Scouting Week 6 Cook County football games
Vernon Hills (0-5, 0-1) at Maine West (2-3, 1-0)
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Last week: Vernon Hills lost to Deerfield 24-21, Maine West beat Maine East 42-0
Last year: Vernon Hills 40, Maine West 0
Outlook: Vernon Hills continues to slump. The Cougars came close last week, but still are looking for that first win. Maine West continues to get solid performances from Isaac Pittman, who has scored four touchdowns in the last two weeks. The Maine West defense has also been solid during that span, allowing just 276 yards of total offense and 20 points.
Maine South (3-2, 1-0) at Glenbrook South (5-0, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Maine South beat Glenbrook North 43-0, Glenbrook South beat Niles North 31-0
Last year: Maine South 32, Glenbrook South 17
Outlook: It's only the second game of the conference season, but this one should decide the CSL South. Maine South has owned this conference going 105-1 in the last 21-plus years. To top that off, Glenbrook South has never beaten Maine South since the Hawks moved over from the CSL North in 1998. Both of Maine South's losses have come to teams ranked among the best in the area. The Hawks and Glenbrook South are both averaging over 36 points per game, so this could be a high scoring affair.
Palatine (4-1, 1-0) at Conant (4-1, 0-1)
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Last week: Palatine beat Fremd 31-7, Conant lost to Hoffman Estates 45-44
Last year: Conant 39, Palatine 32
Outlook: It will be quite a battle between a pair of teams that suffered their only loss in games decided by 1 point. Palatine is hoping that its loss two weeks ago to Glenbrook South will be a template on how to defend Conant's run-oriented option offense. The Pirates defense led by Jaylen Williams, Thomas Coroneous, Daevion Farrow, Ryan Wagner, Tommy Houser and Trey Widlowski will need to contain Conant's offense. The Cougars are averaging 40.4 points per game behind an offense directed by Matt Maize, with fullback Dominic Mininni and wingback Antonio Ramsey doing most of the damage.
Proviso East (0-5, 0-3) at Leyden (0-5, 0-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Proviso East lost to Downers Grove South 46-28, Leyden lost to Willowbrook 35-7
Last year: Leyden 40, Proviso East 14
Outlook: Leyden is playing its only home game on campus this season. And the Eagles are hoping that this is the game that can turn their season around. Diego Mendoza has been running the ball well for Leyden in the last two games. The Eagles need to avoid costly turnovers to get themselves into the win column.
Prospect (4-1, 0-1) at Elk Grove (5-0, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Prospect lost to Hersey 41-34, Elk Grove beat Buffalo Grove 28-14
Last year: Prospect 57, Elk Grove 7
Outlook: Both teams come into this game with something to prove. Prospect is looking to get back on track after its loss last week to Hersey. Prospect will need to shore up its special teams which allowed two kick returns for touchdowns. They also committed a key penalty in overtime. Elk Grove is looking to prove it belongs with the elite. The Grens, which are now playoff eligible for the first time 2013, are taking on a Prospect team that they have not beaten since 2015. Head coach Miles Osei was named Chicago Bears' High School Coach of the Week last week for getting his team to 5-0. Elk Grove's defense, which is allowing 7.6 points per game, will look to slow a Prospect offense that is averaging 33.5 points per game.
Fremd (0-5, 0-1) at Schaumburg (2-3, 0-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Fremd lost Palatine 31-7, Schaumburg lost Barrington 27-14
Last year: Fremd 39, Schaumburg 37
Outlook: Fremd has had a tough go this season. One of the keys has been turnovers where the Vikings have turned the ball over 12 times this season while forcing only six takeways. The Vikings have also turned the ball over in key situations, which has added to their frustration. Schaumburg had its two-game win streak broken last week against Barrington. The Saxons, who have been playing well of late, have been counting on the running of Anthony DiGioia and Njari Williams. Fremd has won its last four meetings with Schaumburg.
Rolling Meadows (4-1, 1-0) at Hersey (5-0, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Rolling Meadows beat Wheeling 34-6, Hersey beat Prospect 41-34
Last year: Hersey 50, Rolling Meadows 14
Outlook: The winner of this game could very well find themselves alone atop the MSL East. Rolling Meadows has flown a bit under the radar after its opening game loss to Glenbrook South. Meadows has played extremely well since then with the offense led by the passing combo of Evan Grace and Be Petermann and the rushing of Skip Rozanski. Hersey made all the plays it needed last week. The Huskies got big plays from sophomore tight end Logan Farrell. Carson Grove leads a defense that has been impressive swarming to the ball and the ability to tackle very well.
Wheeling (3-2, 0-1) at Buffalo Grove (2-3, 0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Wheeling lost to Rolling Meadows 34-6, Buffalo Grove lost to Elk Grove 28-14
Last year: Buffalo Grove 35, Wheeling 7
Outlook: Both teams took a step back in pursuit of a conference title and a playoff berth. Wheeling has been inconsistent on offense this season. The Wildcats have scored under 10 points in two of their games this season. Buffalo Grove had its two-game win streak snapped. The Bison offense has been operating well, averaging nearly 25 points per game. Buffalo Grove is hoping to shore up its defense, which has allowed nearly 29 points per game.
St. Viator (3-2, 0-1) at Marian Catholic (3-2, 0-1)
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Last week: St. Viator lost to Notre Dame 33-7, Marian Catholic lost to Benet 20-14
Last year: St. Viator 28, Marian Catholic 14
Outlook: With Mt. Carmel and St. Ignatius looming the next two weeks on the schedule, this is a must win for Viator if the Lions are to have an opportunity at the state playoffs. Viator opened its season on a strong note, winning the first three games, but has fallen off in recent weeks. In their last six quarters, Viator has been outscored 54-14. Michael Nix continues to flourish at wide receiver with 26 catches for 517 yards and 8 touchdowns. Marian Catholic also enters the game on a two-game losing streak.
Niles North (1-4, 0-1) at Maine East (1-4, 0-1)
When: Friday, 6 p.m.
Last week: Niles North lost to Highland Park 29-6, Maine East lost to Maine West 42-0
Last year: Niles North 62, Maine East 0
Outlook: Maine East has not won two games in a single season since 2013. The Blue Demons could be in a perfect spot to match that total this week. They will need to pick up their offense, which has scored just 19 points in their last three games. Niles North has lost its last four games, and the Vikings have scored just 13 points over their last three games.
Hoffman Estates (3-2, 1-0) at Barrington (2-3, 1-0)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Last week: Hoffman Estates beat Conant 45-44, Barrington beat Schaumburg 27-14
Last year: Hoffman Estates 33, Barrington 28
Outlook: This is the annual Barrington homecoming game which has been scheduled for the past years on Saturday afternoon. Both teams come into the game playing solid football. Hoffman was won three in a row with Aiden Cyr (768 yards passing, 8 touchdowns) back at quarterback. Florida-transfer Quincy Williams has scored 11 touchdowns, while rushing for 443 yards. Stephon Sellers has 551 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Barrington has won two straight, thanks in part to the rushing of Dillon Fitzparick, who also has rushed for 443 yards while rushing for seven touchdowns. Payton Soske, who just signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Columbia, has thrown for 557 yards.