Scouting Week 3 Fox Valley football games
South Elgin (0-2) at Larkin (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 36-0, last season.
About the Storm: Storm coach Patrik Pistorio beefed up his team’s schedule, adding perennial state powers Barrington and Batavia to the mix this season with the realignment of the Upstate Eight. Pistorio hopes South Elgin, 0-2 for the first time since 2016, learned from the past 2 games heading into the UEC West debut. Wideout Ishmael George and tailback Darrion Thurman each have scored 2 touchdowns.
About the Royals: After allowing 6 first-quarter touchdowns in their season opener against Geneva, the Royals stayed within striking distance for 2 ½ quarters during last weekend’s 39-0 loss to St. Patrick. Cornerback Donald Clark provided a highlight with his leaping interception in the corner of the end zone against the Shamrocks. Julius Yandell, Jr. directs the Royals’ offense.
Bartlett (0-2) at Glenbard East (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 41-7, last season.
About the Hawks: Bartlett is looking for its first points of the season following back-to-back shutout losses to Glenbard North and Lake Park. The Hawks need to improve in all 3 phases — giving up a special teams touchdown on a botched snap/catch against Lake Park last weekend.
About the Rams: The Rams showed some explosiveness during last week’s loss to West Aurora — Amonte Cook had a 91-yard kick return for a touchdown caught a 41-yard TD pass, and Chris Renford hauled in a 29-yard TD pass from Michael Nee. However, Glenbard East also allowed 229 rushing yards, an area that needs to be bolstered against the Hawks’ multi-back attack.
East Aurora (0-2) at Streamwood (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: East Aurora won, 34-14, last season.
About the Tomcats: East Aurora looks to rebound following double-digit losses to Maine East (34-6) and Glenbard South (41-7).
About the Sabres: Two-way player Juan Cortes recorded a game-high 10 tackles and added 42 yards rushing on 5 carries during the Sabres’ 43-8 loss to Fenton last weekend. Fullback Jace Wolf rushed for 54 yards and the team’s lone touchdown.
Elgin (0-2) at West Aurora (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Aurora won, 45-0, in 2018.
About the Maroons: Nic Avina and Darin Ward saw playing time at quarterback last weekend, with Ward carrying the ball 11 times for 36 yards and a TD in a 35-24 loss to Grayslake North. Aiden Coleman was the Maroons’ top threat, accounting for 206 all-purpose yards, including 107 yards on the ground with 3 TDs last weekend.
About the Blackhawks: West Aurora is the lone Upstate Eight West team with a win. Azuriah Sylvester had a pair of touchdown runs and added an interception during the Blackhawks’ 45-20 win over Glenbard East last weekend. Junior quarterback Mason Atkins threw 3 touchdown passes — 2 to Kewon Marshall — against the Rams.
Hope Academy (0-2) at Aurora Christian (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Hope Academy won, 37-29, in second round of 1A playoffs last season.
About the Hope Eagles: Following back-to-back losses to Wilmington and Simeon, Hope has already suffered as many defeats as it had all last season. Quarterback Justin Houston owns speed and elusiveness, while Aaron Green lines up at wideout and in the backfield.
About the Aurora Christian Eagles: These teams are not strangers. A year ago, Aurora Christian won the regular-season meeting, 27-22, in Week 3 before Hope prevailed, 37-29, in the second round of the 1A playoffs. Asa Johnson is off to a fast start at quarterback, while Jonan Miceli is his favorite target. Aurora Christian enjoyed a 42-point first quarter last weekend against Crane.
Christ the King (2-0) at St. Edward (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Christ the King won, 16-8, last season.
About the Gladiators: Last week, Christ the King rallied for a 16-6 victory over Aurora Central Catholic — the same team that defeated St. Edward, 20-8, in Week 1. Scottie House and Cameron Pitts each have 100-yard rushing performances.
About the Green Wave: Wide receiver Charlie Elwood and tailback Michael Cones have accounted for the Green Wave scoring in the first 2 games. Defensively, cornerback Max Gillie and junior defensive end Luciano Mauro are St. Edward’s leading tacklers, while quarterback Brayden Collins-Langfield directs the offense. This is the Chicagoland Christian Conference opener for both teams.
Dwight/Gardner-South Wilmington (2-0) at Aurora Central Catholic (1-1)
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Trojans: The Trojans have scored 100 points in their first 2 games, including a 51-8 win over St. Edward last weekend. They have jumped out to 42-0 halftime leads in both contests.
About the Chargers: The Chargers’ defense has been stout, having allowed 24 points in their first 2 games. They will face a difficult test against a potent Trojans’ attack.
DeKalb (0-2) at Kaneland (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Barbs: DeKalb led in the fourth quarter against Sycamore and lost in Week 1. The Barbs led Plainfield South in the fourth quarter in Week 2 and lost. Coach Derek Schneeman said the team is still learning how to win and they’re in a good spot heading to Maple Park to face their old Northern Illinois Big 12 foes for the first time since a 21-20 loss in 2018. Davon Grant had a 1-yard rushing touchdown last week and had five catches for 57 yards. Quarterback Cole Latimer had a 10-yard scramble to stake DeKalb to an early lead.
About the Knights: There are seven 2023 playoff teams on the Knights’ schedule this year, and the Barbs are one of the two teams that failed to qualify for the postseason. But Kaneland coach Michael Thorgesen said he considers DeKalb a playoff-caliber team with one of the strongest passing offenses the Knights will face this year. Kaneland has already knocked off two teams that reached the second round or further in the playoffs last year with wins against Washington and Wauconda. He said the team is definitely happy heading into Week 3.
St. Viator (2-0) at Marmion (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Cadets: The Cadets will face their first true test under head coach Adam Guerra in Week 3, and starts a stretch of six straight games against playoff teams. So far, the Cadets have looked solid under their new coach with a comeback victory against Oak Forest in Week 1 and a blowout against The Noble Academy in Week 2. Guerra said that he’ll be looking for his senior leadership to continue to take center stage for the Cadets.
About the Lions: The Lions won this matchup in Dan Thorpe’s last game as Marmion’s coach last season and have started the 2024 season hot, outscoring opponents 103-6. The Lions are led by QB Cooper Kmet, who is the younger brother of Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet, who has seven passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.
Lake Park (2-0) at Batavia (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: The Bulldogs managed to escape nonconference play with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2021, which was the last time they went undefeated in the regular season. Batavia has won each of the two team’s six matchups in conference play, with last season’s 47-21 victory being the closest game. QB Bodi Anderson seemingly found his stride with 155 passing yards and 3 TDs in the first half of last week’s 42-14 win over South Elgin. RB Nathan Whitwell enters conference play with 301 rushing yards and five scores in his first two games. The defense has also been stellar, already having seven turnovers and 10½ sacks on the season.
About the Lancers: The Lancers are entering conference play with a 2-0 record for the second season in a row, but begin a tough slate with games against the Bulldogs and Geneva next week. They enter play with the second highest point differential (+58) thanks in large part to a 31-0 victory against Bartlett in Week 2. They’ll be lead by the running back duo of Anthony Orestano (20 carries, 236 rushing yards, two TDs) and Robert Munaco (22 carries, 151 yards, four TDs) on the offense.
Geneva (2-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: The Vikings head into conference play boasting arguably the strongest offense in the conference after being the only team to put up over 40 points in each of their first two games of the season. QB Tony Chahino has been rolling in his first two games under center, completing 70% of his passes with nine touchdowns. WR and Georgia commit Talyn Taylor has also been flourishing, as he’s posted 248 receiving yards and five TDs in the first two contests. Cornerback Dane Turner also has had a great start with four interceptions, including three last week against Lemont. The Vikings have won the past three matchups, including a 28-6 victory last season.
About the Tigers: The Tigers enter conference play as one of only two teams that put up a loss in nonconference play after their 30-22 loss to Lyons in Week 2. But the Tigers did certainly put up a fight after being down 21-0 in the first half. QB Luca Carbonaro has looked solid to start his third season under center, and it’s certainly helped with NIU commit Amari Williams at wideout. Running back Owen Yorke has also put up some solid numbers, with 211 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Glenbard South.
Glenbard North (2-0) at St. Charles East (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: Last year’s 14-0 victory in this game was the Saints’ only victory. And while the Saints enter conference play as the only team with an 0-2 record, which doesn’t look the best on paper, the losses were against a Lincoln-Way Central team that went 8-1 in the regular season last year and a Wheaton Academy team that made it to the Class 4A semifinals a season ago. QB JT Padron has led the offense with 582 passing yards and seven TDs.
About the Panthers: The Panthers haven’t started a season 2-0 since 2021, which is also the last time that they’ve reached the playoffs. They also are the only team in the conference to not have gotten over the 20-point mark in a game, with a 19-7 win over Bartlett in Week 1 and a 17-0 win over Willowbrook in Week 2.
Wheaton North (2-0) at St. Charles North (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: It’s the third time in four seasons that the North Stars have came out of nonconference play undefeated. Leading the offense so far has been WR Keaton Reinke with six touchdowns (four receiving, one passing, one kick return). Week 2 also saw a big week from linebacker Aiden McClure, who had 13 tackles, two fumble recoveries, a 45-yard pick-six, a blocked punt and two tackles for losses in their win over Crete-Monee.
About the Falcons: The Falcons won last season’s matchup 35-23 thanks to three fourth-quarter touchdowns. This season, the fourth quarter has continued to stay kind to Wheaton North, with both of their wins stemming from crucial connections between quarterback Nick Johnson and tight end Shane Diericx for one-point victories over Providence Catholic and Lockport.
Huntley (2-0 overall, 2-0 FVC) at Jacobs (1-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Raiders: The Red Raiders beat McHenry 44-0 in Week 2, led by three rushing touchdowns each from Reichen Dvorak and Gavin Havens. … Huntley enters the week tied for first in the FVC with Cary-Grove and Prairie Ridge. The Raiders have scored the most points (79) in the conference and have allowed only one TD on defense as part of a 35-7 win against Crystal Lake Central in Week 1. … Huntley beat Jacobs 40-21 last season and has won the past two meetings between the schools.
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs earned its first win of the season last week with a 28-21 win over Hampshire. … The Eagles got contributions from all four of their ball carriers. FB Caden DuMelle ran for a game-leading 127 yards and a TD, T.O. Boddie added a 90-yard kickoff return for a TD, and Mike Cannady and Matthew Scardina each added a touchdown. Cannady’s 54-yarder with 2:20 left sealed the win. He finished with 103 yards on the ground. … Scardina had a big game on defense at linebacker with seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
Cary-Grove (2-0, 2-0) at McHenry (0-2, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Trojans: Cary-Grove ran away from Crystal Lake Central 45-14 in Week 2. The Trojans scored 29 points in the first quarter, getting touchdowns via passing, rushing, punt block return (Charlie Ciske block, Ostin Hansen return for TD) and interception return (Jason Ritter Jr.). … The Trojans’ defensive starters have yet to allow a touchdown through two weeks. … Its win against Central saw the return of FB-LB Logan Abrams, who missed Week 1 with an injury, and RB Holden Boone, who was competing in a CrossFit competition. Both had a TD, with Boone leading the backfield with 119 yards on eight carries. … QB Peyton Seaburg (2 for 4) had a 28-yard TD pass to Quintin Witt.
About the Warriors: McHenry struggled to keep up with Huntley in a 44-0 loss in Week 2. Through two weeks, the Warriors have been outscored 61-16 in losses to Hampshire and Huntley. … McHenry lost to C-G 42-19 last season and has dropped 11 straight conference games.
Hampshire (1-1, 1-1) at Prairie Ridge (2-0, 2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire played tough against Jacobs and fell in a close contest 28-21 in Week 2. QB Ryan Prowicz had a strong game, completing 15 of 20 passes for 200 yards and a TD. WR Jordan Parish scored on a 35-yard reception and finished with five catches for 108 yards. … Hampshire was still without starting RB Cole Klawikowski, who also missed Week 1 with an injury. … RB Jacob Ostrowski scored on a 5-yard TD in the fourth quarter during the Week 2 loss. … DB Jaxon Currie had an INT and RB Arshawn Rupert scored a 5-yard rushing TD.
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge had no trouble with Crystal Lake South in Week 2, scoring all seven of its touchdowns in the first half in a 49-0 victory. … FB Jack Finn (163 yards) and QB Luke Vanderwiel (106 yards) each scored three rushing touchdowns. Prairie Ridge ran for 317 yards in the first half. … The Wolves defense, which allowed an FVC-low 11.6 points a game last season, have yet to allow any points through two games, outscoring their opponents 66-0. … Prairie Ridge’s defense allowed only 20 total yards by halftime against South. Jace Kranig and Andrew Koeppen each had sacks.
Crystal Lake South (0-2, 0-2) at Burlington Central (1-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Gators: South struggled offensively for the second week in a row with a 49-0 loss to crosstown rival Prairie Ridge. Through two weeks, the Gators have been outscored 69-14. South fell to Burlington Central 35-21 in last season’s meeting … In a Week 2 loss to Prairie Ridge, RB Logan Miller was a yard short of the century mark with 99 yards on 15 carries.
About the Rockets: Central, which has missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons at 4-5, earned a critical victory in Week 2, defeating Dundee-Crown 24-22 on a David McCoy 37-yard field goal with three seconds remaining. … QB Jackson Alcorn helped lead the Rockets on the game-winning drive and finished 9-of-18 passing for 139 yards. LJ Kerr had 74 receiving yards and two touchdowns and Christian Livingston tallied 65 receiving yards.
Dundee-Crown (1-1, 1-1) at Crystal Lake Central (0-2, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Chargers: D-C fell in a heartbreaker to Burlington Central 24-22 in Week 2, losing on a last-second field goal. … QB Hayden DeMarsh scored on a quarterback keeper and completed a 2-point conversion to take a 22-21 lead with 53 seconds remaining. He went 11-of-16 passing for 194 yards, throwing touchdown passes of 12 and 20 yards, to account for all three of D-C’s scores. … Terrion Spencer had a big game with eight catches for 129 yards and a score. Anthony Jobe also caught a touchdown.
About the Tigers: Crystal Lake Central couldn’t get anything going on offense against Cary-Grove’s defensive starters, scoring both of its touchdowns against backups in a 45-14 loss in Week 2. … QB Aidan Niederkorn finished 22-of-36 passing for 179 yards, one TD and an interception while getting a rushing touchdown. … Jackson Mason (40 receiving yards) caught a 2-yard touchdown, Carter Kelley had 51 yards on six grabs and Ben Kolodziej added 29 yards receiving. … Central’s defense has allowed 80 points through two weeks.
— Joel Boenitz, Eddie Carifio and Alex Kantecki from Shaw Local contributed