Scouting Week 4 DuPage County football games
Benet Academy (2-1) at St. Viator (1-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Benet Academy won, 23-16, last season.
About the Redwings: Benet improved to 2-1 with last weekend’s 52-0 victory over DeLaSalle. Quarterback Ben Clevenger hurt the Meteors with his arm, throwing a short touchdown pass to Luke Doyle, and with his feet, running for a pair of scores. Joe Salvino, Dylan Miner, and Doyle added touchdown runs as the Redwings shook their Week 2 loss to Glenbard North. John Ericson (interception) helped fuel the defense to the shutout.
About the Lions: The Lions celebrate homecoming coming off a 28-0 loss to Marmion. Quarterback Joey Lampignano and tailback Connor McGrath look to spark the offense for St. Viator, which dropped a 7-point decision to Benet last season. Defensive back Jackson Leonard picked off a pass for the Lions’ defense against Marmion.
Marian Central (1-2, 0-1) at Wheaton Academy (1-2, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Hurricanes: Marian Central finally hits the road for its first game away from George Harding Field this season, and the Hurricanes will look to bounce back from a 47-7 loss to Hope Academy. The Hurricanes’ two losses are both to undefeated teams, as they fell to Richmond-Burton 49-13 in Week 1, before beating Clemente 46-0.
About the Warriors: Defending league champion Wheaton Academy got in the win column and started a successful defense of its title with a 49-14 blowout of Chicago Christian last week. Tyler Jones ran for 197 yards and TDs of 26, 56 and 37 yards. Colton Miller was 11-for-13 passing for 237 yards and three TDs, two to Tommy Sommer. Wheaton Academy beat Marian Central 48-0 last year.
St. Francis (2-1) at St. Rita (1-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Rita won, 31-13, last season.
About the Spartans: The Spartans’ 2-game win streak came to a halt following last weekend’s 43-21 loss to 3-time defending Class 8A state champion Loyola Academy. Senior QB Brock Phillip passed for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns while also throwing a pair of interceptions in the loss. Senior WR Tanner Glock caught 7 passes for 100 yards against Loyola. Now, the Spartans look to avenge last year’s loss to St. Rita.
About the Mustangs: Do not be fooled by the Mustangs’ losing record. They have faced defending Class 7A state champion Mt. Carmel (35-14) and Brother Rice (28-10) after their season-opening, 28-21 victory over Marist. Senior QB Steven Armbruster, the school’s career touchdown pass holder, did not play last week against Brother Rice due to injury, as junior John Fennell stepped in and was 12 of 27 for 106 yards with an interception. Sophomore MLB Jack Schapendonk averages 11 tackles per game.
Nazareth (2-1, 0-0) at IC Catholic Prep (3-0, 0-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Roadrunners: Nazareth, ranked No. 2 in Class 6A, hung with Class 8A No. 1 Mount Carmel for a while, but penalties, turnovers — and the Caravan’s sheer talent — were too much to overcome in a 42-23 loss. Now Nazareth gets a bit of a role reversal, the larger-class program paying a visit to a smaller school looking to compete. Trenton Walker had nine catches for 81 yards and Frankie Nichols threw for 165 yards and rushed for 47 for Nazareth in the loss to Mount Carmel. Nichols continues to rotate at QB with Jackson Failla. Nazareth beat IC Catholic 33-0 last year, but the Knights won the teams’ previous meeting in 2023.
About the Knights: IC Catholic, ranked No. 2 in Class 3A, is off to a strong start in hopes of a return to the playoffs with a 33-12 win over St. Ignatius last Friday. The Knights are averaging 35.3 points per game through three games. Junior QB Nate Lang threw for 203 yards and two TDs and ran for a score against St. Ignatius. Sophomore receivers Grant Bowen and Will Schmidt combined for seven catches for 150 yards, Bowen scoring two TDs and Schmidt also had 11 tackles. Middle linebacker Foley Calcagno, who had 12 tackles, is the ringleader of the defense.
Fenwick (3-0, 0-0) at Montini (3-0, 0-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Friars: Fenwick is 3-0 for the first time since 2016, a season in which the program reached the Class 7A semifinals. The Friars carry momentum into this CCL/ESCC White opener, a 43-26 win over Joliet Catholic last week. Senior QB Jamen Williams threw for 204 yards and three TDs and is the maestro of an offense that’s averaging just a tick under 40 points through three games. Jake Thies had one of Fenwick’s three interceptions in the game and also scored on a 67-yard TD run. Fenwick beat Montini 14-10 in Week 4 last year; the Broncos haven’t lost since, 10 in a row last year and the Class 3A title and a 3-0 start to this year.
About the Broncos: Montini comes into this one surely motivated after last year’s loss — and off an emotional high. The Broncos beat Marist 28-21 last week, getting back-to-back stops near their goal line at the end. Freshman defensive end Blake Pohlman had seven tackles, three for a loss, and recovered a fumble in the end zone on the last play of the game. Santino Tenuta had 14 tackles and forced the fumble on the final play. Offensively, Izzy Abrams continues his ascendance as one of the state’s top QBs, as he threw for 285 yards and two TDs and rushed for 77 yards and two TDs last week. Damacio Ortegon is among his top targets for a Montini offense with speed to burn.
Fenton (2-1, 1-0) at Glenbard South (2-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 49-6, last season.
About the Bison: Limited to 32 points over their first 2 games, the Bison offense exploded for 55 points during last weekend’s running-clock triumph over Elmwood Park. Senior tailback Omar Diaz scored 5 rushing touchdowns, highlighted by his 98-yard score as part of Fenton’s 35-point, first-quarter blitz. Junior Angel Duran added TD runs of 39 and 20 yards, respectively, while junior Logan Haywood scored on a 44-yard fumble recovery last weekend.
About the Raiders: While the Raiders put 34 points on the board last weekend against West Chicago, their defense produced the game’s key play, as lineman Cecil Tousant recovered a fumble at the 32-yard line down the stretch. Quarterback Tommy Bauman added TD passes of 39 yards (Troy Oleksak) and 38 yards, as the Raiders’ offense generated 458 total yards against West Chicago. Sophomore RB/DB Elijah Donahue is another player to watch for the Raiders.
Glenbard East (2-1, 0-0) at Elmwood Park (0-3, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 65-13, last season.
About the Rams: Trailing Bartlett 15-14 at halftime last weekend, the Rams scored 16 unanswered second-half points during their 30-15 Upstate Eight crossover triumph. Tailback Kedrick Dennis led the way with a pair of second-half touchdown runs, while Moises Velazquez booted a 22-yard field goal. Senior QB Michael Nee threw 3 first-quarter TD passes during last year’s 52-point win over Elmwood Park.
About the Tigers: Elmwood Park has been outscored 178-6 in its first 3 games, finally getting on the board during last weekend’s 55-6 loss to Fenton. The Tigers have dropped 12 consecutive games dating back to October of 2023.
Ridgewood (1-2, 0-1) at West Chicago (2-1, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Chicago won, 43-35, last season.
About the Rebels: Ridgewood attempts to snap a 2-game losing streak in Week 4 following last weekend’s 51-12 loss to Riverside-Brookfield. Quarterback Angelo Vitale (5 touchdown passes) directs the Rebels’ offense as a multi-threat player. Vitale accounted for 251 yards (196 passing, 55 rushing) during Ridgewood’s 21-14 loss to Woodstock 2 weeks ago. Senior LB Marco Lopez averages 11.7 tackles per game for the defense, while linebacker Michael Cwieczkowski and tackle Tommy Burkevic have 2 sacks apiece.
About the Wildcats: The Wildcats hope to bounce back from last weekend’s tough 34-27 loss to Glenbard South. Senior quarterback Carter Naranjo has been electrifying for the Wildcats’ offense, which averages 44 points per game. Naranjo, who has 10 touchdown runs and a pair of TD passes in 3 games, averages 201 yards on the ground. Ean Arizmendi, Joseph Mercandante, Marcos Estrada, and Luis Rubio anchor a stout offensive line that helped the Wildcats gain 346 rushing yards against the Raiders.
Naperville Central (0-3, 0-1) at Neuqua Valley (1-2, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Neuqua Valley won, 26-14, in 2023.
About the Redhawks: Few teams have played a more rugged early schedule than the Redhawks, who have dropped competitive games to Oswego (31-15), Hinsdale Central (28-14), and Sandburg (5-3). Those 3 squads own a combined 8-1 mark. Defensively, Matt Guerin, Paul Peradotti, Jax Pytlak, and Joe Clermont had sacks against Sandburg, while Gavin Ellison booted a 40-yard field goal. Naperville Central has not faced Neuqua since 2023, when the squads split a pair of meetings.
About the Wildcats: Neuqua Valley fell behind perennial state power Lincoln-Way East 35-0 after 1 quarter during last weekend’s 56-7 loss. A bright spot for the Wildcats came when quarterback Colton Maita tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Barkley late in the second quarter.
Naperville North (2-1, 1-0) at Homewood-Flossmoor (2-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville North won, 63-62, last season.
About the Huskies: A year ago, these teams staged an “instant classic,” as the Huskies escaped with a 63-62 victory thanks to a Herculean effort from since-graduated QB Jacob Bell, now at Indiana University. “We expect their best, which is really good,” said Huskies coach Sean Drendel. “We are built a little different than last year. It shouldn’t be quite as high scoring.” Defensively, all-state senior Gabriel Hill is flanked by linebacker Drew Murphy, who collected a game-high 10 tackles and an interception during last weekend’s 35-14 win over Metea Valley.
About the Vikings: Led by QB Rahsaan Coleman and WRs Joaquin Jordan and Myles Ellis, Homewood-Flossmoor bounced back from a Week 2 loss to St. Charles North with last weekend’s 28-13 win over Lockport. “They have a high-powered offense, and they’re fast and physical on defense,” Drendel said of H-F. “They are a threat to score at any time with their speed.” Disciplined defense is necessary against a team like H-F. “You have to have cutback lanes and rally to the ball, always trying to get the ball carrier to move east and west rather than north and south.”
Sandburg (3-0, 1-0) at Metea Valley (2-1, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Sandburg won, 53-12, last season.
About the Eagles: The Eagles’ defense has been stingy so far this season. Following last weekend’s rare 5-3 win over Naperville Central, Sandburg has allowed just 19 points in 3 games. Drew Drzonek booted a 39-yard field goal with 9 seconds remaining for the game-winner last week. First-year head coach Sheamus Murphy has the Eagles off to a great start.
About the Mustangs: Turnovers and special teams miscues hurt the Mustangs during last weekend’s 35-14 loss to Naperville North. Quarterback Charles Larson, who accounted for 311 total yards of offense, supplied a highlight with his 95-yard touchdown run against the Huskies. First-year head coach Patrick Sheehan likes what he has seen from his team during the first 1/3 of the season. “We’ve got a team that has really taken to every single day, working their tails off,” said the coach.
Waubonsie Valley (0-3, 0-1) at Andrew (1-2, 0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Warriors: The Warriors look to get in the win column following losses to Neuqua Valley (21-13), New Trier (24-14), and Bradley-Bourbonnais (35-6). Poor starts have plagued the Warriors, who have been outscored 53-6 in the first half this season. Senior QB Colin Ford connected with junior Jack Van der Watt on a 7-yard TD pass for the lone score last weekend.
About the Thunderbolts: Quarterback Camden Maniatis provided a bright spot with his 18-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Lipski during last week’s 17-7 loss to Lincoln-Way West. Maniatis’ favorite targets include 6-foot-3 Ian Lopez and Thomas Reilly.
Downers Grove North (3-0, 1-0) at Glenbard West (3-0, 1-0)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
About the Trojans: The Trojans showed some grit in pulling out a 9-7 win over Hinsdale Central last Friday. Junior Kevin Jay, starting at quarterback for the first time since eighth grade in place of injured starter Owen Lansu, threw a 26-yard TD to Will Vala with just over a minute remaining for the win. Jay, normally a running back, rushed for 120 yards on 21 carries and threw for 95. Vala, an Illinois recruit, also had a strip sack in the game’s final minute. Max Troha added an interception and Baker Glomb kicked a 48-yard field goal. Downers Grove North will need to continue to lean on a defense that’s allowed just 29 points with Lansu, a Minnesota recruit, out indefinitely. Downers Grove North beat Glenbard West 42-7 last year and has won the last two meetings with the Hilltoppers after going winless in the series back to 2006.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West, like Downers Grove North, remained undefeated last week despite being without its starting quarterback. AJ Rayford missed his second consecutive game, but the Hilltoppers pulled away from what was a one-score lead at halftime to beat Oak Park-River Forest 26-7. JaMarcus Kelly rushed for 158 yards and a TD in the win for the Hilltoppers. Maximus Hetlet ran for two TDs and Jack Walti threw a 23-yard TD pass to Chase Cavan. This is the first of back-to-back big games at Duchon Field for the Hilltoppers, with defending Silver champ Lyons coming in Sept. 27.
Hinsdale Central (2-1, 0-1) at Lyons (3-0, 0-0)
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central came about a minute away from a massive win at Downers Grove North — but at minimum their 9-7 loss was proof they can go toe-to-toe with the other big dogs in the Silver. It doesn’t get any easier, paying a visit to Lyons. Riley Contreras threw a 21-yard TD to Jack Lesniewicz for Hinsdale Central’s lone score at Downers Grove North, threw for 144 yards and ran for 25, and also had an interception on defense. An offense that put up 84 points the season’s first two weeks will want to get back on track.
About the Lions: Lyons weathered a couple of tight nonconference matchups with Joliet Catholic and Wheaton Warrenville South the first two weeks, then got to ease off the gas pedal with a 55-0 win over Morton last Friday before jumping into the grind of Silver division play. Lyons has now won 13 consecutive regular-season games dating back to 2023. Senior QB Jack Slightom, a 6-foot-4 Cincinnati baseball recruit, has impressed in his first season as varsity starter and threw two TDs against Morton. Frank Suero rushed for 88 yards and two TDs in that game. Two-way lineman Roman Sosnovyy announced his commitment to Dartmouth this week. Lyons beat Hinsdale Central 21-16 last year and has won the last three meetings with the Red Devils.
Willowbrook (1-2, 1-0) at Downers Grove South (0-3, 0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Willowbrook righted the ship last week with its 40-8 win over Leyden. The Warriors were top dogs in the Gold for much of the last decade until Downers Grove South wrested the title away the last three years, so this one should go a long way toward determining the Gold champion. QB Jahonise Reed and Hayden Roscoe are among the players to watch.
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South had a 23-game Gold winning streak snapped last week in heartbreaking fashion, Addison Trail beating the Mustangs 22-21 on a field goal on the last play of the game. Downers Grove South was stuffed on a fourth-and-short from its 30 with under a minute remaining, setting Addison Trail up for the winning score. Downers Grove South at 0-3 likely needs to either beat Willowbrook or Hinsdale Central next week, then win out, to make the playoffs for the sixth straight time. Danel Mensah rushed for 180 yards in the loss last week. Downers Grove South beat Willowbrook 18-16 last season.
Addison Trail (2-1, 1-0) at Hinsdale South (1-2, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Blazers: The Blazers have had quite a two weeks. They lost to Johnsburg 7-6 in Week 2 when a game-winning field goal attempt was blocked. Addison Trail had another attempt blocked with a little over a minute left against Downers Grove South last Friday, but after a defensive stand on fourth down Noah Cruz made a 28-yard field goal as time expired on a kick that hit the crossbar for a 22-21 win. QB Nico Dill, who threw a TD and also had a 65-yard TD run, is the man who makes the Blazers go, the defending Gold Offensive Player of the Year.
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South earned first-year head coach Jarrod Amolsch his first win last week with a 34-14 win over Proviso East. The next two weeks, a Homecoming home date with Addison Trail and a road game at Willowbrook, should provide a clue as to whether the Hornets can be a contender in the Gold. Addison Trail beat Hinsdale South 28-21 last year.
York (2-1) at Leyden (1-2)
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
About the Dukes: York, who beat Proviso West 49-14 last week, is in the midst of four consecutive games against teams that currently have losing records before a gauntlet of a stretch run. Senior Costa Kampas, a Georgetown recruit, is the leader of an offensive line that’s been a strength of the Dukes’ early on in helping pave the way for the running game.
About the Eagles: Leyden comes in off a 40-8 loss to Willowbrook. Tom Cerasani is in his 21st season as Leyden head coach. Lucas Lattiker was Leyden’s leading rusher last year and the man to watch.
Wheaton Warrenville South (2-1, 1-0) at Geneva (1-2, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: The Tigers took care of their business in their DuKane Conference opener, dispatching St. Charles East 37-12. WW South’s offense is scoring a tick over 40 points per game through three. This matchup, against defending league champion Geneva, could provide the first clue as to whether the Tigers can compete with the top dogs in the DuKane. WW South running back Owen Yorke continues to pile up big numbers, 246 yards on 20 carries with an 80-yard TD run on the first play from scrimmage last week and two more scores. Senior QB Justin Miller threw for 118 yards and also ran for a score. Geneva beat WW South 48-34 last year.
About the Vikings: Geneva struggled to get on the scoreboard for the second consecutive week, only scoring on its first offensive drive in its 10-7 loss to St. Charles North. But with the Vikings coming home after three straight games on the road to start the season, it could be the morale boost the team and its young offense needs. The loss also showed plenty of upside, with the defense only allowing one touchdown after giving up 35 points to Oswego in Week 2. On offense, running back Nelson Wendell helped the Vikings establish the pace early, finishing with 105 yards off 21 carries and a score.
St. Charles North (3-0, 1-0) at Wheaton North (2-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: St. Charles North proved it could grind out a victory in a low-scoring contest, edging out Geneva 10-7 to begin conference play. The win was a bit disproportionate to its first two wins of the season, scoring 35-plus points in wins over Minooka and Homewood-Flossmoor. Senior tailback Carsen Durante has recorded back-to-back 100-plus rushing yard performances, while wideout and Northwestern commit Keaton Reinke passed the century mark for the first time this season, catching 10 passes for 106 yards. JT Padron has also filled into the QB position for the North Stars, throwing for 185 yards and a score in the win.
About the Falcons: Wheaton North, like Downers Grove North and Glenbard West, showed it can win league games last week without its starting quarterback. With QB Jake Johnson out with an injury suffered Week 2 at Stevenson, Max Serbick went into beast mode with 308 yards rushing and three TDs on 48 carries in a 30-20 win over Lake Park. Wheaton North’s offense has been a bit of a hit-and-miss proposition through three weeks, with 30-plus points in wins over Simeon and Lake Park sandwiched around a 10-7 loss at Stevenson. St. Charles North beat Wheaton North 31-14 last year.
St. Charles East (0-3, 0-1) at Glenbard North (2-1, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: St. Charles East has struggled out of the gate, with a 37-12 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South moving the Saints to their first 0-3 start since 2011. Both of the Saints’ touchdowns came with under five minutes remaining. Sophomore QB Cruz Herrera finished with 185 passing yards and both a passing and rushing score, while running back Johnny Solano rushed for 145 yards in his first full varsity game. St. Charles East won the last season’s meeting 40-7.
About the Panthers: Glenbard North’s losing streak in conference play moved to 15 games following a 41-13 loss to Batavia. After starting the season with over 200 rushing yards in their first two contests, the Panthers were held to just 88 yards, 82 of them coming from Donato Gatses. Quarterback Kyle Melody had 184 passing yards in the game, 88 of them going to Zechariah Morris.
Batavia (2-1, 1-0) at Lake Park (2-1, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: Batavia has been firing on all cylinders following its season-opening loss to Glenbard West, opening up conference play with a big 41-13 victory over Glenbard North. The Bulldogs once again showed off their balanced offensive attack, with the tailback/fullback duo of Henry Hahn (90 rushing yards, three total TDs) and Preston Brummel (103 rushing yards) controlling the ground game. Quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren threw for 165 yards and three scores, bringing him up to seven touchdowns and just one interception. Meanwhile, the defense held the Panthers to 88 rushing yards and recorded two turnovers for the second consecutive game. The Bulldogs won last year’s contest 56-6.
About the Lancers: After putting up 35-plus points in its first two games of the season, Lake Park was held to just 20 in its 30-20 loss to Wheaton North. Two-year starting QB George Tzamouranis enters averaging 133 passing yards and 59 rushing yards, but was held to just a rushing touchdown last week. Wide receiver Niko Menos, who holds an offer from Eastern Illinois, also had eight catches for 84 yards in the contest.
Westmont (1-1) at Fisher (0-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Sentinels: Westmont did not have a Week 3 game. The Sentinels surely hope they can shake off the rust and get back to the football that won their Week 2 matchup over Chicago Catalyst/Maria 48-6.
About the Bunnies: Fisher, which competes in the Heart of Central Illinois Small Division, has been outscored 150-20 in its three losses and is coming off a 43-7 loss to Colfax Ridgeview. The town of Fisher is located 15 miles north of Champaign.
The Bunnies get their nickname from the 1933-34 basketball season, when players wore rabbit’s feet for good luck, leading a sports writer to dub the team the “Bunny Boys,” a name that stuck and was eventually shortened to " Bunnies."
— Joshua Welge from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview