Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley both looking for more offense

Waubonsie Valley (2-0, 2-0) at Neuqua Valley (1-1, 1-1)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last week: Waubonsie Valley 14, Glenbard North 7; Naperville Central 14, Neuqua Valley 7.

Last year: Waubonsie Valley 35, Neuqua Valley 28.

Outlook: Neuqua Valley leads the series 12-5. Two big differences here - this is the District 204 rivals' first DVC meeting, and aside from a 2012 playoff game it's the first time away from North Central College since 2002. Each team seeks an offensive surge. Waubonsie Valley mustered 166 yards of offense against Glenbard North, more than half coming on quarterback Jack Connolly's 89-yard run to set up a 1-yard touchdown blast by Max Ihry. Warriors coach Paul Murphy's stress is to get the option ground game clicking behind his experienced line anchored by center Tyler Caldwell. (Yet last year Waubonsie surprised the Wildcats by passing for 262 yards.) Like Ihry, Neuqua's Nick Osikowicz is a bear at running back-linebacker and thus far the focus of the Wildcats' offense. Coach Bill Ellinghaus looks to pick up the passing game. Even with tight end Brett Borske's day-to-day status with a lower-body injury, Neuqua has the tools in receivers Isaiah Robertson and Owen Piche.

Next week: Naperville Central at Waubonsie Valley; Neuqua Valley at Wheaton Warrenville South.