Scouting Week 7 Fox Valley football games
Bartlett (2-4, 2-1) at South Elgin (3-3, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 49-7, last season.
About the Hawks: Bartlett has won 2 of its last 3 games, including last weekend’s 48-2 victory over East Aurora. Donald Hubbard’s 2-yard touchdown and a defense that forced 6 turnovers keyed the Hawks’ victory over the Tomcats. The Hawks haven’t beaten South Elgin since 2019 (17-14). Bartlett needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive.
About the Storm: South Elgin began its playoff push with last weekend’s 50-6 victory over Streamwood. Junior quarterback Carter McDonald threw a pair of early touchdown passes to Cole Jurcy (45 yards) and Ishmael George (6 yards), while senior running back Darrion Thurman added touchdown runs of 10 and 59 yards, respectively. South Elgin has won 4 of the last 6 meetings against Bartlett, including 3 straight by a combined 143-14 margin.
Fenton (4-2) at East Aurora (0-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: East Aurora won, 54-20, last season.
About the Bison: The Bison have enjoyed a resurgent season under head coach Mark Farrell, who returned to the position this season after having previously served from 2006-2009. Farrell, who guided the team to playoff berths in 2006 and 2009, has the Bison a win away from becoming playoff eligible. Senior quarterback Nathan Stewart guides the Bison attack looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 48-14 loss to Glenbard East.
About the Tomcats: From the odd stats department — East Aurora has recorded 3 safeties in its last 3 games. However, the Tomcats haven’t scored a touchdown since Week 3 against Streamwood.
Larkin (2-4, 2-2) at West Aurora (6-0, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Aurora won, 55-6, in 2018.
About the Royals: Larkin’s modest 2-game winning streak came to a halt following last weekend’s 38-0 loss to crosstown rival Elgin. The Royals managed just 3 first downs against the Maroons, who contained quarterback Julius Yandell. Blanked 4 times in 6 games, Larkin now prepares to face one of the state’s hottest teams in West Aurora.
About the Blackhawks: It has been a storybook season so far for the Blackhawks, who secured a state playoff berth for the second straight year with last weekend’s 51-0 victory over Ridgewood. Junior quarterback Mason Atkins, who completed 9 of 12 passes for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns against Ridgewood, engineers a potent offense that is averaging 52-plus points per contest. Azuriah Sylvester scored 3 times last weekend, while senior Temilade Dada recorded 9 tackles, including a sack.
Streamwood (1-5, 1-3) at Elgin (2-4, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Streamwood won, 20-12, last season.
About the Sabres: Streamwood looks to snap a 3-game losing streak that included last weekend’s 50-6 loss to South Elgin. The teams have split the last 6 meetings with the Sabres winning the last 2.
About the Maroons: Elgin comes into the game with a burst of momentum, having won 2 in a row, including last weekend’s 38-0 Town Jug victory over Larkin. Senior 2-way player Fabian Ramirez did it all against Larkin, rushing for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 carries and recording 8 tackles, including a sack. Andres Marquez, Gerardo Depaz, and Montez Miller each had 2 sacks, as the Maroons’ defense finished with a season-high 7 sacks. Quarterback Darin Ward coming off his best game of the season — 16 of 22 for 199 yards and a touchdown. The Maroons need to win their last 3 games to become playoff eligible.
Batavia (5-1 overall, 3-1 conference) at St. Charles East (2-4, 2-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: After putting up dominant numbers on both sides of the ball in each of their first five games of the season, Batavia had a bit of a setback in Week 6. And it was against the one team that they probably didn’t want it to happen against. Their seven points against Geneva is the first time they’ve been held to single digits since 2020, where they saw a similar 30-7 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South. The loss also saw the end of running back Nathan Whitwell’s 100-plus yards rushing streak after being held under the century mark for the first time this season. Despite the setback, the Bulldogs’ numbers still look great on the season, averaging 358 yards a game while only giving up 183 per game. And with a team like East, who they’ve beaten in each of the last four matchups, up next, they’ll be hoping to bounce back in a big way.
About the Saints: While the Bulldogs’ streak came to an end with their loss, St. Charles East saw their streak against their rivals continue with a 42-7 loss to St. Charles North in Week 6. The Saints were held to single-digit points for the first time this season against the North Stars, and struggled to find the end zone after getting close on multiple attempts. Part of the reason for the stagnant offense might have had to do with both quarterback JT Padron and wide receiver Sheko Gjokaj being out for the game. With Gjokaj being returning from his suspension, and Padron potentially returning from his knee injury, it could be a boost for the young Saints team as they continue their tough stretch to end the season.
Wheaton North (3-3, 1-3) at Geneva (6-0, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: Geneva has been rolling throughout 2024, and they showed it again with a 30-7 victory over Batavia for their first win in the rivalry since 2010. A lot of their success has been thanks to the play of quarterback Tony Chahino, who currently leads the conference with 1,412 passing yards and has thrown four or more touchdowns in all but one game this season, while only throwing one interception back in Week 2. While wide receiver and Georgia commit Talyn Taylor has been the main target for Chahino, wide receivers Finnegan Weppner, Bennett Konkey and running back Michael Rumoro have seen plenty of action, especially in last week’s win. Along with this, their defense stepped up in a big way against the Bulldogs, allowing only 213 yards of offense, including just 74 rushing yards. and seven points to a team averaging nearly 44 points and 386 yards per game heading into it.
About the Falcons: After picking up three come-from-behind wins in their first four games of the season, Wheaton North has hit a rough patch on offense over the past two games, putting up only six points over the last two games against Batavia and Wheaton Warrenville South in one of their lowest point stretches since only managing 10 points in their first two games of DuKane conference play against St. Charles North and Lake Park in 2018. Despite this, the Falcons saw themselves in a similar situation a season ago, and managed to pull off a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Vikings 25-24 at home. It will be more difficult to achieve the feat this time, especially after losing some key contributors in that win to graduation.
St. Charles North (5-1, 3-1) at Glenbard North (2-4, 0-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: St. Charles North’s 42-7 victory last week over St. Charles East comes to show how locked in the North Stars have been after their Week 4 loss to Batavia. Four-year starter Ethan Plumb has been on a tear at quarterback, completing 72% of his passes and picking up nine touchdowns (7 passing, 2 rushing) over the last two games. He’s also been spreading out the ball over the past two games. While wide receiver Keaton Reinke has been a big-time target this season, Marmion transfer Braden Harms has been finding more receptions as of late, including on an 18-yard game-winning touchdown against WW South in Week 5. Their defense also had some big stops last week, with linebacker Aidan McClure getting his third defensive touchdown of the season on a blocked punt, while also helping stopping the Saints in the red zone on back-to-back possessions.
About the Panthers: After winning two straight to start of the season, Glenbard North has found themselves on the losing end of each of their last four games, including a 29-21 loss to Lake Park last week. Despite that, their three-touchdown effort led to the most points they’ve scored since Week 7 of 2022, when they put up 35 points against the Lancers. Running back Donato Gatses led the way on offense, accumulating 200 rushing yards on 35 carries last week.
Crystal Lake Central (2-4, 2-4) at Jacobs (4-2, 4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: Crystal Lake Central beat McHenry 21-7 last week for its first win since Week 3 against Dundee-Crown. The Tigers will need to have a strong finish if they hope to make the postseason after going last year. After this week, they finish with a home game against Prairie Ridge and a road game at Hampshire, respectively. The Tigers have scored only 83 points (13.8 per game).
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs rushed for 206 yards against Burlington Central in its 21-18 win last week. The Eagles did a “heck of a job” defensively, coach Brian Zimmerman said, after his team allowed only a field goal in the first half and 10 points, total, until the Rockets scored a last-second TD. DL PJ Barnes had seven tackles and two QB hits. … Jacobs should have RB Caden DuMelle back after he missed the Burlington Central game with what Zimmerman called a “103-degree” fever. T.O. Boddie (81 yards, TD) and Mike Cannady (77 yards, TD) helped pick up the slack in DuMelle’s absence. Barnes had a 7-yard TD catch from Connor Goehring. … Jacobs has won four of its last five games.
Burlington Central (4-2, 4-2) at Prairie Ridge (5-1, 5-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Rockets: Burlington Central had its four-game winning streak snapped against visiting Jacobs in Week 6. The Rockets will try again for their fifth win. They last made the playoffs in 2014. QB Jackson Alcorn, one of several three-year varsity starters for the Rockets, was 18-of-26 passing for 157 yards, two TDs and no interceptions against Jacobs. WR Caden West had eight receptions for 43 yards and a TD. WR Rocco Boss had five catches for 57 yards.
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge won 21-6 at Dundee-Crown last week, scoring the game’s final 21 points. The Wolves, whose only loss was to Cary-Grove in Week 5, have not missed the postseason since 2012. … Prairie Ridge’s 57 points allowed are tied with Cary-Grove for the fewest by any FVC team.
Dundee-Crown (1-5, 1-5) at Hampshire (1-5, 1-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Chargers: Dundee-Crown’s 21-6 loss to Prairie Ridge last week extended its losing streak to five games after an opening-night win at home against Crystal Lake South. Three of those five losses were by three points or less. … The Chargers are averaging 16 points per game. District-300 rivals Dundee-Crown and Hampshire also played each other in Week 7 last year, with Hampshire winning 23-20.
About the Whip-Purs: Like D-C, Hampshire hasn’t won since opening night, a 17-16 victory over McHenry. Hampshire allowed a season-high point total in its 48-7 loss at Cary-Grove on the Trojans’ homecoming Saturday. Arshawn Rupert (5 carries, 71 yards) had a 52-yard run for Hampshire’s only TD. Tymere Marshall ran 12 times for 44 yards, and QB Ryan Prowicz completed 8 of 15 passes for 77 yards.
Cary-Grove (6-0, 6-0) at Huntley (4-2, 4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Trojans: Cary-Grove showed no letdown after its Week 5 win over Prairie Ridge gave the Trojans sole possession of first place in the FVC. C-G rolled on its homecoming Saturday, beating Hampshire 48-7, as QB Peyton Seaburg scored on runs of 1, 3 and 17 yards. Logan Adams (3 carries, 71 yards) busted off a 56-yard TD run on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Landon Barnett had TD runs of 7 and 2 yards. Trae Kole also ran for a score, and Michael Massat carried 11 times for 45 yards. … C-G has scored 219 points (36.5 per game) and its 57 points allowed are tied with Prairie Ridge for fewest in the FVC. .. Saturday’s win over Hampshire clinched a second straight playoff berth for the Trojans, who before 2022 hadn’t missed the postseason since 2003.
About the Red Raiders: Back-to-back wins have Huntley one victory away from its fifth victory. The Red Raiders got three rushing TDs (5, 6 and 17 yards) from QB Braylon Bower in their 38-12 win over Crystal Lake South last week. Bower was 13-of-19 passing for 154 yards and threw a 12-yard TD pass to Wyatt Fleck, and he ran 12 times for 92 yards. Reichen Dvorak (14 carries, 90 yards) had a 5-yard TD run, and Dom Giuseffi kicked a 28-yard field goal. Jordan Oruche had five catches for 48 yards, and Colin Hochmuth had four receptions for 60 yards. LB Charlie Condon paced Huntley defensively with 10 tackles, including two for loss and a sack.
Crystal Lake South (2-4, 2-4) at McHenry (1-5, 1-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Gators: Crystal Lake South had consecutive wins over Hampshire and Crystal Lake Central, respectively, before losing to Huntley 38-12 last week. The Gators trailed 17-12 at halftime. JJ Semradek kicked field goals of 27 and 40 yards, and QB Michael Silvius threw a 77-yard TD pass to AJ Demirov. Demirov also had an interception. … A win likely keeps the Gators’ playoff hopes alive, but they finish with Cary-Grove (6-0) and Jacobs (4-2).
About the Warriors: It’s homecoming for McHenry, and the Warriors are in need of a victory. They are seeking their first win since beating Dundee-Crown 14-13 in Week 4. … McHenry’s 58 points scored are the fewest in the FVC.
Kaneland (4-2, 1-2) at Rochelle (5-1, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Knights: After averaging almost 32 points per game to start the year, Kaneland has scored 17 total points the past two weeks. That’s been against the stingy defenses of Sycamore (12.7 points per game) and Morris (24.7 points per game and 19.6 if you factor out a 58-52 loss to a Peoria team that’s been held under 46 points once). Of course, the Hubs are just as stingy, allowing an average of 18.3 points per game. Chase Kruckenberg and the offense will look to get things back on track. The senior quarterback has been intercepted four times in the last two weeks, his only picks of the year. He’s still completed almost 70% of his passes for 854 yards. Brady Brown (22-229-1) and Dylan Sanagustin (18-290-5) have been his top two targets. Coach Michael Thorgesen said he knew this part of the schedule was going to be a gauntlet, and he feels like the team played much better last week against Sycamore despite the score.
About the Hubs: They are coming off a huge 37-15 win against Morris last week. Not only did the win likely secure the Hubs their fourth straight playoff berth, but kept them alive for at least a share of the Interstate 8 title should Morris beat Sycamore in Week 8. But that’s going to require the Hubs to take care of business Friday. They amassed almost 400 yards on the ground to secure the win against Morris. Dylan Manning ran for 217 yards and four touchdowns for Rochelle in the win.
IC Catholic (2-4) at Marmion (4-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Cadets: Marmion put up a strong showing at home after allowing just 38 yards of offense after allowing an early score from Marian Catholic. Their four wins under first-year coach Adam Guerra is already double of last year’s total wins. Wide receiver Bryan Scales has been a huge asset for the Cadets, picking up seven of freshman quarterback Roy Magana’s eight passes for 163 yards in their Week 6 victory.
About the Knights: After two straight wins to start the season, IC Catholic has lost four and a row and will be looking to get a much-needed win to keep their playoff hopes alive. In their most recent game, the Knights pulled within a point of St. Francis, but couldn’t get the extra play needed in a 21-13 loss to their rivals. Junior running back/linebacker Foley Calcagno averages 10-plus tackles per game, and also had a four-yard score in their Week 6 loss.
Aurora Christian (4-2, 2-2) at Marian Central (2-4, 2-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Eagles: After their loss to McNamara in Week 5, Aurora Christian bounced back with a statement 55-19 victory over Christ the King in Week 6. Quarterback Asa Johnson ended up throwing for three touchdowns in the contest, and looks to help the Eagles keep the ball rolling against a team they defeated 40-28 a season ago.
About the Hurricanes: After starting the season 0-2, Marian Central has been alternating between wins and losses over the past four weeks to start conference play. The Hurricanes first of the season came on a 14-6 victory in Week 3 over McNamara, a team that went on to beat the Eagles in Week 5.
St. Edward (0-6, 0-4) at Chicago Hope Academy (2-4, 2-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Hope Academy won, 56-6, last season.
About the Green Wave: St. Edward snapped a 3-game shutout streak during last weekend’s 41-6 loss to Chicago Christian. Senior tailback Luis Vargas, who added 7 tackles on defense, tallied the team’s lone touchdown, while teammate Michael Cones added 37 yards on 6 carries. Senior Charlie Elwood and junior Zach Sauceda had 6 tackles each against Chicago Christian.
About the Eagles: Hope Academy improved to 2-4 with last weekend’s 40-21 victory over Marian Central Catholic. The Eagles, who finished 11-2 a year ago, graduated several starters from that group and have had to rebuild in some areas. At quarterback, junior Justin Houston and freshman D’Angelo Garner both have seen time behind center, while sophomore Marcus Mullins is the Eagles’ top receiver. Defensively, linebackers Zach Brayboy, Ethan Thompson, and tackle Lavant Cunningham lead the way.
-- Joel Boenitz, Eddie Carifio and Joe Aguilar from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.