Scouting Week 3 Fox Valley football games
Aurora Christian (2-0) at St. Edward (1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Aurora Christian won, 55-0, last season.
About the Eagles: Senior quarterback Asa Johnson has enjoyed a fast start for the Eagles. Last weekend, he tossed 3 touchdown passes in the first half, connecting with Nolan Robertson, Zach Zappia, and Cole McCall, during the Eagles’ 51-0 win over Crane.
About the Green Wave: St. Edward snapped a 19-game losing streak with last weekend’s 16-13 victory over Walther Christian. Two-way players Zach Sauceda (LB/QB) and Luciano Mauro (OT/DE) lead the Green Wave.
Aurora Central Catholic (2-0) at Walther Christian (0-2)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last matchup: Aurora Central Catholic won, 60-7, last season.
About the Chargers: The Chargers improved to 2-0 with last weekend’s 26-20 victory over Christ the King. Senior tailback Trey Seifrid has provided plenty of firepower with his big-play ability, while quarterback Grant Bohr and receiver Brodie Curry support the cause.
About the Broncos: Walther Christian has dropped 27 consecutive games dating back to 2021. Last weekend, the Broncos nearly picked up that elusive victory before dropping a 16-13 decision to St. Edward.
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.
Marmion (1-1) at St. Viator (1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Viator won, 34-7, last season.
About the Cadets: Rebounding from a 41-28 season-opening loss to Oak Forest, the Cadets cruised to a 55-0 victory over North Lawndale last weekend behind quarterback Roy Magana, Jr. — 3 touchdown passes, including 2 to Colin McEniry. Henry Miller and Joey Favia each added a pair of rushing touchdowns, while Miller and Ryan Loria had interceptions.
About the Lions: The Lions have a familiar name as their head coach in former Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould, who took over at St. Viator this past off-season. The Lions are led by senior QB Joey Lampignano and junior WR/RB Patrick Carnel. Defensively, they allowed 425 yards during last weekend’s 27-7 loss to Kenwood. Junior kicker Alex Niemiec booted a pair of field goals (49, 38 yards) in the Lions’ season-opening win over Marian Catholic.
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.
Larkin (0-2) at South Elgin (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 56-0, last season.
About the Royals: Turnovers have been an issue for the Royals, who committed 4, including 3 interceptions, during last weekend’s 49-12 loss to St. Patrick. Quarterback Aden Mora and WR/DB Julius Yandell, Jr., are the Royals’ top playmakers.
About the Storm: South Elgin looks to rebound from a rugged nonconference slate that included losses to Barrington (48-20) and Batavia (35-3) in its Upstate Eight West opener. Junior southpaw quarterback Carter McDonald has a variety of targets, including Colorado-bound tight end Gavin Mueller, and receivers Julian Huerta and Jeremiah Carrera. Senior Darrion Thurman anchors the ground game. Free safety Dane Hansen recorded a team-high 8 tackles, including 1 ½ for loss, with an interception against Batavia last week.
Streamwood (0-2) at East Aurora (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Streamwood won, 36-13, last season.
About the Sabres: Junior quarterback Aden Sanchez tossed a pair of touchdown passes during last weekend’s 18-13 loss to Fenton. Sanchez directs the Sabres’ triple option attack that features backs Justin Brown, DJ Morris, and Callan Clinton. Morris also collected a team-high 9 ½ tackles on defense last weekend.
About the Tomcats: Following its 41-22 season-opening victory over Maine East, East Aurora couldn’t sustain the momentum during last weekend’s 47-0 loss to Glenbard South. This week, Tomcats tailback Jonathan Ortiz faces a Sabres defense that kept its team within striking distance against Fenton.
West Aurora (1-1) at Elgin (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Aurora won, 56-0, last season.
About the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks’ offense came alive during last weekend’s 35-32, come-from-behind win over Glenbard East. Junior RB Bryce Riley (169 yards) and senior QB Mason Atkins (111 yards) led the Blackhawks’ 372-yard ground game against the Rams. Lesroy Tuttle (86 yards) added a 59-yard TD run. Atkins’ 23-yard TD pass to Brendon Salach early in the third quarter put West Aurora in the lead for good last week. Linebackers Kellen Younie, Will Gray, and Darius Stewart anchor the defense.
About the Maroons: Elgin carries confidence and optimism into its UEC West opener against the defending champions. Led by sophomore DE Daemyn Simon (3 caused fumbles), the Maroons’ defense forced 4 turnovers and added 4 sacks in last week’s 40-26 win over Grayslake North. RBs Anthony Foster (150 yards, 2 TDs), Lamarin Powell (85 yards, 2 TDs), and QB Jacob Rufino (9 of 16, 88 yards, 2 TDs) have ignited an offense averaging 30 points per game.
Burlington Central (2-0, 2-0) at Jacobs (1-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Rockets: Burlington Central beat defending FVC champ Cary-Grove 10-7 last week, as DB Parker Auxier broke up a pass late in the game to preserve the Rockets’ second win ever in seven meetings against the Trojans. Central defeated C-G by the identical 10-7 score in 2022. Auxier also had a rushing TD. Defense has been the Rockets’ strength the first two weeks, as they shut out Crystal Lake South 21-0 in Week 1. … Central suffered only two FVC losses last season, to C-G in Week 1 and to Jacobs in Week 6. … Jacobs leads the all-time series 5-1, having won the past five meetings. The Rockets have never won at Jacobs.
About the Golden Eagles: It’s Jacobs’ home opener after starting the season with a 53-13 win over Hampshire and a 33-22 loss to Prairie Ridge. The Golden Eagles also lost senior quarterback Connor Goehring to a shoulder injury in the second quarter against PR. Coach Brian Zimmerman said Goehring, a captain who started last season, will be sidelined for two weeks. Sophomore QB Austin Stennett played credibly off the bench, completing 19 of 23 passes for 163 yards, one TD and a pick-six. RB Caden DuMelle rushed 15 times for 95 yards and a TD. Michael Cannady added 42 rushing yards on 11 carries, and WR Carson Goehring had five catches for 50 yards and a TD.
Crystal Lake Central (0-2, 0-2) at Dundee-Crown (0-2, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: Crystal Lake Central has allowed 42 points to each of its first two opponents, Huntley in Week 1 and Hampshire in Week 2. The Tigers did score their first points of the season last week, as QB Evan McMahon threw a 24-yard TD pass to Kiran Pokharel and McMahon rushed for a 9-yard score. First-year coach Matt MacCrindle said his Tigers, who were tied 7-all with Hampshire at halftime, took some steps forward. … CL Central beat Dundee-Crown 17-14 at home in Week 3 last season.
About the Chargers: Dundee-Crown has opened the season with back-to-back, heartbreaking losses. The Chargers led McHenry in the fourth quarter on opening night before losing 17-14, then fell to Huntley 28-27 in overtime in Week 2. Huntley scored the game-tying TD with 51 seconds left in regulation to even the score at 21 and force OT. D-C’s Leon Metcalf and Ryan Pierce had interceptions on Huntley’s first two drives of the game. The Chargers used the turnovers to build a 14-0 lead on QB Ikey Grzynkowicz’s TD passes of 32 and 13 yards to Pierce. Kadin Malone’s 1-yard TD run had D-C up 21-0. Gryznkowicz also threw a TD pass to Max Backaus.
McHenry (2-0, 2-0) at Cary-Grove (0-2, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: McHenry and first-year head coach Colt Nero are 2-0 for the first time since 2007 after beating Crystal Lake South 43-7. The Warriors, who rallied to beat Dundee-Crown 17-14 in Week 1, won two games all of last season after going 0-9 in 2023. They got off to a strong start against CL South, as QB Jeffry Schwab and Hayden Schmidt connected on a 68-yard TD pass on the first snap from scrimmage. Joey Spelman, Mick Reidy, Hunter Lechner, and Ethan Dietmeyer each had a rushing TD. … McHenry lost to C-G 46-7 in Week 3 last season.
About the Trojans: Counting last season’s state-semifinal loss to Geneva, Cary-Grove has lost three straight games. That hasn’t happened since the Trojans dropped their past five games in 2022, when they finished 3-6. C-G fell to host Burlington Central 10-7 last week, after opening defense of their FVC championship at home with a 34-21 loss to Prairie Ridge. … Despite their 0-2 start, the Trojans are ranked sixth in Class 5A in the AP poll.
Huntley (2-0, 2-0) at Crystal Lake South (0-2, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Raiders: Huntley rolled past Crystal Lake Central 42-0 on opening night, then had to overcome a 21-0 deficit against Dundee-Crown last week, winning 28-27 in OT. The Red Raiders scored the game-tying TD with 51 seconds left in regulation to even the score at 21. Chase Hojnacki (18 carries, 122 yards) capped the drive with a 4-yard TD run. QB Malik Carter threw a 10-yard scoring strike to Hojnacki in OT. … Huntley beat Crystal Lake South 38-12 last season.
About the Gators: Crystal Lake South knew there would be growing pains with a young offense, and that has been the case through two weeks. After being shut out by Burlington Central 21-0 in their season opener, the Gators lost 43-7 to McHenry last week. They got their first TD of the season when QB Michael Silvius (123 passing yards) threw a 28-yard TD pass to Noah Franch in the fourth quarter.
Prairie Ridge (2-0, 2-0) at Hampshire (1-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge, which is ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, has scored five TDs in each of its wins — 34-21 over Cary-Grove in Week 1 and 33-22 over Jacobs — and QB Luke Vanderwiel has eight of the 10. The senior has rushed for 373 yards and seven TDs on 45 carries (8.3 avg.) this season. He rushed for 140 yards against Jacobs, despite the Wolves not having a third-quarter possession, in part because of Vanderwiel’s pick-six. Owen Satterlee added a 5-yard TD run against Jacobs. TE/DL Hunter Mosolino had three catches for 86 yards and also had a sack.
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire snapped a nine-game losing streak with their 42-14 win at Crystal Lake Central and now return home to face one of four undefeated teams in the FVC. Whip-Purs RB Tymere Marshall has rushed for 337 yards and four TDs in the team’s first two games. He had 171 rushing yards and three TDs against CL Central in helping Hampshire outscore the Tigers 35-7 in the second half.
Geneva (1-1) at St. Charles North (2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: After a 56-0 victory over Larkin to start off the season, Geneva struggled across the board in Week 2, falling 35-6 on the road against Oswego. The loss was also the first in the high school career of junior quarterback Ben Peterson, who had gone 19-0 across the freshman, sophomore and varsity teams before the loss. Peterson also had the only touchdown for the Vikings in the game, a nine-yard rushing score. Vikings coach Boone Thorgesen said that he knows that the road to defending the DuKane Conference title will be tough, but said that his kids are the type that are ready to bounce back after a tough loss.
About the North Stars: St. Charles North followed up its thin 36-35 victory over Minooka with a much more decisive 35-16 victory in their home opener over Homewood-Flossmoor. The North Stars have shown the ability both through the air and on the ground in their two wins, with the rush game going off for over 300 yards in Week 2. Senior tailback Carsen Durante led the attack with 169 rushing yards and three total touchdowns against the Vikings, with Tom Vendl not far behind with 112 in the game. Senior quarterback Jesse Padron has also filled in well at quarterback, tossing multiple touchdowns in the first two games. St. Charles North won the Week 9 matchup between the two teams 35-21 to earn a share of the DuKane Conference title last season.
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) at St. Charles East (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: Wheaton Warrenville South started its season with a 57-0 victory over Glenbard South, but maybe a bit more eye-opening for fellow conference opponents was their 31-28 loss on the road to Lyons in Week 2. First-year starting QB Justin Miller threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the contest, while running back Owen Yorke went for 96 yards and a score of his own. The Tigers won this game 31-0 last season, and hope to start off what they hope to be a very successful conference slate with a victory.
About the Saints: To say it’s been a tough start to the season for St. Charles East might be an understatement. Following a 63-0 shutout loss to Lincoln-Way Central to start the season, the Saints saw some progression in their 31-28 loss to Niles Notre Dame in Week 2. Sophomore QB Cruz Herrera finished with 154 passing yards and three touchdowns in the game, with two of them going to senior wideout Sheko Gjokaj. The Saints do enter DuKane Conference play shorthanded, with star running back Xander Salazar going down with a lower leg injury last week after putting up 94 rushing yards and a touchdown in the half. He joins the injury list along with key defensive pieces like Logan Tatar and Johnny Solano, who went down in Week 1.
Kaneland (2-0) at DeKalb (1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Knights: The offense has started the season by scoring 86 points in their first two games, winning their home opener 42-37 against Lemont, holding off a furious comeback. Running back Carter Grabowski has been on fire the first two weeks, including rushing for a career-best 212 after rushing for 100 in a 44-6 win at Rock Island to start the year. On the year, senior quarterback Jalen Carter is 16 for 30 with four touchdowns and one interception, throwing for 303 yards. The Knights led 28-7 against Lemont early in the second and 35-17 at halftime, but Lemont cut the lead to 35-31 heading into the fourth. Rogan O’Neil had 10 tackles, two for a loss and a sack. Luke Gadomski had nine tackles and Grabowski had seven. Coach Michael Thorgesen said even giving up 37 points, he liked the way the defense played. He said big plays, turnovers and a late Lemont score pushed the final higher. But as far as physicality and hustle, he was pleased with the defense.
About the Barbs: DeKalb picked up its first win of the year at home against Phillips, 26-8, to bounce back after a 22-21 loss to Sycamore to start the year. DeKalb went 1-8 last year. They lost one-score games to Sycamore (35-28) and Plainfield South (17-14) to start the year before losing 42-7 to the Knights in Maple Park, starting a stretch of four blowout losses in a row. They already changed the trend with the Week 2 win, doing so behind a strong performance on both sides of the ball by defensive lineman and running back Travis Moore. He emerged as the lead back and ran for 79 yards and a clinching touchdown in a 26-8 win over the Wildcats last week. He also intercepted a pass for the second straight week. Senior quarterback Cole Latimer made his season debut last week, throwing for 142 yards and a pair of touchdowns. One of those was to Davon Grant for 27 yards, the only catch for the Illinois recruit. He also ran three times for 45 yards, but had both a 71-yard punt return for a TD and an interception called back because of penalties. Coach Derek Schneeman said he likes how his team is playing on the defensive side of the ball, starting with the players up front like Moore and Owen Sisson. The scheme lets the players run around and fly to the ball, and Schneeman said he’s liked that aspect so far.
— Joe Aguilar, Joel Boenitz and Eddie Carifio from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.