Scouting Week 3 DuPage County football games
Shaw Local
Belleville East (1-1) at Metea Valley (0-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Metea Valley 15, Belleville East 14 (2021 at Belleville East)
About the Lancers: Belleville East makes the long trek north to face Metea. The Lancers play in the Southwestern Conference and have played Collinsville and Pekin thus far (combined 3-1 record). "Belleville East is very athletic with explosive capabilities," Metea coach John Parpet said. "They run an attacking 3-4 defense. We'll have to be sound in our gap run schemes as well as our drop-back pass game."
About the Mustangs: Parpet liked what he saw in the team's game against Lockport last week. "We had major improvement defensively from an assignment and tackling perspective," Parpet said. Parpet noted quarterback Noah Larson continues to play well. "Noah continues to make great decisions and lead the offense," he said. "We need to work on the run game offensively and eliminating costly drops," he said. Another area of focus has been the punt team. Linebacker Evan Hall runs the Metea defense "and is getting more comfortable at our middle linebacker position in the 3-5 defense," Parpet said. Kicker Nico Carrier remains perfect on PATs and field goals, while Robert Lynch is Larson's go-to receiver. He has 16 catches for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns.
O'Fallon (2-0) at Waubonsie Valley (0-2)
When: Friday, 6 p.m.
About the Panthers: O'Fallon also plays in the Southwestern Conference and will join Belleville East on the road in the Chicago western suburbs Friday. O'Fallon holds wins over Normal Community and Buchanan Troy from Missouri (combined 2-2 mark between the two opponents). "O'Fallon is a really good team on both sides of the ball," Waubonsie coach Tom Baumgartner said. "We will have to control the pace of play, battle on defense and play more consistent football on offense. Getting the ball to our playmakers and containing theirs will be key."
About the Warriors: Baumgartner cited strong Week 2 play from the likes of Brady Teeple (wide receiver), Jay Keeley, Mason Ringenbach and Bryce Provis.
Milwaukee Riverside University/Meir (2-1) at Naperville Central (1-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
About Meir: This is a new nonconference game on the schedule for Central. This is Riverside/Meir's fourth game of the season. "Defensively we need to be sound in our option responsibilities and continue to control the line of scrimmage," Redhawks coach Mike Ulreich said. "Offensively, we need to do a much better job of playing complimentary football. Sustaining drives, winning first down and executing on third downs."
About the Redhawks: Jack LeCrone was a star on defense last week against Plainfield North with 10 solo tackles out of his linebacker slot. "Jack was outstanding," Ulreich said. "He made some key tackles, especially on third down and in the goal line." John Stout also played well at nose guard. "John played with great effort and pad level."
Westmont (2-0) at Plano (1-1)
When: Friday, 7:15 p.m.
About the Sentinels: The Sentinels are looking to go 3-0, but face a tough test on the road in Plano. "As stated every week, we are a very undersized squad with limited bodies," Westmont coach Taj Jackson Sr. said. "All I ask of my guys is to compete, which is another core value. And of course, we want to burn the clock out." In last week's win Brock Conlon rushed for a 30-yard scamper for his first touchdown. Jackson Sr. also lauded the team's freshmen players. "Kudos to all the freshmen," he said. "They all were able to see some field time. Gaining experience will definitely help our future."
About the Reapers: "Plano is a very well-coached team," Jackson Sr. said. "They have a great running back in Waleed Johnson. To be successful, we will need to stop Johnson and make them throw the ball. Their running game is their strength."
West Chicago (0-2, 0-2) at Glenbard East (1-1, 1-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Glenbard East 49, West Chicago 0 (2021 at West Chicago)
About the Wildcats: "Glenbard East will be a formidable foe," West Chicago coach Adam Chavez said. "They are very well-coached and play physical football. We have to play error-free football, sustain our blocks and make proper reads." Chavez noted last week against Bartlett (42-0 loss) "did not go very well for us," he said. "We made mistakes in all three phases. We have to clean up our fundamentals and techniques."
About the Rams: So far, Glenbard East defeated Larkin (28-0) in its season opener and then dropped a 22-6 decision to South Elgin last week.
South Elgin (2-0, 2-0) at Fenton (0-2, 0-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: South Elgin 39, Fenton 22 (2020 season at Fenton)
About the Storm: These two teams did not meet last year due to COVID-related issues with Fenton. In Week 2, Michael Tringali had 17 tackles, 3 sacks. Mason Montgomery added 3 receptions to his season total, two going for touchdowns. He already has 6 receiving touchdowns and an additional one rushing.
About the Bison: "Fenton has a good core of players back from last year's team," South Elgin coach Dragan Teonic said. "Fenton finished ahead of us in the Chicago Bears 11-on, so we respect their ability." Fenton lost 26-7 to Elgin in Week 1 and 49-14 to Glenbard South in Week 2.
Larkin (1-1, 1-1) at Glenbard South (2-0, 2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last matchup: Glenbard South 34, Larkin 7 (2021 at Glenbard South)
About the Royals: Larkin took strides forward on the offensive side last week against Streamwood. Erick Myrick has made his presence known for the Royals. "Erick is being patient for a big game," coach Grant Dietz said.
About the Raiders: South has conference wins over East Aurora and Fenton thus far (combined 1-3 mark between them). "Glenbard South is a very good football team," Dietz said. "They are well-coached and play hard. We have to execute our offense and play physical, continue to play well on defense, and eliminate costly penalties that stall drives and set us back."
Aurora Central Catholic (0-2) at Wheaton Academy (2-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy 51, ACC 7 (2021 at ACC)
About the Chargers: The Metro Suburban Blue opener for both teams. "It was six years ago Aurora Central Catholic knocked us out of the first round of playoffs," Wheaton Academy coach Jim Johanik said. "A lot has transpired in our program since that time, and we're heading into this week against them in a completely different place."
About the Warriors: Johanik talked about the fact remaining disciplined and maintaining a consistent, high level of output in practice can be challenging week to week in high school football. "I tell our guys all the time the season is a marathon and not a sprint. It requires a punch-the-time-card, hardhat-and-lunch pail mentality. You have to show up to work every day because others depend on you. After last week against an upstart opponent, we've bought into this mentality and have practiced well regardless of who we played." After the 63-0 win over Christ the King, the Warriors found out their Marian Central, their Week 1 opponent, put up 54 points against Johnsburg "and we really only gave up seven against them, so our defense was encouraged," Johanik said. Two-way lineman Jaret Jawor (6-3, 245) continues to excel. "Jaret is a big man who can be often found downfield blocking for wide receivers and running backs," Johanik said. "He's a big lacrosse player who has speed for a big guy."
Batavia (1-1) at Wheaton North (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Batavia 23, Wheaton North 20, OT (2021)
About the Bulldogs: Coming off a rare loss, the Bulldogs are going to look for a rebound. The offense struggled with turnovers and scoring last week, so those adjustments will be under the magnifying glass. Senior wideout Alec Crum has perhaps quietly emerged as a home run option in the vertical passing game, but Charlie Whelpley, at running back, still leads in catches. Defensively, no surprise, Jack Sadowsky, Brodey Osborne and Tyler Jansey lead in tackles and will be all over the field.
About the Falcons: So far, so good for the new-look Falcons in the early going. The proof is in the pudding: The Falcons have outscored opponents 56-7. Max Howser has looked the part well at quarterback with 268 passing yards and three touchdowns through two weeks, but the Falcons are getting solid production from Walker Owens and Luke Beedle in the backfield. Defensively, Ross Dansdill is a staple at linebacker and is hard to miss in the middle of the Falcons' defense. Wheaton North is ranked No. 7 in the latest Class 7A Associated Press poll; Batavia is No. 3.
Glenbard North (1-1) at Geneva (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Glenbard North 21, Geneva 7 (2021)
About the Vikings: Nate Stempowski, again, has taken off for Geneva at quarterback, with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions through two weeks. Eight different receivers have receptions, but Talyn Taylor continues to ascend. Safety Jackson Reyes is leading the defense in tackles with 14, but Charlie Winterhalter is close behind with 10, eight coming from last week against Kaneland.
About the Panthers: Glenbard North is coming off a tough loss to Naperville North, but is still arguably in the mix for one of the better teams in the conference as it continues to shake out. Despite the offense having two turnovers in the red zone, quarterback Justin Bland still emerged with 251 yards passing and 64 rushing yards. Defensively, learn the following names, as they'll be around the action early and often: junior defensive lineman David Petty and defensive backs Zamari Robinson and Johnnie Robertson.
Wheaton Warrenville South (1-1) at St. Charles North (1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: WW South defeated St. Charles North 12-10 in 2021
About the North Stars: After making a switch at quarterback to Will Vaske, the North Stars - alongside a great defensive effort - emerged with a nice win over Lake Zurich last week. Vaske figures to get another chance to solidify himself at the position. Meanwhile, look for wideout Jake Mettetal to continue to emerge in the passing game, while Drew Surges does his usual strong two-way effort. Angelo Bradley and Aidan Zocher should have chances to get to the quarterback.
About the Tigers: Based off how week one versus Simeon finished, the Tigers enter, perhaps, with the most impressive win for a DuKane Conference team with last week's triumph over Neuqua Valley. Rush yards were severely limited last week down to 115 from 300 to open the season. Sophomore Luca Carbonaro appears to have settled in at quarterback. Charlie Butt, their No. 1 corner, is one to watch defensively and build off a promising game in his return to the field.
Lake Park (0-2) at St. Charles East (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Lake Park 27, St. Charles East 14 (2021)
About the Saints: Defensively, the Saints have turned up the heat in the last few weeks. They held Waubonsie Valley scoreless in the second half. Mac Paul, a linebacker, had two interceptions and is emerging. Trent Matejko had 134 yards rushing on 24 carries and continues to be an engine for the offense still gaining traction. The Saints have been vocal in previous weeks about their potential once conference play begins. Well, it's here.
About the Lancers: Lake Park has been outscored 50-27 through two weeks, so it's a mix of needing more from both sides of the ball in order to be in the hunt in the fourth quarter. Wideout Chaz Orrico is an intriguing talent at wide receiver that should help kick-start the offense.
Montini (1-1) at Marmion (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Marmion 27, Montini 10 (2021)
About the Cadets: The Cadets are coming in red hot and have plenty of playmakers to account for. Start with the simple fact they're winning the scoring margin by an eye-popping 97-0 and they've been able to rest and cycle in different players. Ryan Prell had three total touchdowns last week and Josh Lim had 128 all-purpose yards. Jack Lesher has been all around the football defensively and will be a matchup problem.
About the Broncos: After a tough loss week one, Montini bounced back with a resounding win over Hillcrest, 31-6.
Hinsdale Central (1-1) at Lyons (2-0)
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Hinsdale Central 35, Lyons 16 (2021)
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central got the get-well game it needed last Friday. After its offense struggled in a 24-9 Week 1 loss to Naperville Central, the Red Devils got rolling with a 51-0 win over Proviso East. Hinsdale Central, two-time defending Silver champs, has won 12 straight games in the Silver heading into Friday's divisional opener. It's one of two streaks Hinsdale Central takes into this one. The Red Devils have also won eight straight meetings with the Lions. Oddly enough, Hinsdale Central is the only Silver team with a loss through two weeks.
About the Lions: Lyons is 2-0 for the first time since 2017. The Lions followed up an impressive season-opening win at Buffalo Grove by rolling past Addison Trail 45-0. An offense led by junior QB Ryan Jackson and junior running back Jack Cheney has put up 83 points in two games. The Lions are one of a handful of teams in the Silver trying to break into the division penthouse occupied by Glenbard West and Hinsdale Central the last decade. Beating their close rivals for the first time since 2013 would go a long way toward the Lions establishing themselves as contenders in that upper echelon.
Oak Park-River Forest (2-0) at Glenbard West (2-0)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Last matchup: Glenbard West 60, Oak Park-River Forest 20 (2021)
About the Huskies: The Huskies have done well in taking care of business in the nonconference, following up its big win over neighborhood rival Fenwick by beating Hinsdale South 42-7 last week. The next three weeks - games with Glenbard West, Lyons and Hinsdale Central - will certainly provide a good barometer for the Huskies. Senior QB Jack Gooch hooked up with his favorite target Ryan Martin for four TD passes against Hinsdale South, and was 16-for-23 for 191 yards while Martin had seven catches for 118 yards. The two have connected for six TDs in two games. Eric Evans ran for 89 yards on five carries.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West's offense is humming heading into its Duchon Field home opener, with 75 points in two games after beating Downers Grove South 42-7 last week. Julius Ellens and Ben Cesario each scored two TDs in Week 2, including a 56-yarder from Cesario. Jack Oberhofer had a TD run and a pick-six for another score. It will be interesting to see how the young Hilltoppers' defense responds against a capable OPRF offense with a veteran QB. Glenbard West remains No. 3 in the latest Class 8A Associated Press poll.
Proviso West (2-0) at York (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: York 56, Proviso West 0 (2021)
About the Panthers: Among the West Suburban Silver's six unbeatens, Proviso West is undoubtedly the biggest surprise. The program has just a combined two wins over the last four seasons, and has not won more than two games since 2012, but followed up a Week 1 blowout of Steinmetz with a 39-26 WSC crossover win over Leyden. QB DJ Jones threw for 375 yards and five TDs in the win against Leyden. The schedule, clearly, stiffens considerably in the Silver, but the Panthers at least have some success to build on.
About the Dukes: York hasn't been touched over the first two weeks, wins over Schaumburg and Morton by a combined margin of 100-7, and that very well could continue this week despite Proviso West's early-season success. The Dukes scored on every offensive possession against Morton, rolling up 326 yards rushing with QB Matt Vezza 5-for-9 passing for 85 yards and a TD. Jake Melion, Kelly Watson and Adam Fennell each ran for two TDs. Defensively, Cole Ostendorf had six tackles and a QB hurry.
Willowbrook (0-2) at Proviso East (0-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Willowbrook 40, Proviso East 14 (2021)
About the Warriors: It's been a bit of a jarring start to the season for Willowbrook - losses to Notre Dame and Downers Grove North by a combined margin of 58-0. But it's not an entirely unfamiliar position. Willowbrook also started 0-2 last season, then ripped off five straight wins, won the West Suburban Gold and made its fifth straight quarterfinal appearance. Willowbrook has won 28 consecutive games in the Gold with five straight divisional championships. Top priority is getting the offense on track, after managing just four first downs against Downers North. AJ Palicki completed 12-of-21 passes for 80 yards with Joe Tumilty bringing in five receptions last week.
About the Pirates: A rough start to the season for Proviso East, particularly defensively, with 98 points allowed in two games. It would seem to be just what the doctor ordered for a struggling Willowbrook offense to gets its feet on the ground.
Addison Trail (1-1) at Morton (0-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Morton 41, Addison Trail 14 (2021)
About the Blazers: Addison Trail, after an encouraging Week 1 win over Maine East coming off an 0-9 season, was brought back to earth with a 45-0 loss to Lyons. Junior QB Gio Long has thrown for 268 yards and three TDs in two games and Damarius Allen has rushed for 161 yards and a TD. Eddie Franczak is Long's favorite target with seven catches for 149 yards and a TD.
About the Mustangs: A tough Week 2 game for Morton, losing 58-7 to Silver heavyweight York and allowing over 400 yards of offense. But the Mustangs won three games in Gold play last season so there is legitimate reason for optimism that they can get back on track as they enter intra-divisional play.
Leyden (0-2) at Hinsdale South (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Hinsdale South 21, Leyden 0 (2021)
About the Eagles: Leyden's late rally from 21 points down came up short in a 39-26 loss to Proviso West last week. Scoring has not appeared to be an issue for the Eagles, who are averaging 25.5 points in two games. QB Ethan Corral was 14-for-21 passing for 251 yards and two TDs and Mario Reyes had an 83-yard kickoff return for a TD.
About the Hornets: The Hornets dropped to 0-2 last week with their 42-7 loss to Oak Park-River Forest. Robbie Spang threw a TD pass to Matt Rudolph for the Hornets' only score. A game with district rival Hinsdale Central awaits in Week 4, so Hinsdale South could certainly use a win here and positive energy heading into what is surely a tough matchup. The Hornets have struggled to score in their first two games, while Leyden has struggled defensively so something has to give.
Brother Rice (1-1) at Benet (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Brother Rice 42, Benet 6 (2021)
About the Crusaders: The Brother Rice offense was slowed down last week in a 17-12 loss to St. Rita. QB Ryan Hartz threw for 203 yards and a TD to Ryan Gorman but the Crusaders' offense was turned away twice in the latter stages of the game on fourth down. The Crusaders are a young team under new coach Casey Quedenfeld, who came to Brother Rice after spending time as a coach in two top football programs in the nation - Episcopal High School in Bellaire, Texas, and Loyola High School in Los Angeles. Hartz this season has had huge shoes to fill with the graduation of QB Jack Lausch, now at Northwestern. Roderick Pierce, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive lineman committed to Wisconsin, is a player to watch on the Brother Rice defense.
About the Redwings: Benet last week hung on for a huge 24-21 win over Moline, much-needed with a brutal schedule ahead starting with this week's matchup with Brother Rice. Pat Pitello caught a 9-yard TD pass, and also had a huge catch that set up a Daniel Flores field goal as Benet scored 17 consecutive points. Michael Lawler ran for two TDs, including a long one for the go-ahead score.
Downers Grove South (0-2) at Downers Grove North (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Downers Grove North 7, Downers Grove South 0 (2021)
About the Mustangs: Not many teams have faced a tougher first two opponents than Downers Grove South, losses to Wheaton North and Glenbard West, the latter 42-7 last Friday in a game the Mustangs hung in there for a half. The Mustangs, with just one touchdown in each of their first two games, must generate more offense - easier said than done against what looks to be a very stingy Trojans' defense. Two-way standout Mack O'Halloran was a bright spot against Glenbard West with a 63-yard TD run, close to 75 yards receiving and a blocked extra point. Top priority likely is to get Deon Davis going on the ground to open things up for Ryan Dawson and the Mustangs' passing game.
About the Trojans: The Trojans are 2-0 for a second consecutive season, but with six third-year varsity players who started as sophomores, there seems to be a sense that Downers Grove North could be on the verge of something more this year. It starts with a defense that allowed just four first downs last week in an eye-opening 30-0 win at Willowbrook. Ben Bielawski is a ringleader of that group with four sacks in Week 1 and two more last week. Ethan Thulin, with six catches for 71 yards last week, is Downers Grove North's top playmaker offensively. Noah Battle, who went over 100 yards in Week 1 and scored a TD last week, has been steady on the ground. Downers Grove North has won seven consecutive meetings with its crosstown rivals.
Other DuPage Week 3 Games
St. Louis St. Mary's 2-0 at Neuqua Valley (1-1), 7 p.m.
Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's Prep (1-1) at Naperville North (2-0), Saturday, 1 p.m.
Elmwood Park (1-1) at IC Catholic Prep (1-1), 7 p.m.
St. Edward (0-2) at St. Francis (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
Reed-Custer (2-0) at Lisle (1-1), 7 p.m.