Scouting Week 9 Fox Valley football games
Elgin (2-6, 2-3) at Bartlett (3-5, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Bartlett won, 35-14, last season.
About the Maroons: Fabian Ramirez had a team-high 9 tackles, including 8 solo, while adding 4 receptions for 38 yards during Elgin’s 51-0 loss to South Elgin last weekend. Quarterback Darin Ward completed 10 of 20 passes for 79 yards, and Julian Hernandez carried the ball 5 times for 28 yards. Junior Coreyon Johnson and senior Gerardo Depaz added 8 and 7 tackles, respectively. The teams have split their last 2 meetings, with the Maroons defeating Bartlett, 24-7, in 2022.
About the Hawks: Bartlett’s offense is fresh off scoring a season-high 57 points in a victory over Larkin last weekend. Isaac Harris led the Hawks with a pair of touchdown runs, while Vitalik Krysko, Donald Hubbard, Covy Plummer, and Ayden Meyer added TD runs. Quarterback Vincent Yario tossed a 47-yard touchdown pass against the Royals. With a win, the Hawks will record their 3rd consecutive 4-5 season.
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.
Streamwood (3-5, 2-3) at West Aurora (8-0, 6-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Aurora won, 55-0, in 2018.
About the Sabres: Streamwood heads into this one playing its best football of the season following back-to-back victories over Elgin (13-0) and Elmwood Park (40-21). Last weekend, tailback Shazeb Ahmed provided a 28-yard touchdown run, while Jace Wolf added a 24-yard TD run – part of the Sabres’ 341-yard ground attack. Defensively, 6-foot-6, 355-pound lineman Osvaldo De la Torre recovered a fumble against Elmwood Park. Now, the Sabres face a red-hot West Aurora team that has enjoyed a running clock (40-point lead) in 7 of its 8 games.
About the Blackhawks: It has already been a storybook season for the Blackhawks, who have scored 421 points in their 8 victories while allowing just 40 points – that is an average victory margin of 52-5. Junior quarterback Mason Atkins, who tied the single-game school record with 6 touchdown passes during last week’s 47-6 victory over East Aurora, has thrown 27 TD passes this season. Kewon Marshall (3 catches, 80 yards) had 3 touchdown receptions against the Tomcats, while Nicholas Weisse recorded his 3rd pick-6 of the season. Having already clinched the Upstate Eight West title in its debut season, the Blackhawks will enjoy their first 9-0 regular season since 2016 with a victory over the Sabres.
East Aurora (0-8, 0-5) at South Elgin (5-3, 4-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 63-0, last season.
About the Tomcats: Following their playoff-qualifying season a year ago, the Tomcats have hit tough times this season. Senior quarterback CJ Young provided a bright spot in East Aurora’s 47-6 loss to unbeaten West Aurora with a 37-yard touchdown run. Junior tailback Jonathan Ortiz added a 38-yard run for the Tomcats, who have scored just 58 points in 8 games.
About the Storm: South Elgin extended its winning streak to 4 with last weekend’s 51-0 win over Elgin. Tailback Darrion Thurman ran for 4 touchdowns and 83 yards against the Maroons, while Brandon Berrios added a 43-yard punt return for a TD. DeAngelo McCullough (32-yard run) and Cole Jurcy (34-yard reception) also scored touchdowns. Already playoff eligible, the Storm can clinch an automatic berth with their 6th victory.
St. Charles North (7-1 overall, 5-1 conference) at Geneva (8-0, 6-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: St. Charles North heads into their final regular season game needing a win to ensure that Geneva won’t be the only team celebrating a DuKane Conference championship Friday. A victory over the Vikings would give the North Stars their second conference title in three seasons, and they definitely have the momentum on their side to put up a fight. The North Stars are riding a four-game win streak, and have been outscoring opponents 149-66 during that stretch. The QB-WR duo of Ethan Plumb and Keaton Reinke kept their hot streak alive, connecting seven times for 102 yards and two scores in a 43-13 over Lake Park, marking the fifth straight game where the duo have connected on seven or more passes. Reinke comes into the contest with 889 receiving yards, and will most likely be looking to get over the 1,000 yard mark in this game.
About the Vikings: Geneva has been playing some of the best football the school has seen in over a decade, and their record more than shows it. While they’ve already earned the title of conference champions for the first time since 2010, when they were a part of the Upstate 8, a win would make sure that only the Vikings could celebrate that honor this season. It would also secure the first 9-0 season since 2008, where they would make it all the way to the Class 7A finals before losing to East St. Louis. Quarterback Tony Chahino is coming off his best scoring game of the season, throwing six touchdowns in a 49-14 win over St. Charles East. Three of those went to Georgia commit Talyn Taylor, who also added a 94-yard kickoff score in the contest. The two have connected for a triad of touchdowns in four separate games, and half of Taylor’s receptions have resulted in trips to the end zone this season (34 receptions, 17 touchdowns). The Vikings also won last year’s contest 20-10 to end the 2023 regular season.
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.
Wheaton Warrenville South (4-4, 3-3) at St. Charles East (2-6, 2-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
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.
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 match, with a 38-yard rushing score, as well as a 21-yard passing score in the contest.
Kaneland (5-3) at Althoff Catholic (8-0)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
About the Knights: Kaneland broke its three-game losing streak in a big way, topping La Salle-Peru 38-0 - matching the biggest loss of the year the Cavs have suffered. Now the Knights have to face an undefeated Crusaders team, but a six-plus win team is not an unusual situation for the Knights this year. While they lost to both Rochelle (52-24) and Sycamore (35-7), which are a combined 15-1, they’ve also beaten Washington (20-14) and Wauconda (16-7), which are each 6-2 heading into the final week, with neither facing a team with a winning record. Carter Grabowski has had a standout season in every facet of the game. Not only is he an explosive returner, he has 55 tackles, three for a loss, and two interceptions this year. He also has 530 rushing yards on 109 carries and five scores.
About the Crusaders: An independent team, Althoff Catholic has scored at least 41 points in every game this year and aside from a 53-52 win against Tolono Unity, hasn’t surrendered more than 21 points. They rolled to a 55-6 win against Granite City last week. Dierre Hill has rushed for 1,516 yards this year and 23 touchdowns, averaging 17.4 yards per carry on 87 touches. Jayden Ellington keeps teams on their toes, completing 71.4% of his passes for 1,395 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. Kaneland coach Michael Thorgesen said Hill is one of the best running backs in the state.
Burlington Central (6-2, 6-2) at Huntley (5-3, 5-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Rockets: Burlington Central is officially in the playoffs for the first time in 10 years thanks to its 31-6 win over Hampshire last week. The Rockets went 4-5 in each of the past two seasons. Senior LJ Kerr, a three-year starter, ran for a 7-yard TD on a reverse and intercepted a pass from his safety spot. Another three-year starter, senior QB Jackson Alcorn, was 13-of-20 passing for 127 yards and a 23-yard TD pass to Chase Powrozek. … Burlington Central has won six of its past seven games after opening the season with a home loss to still-undefeated Cary-Grove. A win will give the Rockets their best regular-season finish since 2011. … BC has lost its past five games against Huntley.
About the Red Raiders: Huntley bounced back from its 44-43 loss to Cary-Grove, a game in which it never trailed until late in the fourth quarter, by beating Dundee-Crown 48-21 last week. QB Braylon Bower rushed for three TDs and threw one to Jordan Oruche. Ari Fiebig had a 52-yard TD run, and Carter Pope had a 48-yard fumble recovery for a score. Ethan Albertson had an interception. … Huntley is all but officially postseason bound and will clinch a playoff berth with a win.
Crystal Lake South (2-6, 2-6) at Jacobs (6-2, 6-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Gators: Crystal Lake South’s 50-7 loss to Cary-Grove last week marked the most points it had allowed in a game this season. QB AJ Demirov hit Noa Franch for a 3-yard TD pass late in the first half for the Gators’ only score. Demirov was 11-of-17 passing for 83 yards. Logan Miller had 71 yards on 21 carries and threw a 37-yard pass to Franch, who led the Gators in receiving with nine catches for 102 yards. South will miss the playoffs for the second year in a row.
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs earned an automatic playoff berth with its 35-19 win at McHenry last week, as junior QB Connor Goehring threw a TD pass and ran for one. It was the fourth straight win for the Golden Eagles, who are headed to the postseason for the fourth year in a row. Caden DuMelle rushed for 75 yards and two TDs on 13 carries. T.O. Boddie (52 rushing yards) opened the scoring for Jacobs with a 1-yard run. Goehring scored from 24 yards and hit PJ Barnes for a 24-yard TD. Defensively for the Golden Eagles, Cooper Gulgren had an interception, Matt Scardina and Cooper Peterhans each recorded a sack, and Scardina (7 tackles, 2 TFLs) also recovered a fumble.
Crystal Lake Central (2-6, 2-6) at Hampshire (1-7, 1-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: Crystal Lake Central’s defense didn’t allow a TD to visiting Prairie Ridge last week until the final two minutes of the first half. The Wolves added another TD in the final minute to take a 20-0 lead into halftime en route to a 34-6 win. The Tigers got a second-half TD run from QB Brett Kramer (11-of-22 passing, 123 yards, 3 INT) and a fumble recovery from DB Kiran Pokharel, but lost for the fourth time in five games. … Central has beaten Hampshire in each of the past two seasons, 27-24 last year and 7-0 in 2022.
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire’s 31-6 loss to Burlington Central last week was its seventh in a row after an opening win against McHenry. Cole Klawikowski’s 9-yard run accounted for the Whip-Purs’ only TD. … Hampshire sits in sole possession of last place in the FVC. Four teams – Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, Dundee-Crown and McHenry – each have two wins.
Dundee-Crown (2-6, 2-6) at Cary-Grove (8-0, 8-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Chargers: Dundee-Crown’s 48-21 loss to Huntley in its final home game of the season marked the Chargers’ sixth loss in their past seven games.
About the Trojans: Cary-Grove clinched its first FVC championship since 2021 with its 50-7 win over Crystal Lake South last week. Dating back to last year, when they won their final seven games en route to winning the Class 6A state championship, the Trojans have won 15 games in a row. QB Peyton Seaburg rushed for 138 yards on only six carries, scoring on runs of 50, 52 and 13 yards. Seaburg threw a 13-yard TD pass to Landon Barnett, as well. The Trojans also got rushing TDs from Jadon Apgar (10 yards), Holden Boone (56 yards) and backup QB Jackson Berndt (2 yards). C-G sophomore defensive back Landon Moore had two interceptions.
Marmion (4-4, 2-0) at Leo (1-7, 0-1)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
About the Cadets: Marmion is coming off a tough stretch of football, with a 42-0 loss to Marist dropping them to 4-4 and needing a Week 9 victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Cadets have given up points in each of the last eight quarters of football played, and will need their defense to step up big if they want to make it to the playoffs in their first season under head coach Adam Guerra. If they do, it would also mark the first time in school history that a first-year coach has made the playoffs with the Cadets.
About the Lions: Leo has had a bit of a tough stretch at the end of the season, with the Lions being shut out in three of their last four games, including a 28-0 loss to Quincy Notre Dame in Week 8. The Lions had three turnovers in that game, as well as 113 yards worth of penalties in the shutout. Running back Javon Logan has been the focal point of the offense, as he had 14 carries for 91 yards for the Lions last week.
Deerfield, Wis. (3-6) at Aurora Central Catholic (3-5)
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Demons: The Demons have lost 3 consecutive games, including last weekend’s 49-6 loss to Pardeeville. Deerfield’s lone touchdown came on an interception return.
About the Chargers: The Chargers dropped a 29-6 decision to Big Foot last weekend in Wisconsin, scoring their lone touchdown on a flea flicker – Grant Bohr pitched to Brodie Curry, who threw a 64-yard pass to sophomore Nathan Graham. Junior tailback Trey Seifrid is the Chargers’ best ball carrier. This is the home finale for ACC against another team from north of the border.
Bishop McNamara -5, 2-4) at St. Edward (0-8, 0-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Bishop McNamara won, 7-6, last season.
About the Fightin Irish: Ironically, Bishop McNamara’s postseason hopes ended following last weekend’s 33-25 loss to Hope Academy. The Fightin Irish are led by WR/DB Jackson Kirchner, QB/DB Karter Krutsinger, TE/MLB Drew Lowenstrom, OLB Tucker Inman, and OT Max Rohr.
About the Green Wave: St. Edward hit double figures for the first time this season during last weekend’s 69-15 loss to Marian Central Catholic. Senior receiver Luis Vargas caught touchdown passes of 26 and 7 yards, respectively, from senior quarterback Brayden Collins-Langfield, while sophomore outside linebacker Connor Englum paced the defense.
Chicago Christian (7-1, 5-1) at Aurora Christian (5-3, 3-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Aurora Christian won, 36-7, last season.
About the Knights: Chicago Christian has won 5 straight games since its 27-7, Week 3 loss to Chicagoland Christian champion Wheaton Academy. Senior quarterback Christian Flutman has thrown 16 touchdown passes and leads the team with 5 interceptions as a cornerback. Kenny Jager averages 112 yards rushing per game, while Edward Van dellen has 4 receiving touchdowns.
About the Eagles: After losing a 41-0 decision to Class 4A powerhouse Wheaton Academy, Aurora Christian meets another 1-loss team in Chicago Christian while preparing for the 1A state playoffs. Junior quarterback Asa Johnson completed 21 of 32 passes for 105 yards against Wheaton Academy. Senior Jonan Miceli is the Eagles’ top receiver. The availability of tailback Chris Fielding, among others, is in doubt after suffering an injury last weekend. “We’ve got a tough one,” said Eagles coach David Beebe. “We’re missing a handful of guys.”
— Joel Boenitz, Joe Aguilar and Eddie Carifio from Shaw Local contributed to this preview.