Scouting Week 5 DuPage County football games
Wheaton Academy (2-2, 2-0) at St. Edward (1-3, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy won, 56-0, last season
About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy looks to remain unbeaten in the Chicagoland Christian against an improved St. Edward squad. The Warriors earned their second straight win, beating Marian Central Catholic, 42-28, last weekend. Senior tailback Tyler Jones ran for 183 yards on 12 carries with 4 touchdowns, while junior QB Colton Miller completed 11 of 17 passes for 193 yards and a TD. Junior 2-way standout Logan Oros caught 4 passes for 126 yards and a TD, while adding 9 tackles on defense. Elijah Cherry recorded a team-high 11 tackles against the Hurricanes.
About the Green Wave: Sophomore quarterback Jake Linkowski continues to improve for the Green Wave. Last week, he passed for 96 yards and a TD in the team’s 44-14 loss to Christ the King. Senior Zach Sauceda ran the ball 33 times for 113 yards and a touchdown, while adding 10 tackles against the Gladiators. Junior receiver Jivonni Leix caught 3 passes for 59 yards and a TD last weekend. Defensively, junior Connor Englum (13 tackles) and senior Luciano Mauro (8 tackles, sack) led the way against Christ the King.
IC Catholic Prep (3-1) at Marist (0-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Marist won, 34-26, last season
About the Knights: The Knights showed they can hang with the state’s best following last weekend’s 24-21 loss to 3-time defending Class 5A state champion Nazareth. Billy Harding’s 39-yard field goal with 7 seconds remaining was the game-winner for the Roadrunners. Junior QB Nate Lang, who has completed 78 percent of his passes with 8 touchdown passes, connected with sophomores Will Schmidt and Grant Bowen on 80-yard-plus TD strikes against Nazareth. Senior 2-way standout Foley Calcagno averages 9.8 tackles per game with 5 rushing touchdowns.
About the RedHawks: Marist might be the best 0-4 team in the state. Three of the RedHawks’ 4 losses – St. Rita, Montini, Joliet Catholic – are by 7 points or less. Their other loss came at the hands of unbeaten, state-ranked Brother Rice in Week 2. Senior WR Ayden Ginn is one of the RedHawks’ offensive leaders, while linebackers Eddie Scheel and Marquis Steel anchor the defense.
Montini (4-0) at Marmion Academy (3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Montini won, 55-19, last season
About the Broncos: Off to a 4-0 start, the Broncos have won their share of close games, including last weekend’s 31-29 victory over Fenwick. Three of their 4 wins are by 4, 7, and 2 points, respectively. Junior QB Isreal Abrams has completed 66 percent of his passes for 903 yards with 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His favorite targets include Damacio Ortegon (16 catches, 343 yards, 3 TDs), Isaac Alexander (16 catches, 114 yards), Nico Castaldo (16 catches, 193 yards, 3 TDs), and Luca Florio (9 catches, 201 yards, 2 TDs). Defensively, Santino Tenuta (55 tackles, 11 for losses), Laddie Asay (44 tackles, 14 for losses, 3 forced fumbles), and Payton Nelson (2 interceptions) lead the way.
About the Cadets: A year ago, first-year head coach Adam Guerra guided the Cadets to the Class 5A state playoffs following a 2-win campaign in 2023. This season, the Cadets are off to their second consecutive 3-1 start, led by sophomore QB Roy Magana, Jr., who threw 3 touchdown passes in their 48-14 victory over DeLaSalle last weekend. Colin McEniry caught 2 of those TD passes covering 28 and 29 yards, respectively. Marmion carries a 3-game winning streak into the CCL/ESCC crossover clash.
Mt. Carmel (4-0) at Benet Academy (3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Mt. Carmel won, 48-13, last season
About the Caravan: The 3-time defending Class 7A state champion Caravan bring a 9-game winning streak to Lisle. Last weekend, the Caravan scored 28 unanswered points in the fourth quarter during their 41-14 victory over St. Ignatius. Senior quarterback Emmett Dowling tossed an 80-yard touchdown pass to 6-foot-3 junior receiver Quentin Burrell last weekend. Senior tailback Madden Wilson is a threat in the backfield, while Tim Harkins anchors the offensive line. Mt. Carmel began its season with a last-second, 43-42 victory over Cincinnati Moeller.
About the Redwings: Two-way standout Luke Doyle is a momentum changer for the Redwings. Last weekend, Doyle’s 66-yard punt return for a touchdown late in the third quarter snapped a 7-7 deadlock and put Benet on top for good during last weekend’s 21-13 win over St. Viator. Doyle added a 43-yard punt return in the fourth quarter to help set up Joe Savino’s 5-yard TD run. Quarterback Ben Clevenger connected with Jon Ericson on a 5-yard TD pass against St. Viator. Defensively, the Redwings are led by senior CB Dominik Tomala and senior DE Jack Clevenger.
St. Francis (3-1) at Providence (3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Spartans: St. Francis earned a solid bounce-back win last week, going on the road to beat St. Rita 17-10. The Spartans’ offense has shown that it can put up the points but that was, at least on paper, the most well-rounded outing by the St. Francis defense. Dario Milivojevic had three catches for 65 yards and a TD, and defensively four tackles, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble and three pass breakups. Providence beat St. Francis 27-25 on a game-winning pass on the final play of the game, a finish that included a controversial delay of game penalty on the Spartans.
About the Celtics: Providence has started to piece things together as well. Playmaking QB Dominic Vita gives the Celtics a dimension their offense hasn’t had for awhile and the defense is doing the work it needs to in order to give them a chance to be in most contests. After this game, it looks like the Providence schedule softens a bit but some of the teams on the back half of this slate have deceptive records so the Celtics can’t even think of letting off the gas.
Glenbard South (3-1, 2-0) at Elmwood Park (0-4, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 58-7, last season
About the Raiders: Sophomore tailback Elijah Donahue found the end zone 5 times on runs of 5, 66, 37, 42, and 42 yards, respectively, during the Raiders’ 56-14 victory over Fenton last weekend. Quarterback Tommy Bauman added a pair of touchdown passes to tight end Troy Oleksak against the Bison. Riding a 3-game winning streak, the Raiders are 1 of 3 unbeaten teams – R-B and Glenbard East are both 1-0 – in Upstate Eight East play.
About the Tigers: Junior 6-foot-3, 198-pound quarterback Joshua Jetters possesses a strong arm and quick feet while also handling punting duties for the Tigers. His favorite target is receiver Daniel Dohoney. The Tigers have struggled on both sides of the ball, averaging less than 7 points per game while having allowed 227 points in 4 games (56-point average).
Ridgewood (1-3, 0-2) at Glenbard East (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 41-8, last season
About the Rebels: The Rebels’ defense was gashed for 362 rushing yards during last weekend’s 66-20 loss to West Chicago. Offensively, junior quarterback Angelo Vitale tossed a 70-yard touchdown pass against the Wildcats. Vitale, who has thrown 5 touchdown passes, leads the team in rushing with 34 yards per contest. Marco Lopez added a 43-yard TD run against West Chicago. Defensively, senior free safety Marko Jonic leads the team with 12 tackles per game.
About the Rams: Senior quarterback Michael Nee threw a pair of early touchdown passes, as the Rams built a 42-0 halftime lead on the way to a 49-0 victory over Elmwood Park last weekend. Senior defensive back Mike Orive provided a special teams highlight with his 73-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Tigers. Defensively, the Rams are led by senior linebackers Orlando Hoye (8 ½ tackles per game) and David Salgado (7 tackles per game). The defending Upstate Eight East champions control their own destiny, with the only blemish on their schedule coming in a 35-32 Week 2 loss to UEC crossover foe West Aurora.
West Chicago (3-1, 1-1) at South Elgin (2-2, 2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 38-21, last season
About the Wildcats: West Chicago topped the 60-point mark for the second time in 4 games during last weekend’s 66-20 victory over Ridgewood. Senior quarterback Carter Naranjo averages 186 rushing yards per game, and has accounted for 17 touchdowns – 14 rushing, 3 passing. Liam Zbierski, who averages 91 yards on the ground per contest, caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Naranjo against Ridgewood. The Wildcats’ defense, led by linebacker Roman Zolota, figures to be tested by a high-powered South Elgin attack.
About the Storm: Limited to 23 points in back-to-back losses to perennial powers Barrington and Batavia, South Elgin’s offense has erupted for 97 points in back-to-back victories over Larkin and West Aurora. Last weekend, the Storm held on to defeat the defending UEC West champion Blackhawks behind a 2-touchdown, 100-yard-plus rushing effort from Darrion Thurman. Colorado-bound Gavin Mueller rushed for a short-yardage touchdown, and caught a 26-yard TD pass from Carter McDonald, who also tossed an 11-yard scoring strike to Jeremiah Carrera. Frankie Macaluso enjoyed the defensive lineman’s dream, recording a pick-6 to start the scoring against South Elgin.
Fenton (2-2, 1-1) at Riverside-Brookfield (4-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bison: Fenton was a feel-good story in 2024, reaching the playoffs with a 6-4 final record a year after going winless. This year’s edition of the Bison are coming off a 56-14 loss at Glenbard South last week. Senior running back Omar Diaz, a returning all-conference player, rushed for five touchdowns in a Week 3 win over Elmwood Park. Angel Duran had an 80-yard touchdown run last week. The Bison are going to need to beat at least one UEC team with a winning record – R-B, Glenbard East or West Chicago – to get to five wins.
About the Bulldogs: R-B is off to a 4-0 start for the first time since 2017 after a 51-0 win over Elgin last Friday. It was the Bulldogs’ first shutout since 2023. The effective quarterback rotation of Giancarlo Garcia and Braeden Novak combined for 176 yards passing and three TDs. Jacob Retana rushed for 93 yards and two TDs in the win over Elgin. Highlighting the defense’s shutout was Warren Mason’s 49-yard interception; he also recovered a fumble on a kickoff. Fenton beat Riverside-Brookfield 21-14 in Week 5 last year, a result that contributed to the Bison squeaking into the playoffs ahead of the Bulldogs.
Neuqua Valley (1-3, 0-2) at Metea Valley (2-2, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Neuqua Valley won, 49-20, last season
About the Wildcats: The Wildcats dropped a 24-17 decision to crosstown rival Naperville Central last weekend despite a 106-yard rushing effort from Andy Barkley. Junior quarterback Drake Mennecke connected with receiver Ben Stefanski for an 82-yard touchdown pass for the Wildcats’ lone TD against the Redhawks. Neuqua Valley owns a 16-0 mark against Metea Valley dating back to 2010.
About the Mustangs: Improvement is the key word for the Mustangs. Metea Valley has already surpassed last season’s win total in just 4 weeks under the direction of first-year head coach Patrick Sheehan. A year ago, the Mustangs dropped a 53-12 decision to Sandburg. Last weekend, Metea trailed 17-7 at halftime before falling to the unbeaten Eagles, 24-7. Junior tailback Marquis Brown accounted for the Mustangs’ lone score with a 13-yard run. Quarterback Charlie Larson directs the Mustangs’ offense. Metea has dropped 16 straight double-figure decisions to Neuqua.
Lyons (3-1, 0-1) at Glenbard West (4-0, 2-0)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
About the Lions: Lyons had its 13-game regular-season winning streak snapped last Saturday in a 29-26 home loss to Hinsdale Central. It was a tough pill to swallow as the Lions led throughout most of the second half before an interception early in the fourth quarter turned the momentum. EJ Kuhlman was a workhorse in the loss, 30 carries for 176 yards and two TDs. Lyons QB Jack Slightom completed 20 of 39 passes with a TD to Brady Rusk. Lyons last year beat Glenbard West 24-7, its first win over the Hilltoppers since 2016. The Lions probably will need another win here to position themselves to successfully defend their Silver title in what should be a tight race.
About the Hilltoppers: If nonconference wins over Batavia and Joliet Catholic weren’t proof enough, Glenbard West’s performance last Saturday against Downers Grove North affirmed that the Hilltoppers are back as a beast in the Silver and statewide. The final was 35-21, not indicative of Glenbard West’s dominance as the Hilltoppers raced out to a 28-0 first-quarter lead and then eased off the gas pedal. Junior QB AJ Rayford returned from a hip flexor injury that cost him two games to throw for 172 yards and a 51-yard TD to Brady Johnson. Bryce Ellens rushed for 55 yards and JaMarcus Kelly for two TDs.
Oak Park-River Forest (2-2, 1-1) at York (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Huskes: OPRF surpassed last year’s win total with a 48-12 victory over Proviso West in Week 4. Jordan Williams rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns, Jordan Gardner ran for 57 yards and a TD and Liam Smith ran for 34 yards and two TDs as the Huskies rolled up 261 yards rushing. The Huskies did hang with Glenbard West for a half in Week 3. Can they do the same against another top Silver opponent?
About the Dukes: York continued to roll through the soft portion of its schedule, beating Leyden 56-0 last Friday. The Dukes have won their last three games by a combined margin of 143-17. Dom Alfano was 9-for-9 passing for 186 yards and three TDs. Defensively, Owen Roberts had four tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. A game with the somewhat frisky Huskies should provide a modest challenge before the Dukes finish against the other top four teams in the Silver. York beat OPRF 42-21 last season.
Proviso West (1-3, 0-2) at Downers Grove North (3-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Panthers: Proviso West’s season started well enough, a Week 1 win over Christ the King, but it’s been a downward slide since, three losses by a combined margin of 107-34. It only gets tougher from here, games with four Silver opponents with a combined record of 13-3 and a matchup with Willowbrook.
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North dropped from the ranks of the unbeaten last week, 35-21 last Saturday to Glenbard West, a game in which the Trojans trailed 28-0 in the first quarter. Minnesota recruit and Trojans’ QB Owen Lansu missed his second game with injury suffered in the first half of Week 2. The Trojans were hurt by turnovers at Glenbard West, two lost fumbles inside their 20-yard line. Kevin Jay, starting again at QB, scored on two late TD runs and threw a 71-yard TD pass to Max Troha. Downers Grove North beat Proviso West 54-0 last year, and this would seem to be an ideal get-well game.
Hinsdale South (1-3, 1-1) at Willowbrook (1-3, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South was competitive, but dropped a 21-7 loss to Addison Trail last week. Isaiah Burton accounted for the lone score in the loss. The Hornets’ schedule has been a bear early on, their three losses to teams with a combined record of 11-1. This game provides another litmus test against an opponent that’s resided in the upper echelon of the Gold.
About the Warriors: Willowbrook, a playoff mainstay the last decade, has some work to do the second half of the regular season for it to continue that streak. The Warriors come in off a 34-23 loss to Downers Grove South. Willowbrook led early in that game and QB Jahonise Reed showed off his run/pass skill set that included a 6-yard TD pass to Otis Powell.
Morton (1-3, 1-0) at Addison Trail (3-1, 2-0)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
About the Mustangs: Morton finally got in the win column last week, its 14-0 win over Proviso East. The Mustangs’ defense has actually been steady in three of their four games this season, giving them a chance to win. An offense that has scored a total of 34 points still needs to pick up the pace.
About the Blazers: Addison Trail comes in off a 21-7 win over Hinsdale South. The Blazers pulled away from what was a 7-7 halftime tie to secure the win. Gio Ortiz scored all three TDs for Addison Trail in the win. Save for a blocked field goal in the waning seconds of Week 2, the Blazers could very well be unbeaten through four weeks. Addison Trail beat Morton 35-12 last year.
Hinsdale Central (3-1) at Downers Grove South (1-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central looks like a contender in the Silver, following a close miss against Downers Grove North with a statement 29-26 win at Lyons last Saturday. Nico Mann had a huge momentum-turning interception early in the fourth quarter, setting up Dominic Tresslar’s go-ahead 90-yard TD run. Jack Lesniewicz had 194 receiving yards and a TD. Senior Riley Contreras continues to be a unique two-way starter as the QB of a large-school program. He threw for 212 yards and two TDs, rushed for 43 yards and a TD and had eight tackles and five assists against Lyons.
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South has made a habit of digging out of tough starts to seasons in recent years, and the Mustangs began that process again with their 34-23 win over Willowbrook last Friday. Daniel Mensah took center stage at running back with four TD runs, three coming in the second half. Jake Mytys had a pivotal blocked punt. Downers Grove South’s defense racked up five sacks, and Cooper Schoenike had an interception.
Wheaton North (2-2, 1-1) at St. Charles East (0-4, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Falcons: Wheaton North, alternating wins and losses through four weeks, is coming off a 34-12 loss to St. Charles North. The Falcons couldn’t overcome being hit by a 24-point second quarter from the North Stars. Burke Neibch, in at QB for Wheaton North for injured starter Jacob Johnson, threw two TD passes to Tyler Kading, who had six catches for 66 yards. The Falcons have a tough closing stretch to its schedule, so a win here against 0-4 St. Charles East seems essential. Wheaton North beat St. Charles East 27-19 last year.
About the Saints: St. Charles East’s rough stretch to start the season continued in Week 4, dropping to Glenbard North 42-13. The Saints had both of their touchdowns in the first half of the game, with quarterback Cruz Herrera finding Gavin Matejko (three catches for 90 yards) for both scores. The Saints have now lost eight straight contests, with their last win being a 27-21 overtime victory over Lake Park in Week 5 of last season.
Glenbard North (3-1, 1-1) at Wheaton Warrenville South (2-2, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Panthers: Glenbard North bounced back from its only loss, to Batavia in Week 3, with a 42-13 win over St. Charles East last Friday. In doing so the Panthers surpassed last season’s win total. Senior running back Donato Gatses, who had 523 yard rushing and seven TDs through three weeks, is Glenbard North’s go-to man. The Panthers average just a touch over 40 points per game in their three wins.
About the Tigers: WW South’s offense that had averaged just over 40 points per game the first three games was grounded last week in a 28-7 loss to Geneva. The Tigers were limited to 180 total yards, and just 32 rushing yards. Owen Yorke accounted for WW South’s lone score on a 3-yard TD run. WW South won last year’s meeting with Glenbard North 31-0.
Walther Christian (0-3) at Westmont (1-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Westmont won, 44-28, last season.
About the Broncos: The Broncos snapped a 27-game losing streak dating back to 2021 in strange fashion last weekend, due to winning by forfeit (2-0) against Kenosha Christian Life, which cancelled its entire season last month due to dwindling numbers. Junior TE/MLB Tyler Whittaker is the captain of the squad, which carries 5 sophomores and 12 freshmen.
About the Sentinels: It is the first of 2 games against Walther Christian this season. The teams will hold the rematch on Oct. 18 in Melrose Park. Led by senior RB/MLB Yannis Tutuniau and senior TE/LB Jeremiah Thomas, the Sentinels defeated Catalyst/Maria, 48-6, in Week 2. Last weekend, Westmont dropped a 53-0 decision to downstate Fisher.