Scouting DuPage County football this weekend
By Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
kschmit@dailyherald.com
Bartlett (5-2, 4-0) at Neuqua Valley (5-2, 3-1)
Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Bartlett 42, Metea Valley 0; Waubonsie Valley 27, Neuqua Valley 21 (OT).
Last year: Bartlett 25, Neuqua Valley 23.
Outlook: To have a shot at its first conference title since 2006, Neuqua must beat the Hawks to create a three-way tie, with Waubonsie Valley, atop the UEC Valley. (All face teams below .500 in Week 9.) Multiple challenges await the Wildcats, namely Bartlett’s physicality on the line and on defense, and Hawks quarterback A.J. Bilyeu, who unofficially has completed 84 of 147 passes for 1,123 yards, 15 touchdowns, 8 interceptions.
While Neuqua defensive backs such as Marquise Jones, Dennis Thurow and Mike Sutter can’t get burned, Neuqua needs pressure from defensive ends Michael Ippolito and Michael Casas, tackles Jake Spinell and Nathan Wells, son of coach Bryan Wells. While the Wildcats must get some production out of the passing game, Neuqua’s strength remains its ground attack of Danny Dudek and Joey Rhattigan, who ran for 241 of his 1,073 yards against Waubonsie. “We have to control the tempo of the game with our offense,” Bryan Wells said.
Next week: East Aurora at Bartlett; Neuqua Valley at Lake Park.
Glenbard North (5-2, 3-2) at Wheaton North (6-1, 5-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: WW South 13, Glenbard North 7: Wheaton North 14, Naperville Central 7.
Last year: Glenbard North 17, Wheaton North 14.
Outlook: The Panthers have faltered with two straight DVC losses and because they’re a little thin on playoff points, they’d love to get that key sixth win. Quarterback Brian Murphy, despite ankle issues, played well last week. Expect Phil and Justin Jackson — Phil’s rushed for 718 yards and 12 scores — to carry the rushing load against an improving Falcons defense that received its own gutsy effort last week from linebacker Mike Swider, nursing an ankle injury.
Wheaton North’s offense continues to be the most diverse in the DVC with quarterback John Peltz, who’s thrown for 1,171 yards and 10 touchdowns, running back Patrick Sharp and receiver Johnny Daniels. Big plays by Sharp and Daniels sparked last week’s win, and Glenbard North’s talented secondary of Tremel Smith, Alex Mendez and Justin Jackson will see its stiffest test of the season. A victory wraps up a share of Wheaton North’s first DVC title since 2002, also the last time they beat the Panthers.
Next week: Naperville North at Glenbard North; Wheaton North at WW South.
Glenbard South (4-3, 3-0) at Ridgewood (4-3, 2-0)
Metro Suburban Conference
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Glenbard South 40, Fenton 8; Ridgewood 47, St. Joseph 6.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: Glenbard South has dominated its first season of MSC play, highlighted by its big victory over two-time defending champion Fenton. The Raiders’ defense, no doubt battle-tested by early-season games against Prairie Ridge and Crete-Monee, is much improved. Outside linebacker Zach Bava again paced last week’s effort with 11 tackles, while fellow outside linebacker Aaron Kelly snared 2 of the team’s 5 interceptions.
With Nick Boesso back from injury, the Raiders are poised to slow down talented Ridgewood running back P.J. O’Connor after he accounted for nearly 300 total yards against St. Joseph. The Raiders counter O’Connor with Wes Sanders and his 640 rushing yards, 262 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns. Quarterback Tyler Padera has another quality target in Elven Walker, who adds 17 receptions and 301 yards. The difference could come down to the number of two-way players on Ridgewood’s side. A Raiders win seals the outright MSC title.
Next week: Glenbard South at Fort Zumwalt South, Mo.; Ridgewood at Elmwood Park.
Naperville Central (4-3, 3-2) vs. Naperville North (5-2, 4-1)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Central College.
Last week: Wheaton North 14, Naperville Central 7; Naperville North 45, West Aurora 21.
Last year: Naperville North 27, Naperville Central 24.
Outlook: With two physical defenses and playmakers on both offenses, this figures to be another quality chapter of the Wes Spencer Classic. Naperville Central’s offense accounted for 250 total yards last week, but 8 penalties stalled some drives. Running back Matt Randolph, who’s rushed for 893 yards, and Ian Lewandowski, with 588 passing yards and 320 rushing yards, hope to ignite the Redhawks’ offense again after tallying only 24 points the last three weeks.
Naperville North’s defense feeds from all three levels, including the secondary with Mariano Long and Kevin Nalefski. Huskies quarterback Tyler Gehr is a dual-threat talent with more than 1,000 total yards. With running back Danny Puknaitis, who’s rushed for 763 yards, Matt Stacho and others, Naperville North’s offense has flourished in recent weeks. Redhawks defensive lineman Zach Borta found another way to impress last week with his stunning 20-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Next week: West Chicago at Naperville Central; Naperville North at Glenbard North.
York (5-2, 3-1) at Glenbard West (7-0, 4-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Last week: Lyons Twp. 29, York 27; Glenbard West 14, Addison Trail 0.
Last year: Glenbard West 27, York 10.
Outlook: York’s title hopes in the Silver hang by a thread after last week’s last-second loss. Quarterback Joe Lucca must keep the chains moving through receivers David Byerley, Jordan Preuss, Austin Wagner and Mike Despinich, who have combined for 98 catches for 1,694 yards. Glenbard West defensive linemen Tommy Schutt and Ruben Dunbar batted down several passes last week, a talent that should come in handy this weekend. Cornerbacks Mike and Matthew Marston are true ballhawks.
York’s defense suffered a huge loss with the injury suffered by Nick Skuteris, who’s questionable. If he can’t play, lineman Joe Dickert and defensive back Jake Rzeszutko need to keep up their high level of play. Glenbard West quarterback Justice Odom is steadily improving from a knee injury, but Henry Haeffner’s ready for his second straight start. The Hilltoppers’ 2000-yard running game of Avery Balogh, Joey Zito, Kendall Johnson and others remains the offensive key.
Next week: Hinsdale Central at York; Glenbard West at Downers North.
Addison Trail (6-1, 4-0) at Willowbrook (0-7, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Blazers may have lost to Glenbard West but the defense stood tall with linemen Jake Newsome and Tom Caputo. Willowbrook quarterback Dom Battaglia is banged up, but running back Raphael Garcia stepped up with 70 rushing yards last week.
Benet (1-6, 0-6) at St. Viator (1-6, 0-6)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: It’ll be strength on strength when St. Viator’s offense faces Benet’s defense. Benet’s sophomore class contributed greatly last week. Running back Porter Ontko rushed for 109 yards while John Duvic kicked 2 field goals to account for the 6-0 win.
Downers North (2-5, 1-3) at Hinsdale Central (5-2, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Old Oaken Bucket’s up for grabs again as Hinsdale Central and junior quarterback Brian Owens look to extend a three-game winning streak. Anthony Rada and Downers North’s ground game were dominant in its win over Proviso West.
Elmwood Park (3-4, 0-2) at Fenton (5-2, 0-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: A third straight Metro Suburban Conference title is out of the picture, so Fenton looks to become a playoff qualifier with a win. Alessandro Porcelli, Ryan Rogers and Mike Datavs return to give Fenton a full team for the first time in three weeks.
Hinsdale South (4-3, 3-1) at Downers Grove South (7-0, 4-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Hinsdale South hasn’t held the Rebel Cannon since 2005 when the Hornets won the West Suburban Gold title. They face a Mustangs team outscoring the Gold 192-22, led up front by Terrance Allen, Chris Eberhart, Josh Aldrin and Jeremy Ulrich.
Lake Park (3-4, 1-3) at Metea Valley (3-4, 1-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: LaCurt Evans’ 175 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns and Tyler Smith’s 67-yard TD catch highlighted Lake Park’s big-play win over St. Charles East. Metea Valley aims to improve its own capability with the return from injury of quarterback Jarrett House.
Manteno (6-1) at Lisle (2-5)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Big and athletic Manteno, the co-leader of the Interstate Eight’s Large Division, is “a machine,” according to Lisle coach Dan Sanko. His Lions can’t make the same mistakes that plagued their 27-14 loss to Seneca — 2 fumbles, 2 interceptions.
Montini (5-2) at Walther Lutheran (2-5)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: Probably just one more catch will give Montini senior Jordan Westerkamp the all-time receiving yardage record according to the IHSA. That should be a done deal, as the Broncos are cooking with gas now that quarterback John Rhode is active.
St. Francis (5-2) at Immaculate Conception (5-2)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: St. Francis’ Jack Petrando will test IC’s ability to tackle a ball carrier out of the Wing-T — probably preferable to Aurora Christian’s 300 passing yards to beat the Knights last week. St. Francis must find and wrap up IC quarterback Demetrius Carr.
Waubonsie Valley (6-1, 3-1) at East Aurora (0-7, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Waubonsie rallied from a 21-14 deficit to defeat Neuqua Valley 27-21 in overtime. Unfortunately for East Aurora, Warriors quarterback Dylan Warden, tailback Austin Guido, defensive tackle Zac Steele will probably require only a half of work.
West Aurora (2-5, 0-5) at West Chicago (1-6, 1-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: West Chicago’s flying high after its first DuPage Valley Conference win since beating the Blackhawks in 2008. Nick Sanzeri’s 3 touchdowns led a 240-yard ground game against Glenbard East. Brian Baids continues to be a defensive leader.
Wheaton Academy (1-6) at Aurora Central (3-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Marian Central quarterback Chris Streveler picked apart Wheaton Academy last week, but that’s not ACC’s bag. The Chargers’ double-wing will test John Mark Wiersema, John Gemmel, Trey Spurgeon and Peter Ferrill on the ground, inside and out.
WW South (4-3, 4-1) at Glenbard East (1-6, 0-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Injuries dictate this matchup. Tigers running back Dan Vitale likely will sit with a hip pointer. Look for sophomore Ryan Graham to start at quarterback. The latest season-ending injury for the Rams was suffered by leading tackler Gustavo Garcia.