8-6 lead in the series, which began in 1998. The Hawks know if they lose to Neuqua Valley they will still likely win a share of the UEC Valley crown because their lone remaining game is against winless East Aurora. But Bartlett isn't real big on the idea of sharing. "It would probably be a three-way split (with Waubonsie Valley) if we lose, but the kids want to be the outright winners," Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. "It'll be a battle. They're huge, and they've gotten better since the beginning of the year. Waubonsie Valley is a good team and Neuqua took them to overtime last week. We've got our work cut out for us." The Wildcats are led by junior running back Joey Rhattigan, DuPage County's leading rusher (1,037 yards) and leading scorer (114 points). Bartlett counters with a defense led by veteran inside linebackers Mike Partyka and Kevin Kirchhoff. That unit is coming off its third shutout of the season. The Bartlett defense limits opponents to 175.9 rushing yards per game. Offensively, the Hawks have benefitted of late from the passing combination of AJ. Bilyeu to Zach Karys. The seniors have connected nine times for 173 yards and 4 touchdowns in the last two weeks.

Next week: East Aurora at Bartlett; Neuqua Valley at Lake Park

Geneva (6-1) at South Elgin (3-4)

When: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at South Elgin Stadium

On the air: WEPS 88.9-FM with announcers Kyle Bault and SEHS student Ed Mitchell. Video of the game can be viewed live at www.useducationtv.com (click on Illinois on the map and choose South Elgin High School).

Last year: Geneva 31, South Elgin 28

Last week: South Elgin 52, East Aurora 6; Geneva 42, Streamwood 0

Outlook: This is a rematch of one of the better 2010 Upstate Eight Conference crossovers, which Geneva won on a 35-yard field goal as time expired, thereby overcoming a 14-point second-half deficit. "That was an unreal game down there," South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. "We remember it and our kids are looking forward to this weekend. We've had a real good week of practice. The kids know what's at stake." South Elgin is fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. A win would keep alive South Elgin's goal of reaching the playoffs for the third straight year. The Storm get a huge lift this week from the return of all-UEC lineman Jon Slania, who has missed the last two games due to injury. Schabert said his physical tackle is feeling healthier than he has since the season began. The South Elgin defense will be challenged by Northern Illinois-bound quarterback Matt Williams. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior connected with receiver Ben Rogers last week 5 times for 125 yards in a blowout of Streamwood. Williams, who also ran for 3 scores last week, has thrown only 3 interceptions this season. "He's a pretty good player to already have (a grant-in-aid scholarship) in his pocket already," Schabert said. "He has earned it. They also run the ball really well with powers and traps. Play action works well for them as a result just like it does for any team that can run the ball. He also has receivers who run good routes and can catch it. We need to sustain drives and maintain possession without turnovers. It could come down to the kicking game again like it did last year, and we feel good about that with (senior kicker) David (Reisner)." Reisner has 4 field goals this season.

Next week: South Elgin at Waubonsie Valley; Geneva at Larkin

Larkin (3-4, 2-2) at Streamwood (5-2, 2-2)

When: today at 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Field

Last year: Larkin 51, Streamwood 28

Last week: Geneva 42, Streamwood 0; St. Charles North 29, Larkin 25

Outlook: This is a must win for both sides. Streamwood is sitting on five wins and needs one more victory to guarantee the school's first playoff berth since 2002. The Sabres won't have enough playoff points to make the postseason as a 5-4 team, and they have the unenviable task of facing powerful league-leading Batavia next week. It's likely the Sabres must beat Larkin or miss the playoffs. The Royals' playoff prospects dimmed last week with a home loss to St. Charles North. The result? Larkin must defeat Streamwood on the road this week and somehow manage to upset Geneva (6-1) in next week's finale at Memorial Field. "Next week is a mute point if we don't give ourselves a chance with a win this week," said Larkin coach Mike Scianna, a Streamwood graduate. "I'll take any chance to make the playoffs because it's better than no chance." The Royals have been battling injuries late in the season. All UEC-River center Terry Schabert may not play due to concussion. He was kicked in the head during a goal-line stand last week. Top running back Maurece Jackson had not practiced as Wednesday. "We're banged up so we need some guys to step up," Scianna said. "We have to win and give ourselves a shot." Streamwood running back Alex Morrow is the area's leading scorer (84 points) and rusher. Morrow has carried 140 times for 962 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Larkin defense allows 204 yards rushing per game. The Royals are spearheaded offensively by senior quarterback Kyle Newquist. The three-year starter has completed 59 of 120 attempts for 991 yards and 7 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. His leading targets are Justin Banks and Shaq Mosley. Banks is the area's leading receiver with 33 receptions for 610 yards and 4 touchdowns. Mosley has heated up in recent weeks. He has 13 catches for 295 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Next week: Geneva at Larkin; Streamwood at Batavia

St. Charles East (1-6, 1-3) at Elgin (1-6, 0-5)

When: today at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Field

Last year: Elgin 27, St. Charles East 24

Last week: Batavia 49, Elgin 0; Lake Park 43, St. Charles East 27

Outlook: The Maroons could enjoy a happy homecoming if they can defeat the visiting Saints for the second consecutive year. "Homecoming can be a real shot in the arm; the kids are excited and practicing hard," Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. "No matter what's going on this year, you obviously want to win your homecoming game." Bierman is familiar with the coaching philosophies of Geneva coach Mike Fields. They worked together as assistant coaches on Rob Wicinski's staff at Geneva. Elgin gets healthier this week; sophomore running back Jaylen Clemons and left tackle Zach Lindstrom (6-0, 230) return to the lineup from injuries. So does leading rusher Dennis Moore, who broke his hand last week. However, Moore practiced this week wearing a cast and is expected to play. The Maroons must do a better job of avoiding the turnovers that have plagued them. Elgin has lost 9 of its 11 fumbles and has thrown 12 interceptions, resulting in a -13 turnover deficit overall. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Sitter has thrown 11 of those interceptions since he was thrust into the starting role in Week 3. He has also thrown 5 touchdown passes. "This game will come down to mistakes," Bierman said. "We've shot ourselves in the foot a lot with turnovers. We can't do that. We've been putting an emphasis on taking care of the ball and not putting ourselves in holes with penalties." St. Charles East tailback Carter Reading scored last week on a 99-yard kickoff return.

Next week: St. Charles North at St. Charles East; Elgin at Metea Valley

St. Edward (2-3, 1-3) at Aurora Christian (6-1, 4-0)

When: today at 7 p.m.

On the air: WRMN 1410-AM and streaming live at wrmn1410.com, announcers Jeff Myers and Kyle Bault.

Last year: Aurora Christian 29, St. Edward 22

Last week: Montini 59, St. Edward 14; Aurora Christian 35, IC 28

Outlook: The task remains the same for the third straight week: St. Edward must defeat a state-ranked opponent to earn its fifth win and a third straight playoff berth. The Green Wave close the regular season with two road games on turf surfaces. They play St. Francis next week in the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division finale at the College of DuPage, but first things first. The Eagles lead the SCC Gold Division (4-0) and enter this contest ranked No. 5 in Class 4A. Aurora Christian is led by Western Michigan-bound quarterback Anthony Maddie. He has thrown for 1,903 yards and 27 touchdowns in former NFL star Don Beebe's spread offense. That's not good news for a St. Edward defense that was burned for 8 touchdown passes and 348 yards passing a week ago. However, the Wave likely match up better against Aurora Christian better than they do against physically stronger St. Francis. "We don't expect to be overpowered by them physically, but they have some great athletes," St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said of Aurora Christian. "They have a great quarterback who can do damage in the air and on the ground, and they're used to playing on turf. We're not. That said, we still haven't had a game where the kids came out and played lights out, played above their ability. If that happens, we can play with anyone." Leading the rushing game for St. Edward are senior Luke Duffy (97 carries, 727 yards, 9 TD) and sophomore Devontae Elam (62-511-5). The St. Edward offense was held to 17 points in the last two weeks, so don't be surprised if the desperate Green Wave pull out all the stops.

Next week: St. Edward at St. Francis; Aurora Central Catholic at Aurora Christian

Woodstock (1-6) at Huntley (1-6)

When: today at 7:30 at Harmony Road Campus

Last year: Huntley 34, Woodstock 16

Last week: Woodstock 15, Hampshire 14; Cary-Grove 31, Huntley 14

Outlook: The Blue Streaks make the short trip south on Ill. Rt. 47 to face the Red Raiders in a Fox Valley Conference crossover. Woodstock owns a 4-3 series lead since Huntley joined the FVC in 2003. It's Senior Night at Huntley, which gets a lift from the return of injured offensive lineman Mike Silvestri. "Other than Jordan Hyatt being out for the year, this is the healthiest we've been all year so that's a positive," Huntley coach Matt Gehrig said. "It's our last home game and it's a bit of a rivalry game even if it's a crossover. Even though we didn't' play well last week, we felt at time we did some good things and played with intensity as a team. We'd like to see that carry over." Gehrig said Woodstock thrives on big plays, which the defense must eliminate. The Streaks line up mostly under center but will occasionally show a wildcat formation in addition to one-back and two-back sets. "It will be a hard-fought game," Gehrig said. "We have to put all phases together, fire on all cylinders and execute on both sides of the ball. I'd like to see our guys play aggressive physically and sound mentally."

Next week: Huntley at McHenry; Woodstock at Johnsburg

Jacobs (6-1, 3-1) at Crystal Lake South (6-1, 4-1)

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

Last year: Crystal Lake South 28, Jacobs 14

Last week: CL South 42, Dundee-Crown 0; Prairie Ridge 35, Jacobs 14

Outlook: There's more on the line than just bragging rights between these nearby schools. The winner of this Fox Valley Conference game not only remains within a game of Valley Division leader Prairie Ridge with one game to play, the winner also gets a leg up on securing a home game in the opening round of the upcoming IHSA playoffs. Both teams could well find themselves in the same bracket in Class 7A when pairings are released next Saturday night. "It's another big one, no doubt," Jacobs coach Bill Mitz said. "If you win the last two games you'll probably be at home. I'm sure they're feeling the same way." Indeed, the Gators see the same scenario. "With our playoff points we might even get a home game at 7-2, but you want to be 8-1," CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. "The winner will probably get a home game, which could end up being a rematch against each other in the second round if we both end up in 7A." Something has to give; the Golden Eagles average 395 yards of total offense per game. The stingy Gators limit opponents to an average of just 107 yards. CL South has dominated the series in recent years, winning eight of the last 10 meetings. Jacobs last defeated the Gators in 2007, 16-7.

Next week: Dundee-Crown at Jacobs; Grayslake Central at CL South

Dundee-Crown (0-7, 0-4) at Cary-Grove (5-2, 2-2)

When: today at 7:15 p.m. at Al Bohrer Field Last year: C-G 49, D-C 7

Last week: Crystal Lake South 42, D-C 0; Cary-Grove 31, Huntley 14

Outlook: Cary-Grove looks to make it three straight wins in this FVC Valley Division tilt against the young Chargers, who have endured more than their fair share of injuries lately. Out of the lineup this week are running back TJ Moss (broken ankle) and Trent Muscat (separated shoulder). On the positive side of the ledger, junior quarterback Garrett Ryan returns after missing the last two games. "We're excited about that," D-C coach Vito Andriola said of Ryan's return. "Hopefully, we can get the offense looking like an offense." The Chargers, who will start six sophomores on offense this week, have struggled to score all season. They average 10 points and 127 yards per game. More good news? The D-C offense will face a Cary-Grove defense fortified by the return of middle linebacker Sam Babick, who has missed several weeks due to injury. "It's great to have him back because he's the equivalent of our quarterback on defense," Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg said. "If guys have questions about alignments or their assignments, he helps them because he knows what everybody on defense is supposed to do. The guys really depend on him. I just want to see improvement on both sides of the ball this week." The Trojans offense averages 26.7 points and 328 yards per game, led by junior quarterback Quinn Baker (86 carries, 654 yards, 12 TD).

Next week: Dundee-Crown at Jacobs; Cary-Grove at Prairie Ridge

Woodstock North (5-2, 3-1) at Hampshire (1-6, 1-3)

When: today at 7 p.m. at Hampshire Athletic Field

Last week: Woodstock 15, Hampshire 14; Woodstock N. 25, Grayslake C. 0

Outlook: It's a must-win situation for the visiting Thunder, who have already set a program record for victories in a season and are making a bid to win the Fox Division of the Fox Valley Conference for the first time. Last week they upset previously undefeated Grayslake Central 25-0 to pull within a game of the division-leading Rams. That's the same Grayslake Central that defeated Hampshire 34-0 in Week 3. "They have a good club and the run the ball well," Hampshire coach Dan Cavanaugh said. "They have a couple of real nice players." The Whip-Purs have a real nice player of their own in two-way performer Chase Lundry, who leads Hampshire on both sides of the ball. The senior is the area's third-leading rusher with 908 yards and 11 touchdowns on 172 carries (5.3 avg.). Defensively, Lundry leads the team with 44 tackles from his safety position. Woodstock North running backs Adam Haimbaugh and Ryan Wade have combined to rush for nearly 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Next week: Hampshire at CL Central; Woodstock North at Grayslake North

N. Boone (4-3, 1-2) at Burlington Central (5-2, 2-1)

When: today at 7 p.m. at Rocket Hill Last year: North Boone 28, BC 27

Last week: Burlington Central 14, at Harvard 7; Marengo 17, North Boone 14

Outlook: The Rockets can clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2007. "Our theme this week in practice was to get that "C" next to our name in the standings saying you've clinched a playoff berth with six wins," Central coach Rich Crabel said. "If we can win our last two and go 7-2, we still have a chance for a home playoff game. That's iffy, but it's a possibility so we're using it as a motivator for our next two games." The Rockets are as healthy as they've been since the season opened. Senior fullback/defensive back Al Willett had his cast removed this week, giving him a bit more mobility. Leading receiver Zach Ranney returned from a foot injury last week and made 3 receptions to up his season totals to 22 catches for 347 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Rockets remain balanced offensively thanks to junior running back Joel Bouagnon. The area's fourth-leading rusher is a load to bring down at 205 pounds, which accounts, in part, for his 8.2-yard average per carry. He has rushed for 790 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Rockets would like to exact revenge on the Vikings, who won last year's Big Northern Conference East Division meeting by a point for their first win in the series in five tries. North Boone junior quarterback Austin Baden leads the spread offense attack for North Boone, which averages 25.7 points per game. "They'll spread you all over the place," Crabel said. "(Baden) is a very talented quarterback and he's also their best run threat. It's one of those games where we'll have to be in the right place at the right time and we'll be holding our breath on every play."

Next week: Burlington Central at Marengo; Richmond-Burton at North Boone