Scouting Week 5 DuPage County football games
Elmwood Park (0-4, 0-2) at Glenbard South (3-1, 2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Tigers: Off to an 0-4 start, Elmwood Park’s defense has allowed 237 points this season, including 69 to Woodstock North, and 65 to Glenbard East last weekend.
About the Raiders: The first-place Raiders handed previously unbeaten Fenton a 49-6 defeat last weekend. Jonny Baldauf provided an early highlight with his 65-yard kick return for a touchdown.
Glenbard East (3-1, 2-0) at Ridgewood (3-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Rams: Glenbard East’s offense has been humming of late, thanks to explosive plays from quarterback Michael Nee and receivers Amonte Cook and Chris Renford. The Rams have scored 112 points in their last 2 games – both double-digit victories.
About the Rebels: Offense hasn’t been a problem for the Rebels, who scored 5 touchdowns in last weekend’s 43-35 loss to West Chicago. Sophomore quarterback Angelo Vitale has thrown 12 touchdown passes in 4 games, while 2-way standout Luke Melendez has scored 9 touchdowns on offense with 6 interceptions at cornerback.
Riverside-Brookfield (2-2, 0-1) at Fenton (3-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Bulldogs: Sophomore quarterback Giancarlo Garcia is a dual threat as a passer and runner. Garcia, who averages 72 yards on the ground, rushed for a pair of touchdowns (12 and 15 yards) and passed for another during the Bulldogs’ 30-14 win over Elgin last weekend. Juniors Warren Mason and Xavier Mrozik-Dejesus are his favorite targets.
About the Bison: Fenton looks to rebound against a Riverside-Brookfield team that rushed for 225 yards against Elgin last weekend. After scoring 132 points in their first 3 games, the Bison offense was slowed down during last Friday’s 49-6 loss to Glenbard South. Senior quarterback Nathan Stewart and wideout Jack Tinajero lead the Bison offense.
South Elgin (1-3, 1-1) at West Chicago (3-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 57-14, last season.
About the Storm: South Elgin’s 3 losses have come to teams (Barrington, Batavia, West Aurora) with 4-0 records. Last weekend, the Storm played West Aurora on even terms early thanks to a 72-yard touchdown run by DeAngelo McCullough before the Blackhawks took control in the second quarter and second half. “South Elgin still has South Elgin type players,” said Wildcats coach Adam Chavez. “They have played a tough schedule. Some schemes have changed a bit, but they still have very good players on their roster.”
About the Wildcats: Tailback Robert Lee and quarterback Carter Naranjo will try to exploit the Storm defense following last weekend’s wild 43-35 victory over Ridgewood. “Two years ago, we would not have been able to come back and hang in there for four quarters,” said Chavez. “We are learning to be winners.” West Chicago suffered a 63-8 Week 3 loss to Glenbard South. “That beatdown woke us up, and the kids vowed to never let that happen again,” added the coach. Chavez knows the task at hand Friday night. “We will have to be at our best to have a chance to be in the game.”
Lincoln-Way West (3-1, 2-1) at Naperville Central (4-0, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Warriors: Lincoln-Way West suffered its first loss last weekend, falling behind 14-0 early during a 28-22 setback at the hands of Sandburg. Junior linebacker Josh Veldman, a Northwestern commit, anchors the defense while wide receiver DeAndre Coates has game-breaking ability on offense.
About the Redhawks: Naperville Central wasted little time last weekend, building a quick 35-0 lead on the way to a 56-7 victory over Stagg. While quarterback Sebastian Hayes, wideout DeShaun Williams, and tailback Aiden Clark continue to excel, the Redhawks are also stingy on the defensive side of the ball with defensive ends Troy Kashul and Jake Stanish, and linebackers Aaron Nussbaum and Daniel Nussbaum.
Naperville North (2-2, 0-1) at Lockport (3-1, 1-0)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
About the Huskies: Naperville North stands at the .500 mark, but those two losses come to some power-packed teams in longtime rival Naperville Central and the most recent setback to Lincoln-Way East in Week 4. The Huskies have a proven, potent passing attack as senior QB Jacob Bell is in the midst of a breakout season. His receiver tandem of Quinn Morris and Brock Pettaway has been dangerous for opponents and hard to contain as well.
About the Porters: Lockport continues to find ways to grind out victories, and that’s a good way to build a little cushion ahead of the remaining five games on its schedule where the combined record of those opponents is 16-4. It’s the final segment of a brutal slate that includes just one team with a losing record. Lockport will continue to look to its defense to set the pace and finding whatever pieces it can to contribute on offense. In a Week 4 win over Waubonsie Valley, it was WR Brendan Mecher who stepped into the spotlight with two touchdown receptions.
Metea Valley (1-3, 0-2) at Sandburg (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Mustangs: Turnovers plagued the Mustangs, who were intercepted 5 times (4 in the first quarter) during last weekend’s 46-7 loss to Andrew. Dominic Smith’s touchdown catch provided a highlight against the Thunderbolts. Now, Metea prepares for a veteran-laden Sandburg team whose lone loss came in Week 1 against highly regarded St. Rita (27-17).
About the Eagles: Sandburg enters with a burst of momentum following last weekend’s 28-22 victory over previously unbeaten Lincoln-Way West. The Eagles feature 4 returning all-conference players – senior quarterback Anthony Shelton, senior wide receiver Charlie Snoreck, senior center Luke Czerwinski, and junior tailback Luke Basiorka.
Waubonsie Valley (2-2, 0-1) at Stagg (2-2, 0-0)
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Warriors: Who will start at quarterback for the Warriors? Last weekend, starting signal-caller Josh Siekierski left the game early with an injury and reserve Dylan Beacom went the rest of the way, completing 13 of 20 passes for 110 yards and a 5-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Tinney.
About the Chargers: Stagg enters the contest on a 2-game losing streak. However, the losses were to a pair of unbeaten teams in Lincoln-Way East and Naperville Central. The Chargers managed just 53 total yards of offense against Naperville Central last weekend.
Batavia (4-0, 2-0) at Wheaton North (3-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: After a slow start against St. Charles North in which they got held out of the end zone in the first half, Batavia rattled off six touchdowns, including four unanswered ones in the fourth quarter, to pull off an impressive 45-21 victory over the North Stars. RB Nathan Whitwell has been on an absolute tear, racking up 803 yards on the ground and 13 touchdowns to start the season, including 263 and five scores in Week 4. Not only that, but the defense also excelled in the fourth quarter, only allowing two North Star first downs. Despite the Bulldogs recording their third straight 40+ point performance last week, head coach Dennis Piron said that the team is still trying to find their way in aspects like the pass game. But t when it does he knows that the team can be extremely good.
About the Falcons: Wheaton North has been keeping their fans on edge for most of the season, and last week was certainly no exception. The Falcons scored 20 unanswered points in the second half, including 13 in the fourth quarter, to pick up a 27-19 victory over St. Charles East last week. In all three of their wins, the Falcons came from behind to take the lead in the fourth quarter. Leading the way has been QB Nick Johnson, who’s thrown all three go-ahead touchdowns for the Falcons, including a pass to Tyler Kading to give them the lead in Week 4. The last time the Bulldogs came to Wheaton North, the Falcons pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback to win 27-24.
Glenbard North (2-2, 0-2) at Geneva (4-0, 2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: Through four weeks of the season, Geneva has certainly had no trouble getting their offense going, and they kept that mantra going with a 63-14 victory over Lake Park in Week 4, their fourth straight game with 45+ points. Their 212 points so far is the fifth most across the state of Illinois, keeping pace with teams like defending Class 3A champions Byron (217 points) and Class 2A semifinalist Maroa-Forsyth (227 points). QB Anthony Chahino has been a main catalyst for the offensive uptick, completing 36 of 52 passes for 1,012 yards and 17 touchdowns. Helping add to those stats have been a talented receiving duo of Georgia commit Talyn Taylor (14 receptions, 390 yards, nine TDs) and Finnegan Weppner (11 receptions, 302 yards, five TDs).
About the Panthers: After outscoring their first two opponents 36-7 to help start the season 2-0, Glenbard North has had the script reversed to start conference play. The Panthers have been outscored 71-7, including a 31-0 shutout loss against Wheaton Warrenville South last week. The Panthers’ only score during their skid came from an 80-yard connection between Ben Princis and Zechariah Moore in Week 3.
Lake Park (2-2, 0-2) at St. Charles East (1-3, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: While St. Charles East may be the only team in the DuKane conference with an overall record under .500, the Saints have proven time and time again that they can keep with high-caliber teams. And they did it again last week, taking a lead into the fourth quarter against Wheaton North before ultimately falling to them. After relying on the passing game in the first two weeks, RB Xander Salazar has taken the lead on the offense, rushing for over 100 yards in back-to-back games and scoring five touchdowns.
About the Lancers: After putting up 72 points in their first two games of the season, Lake Park struggled to put up points against a tough opening conference slate, getting outscored 119-19 against Batavia in Week 3 and Geneva in Week 4. QB George Tzamouranis has the Lancers’ only offensive score over that two-week slate, recording a 2-yard rushing score late against the Vikings.
Wheaton Warrenville South (2-2, 1-1) at St. Charles North (3-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: St. Charles North is coming off a tough first loss of the season after allowing 28 straight points in the fourth quarter in a loss against Batavia, and will most likely be eager to get back in the win column. Last year’s matchup between the two teams went to overtime, when the North Stars came out with a 42-35 victory. QB Ethan Plumb threw for 367 yards and five touchdowns in the last contest, and he’ll be looking to get back in the saddle after a tough second-half showing last week. He did find success with WR Keaton Reinke, who was on the receiving end of 145 of his 190 passing yards on the day, including a 67-yard dot for the North Stars’ only score in the second half.
About the Tigers: After a tough loss in the homecoming game to Geneva in Week 3, WW South avenged it with a 31-0 victory on the road at Glenbard North. The Tigers have put up over 30 points in three of their first four games of the season, which is something they haven’t done since 2019. The QB-WR duo of Luca Carbonaro and Amari Williams lead the way for the Tigers. The two have connected for over 400 yards and seven touchdowns so far this season, including for multiple scores in each of the last three games and for over 100 yards in each of the last two.
Hinsdale Central (2-2, 0-1) at York (4-0, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central comes in off a 56-0 win over Morton last week. Junior QB Riley Contreras was 17-for-18 passing for 187 yards and five TDs, and ran for a 57-yard TD in one half of action. The Red Devils took another Silver unbeaten, Lyons, to the wire in Week 3, and now get a crack at another one in the Dukes.
About the Dukes: York comes in off a 42-21 win over Oak Park-River Forest. Bruno Massel threw for 180 yards and two TDs and rushed for 82 yards and a TD, continuing to emerge as a dual threat under center. Two-way standout Jimmy Conners rushed for 92 yards and three TDs and had eight tackles at linebacker, two for loss. York beat Hinsdale Central 38-10 last season.
Oak Park-River Forest (1-3, 1-1) at Downers Grove North (4-0, 2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Huskies: The Huskies come in off a 42-21 loss to York. It’s the start of a rough stretch of games, with road trips to unbeatens Downers Grove North and Lyons the next two weeks.
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North continues to roll, 54-0 over Proviso West last week. The Trojans have a huge stretch of games ahead that could determine the Silver title – Week 6 at York and Week 7 at home against Lyons – but clearly don’t want to look past OPRF. Junior QB and Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu threw for four TDs last week in one quarter of action. On the season he’s completed 75% of his passes for 602 yards and 11 TDs in eight quarters played.
Morton (2-2, 1-0) at Downers Grove South (2-2, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About Morton: Morton was quite competitive over its first three games, wins over Thornton and Proviso East and a two-TD loss to Niles West. But those wins came over teams that are still winless, and the Mustangs struggled mightily in a Silver crossover last week, a 56-0 loss to Hinsdale Central. It doesn’t get any easier facing Downers Grove South.
About Downers Grove South: Downers Grove South comes in off a big, come-from-behind 18-16 win over Willowbrook last week. With starting QB Aidan Kanazawa shaken up on a big hit, Dominic West came in off the bench to lead the comeback with a 1-yard TD run and 10-yard TD pass to Keon Maggit Jr. on fourth-and-goal. Kayden Smith rushed for 149 yards on 29 carries with a 55-yard TD. Maggit Jr. caught six passes for 70 yards and also made a game-saving tackle on the Warriors’ attempt at a game-tying 2-point conversion.
Willowbrook (1-3, 1-1) at Hinsdale South (2-2, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Willowbrook is in an unenviable spot after its 18-16 loss to Downers Grove South, but it easily could have gone the other way. Willowbrook’s four losses have come by a combined 21 points. QB Jahonise Reed threw for 211 yards last week, while Jordan Pate had four catches for 107 yards in a game Willowbrook led 10-0 at halftime and still led into the fourth quarter. Willowbrook beat Hinsdale South 37-34 last season.
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South comes in off a 28-21 loss to Addison Trail, with a challenging road ahead facing Willowbrook and Downers Grove South the next two weeks. Senior QB Langston Love was 20 for 28 for 214 yards and two TDs in the loss to Addison Trail.
Leyden (3-1) at Glenbard West (0-4)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
About the Eagles: Leyden, 2-7 last season, has already surpassed that win total with its 41-12 win at Proviso East last week. It’s noteworthy, though, that all three of the Eagles’ wins came against teams that are currently winless. The only loss was by a 38-0 margin to Hinsdale South in Week 3.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West is in unfamiliar – and unenviable – terrain, 0-4 for the first time since 1999 after last Saturday’s 24-7 loss to Lyons. The Hilltoppers’ offense is the chief concern. Glenbard West has managed just one score in each of the last three games, and had just 135 yards of offense and a JaMarcus Kelly TD run in last week’s game. But a young Hilltoppers’ defense starting several juniors showed progress in keeping the team in it until the fourth quarter. Glenbard West might need to win out to avoid missing the playoffs, so the sense of urgency is clear.
Providence (2-2) at St. Francis (3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Celtics: Providence has gotten stellar performances out of its defense much of the season, and the Celtics turned in another gem in Week 4 holding Niles Notre Dame to just more than 100 yards of total offense in a shutout victory. Offense has been a little bit more problematic for Providence, but the knack for making big plays hasn’t deserted it, as Gavin Hagan ripped off a 97-yard touchdown run to open the margin of victory.
About the Spartans: St. Francis couldn’t carry over the momentum from pulling off one of the state’s bigger surprises in Week 3 when the Spartans upset Loyola on their home field. But the offense couldn’t get back on track in Week 4, digging a hole against St. Rita it couldn’t climb out of in a 31-13 loss, St. Francis’ first setback of the season. RB TyVonn Ransom was sidelined by an early injury. If that’s an extended absence it could slow the Spartans offensive attack, but there are still plenty of players who can give opponents fits on the St. Francis roster.
Marmion (3-1) at Montini (2-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Cadets: After suffering their first loss of the season to St. Viator in Week 3, Marmion came back with a 35-0 victory over De La Salle to open CCL/ESCC Red conference play. The shutout gave them their second shutout victory in three weeks, with their first coming in Week 2 with a 56-0 win over The Noble Academy. The win already puts the Cadets over their win total from a season ago, showing that the new offense under first-year head coach Adam Guerra has been working so far.
About the Broncos: After starting off the season 2-0, Montini, who reached the Class 3A state semifinals last season, has suffered back-to-back losses in lowing scoring games against Marist and Fenwick. The Broncos were grinded down in the second half against Fenwick before falling 14-10. The Broncos won the last matchup between the two teams, taking a 26-3 victory in Week 3 of 2022.
Benet (4-0) at Mount Carmel (3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Redwings: Benet has already matched its win total from each of the last three seasons with its best start in over a decade. Now it gets a monumental challenge, a road trip to Mount Carmel. Benet QB Ryan Kubacki threw for 265 yards and two TDs last week in a 23-16 win over previously undefeated St. Viator. Luke Doyle had nine catches for 134 yards and a 79-yard TD. Doyle and Luke Wildes, who also had a TD last week, are Kubacki’s favorite targets. The Redwings have averaged 37.3 points per game this season. Benet last played Mount Carmel in a 2013 first-round playoff game, a 49-6 Caravan win.
About the Caravan: Defending Class 7A champion Mount Carmel has rolled since a Week 1 loss to The Hun School out of New Jersey, three wins by a 24-point margin with a 45-24 win over St. Ignatius last week. The Caravan trailed in the fourth quarter of that game 24-21, but scored the last 24 points. A high-powered offense led by quarterback Jack Elliott, a Vanderbilt recruit, is averaging a tick under 42 points per game. Elliott ran for 198 yards and four TDs and threw for 110 against St. Ignatius. Sophomore Quentin Burrell, one of Elliott’s top targets, had a 65-yard return for a TD that sparked the comeback.
Marist (3-1) at IC Catholic Prep (2-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: IC Catholic Prep won, 28-21, last season.
About the RedHawks: An extra-point kick caromed off the left upright, denying the RedHawks their fourth straight win during last weekend’s 31-30 double-overtime loss to Joliet Catholic. Quarterback Jacob Ritter directs the RedHawks’ offense, supported by 6-7, 340-pound lineman Rico Schrieber.
About the Knights: IC Catholic Prep has dropped a pair of games after its 2-0 start, including a 33-0 loss to defending Class 5A state champion Nazareth last weekend. The Knights are led by senior quarterback Will Bryk, junior running back/linebacker Foley Calcagno, and sophomore tailback KJ Reese.
St. Edward (0-4, 0-2) at Wheaton Academy (3-1, 2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy won, 48-0, last season.
About the Green Wave: Following back-to-back, double-digit losses to Christ the King (34-0) and Aurora Christian (55-0), St. Edward travels to West Chicago to face a talented Wheaton Academy squad that has won 3 of its first 4 games. Senior all-purpose back Charlie Elwood averages 47 receiving yards and 26 rushing yards for the Green Wave.
About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy outscored Hope Academy 28-0 in the second half of last weekend’s 42-14 victory. Senior quarterback Nathan Downey has plenty of offensive weapons to lean on, including wideouts Charlie Coniaris, Jake Weston, and Gino Spinelli, who caught a touchdown and threw a 35-yard touchdown pass against Hope. Jeremy Johanik, Zach Moravec, and Diyonnes King anchor the Warriors’ defense.
Madison (1-3) at Westmont (1-2)
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Trojans: Since their season-opening, 58-50 win over Sparta/Steeleville, the Trojans have suffered 3 straight losses. Junior quarterback Dallas Gardner directs the offense, flanked by tailback Jalen Belford and wideout Darrius Williams.
About the Sentinels: Westmont looks to rebound from last weekend’s 54-0 loss to Fieldcrest Minonk. Senior quarterback/middle linebacker Lucas Fears is a player to watch for the Sentinels.
Manteno (4-0, 2-0) at Lisle (0-4, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Manteno won, 55-9, last season.
About the Panthers: Manteno has already matched last year’s victory total with 4 consecutive wins to open the season. Last weekend, Niko Akiyama rushed for 200 yards on 12 carries with a pair of touchdowns in the Panthers’ 49-8 win over Streator.
About the Lions: The Lions are experiencing some growing pains this season – 24 players on their 43-man varsity roster are freshmen and sophomores. Lisle has been outscored, 212-14.
– Joshua Welge, Joel Boenitz and Steve Soucie from Shaw Local contributed to this preview.