Scouting Week 9 DuPage County football games
Naperville Central (8-0) at Lincoln-Way East (8-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Redhawks: It seems strange to talk about an undefeated team as flying under the radar, but that sort of seems like what the Redhawks have done in stacking victories. Perhaps that’s because while Naperville Central has been piling up W’s, they’ve done it rather quietly with four of those wins coming by decisions of 10 points or less. There’s no questioning Naperville Central is a very good team with QB Sebastian Hayes putting together a strong year and a defense that has held opponents to two touchdowns or less in all but two of their games.
About the Griffins: Lincoln-Way East had to work a little bit harder than usual to get separation against Andrew, but still took over the game relatively early behind another splendid effort from QB Jonas Williams. Lincoln-Way East has scored either 47, 48 or 49 points in every one of its seven games contested on the field. Andrew did end up scoring 22 points against the Griffins defense, which matched the most any opponent had all season as Maine South did the same back in Week 1, but the fact remains that if and when the first unit stays on the field, opposing points are very hard to come by.
Sandburg (5-3) at Naperville North (6-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville North won, 42-14, in 2016.
About the Eagles: Sandburg suffered its second consecutive loss during last weekend’s 22-8 defeat at the hands of unbeaten Naperville Central. Senior quarterback Anthony Shelton has thrown 20 touchdown passes this season, while senior receiver averages 120 yards per game with 11 touchdowns. Junior tailback Luke Basiorka, whose 3-yard TD run snapped the Redhawks’ shutout bid, averages 92 yards on the ground.
About the Huskies: This should be a great playoff tune-up for the Huskies, who delivered a memorable 63-62 double-overtime victory over Homewood-Flossmoor last weekend. Senior quarterback Jacob Bell became the first player in the state since 2021 to account for 9 touchdowns — 7 passing and 2 rushing. Bell, who completed 27 of 39 for 310 yards, connected with Quinn Morris on a TD pass to tie the game at 62-all before Tyler Duewel’s PAT kick provided the winning point. Brock Pettaway caught 4 touchdown passes from Bell against H-F. The Huskies try to extend their winning streak to 5.
Neuqua Valley (2-6) at Andrew (5-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Wildcats: It has been a tough year for the Wildcats, who are riding high after last weekend’s 49-20 victory over Metea Valley. Against Metea, quarterback Kiet Truong connected with receiver Sean Anshel for 3 touchdown passes, including a diving grab by Anshel on a long scoring pass in the closing seconds of the first half. Ethan Engler added a blocked punt for Neuqua.
About the Thunderbolts: Despite having their 4-game winning streak snapped by Lincoln-Way East last weekend, the Thunderbolts gave the unbeaten, state-ranked Griffins all they could handle for a half, trailing by 8 at 21-13. Senior wide receiver Dionte Thigpen caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Silvia against Lincoln-Way East, while Josh Burke added a late first-half fumble recovery. Andrew will clinch its second playoff berth in 4 seasons with a victory.
Waubonsie Valley (4-4) at Metea Valley (1-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Waubonsie Valley won, 28-0, last season.
About the Warriors: With a win, the Warriors will become playoff eligible for the first time since 2018. Waubonsie wasted an opportunity to grab its 5th victory of the season during last weekend’s 29-13 loss to Lincoln-Way Central. Quarterback Josh Siekierski connected with Brock Culberson on a touchdown pass, while tailback Chrisjan Simmons added a 31-yard TD run. Defensively, lineman Leo Hobson had an interception off a tipped pass from teammate Elliot Ishmaiah.
About the Mustangs: The Mustangs can play the role of spoiler in their season finale. Metea Valley has had some recent success against Waubonsie Valley, having won 2 of the last 3 meetings by scores of 17-7 (2022) and 24-13 (2021). Quarterback Jake MacLeod threw a touchdown pass to Dylan Liner, while Charles Flowers added a 10-yard TD run during the Mustangs’ 49-20 loss to Neuqua Valley last weekend.
Downers Grove North (7-1, 4-1) at Hinsdale Central (4-4, 2-3)
When: 7:30 p.m.
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North bounced back from a Week 7 loss to Lyons that cost the Trojans a share of the Silver title by beating Hinsdale South 41-7 last week. The Trojans have their postseason secured, but can likely lock up a first-round playoff home game with a win here. They can also put a serious dent in their rivals’ playoff hopes. The “Old Oaken Bucket” rivalry game dates back to 1935 with Hinsdale Central holding a 52-33 lead with three ties. But Downers Grove North has won the last two meetings, including 35-12 last season.
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central has kept its playoff hopes flickering with back-to-back wins, beating Oak Park-River Forest 45-21 last Friday. The Red Devils have been quite competitive in close losses to unbeatens Naperville Central and Lyons, and against York, but will need to get over the hump against Downers Grove North. Riley Contreras and James Skokna are players to watch offensively while 6-foot-4, 275-pound offensive lineman Gene Riordan is one of the better junior prospects in the state. The Red Devils would need some things to break their way to get in the playoffs at 4-5 should they lose.
York (6-2, 3-2) at Proviso West (2-6, 0-5)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Dukes: York missed out on a piece of its third consecutive West Suburban Silver title with its 24-7 loss to Lyons last week. The Dukes’ offense has had its share of struggles in recent losses to Downers Grove North and Lyons. Against Lyons, York managed just 154 yards of total offense, 55 of which came on the final drive that ended on an interception by Lyons defensive back Travis Stamm. Jimmy Conners had York’s lone score on an interception return for a TD, and also had 11 tackles defensively.
About the Panthers: Proviso West lost 51-0 to Glenbard West last week, the Panthers’ sixth straight loss after a 2-0 start. Proviso West has not scored a point in five Silver divisional games, outscored by a combined margin of 277-0.
Oak Park-River Forest (1-7, 1-4) at Glenbard West (3-5, 2-3)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
About the Huskies: Times are tough for OPRF, which could be headed for its second consecutive 1-8 season. The Huskies have dropped their last five games, and have given up greater than 40 points in three of them.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West, which has never missed the playoffs under head coach Chad Hetlet since he came aboard in 2007, kept its playoffs hopes alive with a 51-0 win over Proviso West last week. Mateo Guzman returned two interceptions for TDs and Teyion Oriental and JaMarcus Kelly each had TD runs. Glenbard West beat OPRF 48-8 last year. If 4-5 teams are needed to fill out the playoff field, the Hilltoppers should be near the front of the line with 45 current playoff points. They also should know where they stand by the 1 p.m. Saturday kickoff.
Downers Grove South (6-2, 5-0) at Addison Trail (7-1, 4-1)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South has won five consecutive games, the fifth 55-26 last week against Proviso East, to clinch the program’s fifth consecutive playoff appearance. Keon Maggitt had four catches for 115 yards and two TDs and Isaiah Perez also scored two TDs. The Mustangs can win their third consecutive Gold Division championship with a win here. Downers Grove South beat Addison Trail 46-20 last season.
About the Blazers: After missing seven consecutive postseasons, Addison Trail made its return to the playoffs last year and has kept it rolling this season. The Blazers have won five consecutive games since a 39-28 Week 3 loss to Willowbrook. Addison Trail can win a share of its first Gold Division title since 2014 with a win here. The Blazers have not beaten a team with a current winning record.
Hinsdale South (3-5, 2-3) at Morton (2-6, 1-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South’s playoff hopes took a hit with a 41-7 loss to Downers Grove North last week. With a win Friday, the Hornets would finish 4-5 for the fourth consecutive season. Hinsdale South beat Morton 42-16 last season.
About the Mustangs: Morton has dropped five consecutive games since a 2-1 start, losing 43-6 to Willowbrook last week. The Mustangs have given up 35 points or more in four of those five games.
Willowbrook (5-3, 4-1) at Leyden (4-4, 2-3)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Willowbrook has won four consecutive games since a 1-3 start, beating Morton 43-6 last week. The Warriors should already be in good shape at five wins to make their eighth consecutive playoff appearance, but can clinch it with a win Friday. Willowbrook is averaging just a tick under 42 points per game in their five wins. Willowbrook beat Leyden 49-12 last season.
About the Eagles: Leyden is coming off back-to-back losses to Downers Grove South and Addison Trail, the only two teams it’s played that currently sport winning records. Still, it’s been an encouraging season for the Eagles, their most wins since 2018.
Wheaton North (4-4, 2-4) at Lake Park (3-5, 1-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Falcons: Wheaton North, after dropping three straight games, earned a much-needed 21-14 win in overtime over Glenbard North last week. It puts the Falcons in position to more or less play for a playoff bid, as 40 current playoff points might not be sufficient to get in with a 4-5 record. Wheaton North has already been no stranger to drama this season. Five of its eight games have been decided by eight points or fewer. Wheaton North beat Lake Park 42-7 in Week 9 last season, a game which knocked the Lancers out of playoff contention.
About the Lancers: Lake Park saw its playoff hopes likely dashed with back-to-back losses to Wheaton Warrenville South and St. Charles North the last two weeks. But the Lancers can still play spoiler to the Falcons. Junior receiver Niko Menos is the man to watch for Lake Park. Menos has 41 catches for 545 yards and five TDs. He had six catches for 132 yards and three TDs against Glenbard North. Lake Park QB George Tzamouranis has thrown for 1,070 yards and eight TDs, but has been intercepted seven times.
Batavia (7-1, 5-1) at Glenbard North (2-6, 0-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: While a loss in Week 6 certainly was a little bit of a setback, Batavia has gotten back to their normal ways, and proved it in a 35-13 victory over Wheaton Warrenville South. Running back Nathan Whitwell got himself back over the century mark after recording five such games to start the season, while failing to in the last two. The senior ran for 174 yards and four touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 1,187 yards on the ground and 21 touchdowns. The defense also had their way in the ground game after holding the Tigers to -12 yards on the ground. It’s the third time this season where the Bulldogs have achieved that feat. The team will also be keeping an eye on the SCN/Geneva game, as a win against Glenbard North and a loss from the Vikings would give them a share of the DuKane Conference title, which would be their fifth title in six seasons, excluding the COVID year.
About the Panthers: After picking up two wins to start the season against Bartlett and Willowbrook, Glenbard North has lost six straight to fall out of playoff contention. The Panthers have not won an DuKane Conference game in two years, with their last one being a 14-10 victory over WW South in Week 9 of the 2022 season. The Panthers did get the closest they’ve gotten to a win in Week 8, pushing Wheaton North into overtime before falling 21-14.
St. Charles East (2-6, 2-4) at Wheaton Warrenville South (4-4, 3-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: A 49-14 loss to Geneva in Week 8 meant that Week 9 will for sure be the last week of football for St. Charles East. The Saints have lost each of their last three games against the top three teams in the conference. The Saints have been dealing with plenty of injuries as well, which has led to defensive back Sean Keegan making the switch to quarterback. The senior had two touchdowns in last week’s game, with a 38-yard rushing score as well as a 21-yard passing score in the contest.
About the Tigers: Although WW South comes into their final contest of the regular season with 46 playoff points, which should be more than enough to get them into the field of 256, a win against St. Charles East would definitely help their case to make it in back-to-back seasons. The Tigers are coming off a 35-13 loss to Batavia, but quarterback Luca Carbonaro still had quite a game. His 226 passing yards last week is the most yardage the Bulldogs have given up through the air this season, with that defense averaging just 138 passing yards per game this year. A lot of it has been because of having a reliable pass option like NIU commit Amari Williams, but other receivers like Luke Beres and Kirby Christensen, as well as running back Owen Yorke, have been stepping up as viable options as well.
Glenbard East (7-1, 5-0) at Riverside-Brookfield (4-4, 2-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
About the Rams: Glenbard East wrapped up the Upstate Eight East title in emphatic fashion last week, beating Glenbard South 41-7. Amonte Cook scored on a 50-yard interception return for a TD on the game’s first play and the Rams held the Raiders without a first down until deep into the fourth quarter. Glenbard East has won six in a row since its only loss to West Aurora, and hasn’t been touched during the streak, the closest margin 33 points. Michael Nee threw a TD pass to Chris Renford last week and Kedrick Dennis ran for two TDs. The Rams are projected as one of the top overall seeds in the Class 7A bracket.
About the Bulldogs: The Bulldogs’ hopes for a ninth playoff bid since 2014 took a hit with a 41-10 loss to West Chicago last Friday. With a 4-4 record and a relatively low amount of playoff points (35) they likely need a win here against the conference champions. R-B QB Giancarlo Garcia was 13-for-23 passing for 150 yards with a 20-yard TD pass to Nick Rivera against West Chicago. Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus caught four passes for 45 yards and Jacob Retana had 51 yards on 13 carries.
Fenton (6-2, 3-2) at West Chicago (5-3, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Chicago won, 56-28, last season.
About the Bison: Trailing 27-21 in overtime and faced with a 4th-and-2, senior quarterback Nathan Stewart scored on a keeper to help lift the Bison to a 28-27 victory over Ridgewood last weekend. While the Bison clinched their first state playoff berth since 2013 with the win, they will push for a better postseason seeding and possible first-round home game by knocking off West Chicago. Junior tailback Omar Diaz added touchdown runs covering 15 and 36 yards, respectively, as the Bison rallied to force overtime with 15 4th-quarter points. Fenton has not enjoyed a 7-win season since 2011.
About the Wildcats: West Chicago became playoff eligible for the second consecutive season with last weekend’s 41-10 victory over Riverside-Brookfield. However, the Wildcats currently have 31 playoff points, which may or may not be enough for a postseason berth if they finish 5-4. A win would automatically qualify the Wildcats to the state playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. Tailback Robert Lee rushed for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns against R-B and has scored 15 TDs this season. Tommy Doyle added an interception, fumble recovery, and 59-yard touchdown run. Junior Roman Zolota leads the team with 3 sacks.
Glenbard South (5-3) at Larkin (2-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 35-0, last season.
About the Raiders: The Raiders will clinch a playoff berth for the 13th consecutive season with a victory over Larkin. After last weekend’s 41-7 loss to Upstate Eight East champion Glenbard East, Glenbard South would like to take some much-needed momentum into postseason play. The Raiders’ offense, held without a first down until the 4th quarter against the Rams, snapped the shutout bid on Shaun Aderholt’s last-minute, 22-yard touchdown reception.
About the Royals: Larkin’s offense generated its share of big plays during last weekend’s 57-29 loss to Bartlett. Quarterback Julius Yandell scored 3 touchdown runs covering 4, 31, and 80 yards, while also catching a 53-yard touchdown pass from Brian Watson, as the Royals scored a season-high 29 points. Dezman Bell and Adrian Gasca each added interceptions against Bartlett.
Nazareth (7-1, 2-0) at St. Francis (6-2, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Roadrunners: The two-time defending Class 5A champions look like a team ready for another deep playoff run, if the 62-14 demolition of Benet last week is any indication. Senior QB Logan Malachuk threw for 263 yards and five TDs — all of the scores coming in the first half. Trenton Walker had five catches for 107 yards and two TDs and James Penley also caught two TDs. Malachuk leads an offense averaging 38.3 points per game that has been kept under 33 points just once. Nazareth has won five consecutive games since its only loss to Mount Carmel. Nazareth met St. Francis twice last year, losing in Week 9 35-17 before beating the Spartans 38-31 in the Class 5A semifinals.
About the Spartans: St. Francis pulled out a thrilling 41-38 win over DePaul Prep in Week 8 on Brady Palmer’s quarterback sneak in overtime. St. Francis’ third win in a row, its second such streak sandwiched around its only two losses, clinched the program’s sixth playoff appearance since 2018 under head coach Bob McMillen. Palmer threw for 319 yards and ran for another 78 in the win. Dario Milivojevic had 97 receiving yards and two punt returns of 50-plus yards. Defensive end Will Alt had two sacks, four quarterback hurries, four tackles and a fumble recovery. St. Francis is scoring a tick over 30 points per game on the season — don’t be surprised if there’s points scored in this one with two offenses featuring a ton of talent.
St. Laurence (6-2, 1-1) at Montini (6-2, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
About the Vikings: St. Laurence started the season 5-0 and was the last unbeaten in the CCL/ESCC, but has since dropped two of three — with a rough 35-6 loss last week at Brother Rice. St. Laurence QB Chase Kwiatkowski, an Illinois State commit, injured his arm in the team’s Week 5 win over Leo and has not played since. Ayden Ginn’s pick-six accounted for the lone points against Brother Rice for St. Laurence, which didn’t get a first down off a play until the fourth quarter. The Vikings are the defending Class 4A state runners-up.
About the Broncos: Montini is rolling into Week 9 on a four-game winning streak, its 28-7 win over St. Ignatius last week clinching a playoff bid. The Broncos have scored 148 points over the four games after managing a combined 16 in losses to Marist and Fenwick. Sophomore QB Israel Abrams threw for 198 yards and two TDs and Jeremiah Peterson ran for 95 yards and two TDs. Defensively, LB Jaxon Lane had 16 tackles and a forced fumble and defensive lineman Nicky Castaldo had 12 tackles, two for loss. Abrams has thrown for 1,124 yards and 13 TDs on the season. Lane leads the defense with 79 tackles, 40 of them solos. Montini beat St. Laurence 24-17 last season.
Wheaton Academy (7-1, 6-0) at Marian Central (3-5, 3-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy needs a win to complete an undefeated season in conference play. The Warriors, who are a game ahead of Chicago Christian in the standings, lead the conference in points scored (308, 38.5 per game) and fewest allowed (65, 8.1 per game). The Warriors, unbeaten against in-state opponents, have won seven in a row following an impressive 41-0 win over Aurora Christian last week. Jeremy Johanik’s 46-yard pick-six highlighted the defensive effort. Nathan Downey threw for a TD and ran for one and London Leflore ran for two TDs.
About the Hurricanes: Eddie Kowalczyk had six rushing TDs on 11 carries for Marian Central in its 69-15 win over winless St. Edward in Elgin last week. The Hurricanes scored TDs on 10 of 12 possessions, kneeling on their two possessions without a score. Kowalczyk finished with 231 rushing yards, scoring on runs of 7, 12, 20, 7, 35 and 28 yards. Vance Williams had 72 rushing yards and a TD, Andrew Thielsen added two rushing TDs, and Colin Hernon had a 33-yard TD pass to Max Kinney.
DePaul Prep (6-2, 2-0) at Benet Academy (5-3, 2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Rams: DePaul had its 2-game winning streak end during last weekend’s 41-38 overtime loss to St. Francis. Senior quarterback Fernando Rodriguez, who has 20 touchdown passes this season, completed 23 of 38 passes for 5 TDs last weekend. Braden Peevy averages 100 yards receiving per game with 9 touchdowns, while Nick Martinez averages 93 yards rushing with 8 TDs.
About the Redwings: Already playoff eligible, Benet is looking for its playoff-clinching 6th victory while snapping a 2-game skid against Fenwick and Nazareth. Quarterback Ryan Kubacki has had several big-time performances, flanked by receivers Luke Doyle and Luke Wildes. Cornerback Martin Radgowski anchors the Redwings’ defense.
IC Catholic Prep (4-4, 0-2) at St. Rita (6-1, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Knights: Junior Foley Calcagno, who leads the Knights’ defense with 7.9 tackles per game, focused his attention on offense, rushing for 75 yards and 3 touchdowns in their 48-28 victory over St. Viator last weekend. Tailback Dom Giliatta carried the ball 20 times for 183 yards and a TD, while quarterback Will Bryk finished 5 of 11 for 87 yards and 2 TDs with 75 rushing yards. Chance Williams, who added a 49-yard TD catch, John Goggin, Tamarion Garner, and freshman Will Schmidt added interceptions. While their 43 playoff points could help them secure a playoff berth with a 4-5 record, the Knights would rather not leave it to chance and record their 5th victory against a strong St. Rita squad.
About the Mustangs: After finishing 5-5 a year ago, the Mustangs carry a 6-2 mark into their regular-season finale along with solid victories over Sandburg (27-17), Brother Rice (14-7), and St. Francis (31-13). Junior quarterback Steven Armbruster (9 TD passes, 3 TD runs) directs the offense, flanked by tailback Nick Herman (75-yard average, 5 TDs), junior receiver Walter Jones (62-yard average), and 2-way standout Justin Buckner, who is the team’s leading tackler (9.0 per game, 3 sacks) and a threat when put in the offensive backfield.
Westmont (1-6) at Walther Christian (0-5)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last matchup: Westmont won, 43-6, last season.
About the Sentinels: Since their 56-34, Week 2 victory over Catalyst-Maria, the Sentinels have dropped 5 straight, including last weekend’s 1-0 forfeit loss to Warrensburg-Latham. Senior quarterback-middle linebacker Lucas Fears is the Sentinels’ top threat.
About the Broncos: Walther Christian has scored 1 touchdown in its 5 games — dropping a 60-7, Week 3 decision to Aurora Central Catholic.
Lisle (0-8, 0-6) at Reed-Custer (0-8, 0-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Lions: It will be the end of a long season for Lisle, which hasn’t been particularly competitive in any of its games. Of course this might be an opportunity to end the season on a positive note, as the team on the other side has struggled nearly as much as they have.
About the Comets: Reed-Custer has come dangerously close to netting a win in each of the past two weeks, having promising drives snuffed out in the final minute of losses to Manteno and Streator. The Comets have had four games decided by a touchdown or less, and all of those decisions have not gone their way. Reed-Custer’s defense has improved substantially in the second half of the season, and it looks like this might be a game where they can cash in some of those gains.
— Joshua Welge, Steve Soucie and Joel Boenitz from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.