Scouting Week 2 Fox Valley football games
Chicago Crane (0-1) at Aurora Christian (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Aurora Christian won, 62-6, last season.
About the Cougars: Crane attempts to snap a losing streak that reached 9 following last weekend’s heartbreaking 18-14 loss to Lake View. The Cougars led 14-12 until giving up a 6-yard TD run in the final minute.
About the Eagles: Senior quarterback Asa Johnson enjoyed a solid season debut, throwing for 212 yards and 4 touchdowns while rushing for another score, during the Eagles’ 43-22 win over Ottawa Marquette. Sophomore Jalen Callaway displayed his all-around ability, catching 3 passes for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns, rushing for 42 yards and a TD, and adding an interception in Week 1.
Christ the King (0-1) at Aurora Central Catholic (1-0)
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Christ the King won, 16-6, last season.
About the Gladiators: The Gladiators look to rebound from last weekend’s 16-12 loss to Proviso West. Juniors Lavante Windfield (QB-SS) and Jeremy Robinson (WR-LB) are players to watch.
About the Chargers: Trey Seifrid helped the Chargers to get off to a fast start with touchdown runs covering 26, 40, and 35 yards during their 36-0 season-opening victory over St. Edward last weekend. Grant Bohr also scored 2 touchdowns for ACC, which recorded its first shutout since a 2-0 forfeit win over Westmont in 2021.
North Lawndale (0-1) at Marmion (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Phoenix: Senior linebacker Caleb Bea provided a game highlight with his 73-yard interception return for North Lawndale’s lone score during its 46-6 season-opening loss to Woodstock.
About the Cadets: Marmion spotted Oak Forest a 20-7 halftime lead on the way to its 41-28 season-opening loss last weekend. Sophomore QB Roy Magana, Jr., directs the Cadets’ offense.
St. Edward (0-1) at Walther Christian (0-1)
When: 8 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Green Wave: Senior all-purpose player Zach Sauceda rushed for 73 yards on 18 carries, collected a team-high 12 tackles, blocked a field-goal attempt, and returned kicks for the Green Wave against Aurora Central Catholic last weekend. Sophomore QB Jake Linkowski and senior DE Luciano Mauro look to lead St. Edward to its first win since a 52-0 victory over Elmwood Park in 2022.
About the Broncos: Walther Christian hopes to snap its 7-game losing streak still reeling from last weekend’s 62-13 season-opening loss to Rock Island Alleman.
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.”
Larkin (0-1) at St. Patrick (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Patrick won, 39-0, last season.
About the Royals: Turnovers were the Royals’ worst enemy during last weekend’s 56-0 loss to Geneva. Larkin’s offense managed just 1 first down against the Vikings. “We have to learn to play the game of football the way it should be played,” said Larkin coach Vincent Ray.
About the Shamrocks: Juniors Gavin Gardiner (QB) and Jayden Miranda (RB) fuel the Shamrocks’ offense. Defensively, St. Patrick figures to play an aggressive, fly-to-the ball mentality under first-year coach and former Buffalo Grove, Notre Dame and NFL standout Tom Zbikowski.
Batavia (0-1) at South Elgin (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: Batavia is coming off a 31-28 loss to Glenbard West, just its third ever opening-week loss under coach Dennis Piron, with the only other times happening in 2014 against Oswego and 2019 to East St. Louis. In his first regular season varsity start, quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren completed 16 of 26 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns despite not having two key weapons out wide in Bodi Anderson, who was held to punting duties, and Darin Ashiru, who exited his Bulldogs debut midway through the first quarter. Wide receiver Brett Berggren hauled in a majority of those yards, collecting 126 yards and a touchdown off of nine catches, while fullback Preston Brummel rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown off of 15 carries. Defensively, the big thing to look for is stopping the big plays, as the Bulldogs let up three touchdowns of 65-plus yards, as well as a 58-yard pass play in Week 1. Batavia won the matchup with South Elgin last season 42-14.
About the Storm: South Elgin opened the year with a 48-20 loss to Barrington, allowing 457 total offensive yards in the game. The Storm do have some weapons to work with, with Colorado recruit and St. Francis transfer Gavin Mueller picking up a 66-yard touchdown. Running back Darrion Thurman also rushed for 93 yards and collected two catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. South Elgin has qualified for the playoffs in each of the past seven seasons.
Geneva (1-0) at Oswego (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: Geneva showed in their Week 1 matchup that just because the offense may lack experience doesn’t mean they can’t score efficiently. The Vikings scored in all seven of their first-half drives en route to a 56-0 victory over Larkin. Quarterback Ben Peterson led that charge in his first varsity game under center, going 8 of 11 for 118 yards and four touchdowns, with two going to Bennett Konkey (four catches for 75 yards) and the other two to Lincoln Mercado (three catches for 28 yards). The Vikings also had two scores outside of the offense, with Tate Beran recording a punt return touchdown and Wyatt Curry recording a 27-yard scoop-and-score. Geneva won the last matchup between the two teams 29-27 back in Week 1 of the 2013 season.
About the Panthers: Once a former rival of Geneva’s in the Little Seven Conference, Oswego has consistently been a playoff staple since the two teams last faced off in 2013. The Panthers have reached the playoffs in 11 of the 12 full seasons under coach Brian Cooney. Star linebacker Carson Cooney has graduated and is now at Iowa, but a high-flying offense could make it so the defense isn’t solely the deciding factor in the game. Junior QB Drew Kleinhans impressed in his varsity debut, completing 9 of 15 passes for 174 yards and touchdowns to Teddy Manikas and Mariano Velasco, while running back Dekker Zelensek rushed for 138 yards and an 85-yard TD in a rather lopsided 31-15 victory over Naperville Central in Week 1, making it 11 consecutive regular-season victories.
Niles Notre Dame (1-0) at St. Charles East (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: St. Charles East did not have an ideal debut to the 2025 season, falling on the road 63-0 to Lincoln-Way Central. It’s the most points the Saints have given up in a game since the turn of the century. St. Charles East enters Friday’s game on a five-game losing streak against nonconference opponents, with its last win being a 10-7 victory at Waubonsie Valley in Week 2 of the 2022 season.
About the Dons: Much like a few other teams across the state, Niles Notre Dame had a come-from-behind victory in Week 1, with running back Throy Nightingale (22 carries for 124 yards) scoring the go-ahead touchdown with two minutes remaining to secure a 13-12 victory over Washington. It was also the first career win for coach Dan DeFranza, who was promoted over the summer after spending 30 years as the defensive coordinator.
Homewood-Flossmoor (1-0) at St. Charles North (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: St. Charles North had a heart-stopping performance in Week 1, overcoming five turnovers and a 14-point deficit with 11 minutes left in the game to come out with a 36-35 victory over Minooka. Northwestern commit Keaton Reinke was the hero in the contest, scoring the game-winning two-point conversion on a wildcat run. He also added seven receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Jesse Padron, who made his debut with the North Stars, threw for 253 yards and three scores, which included a touchdown throw to Braden Harms before the conversion, and running back Carsen Durante rushed for 89 yards and found the end zone twice.
About the Vikings: Homewood-Flossmoor kicked off their 2025 season winning a back-and-forth contest against Bolingbrook, with a 56-yard touchdown run from Kourtney Smith being the go-ahead score in the 44-30 victory. The Vikings also forced plenty of turnovers in the contest, with sophomore linebacker Ryan Koprowski picking up two fumbles and adding an interception in the contest. The Vikings are coming off a 4-5 season in 2024, missing the playoffs after making it in the two seasons prior.
Cary-Grove (0-1) at Burlington Central (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Rockets: Burlington Central had a great start to its season, shutting out host Crystal Lake South 21-0. DT Aidan Nuno was disruptive all night, recording 3 sacks, one TFL and five pressures. Matt Bending also had a sack, and Sam Maglares had four solo tackles. Offensively for BC, Henry Deering rushed for 103 yards on 14 carries. Senior QB Landon Arnold, making his first start since filling in for injured starter Jackson Alcorn two years ago, was 6-of-8 passing for 60 yards, one TD and one interception.
About the Trojans: Cary-Grove opened the season with a 34-21 loss to visiting Prairie Ridge. The Trojans debuted an entirely new offensive backfield from the last time they took the field, in a Class 6A state-semifinal loss at Geneva last fall. Sophomore QB Jackson Berndt, making his first varsity start, rushed for 78 yards on 16 carries and two TDs (7 and 3 yards) and completed 2 of 8 passes for 32 yards. RB Ryan Lummis carried the ball seven times for 79 yards, including a 39-yard TD run. Lummis also had a 24-yard reception. Two-way star Logan Abrams played the entire night at linebacker, but did not play on offense, as coach Brad Seaburg said he wanted Abrams and his defensive teammates to focus on stopping PR QB Luke Vanderwiel. … C-G beat Burlington Central 27-3 in the teams’ season opener last year. … This is the seventh meeting between C-G and BC, with the Trojans leading the series 5-1.
Jacobs (1-0, 1-0) at Prairie Ridge (1-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs opened the season in impressive fashion, beating host Hampshire 53-13, as RB Caden DuMelle rushed for 150 yards on only 11 carries. DuMelle, Justin Gonzalez (4 carries, 73 yards), Aiden Brunner (3-65) and QB Connor Goehring each had one rushing TD for a Golden Eagles team that is equally confident in its ability to run or throw the ball. Goehring was 4-of-9 passing for 22 yards. DL Lucas Reztler scored on a 72-yard fumble return, LB Jack Coates scored on a blocked punt, and sophomore S Cooper Dolson had an interception. … Jacobs lost to Prairie Ridge 17-0 to open last season.
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge opened the season by handing host Cary-Grove its first FVC loss since Week 7 of the 2023 season. QB Luke Vanderwiel was the star of the game in the Wolves’ 34-21 win, rushing for 233 yards and four TDs on 27 carries. The senior, who had 195 rushing yards at halftime, scored on runs of 79, 15, 25 and 25 yards. FB Jake Wagler carried 13 times for 105 yards, 85 coming in the second half, as he and Vanderwiel provided a 1-2 punch in PR’s option attack that proved too much for C-G. Defensively, junior LB Ethan Hart recovered a fumble and had two tackles for loss.
Hampshire (0-1, 0-1) at Crystal Lake Central (0-1, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire opened the season by suffering its ninth straight loss, going back to last season, as Jacobs pounded the hosts 53-13. Hampshire scored on its first series of the season, as Tymere Marshall raced into the end zone from 46 yards out. Marshall finished with 166 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Whip-Purs’ only other TD came on a 42-yard pass from Max Jacobs to Chris Whetstone. … Hampshire lost to Crystal Lake Central 26-21 in Week 9 last year.
About the Tigers: Crystal Lake Central played its first game under new head coach Matt MacCrindle last week, and visiting Huntley was not kind in rolling to a 42-0 win. The Tigers have a good chance to be more competitive in their next three games, as after Friday they visit Dundee-Crown and host Crystal Lake South. Hampshire, D-C and Crystal Lake South went a combined 5-22 last season.
Crystal Lake South (0-1, 0-1) at McHenry (1-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Gators: Crystal Lake South had a tough start to the season in losing 21-0 to visiting Burlington Central. The Gators played respectably defensively, but their young offensive line struggled against a veteran defense. Burlington Central registered four sacks and nine QB pressures. The Gators now face a McHenry team that beat them 19-0 in Week 7 last season.
About the Warriors: McHenry had a successful debut under new head coach Colt Nero, beating Dundee-Crown 17-14 in Carpentersville, and now Nero faces his alma mater. Nero graduated from South in 2012. His Warriors rallied from a 14-10 deficit in the fourth quarter against D-C, as sophomore running back Joey Spelman scored the go-ahead TD from 4 yards out in his varsity debut. Mick Reidy scored on a 5-yard run earlier for the Warriors, and Jaiden Linderman kicked a 20-yard field goal. James Butler had an interception.
Dundee-Crown (0-1, 0-1) at Huntley (1-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Chargers: Dundee-Crown opened the season by suffering a close loss at home to McHenry for the second year in a row. After losing 14-13 last season, the Chargers fell 17-14, failing to protect a 14-10 lead in the fourth quarter. QB Ikey Grzynkowicz scored on runs from 2 and 22 yards in his first varsity start. D-C now hits the road for the first time this season. … The Chargers lost to Huntley 48-21 last year.
About the Red Raiders: Huntley put together a dominant effort on both sides of the ball in a season-opening, 42-0 win over host Crystal Lake Central. Sophomore RB Chase Hojnacki sparked the offense, rushing for 110 yards and three TDs (1, 17 and 3 yards) on 12 carries. WR Wyatt Fleck caught TD passes of 10 and 15 yards from QBs Malik Carter and Carson Rowe, respectively. Huntley also got a TD from Cole McMurthy (1-yard run).
Lemont (0-1) at Kaneland (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Knights: They dominated last week in a 44-7 win at Rock Island, getting a running clock for the whole second half. Coach Michael Thorgesen said he was happy with special teams play. Not only did they make every extra point, the Knights got a safety on a kickoff. With notably starters just playing a half, Jakson Little led the way with five tackles, three for a loss and a sack. Sam Bergman had an interception. Carter Grabowski had three rushing touchdowns and a kickoff return for a score, rushing for 100 yards on nine carries. Jalen Carter was 7 for 10 for 188 yards and two touchdowns, with Little and Brady Brown catching the touchdowns.
About Lemont: Lemont opened the year with a 24-14 loss to Libertyville and now heads to Maple Park for its first road game. Lemont has qualified for 10 straight postseasons and 19 of the last 20.
— Joe Aguilar, Joel Boenitz and Eddie Carifio from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.