Scouting Week 2 DuPage County football games
Benet Academy (1-0) at Glenbard North (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Redwings: The Redwings’ defense limited Hillcrest to just 29 rushing yards — 137 total — during last weekend’s 18-8 victory. Two-way standout Luke Doyle (WR-DB) is one of the Redwings’ top threats on both sides of the ball.
About the Panthers: Glenbard North scored touchdowns on their first 4 possessions — 2 each by Donato Gatses and younger brother Angelo — during last weekend’s 38-3 win over Bartlett. Donato Gatses finished with 190 yards and 3 TDs on 14 carries. Offensive linemen Daniel Mahoney, Mason Bebar, Wrigley Zamora, Michal Borzymowski, tight end Kristian D’Alexander, and fullbacks Kris Zahariev and Lucas Kramer paced the way for the Panthers’ 262-yard rushing performance against Bartlett.
Grand Rapids Christian (0-1) at Wheaton Academy (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Eagles: The Michigan-based school kicked off its season with a 27-14 loss to South Christian last weekend despite solid efforts from junior Charlie King (rushing TD), and sophomores Elden Glover (51 yards rushing, TD) and Justin Davis (55 yards receiving).
About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy looks to bounce back from last weekend’s 49-14 loss to perennial powerhouse Providence Catholic. Two-way players Tyler Jones (15 carries, 74 yards, 10 tackles) and Logan Oros (5 receptions, 99 yards, TD, 10 tackles) led the way for the Warriors in their season opener. Junior QB Colton Miller directs the offensive attack.
Montini (1-0) at Hillcrest (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Montini won, 21-0, last season.
About the Broncos: The defending 3A state champion Broncos began their season with a hard-fought, 20-16 home win over Lumen Christi (Mich.) last weekend, as junior QB Izzy Abrams finished 15 of 25 for 195 yards and a TD, and added 61 yards rushing. Montini displayed a balanced attack with 332 total yards — 139 rushing and 193 passing. Defensively, Laddie Asay (6 tackles for loss) and Santino Tenuta collected 13 tackles apiece in the opener. “The Hawks are a perennial 5A playoff team and always play us tough,” said Broncos coach Mike Bukovsky.
About the Hawks: Hillcrest QB Anthony Bradley threw a touchdown pass and an interception, while WR Maurice Garrett caught an 80-yard TD pass for the Hawks’ lone score in last weekend’s 18-8 loss to Benet Academy. Senior Jayden Lucas paced the defense with 7 tackles and an interception, while Ricky Wallace had 1 ½ sacks.
St. Francis (1-0) at Mt. Zion (0-2)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Spartans: Geneva transfer Brock Phillip enjoyed a superb debut at St. Francis, completing 18 of 24 passes for 311 yards and 4 touchdowns during the Spartans’ 38-34, come-from-behind win over Kenwood Academy last Thursday. Phillip connected with Dario Milivojevic on a 4-yard touchdown pass with 12 seconds remaining to seal the victory. Receivers Tanner Glock (8 catches, 137 yards, 1 TD), Milivojevic (6 catches, 114 yards, 2 TDs), and Zach Washington (23-yard TD catch) give Phillip plenty of options.
About the Warriors: The Maryland-based Prep Academy is coming off a tough 14-7 loss to Mount St. Joseph last weekend. Two weeks ago, the 40th-ranked team in the state dropped a 34-0 decision to Cincinnati-based Elder.
Woodstock North (1-0) at IC Catholic (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Thunder: Woodstock North had quite the debut under new head coach Jeremiah Homuth, rolling to a 68-0 win over visiting Elmwood Park, which went winless in 2024. The Thunder built a 35-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and led 48-0 at halftime of the season opener. ... Woodstock North did not play IC Catholic last year.
About the Knights: IC Catholic started the season with a 33-7 win over St. Louis St. Mary’s South Side Catholic out of Missouri. .... The Knights went 4-5 last season after winning the Class 3A state title in 2022. It was IC Catholic’s fourth state championship since 2016. Last year marked the first time in 10 years (not counting the COVID-19-abbreviated 2020 season) that the Knights did not make the playoffs.
Fenton (0-1) at Streamwood (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Fenton won, 43-8, last season.
About the Bison: Fenton’s defense allowed 277 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns during last weekend’s 20-14 season-opening loss to Elgin. After reaching the playoffs last season, the Bison look to avoid a 0-2 start.
About the Sabres: After last weekend’s 41-13 loss to an underrated Addison Trail squad, the Sabres hope to rebound and avenge last year’s disappointing defeat at the hands of the Bison. Junior quarterback Aden Sanchez directs the offense, while Shazeb Ahmed looks to get into the end zone for the second straight week (12-yard TD run vs. Elgin). Jamarcus Cole anchors a defensive unit that scored a touchdown on Dion Morris’ fumble recovery last weekend.
Glenbard East (1-0) at West Aurora (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Aurora won, 45-20, last season.
About the Rams: Glenbard East begins the first of 3 road games with some momentum following last weekend’s 28-21 win over Willowbrook. Montii Perry’s 21-yard fumble recovery scoop and score with 8 minutes remaining was the go-ahead TD for the Rams. This will be a battle between the defending Upstate Eight East vs. Upstate Eight West champions.
About the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks need a faster start after falling behind Hinsdale Central, 35-0, at halftime of last week’s eventual 56-7 defeat. Senior QB Mason Atkins completed 11 of 30 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown with an interception against the Red Devils, and now faces a Glenbard East squad looking to avenge last year’s loss to the Blackhawks. Senior LB Will Gray collected a team-high 11 tackles in the season opener, while WR Antonio Higgins caught 3 passes for 115 yards.
Glenbard South (0-1) at East Aurora (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 41-7, last season.
About the Raiders: The Raiders failed to cross midfield during last weekend’s 57-0 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South. Glenbard South trailed 34-0 at halftime and struggled to harness Tigers standout RB Owen Yorke. Sophomore QB Mason Fort completed 7 of 13 passes, while RB Elijah Donahue had 11 carries for 28 yards. Now, they’ll face an East Aurora team that snapped a 10-game losing streak last weekend.
About the Tomcats: East Aurora is already ahead of where it finished a year ago following last weekend’s 41-22 season-opening victory over Maine East. Senior RB Jonathan Ortiz rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown, while junior WR Alexander Carter caught a 34-yard TD pass for the Tomcats.
Lake Park (1-0) at Bartlett (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Lake Park won, 31-0, last season.
About the Lancers: The Lancers opened their season with an impressive 35-13 home victory over Conant last weekend, rushing for 207 yards behind Kendan Ratini (11 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD) and QB George Tzamouranis (7 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD). Senior receiver Niko Menos, who caught 5 passes for 62 yards and a TD against Conant, is a returning all-DuKane Conference game braker.
About the Hawks: The Hawks could use a better start than the one they had last weekend when they fell behind Glenbard North 16-0 less than 10 minutes into the contest. Quarterback Vince Yario completed 13 of 28 passes for 102 yards, with Nick Carlos making 3 receptions for 42 yards. Bartlett also struggled with several high snaps at inopportune times in its season opener. “Lake Park is going to be tough, big, and physical,” said Hawks coach Milan Vuckovich. “They play good defense. After facing Glenbard North, and now Lake Park, and Glenbard East next week — these first three games are no joke.”
Oswego East (1-0) at Willowbrook (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Wolves: Oswego East wasted no time taking care of business in Week 1. Jamari McKay returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a TD and the Wolves went on to lead Joliet West 34-0 at halftime of a 41-0 win. Senior QB Niko Villacci was the picture of efficiency, 11 for 14 for 198 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 74 yards and two scores. Lincoln Ijams had five catches for 110 yards and a TD. The Wolves would figure to get a bit more of a gauge this week on the road against a perennial playoff team in Willowbrook.
About the Warriors: Willowbrook dropped a wild 28-21 Week 1 game to neighborhood rival Glenbard East. It’s the fifth straight year the Warriors lost their season opener, but Willowbrook has shown the consistent ability to bounce back. Hayden Roscoe caught a 64-yard TD pass from Jahonise Reed and also returned a kickoff 84 yards to set up a score in the game. JJ Marlowe also had a 91-yard kickoff return for a TD.
Addison Trail (1-0) at Johnsburg (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Blazers: Addison Trail opened the season with a 41-13 win over visiting Streamwood...Coach Chris Bazant has led the Blazers to seven wins in each of the past two seasons. ... Addison Trail did not play Johnsburg last season.
About the Skyhawks: QB Carter Block and WR Ryan Franze picked up where they left off last season in leading Johnsburg to a season-opening, 35-30 win over visiting Thornwood. Block completed 16 of 23 passes for 223 yards and three TDs, two to the junior Franze and one to sophomore Jackson Hjorth. Franze finished with 10 receptions for 118 yards, after he had a 66-catch season in 2024. Hjorth had three catches for 20 yards. Johnsburg got rushing TDs from Mario Zakrzewski and Duke Mays. Jacob Vetter and Mays had nine and eight tackles, respectively.
Plainfield North (0-1) at York (0-1)
About the Tigers: Plainfield North‘s largely inexperienced varsity roster got a rude introduction to that level of play being shut out by Lockport in Week 1. The Tigers are installing new players at several positions including most of the skill positions on offense and that unit clearly hasn’t caught its stride yet as they amassed less than 100 yards of total offense in the contest. Plainfield North’s defense did have a few flashes, but struggled on the whole to stop Lockport’s running attack.
About the Dukes: York was surprised in a Week 1 overtime loss to Glenbrook South, the only West Suburban Silver team to drop its opening game. And the Dukes are well aware of the fact that another nonconference loss would be severely hampering in their quest to make a deep postseason run. The West Suburban Silver looks as deep as ever this year and York and its 11 returning starters need to get back into lockstep as quickly as possible. York beat Plainfield North 35-13 last season.
Joliet Catholic (0-1) at Glenbard West (1-0)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
About Joliet Catholic: Joliet Catholic didn’t look a lot like Joliet Catholic in a Week 1 loss to a very good Lyons team. Joliet Catholic’s typically vaunted running game was held to well under 100 yards rushing and while QB Lucas Simulick had a very strong game throwing the ball it wasn’t enough. Possibly more problematic was the defensive unit’s inability to keep Lyons from putting together huge time consuming drives, which was literally stealing a page from a script usually executed by Joliet Catholic.
About Glenbard West: Glenbard West took a big step toward reestablishing itself as a program to be reckoned with in Week 1, going on the road and beating Batavia 31-28 on Jack Swick’s last-second field goal. Glenbard West appears to have speed to burn on both sides of the ball. JaMarcus Kelly took two screen passes for 136 yards and two TDs and Bryce Ellens had a 58-yard TD catch. Jaylen McMiller also had a 93-yard kickoff return for a TD. Max Hetlet and Jayden Daniel each had two of Glenbard West’s nine sacks against a touted Batavia offensive line. Glenbard West junior QB AJ Rayford is no stranger to Joliet Catholic, having previously played at CCL/ESCC rival Providence
Downers Grove North (1-0) at Downers Grove South (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Trojans: It was a grind, but Downers Grove North showed its mettle late in coming away with an 11-8 Week 1 win over Morgan Park last Saturday on Baker Glomb’s field goal as time expired. It took some time for Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu and the Trojans’ offense to get into rhythm, but he was on the mark on the game-winning drive, three times finding Illinois recruit Will Vala. Downers Grove North probably wants to get more touches for Oliver Thulin and Max Troha, two of Lansu’s returning targets, and establish the run game with Kevin Jay. Downers Grove North has beaten Downers Grove South in the last 10 meetings, most recently 42-0 last season.
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South comes in off a rather jarring Week 1 result, a 35-19 Week 1 loss to a Metea Valley program that went 1-8 last season. Downers Grove South actually led that game 19-14 late in the third quarter before allowing the last 21 points. The Mustangs are at home the next four weeks, but it’s their most difficult stretch of the season — 2024 playoff teams Downers Grove North, Addison Trail and Willowbrook and a Hinsdale Central team that opened eyes with its own Week 1 win.
Hinsdale South (0-1) at Riverside-Brookfield (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South dropped a 44-26 loss to Wauconda in Week 1. Jackson Schuyler threw two TD passes to Donte Jett for the Hornets in the first half, but Wauconda pulled away after halftime. Hinsdale South beat Riverside-Brookfield 34-9 last year.
About the Bulldogs: R-B won at Niles West 35-27 in Week 1. Braeden Novak, who alternated every possession at QB with fellow junior Giancarlo Garcia, three three TD passes including a 66-yarder to Jayden Karas on his first completion. Garcia added a 45-yard TD run in the third quarter.
Naperville Central (0-1) at Hinsdale Central (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Redhawks: Naperville Central returned a minimal amount of starters from last year’s Class 8A semifinalist, and it showed in a 31-15 Week 1 loss to Oswego. The Redhawks managed just 40 yards in the first half to trail 28-0 at halftime, and turned it over twice. Bad fortune late, though, did turn into a silver lining for Naperville Central. Senior QB Jackson Loth came off the bench in relief of injured sophomore starter Ethan Tryon in the fourth quarter and led two touchdown drives on throws to Decker McDonald and Mark Williams, and seemed to accelerate the pace of the offense. With the extent of Tryon’s apparent elbow injury last Friday uncertain, Loth could get the call for the foreseeable future.
About the Red Devils: Few Week 1 wins turned heads quite like visiting Hinsdale Central’s 56-7 demolition of West Aurora — a team that went 9-0 in 2024. One game, but it indicated that the Red Devils might be ready to be a bigger factor in what is shaping up to be a dogfight of a West Suburban Silver. Senior QB Riley Contreras was sharp in completing 15 of 21 passes for 269 yards and three TDs, and ran for 85 yards and a TD. Road games at Downers Grove North and Lyons are on deck, so this week could provide an opportunity to build confidence. Naperville Central beat Hinsdale Central 24-13 last year. The Redhawks, in fact, have won season openers over the Red Devils the last four years.
Waubonsie Valley (0-1) at New Trier (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Warriors: The Warriors showed grit, rallying from a 21-6 deficit in the fourth quarter to give Neuqua Valley a scare before falling, 21-13, last weekend. Senior QB Colin Ford connected with Shayne Sallard for a touchdown pass before being sacked on the game’s final play inside Neuqua territory.
About the Trevians: New Trier’s 20-14 win over Naperville North last weekend was its first season-opening victory in 4 seasons. Led by senior LB Aaron Pressman, the Trevians’ defense recorded 3 fourth-down stands, while QB Jackie Ryder’s 27-yard TD pass to Keefer Baxter provided the go-ahead score. Waubonsie’s defense must contain junior RB Declan O’Meara, who rushed for 74 yards and a pair of TDs last weekend.
Naperville North (0-1) at Libertyville (1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Libertyville 24, Lemont 14; New Trier 20, Naperville North 14
Last year: Did not play
Worth noting: The Wildcats got down 7-0 early and then scored 24 unanswered points against Lemont. “We showed a lot of composure and grit,” Libertyville coach Tim Budge said. Kicker Jack Zaban set a school record with 3 field goals (24, 36 and 29 yards), had a punt of 73 yards and had 3 touchbacks on kickoffs. Inside linebacker Erich Waldorf had 9 solo tackles, 5 assists and 3 tackles for loss. Nick Ori had a 74-yard touchdown reception and a pick on defense. Brock Williams caught 4 passes for 83 yards, while Carson Holmes had 2 quarterback hurries. Southwest Valley Conference rep Naperville North is coming off a 7-3 Class 8A playoff season in 2024. Josiah Nothacker and Mason Hill each ran for touchdowns for Naperville North in last week’s loss.
Wheaton North (1-0) at Stevenson (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Falcons: Wheaton North was one of six victorious DuKane Conference teams in a show of strength Week 1, earning a solid 34-20 win over a Simeon team that’s typically one of the Chicago Public League’s best. They’ll look to make it 2-0 heading into DuKane play with a new nonconference game this week at Stevenson, traditionally a strong north suburban program.
About the Patriots: Stevenson, a 10-2 Class 8A quarterfinalist in 2024, drops its season opener to Prospect 28-18. Senior QB Aidan Crawley was 12 of 21 for 83 yards and a TD to Brandon Hersh, and also ran for 98 yards on 19 carries and a score. Crawley, also a standout baseball player, threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 21 TDs last season. Stevenson seeks to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2021.
Wheaton Warrenville South (1-0) at Lyons (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: The outcome perhaps was not a surprise, but WW South’s 57-0 margin of victory over 2024 playoff team Glenbard South in Week 1 was an eye-opener. Owen Yorke rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns, one an 80-yarder on just 10 carries, and also returned a punt for a TD. Justin Miller had a strong debut at quarterback, 7 of 8 for 88 yards and TDs to Lucas Beres and Kirby Christensen. WW South, which seeks to break into the top tier of the DuKane Conference this season, should find out more about itself heading into conference play Week 3 with this matchup at a West Suburban Silver power.
About the Lions: Lyons likely answered a few questions as to whether it can carry over its 2024 success by going into Joliet Catholic Week 1 and coming out with a tidy 24-14 win. Lyons senior QB Jack Slightom, a Cincinnati baseball recruit, showcased his skills on the football field in his first varsity start, 14 of 15 passing for 198 yards and two TDs. Owen Matela and E.J. Kuhlman were on the receiving of of those scoring throws. Meanwhile, Lyons’ defense held Joliet Catholic’s usual powerful rushing attack to 21 yards on 19 carries. Lyons beat WW South 30-22 last year in head coach Jon Beutjer’s return to his alma mater.
Chicago Catalyst/Maria (0-1) at Westmont (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Wolves: The Wolves took a Week 1 forfeit loss to Julian. The team finished 1-6 last season, and 1-8 the year before that.
About the Sentinels: Westmont lost a 26-14 Week 1 game to Orr. Yannis Tutuianu ran for 114 yards and a TD in the loss.
– Steve Soucie and Joshua Welge from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.