Scouting Week 9 DuPage County football games
Bartlett (4-4, 4-4) at Glenbard East (7-1, 7-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Glenbard East won, 41-0, last year.
About the Hawks: The Hawks' late-season schedule, which included South Elgin and now Glenbard East Friday night, hasn't been a kind one. Bartlett dropped a 49-7 decision to South Elgin last weekend, as the lone touchdown came on a 32-yard pass from quarterback Vincent Yario to Nicholas Carlos. Prior to last week's game, Hawks coach Milan Vuckovich acknowledged the difficult task at hand. "No game is easy, winning high school football games is tough," said the coach. "Our sole focus is going 1-0 on Friday night." With a win, Bartlett would become playoff eligible. However, for the second consecutive week, the Hawks will have to find a way to put points on the board against a stingy Glenbard East defense (Rams have allowed a conference-low 64 points in 8 games). Glenbard East is currently locked in a 3-way tie with Glenbard South and South Elgin atop the Upstate Eight Conference.
About the Rams: Wins don't get much bigger than the Rams' 28-14 victory over previously unbeaten Glenbard South last weekend. "I was impressed most with our 3-phase game - offense, defense, and special teams," said Rams coach John Walters. "You can't win big games without all 3 phases playing well. If I had to pinpoint it, defense. Our defense held them to 14 points. They have an explosive offense, so to hold them 30 (points) under their average was huge." Walters feels strongly that 3 players - Blake Salvino, Matt Larson, and Gus Winkler deserve more credit. "Blake - playing QB and middle linebacker - this kid has been tremendous on both sides of the ball," said the coach. "There should be more talk about him. To do what he has done on both sides is amazing. He's a great kid and a tough football player. Matt, I just don't think he gets his due. He's a top RB in DuPage County. On the biggest stages, he has carried our offense in the run game. Twenty-six carries for 177 (yards) in Week 8? Amazing. Gus, he's a 3-year starter who must be leading the area in tackles. He's the captain of the defense, and the heart and soul of East football."
Glenbard South (7-1, 7-1) at Elgin (1-7, 1-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Glenbard South won, 43-22, last year.
About the Raiders: Coming off their first loss of the season, a 28-14 decision at the hands of Glenbard East, the Raiders need a victory to clinch a 3-way tie for first place in the Upstate Eight Conference. Against Glenbard East, senior wide receiver Cam Williams caught 7 passes for 122 yards and a 60-yard touchdown, while senior quarterback Michael Champagne passed for 268 yards. "We still have so much to play for, and this is a special group," Raiders coach Ryan Crissey told Shaw Local's Scott Schmid after the loss. "This type of loss puts things in perspective and gets us hyper-focused on what we need to improve on."
About the Maroons: Elgin showed some heart during last weekend's 26-6 loss to rival Larkin, stopping the Royals from scoring from the red zone in the final minutes. "I don't expect guys to make plays, but I do expect them to line up correctly and make the right assignments," said Maroons coach Anthony Mason. "In a down year, in a year where we have to rebuild and find the guys who are going to lead us 365 days in the offseason and rest of next year, it was good to see a stop there." Senior 2-way standout Lamyni Spates and junior quarterback Darin Ward lead the Maroons into their season finale.
Larkin (3-5, 3-5) at West Chicago (4-4, 4-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Larkin won, 55-6, last year.
About the Royals: The Royals will try to play the role of spoiler Friday night against a 4-win West Chicago team. They'll head to West Chicago with added confidence and momentum following last weekend's 26-6 win over rival Elgin. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Erick Myrick had 4 catches for 74 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding an interception on defense, against Elgin. Junior quarterback Tizairian Johnson-Williams has enjoyed a solid season both with his arm and his legs. Seniors Jalen Miller (RB/ILB) and Kevin Malone (RB/S) add veteran leadership for head coach Vincent Ray's squad. "They have explosive players in the skill area, so we are going to have to limit the big plays they make," West Chicago coach Adam Chavez said of the Royals.
About the Wildcats: It has all come down to this for the Wildcats - win and become playoff eligible for the first time since 2002. Lose, and a solid regular season comes to an end. West Chicago received big-time performances from tailback Vincent Muci (19 carries, 155 yards, 2 TDs) and receiver Louis Zeitler (3 receptions, 127 yards, 1 TD) during last weekend's 32-21 loss to East Aurora. Chavez credits his offensive and defensive linemen for their often unheralded play. "Ean Arizmendi, Joseph Flores, Angelo Jimenez, Isaac Hernandez, Ali Nassib, and Markus Abdullah all play both ways," said the coach. "All of them are banged up from a tough season and are continuing to battle." Chavez knows a challenge awaits his team. "I want us to limit mistakes and play tough and physical on both sides of the ball," he said. "It's going to take a full team effort."
East Aurora (5-3, 5-3) at Fenton (0-8, 0-8)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: East Aurora won, 27-20, last year.
About the Tomcats: Last week, the Tomcats secured their first winning season in 23 years with a 32-21 victory over West Chicago. Senior all-purpose threat Kenneth Cooley scored on touchdown runs covering 41, 64, and 51 yards, while quarterback Amado Martinez added some big plays, as the Tomcats rushed for 361 yards. While becoming playoff eligible with last weekend's win, East Aurora will punch an automatic playoff berth for the first time since 1982 with a victory over the winless Bison.
About the Bison: Fenton tries for its first victory, led by junior quarterback Nathan Stewart, who tossed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ivan Medrano in the team's 30-14 loss to Streamwood last weekend.
St. Francis (6-2, 1-1) at Nazareth (4-4, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Spartans: St. Francis clinched a playoff bid with its 42-6 win over Leo last week, the Spartans' fourth straight win. It was a rare opportunity for the Spartans to breathe a little easy. They had relied on dramatic comebacks and wild finishes in stringing together impressive wins over Joliet Catholic, IC Catholic Prep and St. Rita. Now the Spartans have an opportunity to play spoiler to Nazareth. Senior QB Alessio Milivojevic, a Ball State recruit, has completed 73.2% of his passes for 2,073 yards and 23 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Tyvonn Ransom has rushed for 964 yards and seven TDs. Ian Willis has a team-high 48 catches for 648 yards and eight TDs. Defensively, senior LB Dom Beres has 107 tackles, 75 of them solos.
About the Roadrunners: Nazareth last season became the first team in IHSA history to go from 2-4 to 10-4 and a state championship. The Roadrunners are closing in on digging out of an even deeper hole. Nazareth has won four straight games since an 0-4 start, beating Marian Catholic 42-13 last Friday. Junior QB Logan Malachuk threw for 192 yards and five TDs in the win. Jake Cestone, coming off a monster game in a comeback win over Brother Rice, caught two TD passes as did Trenton Walker. Nazareth is in a very good position, playoff points-wise, with 48 already should any 4-5 teams make the playoff cut. A win here, though, would allow the Roadrunners to avoid an anxious 24 hours.
Montini (5-3, 1-1) at St. Laurence (6-2, 2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Broncos: Montini, after a 5-0 start, has dropped three consecutive games with a 24-7 loss to Brother Rice last Friday. Still, the Broncos are heading to the playoffs after missing out the last two seasons. Alex Marre rushed for 93 yards and a TD in the loss to Brother Rice. QB Gaetano Carbonara has thrown for 1,446 yards and 13 TDs on the season. Marre has rushed for 809 yards and seven TDs and George Asay has 27 catches for 411 yards and two TDs. Defensively, Jeremiah Peterson has a team-high 70 tackles, 51 of them solos.
About the Vikings: St. Laurence had a four-game winning streak snapped with a 20-9 loss to St. Rita last week. Still, the Vikings are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and can win the CCL/ESCC White title with a win. Senior RB Aaron Ball, who had 911 yards rushing through seven weeks, left last week's game in the second quarter with an injury and did not return. Junior Harley Rizzs ran for 52 yards and a TD in Ball's absence.
Benet (4-4, 0-2) at Providence (4-4, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Redwings: The rigors of the CCL/ESCC have wore on Benet. The Redwings have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season. Benet's offense has gone fairly quiet since the first two weeks of the season which produced 88 of the team's 146 points.
About the Celtics: Providence hasn't played a team with a losing record this season, and the past two weeks have been particularly arduous with games against Carmel and Mount Carmel, which have a combined record of 15-1 on the season. The Celtics hope to finish the regular season with a flourish. With a win comes a possible playoff berth, and the Celtics might end up with the most playoff points [opponents wins] in the state to help them to a better first-round draw.
Fenwick (4-4, 1-1) at IC Catholic Prep (6-2, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: First meeting.
About the Friars: Coming off a 44-43 overtime loss to DePaul Prep last weekend, the Friars now face a must-win playoff situation in Week 9 against IC Catholic Prep. Senior quarterback Marek Hill and senior receivers Mikey Caccitolo and Rowan White lead a balanced offense that generated 363 total yards against DePaul Prep. Defensively, the Friars are led by junior defensive end Nate Marshall (10 tackles per game) and junior inside linebacker Aiden Burns.
About the Knights: Many of the Knights' top players returned from injury/illness during last week's 55-20 victory over De La Salle. IC's offense is paced by senior tailback Joey Gliatta (17 touchdowns, 109 yards rushing per game), senior receiver/defensive back KJ Parker (76 yards per game, 4 interceptions), and senior quarterback Dennis Mandala. Defensively, sophomore linebacker Foley Calcagno (11 tackles per game) is a player to watch.
Marian Central Catholic (4-4, 4-2) at Wheaton Academy (7-1, 5-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Wheaton Academy won, 48-14, last year.
About the Hurricanes: The Hurricanes can light up the scoreboard, evidenced by their 307 points in 8 games. They also have plenty of Division 1 talent, featuring Clemson-bound 2-way standout Christian Bentancur, a 6-5, 235-pound target who caught 57 passes for 1,085 yards last season, and Northern Iowa-bound quarterback Cale McThenia, a 6-3, 215-pound senior, who threw 5 TD passes in last weekend's 41-0 victory over St. Edward. Tyson Jakubowicz, Quinn Brady, Rylan Dolter, and Jake Sievert are additional offensive threats. Marian need a win to become playoff eligible.
About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy scored 23 unanswered second-half points to snap a 7-7 tie during last weekend's 30-7 victory over playoff-bound Aurora Christian. Led by quarterback Brett Kasper and tailback/receiver Gio Spinelli, the Warriors scored touchdowns on 4 of their final 5 possessions against Aurora Christian. Warriors coach Jim Johanik credits unheralded senior safety Brett Dieter for his season-long performance. "The other Brett (Kasper) gets all the attention but there's a stud at the safety position (Dieter) who is one of the best athletes on the field," said the coach. "Brett moved from linebacker to safety midseason - to a position he had never played before. He has the speed and the smarts to make that transition and has exceeded our expectations. Based on his size, he'll likely play safety in college, so this is a great place for him now." What does Johanik want to see in Week 9? "We have experienced guys playing in positions they didn't begin the season at," he said. "We rep relentlessly in practice, and as time goes on, they become more comfortable."
Neuqua Valley (5-3, 4-1) at Naperville Central (7-1, 5-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Naperville Central won, 21-7, in Week 5.
About the Redhawks: Someday, Naperville Central could become an answer to the trivia question - who was the last team to win the DuPage Valley Conference football championship? The Redhawks remained unbeaten in DVC play with last weekend's 49-21 victory over Metea Valley. Next season, the DVC will merge with the Southwest Suburban Conference to form a 15-team, to-be-named league. Against Metea, quarterback Jack Cook passed for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns - all coming to wideout Chris Bern covering 43, 30, and 58 yards, respectively. "We have been pleased with how Jack (Cook) is distributing the ball," said Redhawks coach Mike Ulreich. "Fortunately, having a WR like Chris (Bern) with his speed and ability to separate makes Jack's job a little easier. All three touchdowns were throws under 10 yards that Chris turned into explosive plays. However, Jack has made improvements every week. We like that our offense has been able to complement the play of our defense. We will have to earn everything this week against Neuqua Valley." Ulreich calls Liam O'Donnell and Danny Conway the team's unheralded stars. "They're two players who were rotational defensive linemen for us a year ago," said the coach. "They are playing right guard and right tackle, respectively, and have taken ownership of those positions while thriving. They have been selfless and a big part of our success." Ulreich welcomes the challenge Friday night. "I love that we get to play a great opponent like Neuqua Valley in Week 9," he said. "We are going to find out a lot about our team heading into the playoffs."
About the Wildcats: Expect a defensive tussle when the Wildcats play, evidenced by their 100 points allowed through the first 8 weeks. Four weeks ago, Neuqua dropped a 21-7 decision to Naperville Central and will get to see how much it has improved since. Last weekend, the Wildcats became playoff eligible with their 40-6 victory over DeKalb. Nick Williamson kick-started the team with his 76-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the contest, while quarterback Ryan Mohler passed for 2 touchdowns and ran for 2 scores. Neuqua Valley has qualified for the state playoffs in 10 of the past 11 years, not counting the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. Meanwhile, Wildcats coach Bill Ellinghaus has recorded 12 consecutive winning seasons since taking over in 2012.
Waubonsie Valley (4-4, 2-3) at Naperville North (5-3, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Naperville North won, 28-7, last week.
About the Warriors: Another chance for the Warriors to become playoff eligible in their second straight meeting against Naperville North. Winless last season, the Warriors have made huge strides this fall. "After not winning a game last year, it has been a nice turnaround, but this group's goal has been to return to the postseason like our program used to under Coach (Paul) Murphy," said Waubonsie coach Tom Baumgartner. "It certainly feels like a playoff game a week early." Last weekend, the Warriors were outgained, 254-215. However, the Huskies held a decisive rushing advantage, 146-41, and won the turnover battle, 3-1. "We have to up our physicality and maintain that level throughout the game," said the coach. "We certainly need to minimize mistakes and make them beat us instead of beating ourselves." Quarterback Luke Elsea likes to fling it around, and has capable receivers in Julian Johnson and Trent Selby, among others. Baumgartner credits several underrated players for their season-long contributions. "Linebackers Dakota Brdar and Bryce Provis have had great senior seasons and have been extremely productive in our defensive system," said Baumgartner. "Brady Teeple and Trent Selby at wideout do a great job of blocking on the perimeter, while center Charlie Drohan really anchors our offensive line."
About the Huskies: After last weekend's victory over Waubonsie Valley, the Huskies look to make it two in a row to solidify their playoff seeding. Defensive tackle Lawson Grier ignited the Huskies with his 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown, while senior tailback Cole Arl caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jacob Bell to extend the lead with 18 seconds left in the opening half. Arl (9 carries, 101 yards) added a 23-yard TD run, while Luke Williams had an interception. "There are no secrets," said Huskies coach Sean Drendel. Drendel singled out his defensive linemen as unheralded players throughout the season. "We have played at least 10 of them in critical points during games," added the coach. "The senior leadership from Ben Allen, Lawson Grier, Alex Kushenbach, Jimmy Lezza, Joshua Lovick, Blake Robinson, along with linebacker Sam Gehrs and tight end Chad Bhatt, are steadying forces for our team. They're little known but do all the little things." What does Drendel want to see from his team Friday night? "We need to be more efficient on offense, stop beating ourselves, and lower our mistakes to a manageable number," said the coach.
Reed-Custer (3-5, 2-4) at Lisle (1-7, 0-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Reed-Custer won, 52-0, last year.
About the Comets: Following an 11-1 finish a year ago that included a trip to the Class 3A state quarterfinals, the Comets are experiencing a down season this fall. However, they are fresh from a 42-36 victory over Streator, as senior tailback Rex Pfeifer rushed for 4 touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass.
About the Lions: The youthful Lions would love to finish their season on a positive note. Freshman quarterback Nolan Ashmore is flanked by sophomore running back/wide receiver Asher Carson and sophomore wide receiver Myloe Thordson.
Ridgewood (5-3, 3-3) at Westmont (2-6, 1-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Ridgewood won, 56-0, last year.
About the Rebels: Senior quarterback Jaden Rodriguez accounted for 6 touchdowns in the Rebels' 54-3 victory over Elmwood Park last weekend. His favorite target, senior WR Niall Kenny, caught a touchdown passes, while junior WR Luke Melendez had a pair of TD receptions.
About the Sentinels: Westmont snapped a 5-game losing skid with last weekend's 43-6 victory over Walther Christian. Lucas Fears had a fumble recovery for a touchdown, while teammate Lucas Hicks added a pick-6. "Both of those guys have led us offensively all season," said Westmont coach Lee Maciejewski. "They are the team leaders." Freshman Brian Baker added a 70-yard touchdown run. "That had to be a real thrill for him," said the coach. "It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm demonstrated by all the players participating in the win. We want to finish our season on a positive note. We are very thankful to our two seniors, Lucas Hicks and Fedir Krechenko, for their efforts. We would like to send them off with a smile on their faces."
Proviso West (0-8, 0-5) at York (7-1, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: York 54, Proviso West 0 (2022)
About the Panthers: Proviso West is coming off a 48-0 loss to Glenbard West. It is the third time the Panthers have been shut out this season. Proviso West has been outscored 341-42 on the season.
About the Dukes: York bounced back from its only loss of the season by beating Lyons 24-14 last Saturday. The Dukes and Glenbard West are tied for the Silver lead going into Week 9. Leading rusher Jake Melion injured his ankle in the second quarter against Lyons, but Jimmy Conners picked up the slack with 66 yards and a score on 17 carries. Senior QB Sean Winton was 17-for-26 passing for 236 yards while running for 34 yards. Illinois State recruit Luke Mailander had nine catches for 135 yards and a 24-yard TD.
Glenbard West (6-2, 4-1) at Oak Park-River Forest (1-7, 1-4)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Glenbard West 35, Oak Park-River Forest 14 (2022)
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West has won five consecutive games since a 1-2 start, and clinched a playoff bid and at least a share of the West Suburban Silver title with a 48-0 win over Proviso West last Saturday. Jack Moellering rushed for four TDs in the game and Teyion Oriental had a 30-yard TD run. The Hilltoppers, after scoring a total of 27 points the season's first four weeks, have tallied 173 points over the last four games.
About the Huskies: OPRF is coming off a 46-13 loss to Hinsdale Central. The Huskies have dropped five consecutive games and have given up a total of 224 points in those five games.
Hinsdale Central (3-5, 2-3) at Downers Grove North (6-2, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Downers Grove North 23, Hinsdale Central 3 (2022)
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central is coming off a 46-13 win over Oak Park-River Forest. Sophomore QB Riley Contreras was 11-for-16 passing for 145 yards and four TDs, and rushed for 72 yards and two scores in the win. Downers Grove North won last year's meeting, but Hinsdale Central won the previous 14 in the Old Oaken Bucket series.
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North snapped a two-game losing streak and clinched a playoff bid by virtue of its 32-0 win over Hinsdale South last Friday. Sophomore QB Owen Lansu threw for three TDs. Owen Thulin had three interceptions and also caught five passes for 60 yards and a TD. A win Friday would give the Trojans seven regular-season wins for the first time since 2005.
Addison Trail (6-2, 3-2) at Downers Grove South (5-3, 5-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Downers Grove South 51, Addison Trail 14 (2022)
About the Blazers: Addison Trail's six wins are the program's most since 2014, the Blazers' last postseason appearance. The Blazers are headed back to the playoffs one year removed from an 0-9 season in 2021. Addison Trail is coming off a 20-7 win over Leyden. The Blazers have won four consecutive games since back-to-back losses to Willowbrook and Hinsdale South. Addison Trail's six wins have come against teams with a combined record of 7-41.
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South is coming off a 63-6 win over Proviso East, the Mustangs' fifth straight since an 0-3 start. The Mustangs can clinch an outright West Suburban Gold title, their second straight, with a win. Deon Davis ran for two TDs, Keon Maggit scored two TDs, including a 69-yarder and Kayden Smith scored two TDs for the Mustangs in the win over Proviso East.
Leyden (2-6, 2-3) at Willowbrook (6-2, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Willowbrook 35, Leyden 7 (2022)
About the Eagles: Leyden is coming off a 20-7 loss to Addison Trail. The Eagles have struggled to generate offense all season with 81 total points, with a total of 40 in their six losses.
About the Warriors: Willowbrook is coming off a 41-14 win over Morton that clinched a playoff bid, the program's seventh consecutive playoff appearance. Senior QB Arthur Palicki threw for 171 yards and three TDs and ran for a TD against Morton. The Warriors have won four consecutive games and scored a total of 156 points during that stretch.
Morton (1-7, 1-4) at Hinsdale South (3-5, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Hinsdale South 27, Morton 17 (2022)
About the Mustangs: Morton is coming off a 41-14 loss to Willowbrook, the Mustangs' fifth consecutive loss. The Mustangs have been outscored 279-103 this season.
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South is coming off a 32-0 loss to Downers Grove North. The Hornets can match their win total from each of the last two seasons with a win in Week 9. All three of the Hornets' wins have come by shutout.
Lake Park (4-4, 2-4) at Wheaton North (5-3, 4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Wheaton North 28, Lake Park 7 (2022)
About the Lancers: Back-to-back losses to Wheaton Warrenville South and St. Charles North have put the Lancers in a tough must-win situation in Week 9 to reach the playoffs. The Lancers last reached the playoffs in 2017. It's already been a nice bounce-back season in Roselle coming off back-to-back 1-8 seasons. Junior RB Robert Munaco ran for 100 yards and a TD in the loss to St. Charles North and George Tzamouranis threw a 71-yard TD to Matthew Rodriguez. Declan Fortuna, who had an interception and five tackles, is a two-way standout for the Lancers.
About the Falcons: Wheaton North, which became playoff eligible with a 24-7 win over Glenbard North last week, can now play spoiler to Lake Park's postseason hopes. Matt Kuczaj is a playmaker and two-way standout for the Falcons. Joe Barna and Walker Owens are among the players to watch defensively. The Falcons can clinch their third straight playoff appearance with a win.
Wheaton Warrenville South (4-4, 3-3) at St. Charles East (1-7, 1-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Wheaton Warrenville South 27, St. Charles East 0 (2022)
About the Tigers: WW South's 28-14 loss to Batavia in Week 8 leaves the Tigers needing a win this Friday to grab a playoff bid. The Tigers should like their chances at a struggling St. Charles East team, but can't afford to overlook a 1-7 team looking to play spoiler. Chief priority for WW South should be re-establishing its running game. Standout Matt Crider was held to 48 yards and the Tigers 50 as a team against Batavia.
About the Saints: St. Charles East has dropped five straight games since its lone win over Glenbard North in Week 3. Wide receiver Sheko Gjokaj is the man to watch. The 5-foot-9 sophomore has 54 catches for 551 yards and four TDs and had 12 catches for 172 yards and two TDs last week against Geneva. Senior QB Mac Paul has thrown for 1,282 yards with seven TDs and seven interceptions.