Football: Scouting Week 5, Northwest

MSL EASTRolling Meadows (3-1) at Wheeling (2-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Rolling Meadows 40, Wheeling 27

Outlook: Both teams open their conference schedule with a pivotal game. Wheeling appeared to be on track two weeks again when the Wildcats upended Palatine. But last week the train seemed to derail as Wheeling was beat soundly by a what is clearly a tough Barrington team. Wheeling will need to find more running room for Isaac Branch, who has yet to gain more than 100 yards in a game since coming back from an injury two weeks ago. Meadows is the only East team with a winning record so far. The Mustangs have played well the past two weeks, thanks to the running and passing of quarterback RJ Mattucci, who threw for 3 touchdowns last week in a win over Hoffman Estates. "We know that the East is always going to be a dogfight," Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. "And we get a very good Wheeling team to start."

Buffalo Grove (2-2) at Elk Grove (0-4)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Elk Grove 47, Buffalo Grove 21

Outlook: The Bison look to rebound after a tough loss last week that saw the Bison lose the services of quarterback Trey Cervantes, who had been playing well thus far. Jarrett Jurczack came on in relief and threw for 68 yards and with work this week in practice, should be more comfortable. Things haven't been comfortable for Elk Grove, which has played 3 games against 8A teams and one game against a 7A team so far this year. The Grens, who will now be playing East teams that are all 6A squads like themselves, hope to get their offense, which has scored 3 touchdowns, back into gear.

Hersey (2-2) at Prospect (0-4)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Hersey 20, Prospect 17, 2 OT

Outlook: Prospect got its offense back in gear last week against Palatine, rushing for 196 yards. The Knights got a nice two-pronged attack from quarterback Greg Suarez and running back Bobby Jarosz. Prospect scored more points last week than in the previous three weeks combined. But they face a Hersey defense, led by Chase Bandolik, Will Trossen, Cole Monckton and Joe Caputo, that is one of the stingiest in the area, having allowed a total of just 45 points this year. The Hersey offense, which has scored just 46 points, has struggled at times, especially in the red zone. The Huskies have gotten a lift in recent weeks by the play of quarterback Eric Portenlanger, who has thrown for 419 yards and 3 touchdowns.

MSL WESTPalatine (2-2) at Conant (2-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Conant 39, Palatine 23

Outlook: Although it may be early, this game may decide who goes to the playoffs and who stays home. It looks like a fairly even matchup, with a Palatine offense averaging 32 points facing against a Conant defense that has allowed less than 15 points per game and has held two of its opponents without a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, Palatine has had its difficultie; quarterback Nick Orlando and running back Chris Cornelius will also get some defensive reps this week in an effort to solidify Palatine's defense. Conant has not been a juggernaut offensively, mostly due to an injury to starting quarterback Kyle Bradley. But Bradley returned to play last week and should benefit from another week of practice.

Hoffman Estates (3-1) at Fremd (3-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Fremd 17, Hoffman Estates 0

Outlook: It will be homecoming at Fremd - on many different levels. The Vikings will honor their 1996 team, which was coached by current Hoffman Estates coach Mike Donatucci; he's making his first coaching appearance at Fremd since he retired from teaching there three years ago. Donatucci brings his team in a bit banged up but hungry to get back on the win side after a loss to Rolling Meadows last week. With a victory, the Hawks would prove that they have returned to the elite in the West. In order to do that, the Hawks must be able to contain the Fremd ground machine which has rushed for 820 yards in the last three games. Fremd's offense has been churning up the yards since the Vikings switched to Cordell Finley at quarterback.

Schaumburg (1-3) at Barrington (4-0)When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last year's result: Schaumburg 33, Barrington 21

Outlook: In the MSL's only matinee game of the year, it will be a battle of the top two teams from last year in the West. Schaumburg, which got off to a slow start this year, appears to have turned things around with its win last week. The Saxons looked a lot like last year's team, piling up 327 yards of offense including 229 on the ground. Justice Macneal-Smith has already gained 461 yards on 91 carries. Barrington has looked solid each time out; last week the Broncos dominated a sold Wheeling team. Barrington continues to be impressive on defense, allowing a total of just 28 points while pitching 2 shutouts. The Broncos offense, meanwhile, is running wild, averaging nearly 40 points and 352 yards of offense.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. Viator (2-2, 1-1) at Notre Dame (2-2, 1-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Notre Dame 28, St. Viator 14

Outlook: This is a game that St. Viator needs if the Lions hope to make a playoff run. And they will have to beat a Notre Dame team they have lost to six times in a row, with St. Viator's most recent victory coming in 2006. St. Viator came so close to ending their 25-game losing streak to Joliet Catholic last week as quarterback Tyler Johnston continues to impress. Johnston, has thrown for 1,138 yards and 8 touchdowns. His favorite receiver, Ben Dickey, who has 32 catches for 460 yards, will be a game-time decision. But Johnston still has Matt Darling (23 catches, 270 yards) and Sal Canella (13 catches, 130 yards) to throw to. Notre Dame was impressive last week, beating a Marist team that St. Viator beat two weeks ago.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeyden (0-4, 0-1) at Downers Grove South (2-2, 1-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Downers Grove South 31, Leyden 24

Outlook: The Eagles continue to have difficulties on both side of the ball. The offense has been spotty at times and has scored just 4 touchdowns. Still, the play of quarterback Tom Pajor and wide receiver Alex Lemon, who has 26 catches for 390 yards, has been a bright spot. On defense, The Eagles were victimized last week by Addison Trail's big plays and have allowed an average of 44 points in the last 3 games. Leyden faces a Downers Grove South team that has been up and down so far but is coming off a nice 31-7 win last week over Morton.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHNiles North (2-2) at Maine West (1-3)When: Friday, 70 p.m.

Last year's result: Niles North 29, Maine West 27

Outlook: After struggling in divisional crossover games the last two weeks, Maine West opens Central Suburban North play. The Warriors look to shore up their defense after surrendering 95 points in their last two games. Maine West looks to have better success against a Niles North team that has scored 13 points in its last two games, while also allowing 95 points against them during the same period.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty Academy (0-4, 0-4) at Mooseheart (1-3, 1-3)When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Last year's result: Mooseheart 48, CLA 0

Outlook: This may be CLA's last realistic shot at a victory this season in an attempt to break a 13-game losing streak. Coach Dave Daniels has just three seniors on his team but has his Chargers playing hard. The lack of experience shows at times but the Chargers are staying positive. "We are really young," Daniels said. "But there is no quit in this team." Mooseheart's only victory came against North Shore, which forfeited to the Red Raiders two weeks ago.