Scouting Week 3 DuPage County football games
De La Salle (0-2) at Benet Academy (1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Benet Academy won, 42-0, last season.
About the Meteors: De La Salle has fallen on tough times in recent years, having won just 1 game last season while forfeiting the final 3 contests. This season, the Meteors have been outscored 97-0 over the first 2 weeks.
About the Redwings: Big plays hurt the Redwings during last weekend’s nonconference loss to Glenbard North. Benet’s defense struggled to contain senior tailback Donato Gatses (216 yards, 3 touchdowns), while younger brother Angelo Gatses added a 46-yard punt return for a TD. Senior back Joe Salvino topped the 100-yard mark with 113 yards, including a 75-yard TD run, and figures to have his name called early and often against a struggling Meteors defense.
Glenbard East (1-1) at Bartlett (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 47-14, last season.
About the Rams: Senior quarterback Michael Nee completed 37 of 52 passes for 352 yards during the Rams’ 35-32 Upstate Eight crossover loss to West Aurora last weekend. Offense has not been an issue for the Rams, who average 30 points per contest. However, the defense has allowed 53 points in the first 2 games.
About the Hawks: The Hawks amassed 216 yards rushing but gave up 420 on the ground during last weekend’s 42-20 loss to Lake Park. They will look to improve upon last week’s 2-for-7 conversion rate on third downs.
Glenbard South (1-1) at West Chicago (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 63-8, last season.
About the Raiders: The Raiders showed their resiliency, bouncing back from a 57-0 season-opening loss to Wheaton Warrenville South to knock off East Aurora, 47-0, last weekend. Sophomore tailback Elijah Donahue can break off long runs, evidenced by his 37-yard touchdown run against East Aurora. Tommy Bauman directs the Raiders’ attack, while Jonny Baldauf provides a threat on special teams.
About the Wildcats: The Wildcats’ offense has been something to watch in the early going. Led by QB Carter Naranjo, West Chicago has scored 104 points in 2 games, highlighted by last weekend’s 64-33 victory over Joliet Central. Liam Ziberski and Adriano Rivera have been mainstays in the offensive backfield, while Roman Zolota anchors the defense.
Loyola Academy (1-0) at St. Francis (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Francis won, 35-21, last season.
About the Ramblers: The 3-time defending Class 8A state champions opened their season with a 21-14 victory over Merrillville (Ind.) last month. However, they were unable to secure a Week 2 opponent, so the Ramblers have had a lengthy rest before Friday night’s game against St. Francis. They will be out to avenge last year’s 35-21 loss to the Spartans. Junior quarterback Dominic Maloney directs the offense, while linebackers Henry Newton and Gavin King anchor the defense.
About the Spartans: The Spartans scored 26 unanswered points during last weekend’s 47-25 road win against Mt. Zion Prep Academy (Md.). Quarterback Brock Phillip threw 4 touchdown passes, including a pair to Dario Milivojevic (65, 36 yards). He also connected with Zach Washington (18 yards) and Tanner Glock (49 yards) on scoring passes. This week, the onus is on the Spartans’ offensive line to provide time for Phillip. Tailback Tivias Caldwell added TD runs of 16 and 67 yards, respectively, last weekend.
Wheaton Academy (0-2) at Chicago Christian (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy won, 27-7, last season.
About the Warriors: The Warriors look to get in the win column following last weekend’s tough 28-21 nonconference loss to Grand Rapids Christian (Mich.). Junior QB Colton Miller threw a pair of touchdown passes against Grand Rapids, while junior Logan Oros caught a TD pass and collected 9 ½ tackles from his middle linebacker post. Tyler Jones rushed for 136 yards on 13 carries. Defensively, the Warriors hope to harness Chicago Christian’s powerful ground game.
About the Knights: Following an opening-week loss to Seneca, the Knights rebounded with last weekend’s 55-20 victory over Elmwood Park. Joshua Crawford scored 3 touchdowns and rushed for 231 yards on 13 carries, part of the Knights’ 331-yard ground game that included 6 TDs.
Marist (0-2) at Montini (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Marist won, 21-6, last season.
About the RedHawks: After a 9-2 finish in 2024, the RedHawks are off to an 0-2 start this season with losses to perennial powers St. Rita (28-21) and Brother Rice (35-0). Senior QB Luke Detampel and RB Kevin Bartolotta lead the RedHawks’ offense, while 6-foot-2, 240-pound junior lineman Brandon Brown anchors the defense.
About the Broncos: Despite his team’s 2-0 start, Montini coach Mike Bukovsky knows his team will have its hands full with Class 8A power Marist, which handed the Broncos a 21-6 loss a year ago. “The Redhawks are always a physical team and we have great respect for their program,” said the coach. Montini junior QB Izzy Abrams accounted for 5 touchdowns — 3 passing, 2 rushing — during last weekend’s 35-12 win over Hillcrest. “We made good progress last week, but we still need to clean a few things up to start CCL play,” added Bukovsky.
St. Ignatius (1-1) at IC Catholic Prep (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Ignatius won, 31-14, last season.
About the Wolfpack: St. Ignatius’ run of 8 consecutive playoff qualifying seasons ended following last year’s 3-6 mark. However, one of those victories came against IC Catholic Prep in Week 3. Last weekend, St. Ignatius earned its eighth straight victory over DePaul Prep, 24-14. The Wolfpack compete in the rugged CCL/ESCC Blue against a pair of defending state champions — Loyola (8A) and Mt. Carmel (7A).
About the Knights: IC Catholic Prep improved to 2-0 with last weekend’s 40-13 nonconference triumph over Woodstock North. The Knights have outscored their first 2 foes by a 73-20 margin behind junior QB Nate Lang and sophomore receiver Will Schmidt. Foley Calcagno and Romeo Woods each recorded double-figure tackles in Week 2.
Metea Valley (2-0) at Naperville North (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville North won, 30-7, in 2023.
About the Mustangs: The Mustangs are off and running under first-year head coach Patrick Sheehan. After winning 2 games the past 3 seasons, Metea Valley heads into Week 3 with momentum built from a season-opening, 35-19 win over Downers Grove South, and last weekend’s 48-7 victory over Plainfield Central. Junior QB Charles Larson ran for 3 touchdowns and passed for another against Plainfield Central, while sophomore RB Noah Douglas added a 7-yard TD run.
About the Huskies: The former (football only) DuPage Valley Conference rivals have not met since the Huskies’ 30-7 win in 2023. Naperville North has played a pair of down-to-the-wire contests, dropping a 20-14 decision to New Trier in Week 1 before edging Libertyville, 21-14, in overtime, on William Eloe’s 10-yard touchdown run. JD Sanford’s sack helped seal the decision, while Drew Murphy collected 7 tackles and Quincy Blaise had an interception. Josiah Nothacker connected with Jack Zitko on a 61-yard TD pass against Libertyville.
Neuqua Valley (1-1, 0-0) at Lincoln-Way East (2-0, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Griffins: Another week, another easy win for Lincoln-Way East, which sent the running clock in motion for the entire second half of a Week 2 win over Kankakee. QB Jonas Williams tacked on another three touchdown passes to his ever-growing total, but yet another tip of the cap needs to be directed in the path of the Griffins’ defense, which tossed its second consecutive shutout and added a few takeaways to its impressive efforts thus far.
About the Wildcats: For the second consecutive season, Neuqua Valley came up short in a Week 2 nonconference game against Minooka. The Wildcats fell by two points for the second consecutive year. If Neuqua Valley wants to avoid slipping under the .500 mark, the offense is going to need to crank it up several notches behind QB Drake Mennecke, which seems like a tall task against a Lincoln-Way East defensive unit that has yet to surrender a point.
Sandburg (2-0) at Naperville Central (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville Central won, 22-8, last season.
About the Eagles: Sandburg has flashed on both sides of the ball during the first 2 weeks of the season, fueled by junior QB Sean Ruisz and senior LB Dillon Czerwinski. Ruisz connected with Jake Tomczak on an 80-yard touchdown pass and hit Quinn Durkin with a 51-yard touchdown strike during the Eagles’ 27-7 victory over Richards last week. Sheamus Murphy is in his first season as Sandburg head coach.
About the Redhawks: Poor starts have plagued the Redhawks in their losses to Oswego (31-15) and Hinsdale Central (28-14). Naperville Central fell behind Hinsdale 21-0 at halftime. “We just can’t come out and play that poorly in the first half and expect to be a competitive football team,” said Redhawks coach Mike Ulreich. Quarterback Jackson Loth threw a 15-yard TD pass to Vincent Bern, while Landon Nelson scored on a 12-yard run against Hinsdale Central.
Waubonsie Valley (0-2) at Bradley-Bourbonnais (2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: The 0-2 record Waubonsie Valley brings to Bradley is probably a bit deceptive, as they’ve played traditionally strong programs Neuqua Valley and New Trier to a combined 45-27 margin. And with an 0-2 mark as conference play unfolds, they also know that while it’s not must-win time quite yet as far as playoff aspirations go, an 0-3 start would start to sound that alarm. Quarterback Colin Ford will be just as much a part of a rushing attack that eclipsed 200 yards at New Trier last week as he will be the pass game.
About the Boilermakers: As antsy as Bradley-Bourbonnais was to start the season, even the biggest Boilermaker fans couldn’t have envisioned quite this excellent of a start, winning their first two games by a combined 83-7 tally. They held a potent Crete-Monee offense in check last week, with the experienced defensive line play of Tye Thurmond, Dareon Warren, Khalan Clemens and Braden O’Connor bringing the heat up front. They’ll look to stuff the run game this week and give their own electric offense good field position to go for 40-plus points for the third straight week.
Hinsdale Central (2-0, 0-0) at Downers Grove North (2-0, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central served notice in the nonconference that it might be a factor again this fall in the Silver race after falling back the last three seasons. The Red Devils followed up their surprisingly one-sided Week 1 win over West Aurora by beating Naperville Central 28-14 in a game they led 21-0 at the half. Senior Riley Contreras has looked the part of a four-year varsity quarterback. He threw for 235 yards and ran for 70 yards and three TDs, and even had four tackles and two assists at defensive back last week. Dominic Tresslar rushed for 92 yards and James Skokna had eight catches for 93 yards. Hinsdale Central has a four-week gauntlet ahead, road games at Downers Grove North and Lyons and home contests versus York and Glenbard West.
About the Trojans: After needing a last-second field goal to beat Morgan Park in Week 1, Downers Grove North eliminated the drama early in a 55-14 running clock win over Downers Grove South last Friday. Junior running back Kevin Jay, a former quarterback, showcased multiple skills in the win. He ran for three touchdowns and also threw for a score after Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu left the game in the first half with an injury. The status of Lansu, who threw for two TDs and ran for a third against Downers Grove South, is unclear. Lansu threw for 278 yards and three TDs in last year’s 42-28 Week 9 win over Hinsdale Central that kept the Red Devils out of the playoffs. Downers Grove North has won the last three meetings in the “Old Oaken Bucket” rivalry game that dates back to 1935 with Hinsdale Central holding a 52-34 lead with three ties.
Glenbard West (2-0, 0-0) at Oak-Park River Forest (1-1, 0-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West has had a couple close calls, but nonconference wins against Batavia and Joliet Catholic are good to put on the ledger ahead of Silver play as the Hilltoppers are on their way to a bounce-back season. Senior quarterback Jack Walti, filling in for injured starter AJ Rayford, threw the go-ahead – and what proved to be game-winning – 58-yard TD to Brady Johnson with 4:25 left. Senior Jaylen McMiller scored on a 60-yard kickoff return for a TD just before halftime and had a key interception in the third quarter, and Jamarcus Kelly rushed for 59 yards and a TD. Glenbard West beat OPRF 48-21 last year.
About the Huskies: OPRF, which matched last year’s win total with a Week 1 win over Rich Township, got a Week 2 humbling from its neighborhood rival, a 35-0 loss to Fenwick. Liam Smith rushed for 77 yards on 18 carries in the loss. OPRF has struggled mightily in Silver play in recent years; other than Proviso West, the Huskies’ last Silver win came in 2021. This will mark the Huskies’ first game on their new artificial surface at Oak Park Stadium.
Proviso West (1-1, 0-0) at York (1-1, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Panthers: Proviso West, after a Week 1 win, dropped a 10-8 loss to district rival Proviso East last Saturday. That’s not a good sign for the Panthers with six of their last seven games against Silver division opponents and the seventh against usual Gold contender Willowbrook.
About the Dukes: York put an overtime Week 1 loss to Glenbrook South firmly in the rearview mirror last week with a 35-3 win over Plainfield North. The Dukes should have ample time to work out the kinks, as last Friday’s game was the first of five consecutive against teams with losing records last year (Hinsdale Central, the last one, looking like the toughest), before a vicious closing stretch.
Addison Trail (1-1, 0-0) at Downers Grove South (0-2, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Blazers: Addison Trail comes in off a heartbreaker. The Blazers had a game-winning field goal blocked in the final seconds of a 7-6 loss at Johnsburg. It was one of a couple close calls that went against the Blazers, who were also denied on a fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line in the second quarter while leading 3-0. Senior quarterback Nico Dill in defeat completed 18 of his 24 passes for 206 yards and led the 14-play drive in the final minutes that came up short. It’s the first of three straight road games for the Blazers, who are at Hinsdale South in Week 4.
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South, three-time defending Gold champ, likely welcomes a return to the friendly confines of divisional play after its 55-14 loss to district rival Downers Grove North last week. Antoine Harden did have a 64-yard kickoff return to set up a TD and sophomore quarterback James Sobkowiak threw for 121 yards and a 19-yard TD pass to Aidan Kanazawa late in the first quarter. Needing a win, the Mustangs’ schedule does not get a whole lot easier in the short term, games with Addison Trail, Willowbrook and Hinsdale Central the next three weeks – albeit all at home. Downers Grove South beat Addison Trail 38-14 last year.
Leyden (1-1, 0-0) at Willowbrook (0-2, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Eagles: Leyden comes in off a 35-12 win over Niles North. Lucas Latiker rushed for 214 yards and four TDs on 24 carries for the Eagles. Matthew Aguirre threw for 98 yards and a TD to Dominick Ganir.
About the Warriors: Willowbrook is 0-2 for the second straight season and fourth time in five years following a 24-7 Week 2 loss to Oswego East. Good news? The Warriors have circled the wagons to reach the playoffs in each of the previous three occurrences. Jahonise Reed threw for 229 yards while Hayden Roscoe hauled in five passes for 92 yards and a TD, and also had an interception defensively. The Warriors need to clean things up, three turnovers last week and a rush defense that allowed Oswego East’s Jasiah Watson to go over 200 yards. Willowbrook beat Leyden 44-6 last year.
Hinsdale South (0-2, 0-0) at Proviso East (1-1, 0-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South could use the relief that a game with Proviso East typically offers, as the Hornets are winless and coming off a 41-20 loss at Riverside-Brookfield. Improvement starts defensively – the Hornets have allowed both their opponents so far to top 40 points. Hinsdale South beat Proviso East 53-7 last year.
About the Pirates: Proviso East, winless last season, snapped a 17-game losing streak dating back to 2023 with its 10-8 win over Proviso West last Saturday. Next on the to-do list, the Pirates hope for their first West Suburban Gold win since 2021.
Glenbard North (2-0) at Batavia (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: Batavia bounced back from its Week 1 loss to Glenbard West with a big 35-3 victory over South Elgin. The offense showed a balanced attack in the contest, with junior QB Michael Vander Luitgaren throwing for 226 yards and two scores while the running back duo of Henry Hahn (68 yards, two TDs) and Preston Brummel (79 yards, TD) led the ground game. Plainfield North transfer Darin Ashiru also finally got to show out for his first full game as a Bulldog, catching three passes for 104 yards and a score. The defense also rebounded in a big way, recording 10 tackles for loss while also putting up two interceptions against the Storm. The Bulldogs won the matchup last season 36-35, with a stop on a two-point conversion helping them to a share of the DuKane Conference title.
About the Panthers: Glenbard North has gone winless in the DuKane Conference in each of the past two seasons, and will be looking to try and break that streak early in the season. Senior tailback Donato Gatses is averaging 208 rushing yards per game for the Panthers so far, including 216 and three scores in their 41-15 victory over Benet in Week 2. His brother, sophomore Angelo Gatses, also added two touchdowns of his own in that game. The Panthers also have proved to have a solid air game, with senior wide receiver Zachariah Morris having scores in each of the Panthers’ wins.
Wheaton Warrenville South (1-1, 0-0) at St. Charles East (0-2, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: As demonstrative as their 57-0 Week 1 win over Glenbard South was, the Tigers perhaps demonstrated even more so that they’ll be a factor in the DuKane by going toe-to-toe with Lyons for four quarters in a 31-28 road loss last Friday. Justin Miller threw for 201 yards and three TDs, Jacob Macholl had 74 receiving yards and Owen Yorke scored on a 13-yard TD. A visit to what appears to be a banged-up Saints’ club allows WW South the opportunity to ease into conference play before the schedule starts to get nasty.
About the Saints: It’s been a rough go of it for the Saints so far. Blasted by Lincoln-Way Central 63-0 in Week 1, the Saints hung with Notre Dame last Friday in a 31-28 loss – but that’s not their only issues. With two running backs already dinged up, St. Charles East lost starter Xander Salazar – the “heartbeat of the team” according to their coach – to a lower right leg injury last week. Salazar scored on a 67-yard TD before getting hurt. St. Charles East has lost six consecutive games dating back to last year, including a 31-0 Week 9 setback to WW South.
Lake Park (2-0, 0-0) at Wheaton North (1-1, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Lancers: Lake Park, which narrowly missed the playoffs last year at 4-5, is 2-0 for the third straight season after a 42-20 win over Bartlett in Week 2. George Tzamouranis threw three touchdowns and ran for two more scores in the win. Lake Park beat Wheaton North 20-7 in Week 9 last season in a game that knocked the Falcons out of playoff contention.
About the Falcons: Wheaton North is coming off a 10-7 loss to Stevenson, a game in which the Falcons had a field goal for the tie in the final minute hit the upright. Worse for Wheaton North, it lost starting quarterback Jake Johnson to an injury late in the first half and he didn’t return. Max Serbick rushed for 61 yards in the loss and backup quarterback Burke Neibch was 5-for-7 for 54 yards passing, including a 35-yard pass to Tyler Kading during the Falcons’ late-game drive.
– Joshua Welge, Mason Schweizer, Joel Boenitz and Steve Souice from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.