Scouting Week 2 Fox football games
Kaneland (1-0) at Geneva (1-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: A battle here of two teams on the upswing. Kaneland is on the road for the first 3 weeks of the season. In last week's win over Andrew, defensive back Johnny Spallasso had an interception late to help seal the win. He also had 9 tackles (2 for loss). Junior free safety Alex Panico had 14 tackles, while the Knights offense was led by quarterback Troyer Carlson (20 of 27, 2 touchdowns) and Corey Phillips, who had a 31-yard touchdown with less than a minute to go in the game that gave Kaneland the lead. He also had a receiving touchdown and had a 30-plus-yard kickoff return. "Geneva is much improved with a strong running game and a fast, athletic defense," Kaneland coach Pat Ryan said. "For us to be successful, it will be important to be able to stop their run game and pass protect." Kaneland's defense forced 5 turnovers last week. Geneva won its first season opener in four years. Cater Powelson ran for 135 yards and a score to lead the Geneva offense. Defensive back Mason Pawelko had 7 tackles, 1 interception and an 82-yard punt return. "He was always around the ball and played great coverage against some quality receivers," Geneva coach Boone Thorgesen said. Linebacker/tight end Graham Borden played both sides of the ball, "and graded out the best amongst our players," the coach added. "He never took a play off. He is a high-character and high-motor kid." Notable: Thorgesen's brother is Kaneland defensive coordinator Mike Thorgesen. Their dad, of course, is Kaneland Hall of Fame coach Joe Thorgesen.
Streamwood (1-0) at Bartlett (0-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Streamwood is 6-1 over its last 7 games after its Week 1 win over West Chicago. Joel Sandoval ran 5 times for 129 yards and 2 scores and also kicked two PATs and had a 2-point conversion. Mike Estrada had 9 carries for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns. "Mike had a career day," coach Keith McMaster said. Issac Martinez had 8 carries for 99 yards and 2 scores, plus had 3 two-point conversions, a pick and a fumble recovery on defense. Streamwood ran for 432 yards on only 32 totes. "That tells you the offensive line blocking was dominating and running backs were following blocks," McMaster noted. The Sabres defense had 3 turnovers and forced 4 turnovers on downs - a 7-possession positive swing. Bartlett coach Matt Erlenbaugh said freshman Sam Mancilla did not play like a ninth-grader last week. "We have asked him to do a lot for us both offensively and defensively and he stepped up," the coach said. "This young man has a bright football career ahead of him." Erlenbaugh added that linebacker Gabe Bemont was all over the field making key plays last week, while defensive lineman Brandon Kmiecik shut down the inside run game in the team's 28-0 loss to Glenbard South. Now, another UEC tilt against neighbor Streamwood. "For us to be successful, we will have to control the line of scrimmage and be sure-tacklers," Erlenbaugh said. "Offensively, we have to stick to our assignments and have all 11 executive their responsibilities."
Batavia (1-0) at Oswego (0-1)When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: While Oswego may be 0-1 in the record book, Batavia coach Dennis Piron knows better. "Oswego is consistently one of the highest quality, most successful and well-coached programs in Illinois," he said. "We have a long history, old days playing them and we played two very tight, exciting games against them recently." Tight end Joey Wells was a difference-maker for Batavia in its Week 1 win against Chicago Phillips. "Joey did a great job edge blocking, down blocking and sealing. I am very excited for him," Piron said. "Phillips was very physical and big, and he met the challenge." Josh Dornink scored 3 touchdowns in the win and Piron added his kickoff ability is an added weapon for the team. Ryan Boe and Drew Gerke also drew rave reviews. "Josh and Ryan have improved so much from spring and showed special ability," Piron said. "Gerke had a nice first game with 4 catches all for big first downs."
Waubonsie Valley (0-1) at St. Charles East (0-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: The Saints will look to turn the corner here at home after a Week 1 loss to Lemont. St. Charles East coach Bryce Farquhar lauded the play of Colin Smith in the opener. "Colin Smith did a great job at running back for us in Week 1," he said. Waubonsie Valley lost 17-7 at home to Oswego East in its opener. "We have to be able to play a more physical brand of football to win," Farquhar said.
St. Charles North (1-0) at Lake Zurich (1-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: North coach Rob Pomazak noted several things that stood out on both sides of the ball in Week 1, including the play of Evan Goade on offense. "Our unsung hero was Evan Goade who came in and played center to spell our center-linebacker Mike Whitted," he said. Junior DB Jacob Nicholas had 4 tackles and 1 interception, while sophomore defensive tackle Angelo Bradley "was everywhere," Pomazak said. Sophomore running back Jake Mettetal scored 1 touchdown. The North Stars defense allowed only 137 yards of total offense in their 24-0 over Palatine last week.
Richmond-Burton (1-0) at Aurora Central Catholic (0-1)When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Chargers coach John Belskis said the rebuilding process of the program will continue at home this week against a historically strong Richmond program. "We certainly understand Richmond-Burton is a very well-coached and talented football team," he said. "We are trying to make strides to return our program back to being respected again. We are in a total rebuild of the program, which will not be done overnight."
Chicago Urban Prep/Bronzeville (0-1) at Aurora Christian (1-0)When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Aurora Christian had little trouble in its Week 1 win over Minonk Fieldcrest. But that was then and this is now. "As always, we have to protect the football and stop the run," Eagles coach David Beebe said. Beebe was pleased with overall line play against Fieldcrest. "The offensive and defensive lines did a great job of taking care of business," he said. Beyond the Xs and Os, Beebe and his crew were happy to be on the field. "Honestly, I was just overjoyed for the kids to be able to play again," he said. "The atmosphere was fantastic. It was great to have that feeling again on a Friday night."
Taylorville (1-0) at St. Edward (1-0)When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Outlook: First question, how far is Taylorville from Elgin? About 230 miles straight up I-55 is the answer (about 3 hours and 3 minutes). Taylorville plays in the Apollo Conference with the likes of Lincoln, Mt. Zion, Charleston, Mahomet-Seymour, Mattoon and Effingham, and has an enrollment more than double that of St. Edward. "This week is going to be a great challenge for our guys," St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. "Last week was the first varsity game for most of our guys and it was great to get a win, but this week will be against a seasoned and successful program in Taylorville." Of note, the Green Wave had five players rush between 32 and 62 yards on the way to piling on 248 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns against Christ the King. "The fact our running backs shared the load in Week 1 was significant," Rolando noted. St. Edward's special teams also were strong with a touchback and several kicks inside the 10, a 2-point conversion and 3-for-3 on point-after kicks, plus a kick was run back for a score. And, a safety was record by the Green Wave defense. St. Edward is 5-1 in its last six games.
Burlington Central (1-0) at Prairie Ridge (1-0)When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Lots to unpack from Central's Week 1 win against neighbor Hampshire. Junior kicker Griffin Kolhoff is a 2-sport standout in soccer and football. He was 4-for-4 on extra points against Hampshire and 3 touchbacks and made a game-saving tackle on a kickoff return at the end of the game. On defense, sophomore defensive end Porter Mihelich had 7 solo tackles (9 total) in his first varsity start. Middle linebacker Rob Gall, a junior, had 11 total tackles, 6 solos and scooped up 2 fumbles, including one he booked to the end zone 53 yards for a score. Coach Brian Melvin also was high on junior Jake Herman's first varsity start at corner and wide receiver. "He played outstanding," Melvin said. "He was everywhere he needed to be when he needed to be there. I couldn't have asked any more of Jake. An excellent game." Senior Gavin Sarvis had 173 yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns, plus was a monster on defense with 12 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 QB hurries and 1 pass deflection.
Cary-Grove (1-0) at Crystal Lake South (0-1)When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: Here is South coach Rob Fontana's candid assessment of the opponent walking into Ken Bruhn Field today. "Cary is in a league all by itself," he said. "Looking at their film, they start 19 of 22 starters who are seniors and all 11 offensive starters are seniors. They are so well-coached and fundamentally sound on both sides of the football. Their offense is a juggernaut, each guy is physical and wants to dominate you on each snap of the ball." Fontana saw plenty of positives after the Gators' Week 1 game against Jacobs (42-38 loss). Andy Burburija played both ways against Jacobs and was one of the team's highest-graded-out linemen on offense. Brandon Haning was another defensive standout, along with two-time all-FVC pick Shane Moran (team-leading 13 tackles). On the records front, Justin Kowalak broke with the South single-game mark for most passing yards at 395. He's also a two-time all FVC selection. "We expect him to be great each week, but never thought he would throw for almost 400 yards in that game," Fontana said.
Glenbard East (1-0) at Elgin (0-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Clem McCullough continues to make headlines for the Maroons and will be looked to once again against Upstate Eight foe Glenbard East. "Clem is our guy," Elgin coach Anthony Mason said. "He is explosive and can make something out of nothing. I don't think he left the field against East Aurora (in Week 1). I am looking for more guys to step up." Mason gave a shout out to punter Donovan Vences as well. "Due to being in rough positions, our punter kept us in the game," Mason said. "Donovan was great and did a great job handling the pressure of the game." Robert Moore also had a strong game. "Being thrown into many positions after sitting out last spring, he stepped up for us," Mason said.
South Elgin (1-0) at East Aurora (1-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Storm coach Dragan Teonic liked the way Mason Montgomery played (13 carries, 161 yards, 3 touchdowns) in his first game as a junior, while Axel Bernal, Salvi Macaluso, Jalen Jones and Jordan Jones also had strong showings in the Week 1 win over St. Viator. Teonic is well aware of East Aurora's Week 1 win over Elgin. "East Aurora is coming off a huge win against Elgin and this game is at their palace so we have to be ready for their best punch," he said. "With so many first-year starters, we must be able to focus on our assignments in a hostile environment." Teonic had a special unsung hero callout from last week. "Michael 'Hollywood' Jezioro our athletic director for working hard to secure a Week 1 game for us," he said. Former South Elgin Athletic Director Jason Ward is now assistant principal at East Aurora.
Chicago Lake View (1-0) at Marmion (1-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Veteran Marmion coach Dan Thorpe reports Lake View has a roster that is down to 28 kids and 19 frosh-soph. In the Cadets' Week 1 win, Jacob Bottarini was a presence all over the field and played well, while Josh Lim scored 2 touchdowns (1 rushing, 1 passing). Anthony Kuceba impressed Thorpe, playing both ways, running, catching, "and blocking his tail off while also solid on defense," he said.
Other Friday GamesRomeoville (0-1) at West Aurora (1-0), 7 p.m.
Jacobs (1-0) at Crystal Lake Central (1-0), 7 p.m.
Hampshire (0-1) at Dundee-Crown (0-1), 7 p.m.
Huntley (0-1) at McHenry (0-1), 7 p.m.
Larkin (0-1) at Fenton (0-1), 7:30 p.m.