Scouting Week 6 DuPage County football games
Elmwood Park (0-5, 0-3) at West Chicago (3-2, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Chicago won, 52-14, last season.
About the Tigers: Elmwood Park has not scored a point since its Week 3 loss to Fenton. The Tigers, who have been shut out 3 times in 5 games, have also struggled on the opposite side of the ball. Opponents average 56-plus points against the Tigers.
About the Wildcats: Several big plays, including 89 and 75-yard touchdown runs, proved costly for the Wildcats during last weekend’s 46-14 loss to South Elgin. Senior quarterback Carter Naranjo carried the ball 18 times for 131 yards and a touchdown, while Liam Zbierski connected with Joel Montgomery on a 67-yard halfback option pass for a score against the Storm. West Chicago needs 2 victories in its last 4 games to become playoff eligible for the third consecutive year.
Glenbard East (4-1, 2-0) at Fenton (2-3, 1-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 48-14, last season.
About the Rams: Glenbard East travels to Bensenville searching for its fourth consecutive victory while trying to remain unbeaten in Upstate Eight East play. Senior quarterback Michael Nee has thrown 11 touchdown passes. Junior receiver Malachi Miller, who has scored 4 touchdowns, averages a team-high 76 yards receiving per game, while senior tailback Kedrick Dennis averages 99 yards per game with 4 TDs. Defensively, linebacker Orlando Hoye leads the Rams with 8 tackles per contest.
About the Bison: A slow start hampered the Bison cause during last weekend’s 47-28 loss to Riverside-Brookfield. Fenton fell behind 33-7 after 1 quarter before tailbacks Angel Duran and Omar Diaz provided several second-half highlights. Duran scored on TD runs covering 35 and 50 yards, respectively, while Diaz added a 40-yard score. Fenton needs 3 wins in its final 4 games to become playoff eligible for the second straight season.
Riverside-Brookfield (5-0, 2-0) at Glenbard South (4-1, 3-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: R-B continued its best start since 2017 with a 47-27 win over Fenton last week. Juniors Giancarlo Garcia and Braeden Novak continue to be an effective QB rotation for an offense averaging 45 points per game. Garcia rushed for 84 yards and two TDs and threw a 46-yard TD to Nico Caputo. Novak ran for a TD and threw one to Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus. R-B beat Glenbard South 26-21 last year in its debut season in the league, Garcia accounting for 282 yards passing and two TDs.
About the Raiders: Glenbard South has won four straight since a season-opening loss – and is putting up huge numbers against Upstate Eight opponents, 48.3 points per game the last four weeks. The Raiders scored in all three phases last week against Elmwood Park, Tommy Bauman throwing a TD pass to Troy Oleksak, Isaiah Gray returning a punt 31 yards for a TD and Timothy Ewald recovering a fumble in the end zone. The Upstate Eight East title will come down to the last four weeks as conference unbeatens R-B, Glenbard South and Glenbard East take turns playing each other.
Chicago Hope (5-0, 3-0) at Wheaton Academy (3-2, 3-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy won, 42-14, last season.
About the Eagles: Hope Academy’s high-powered offense has generated 158 points in its first 3 Chicagoland Conference games, including 61 against Aurora Christian 2 weeks ago. Sophomore quarterback D’Angelo Garner guides the offense, anchored by backs Ashton Hemingway, Keldon Weaver, and D’Angelo Townsel.
About the Warriors: One of three 3-0 teams remaining in the Chicagoland Christian, Wheaton Academy puts its 3-game winning streak on the line against unbeaten Hope Academy. Senior tailback Tyler Jones, who averages 147 yards per game, rushed for 102 yards on 4 carries with 3 touchdowns during last weekend’s 48-0 victory over St. Edward. Junior linebacker Logan Oros leads the Warriors with 10 ½ tackles per contest.
IC Catholic Prep (3-2, 0-1) at St. Francis (4-1, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Francis won, 21-13, last season.
About the Knights: The Knights hope to rebound following back-to-back, heartbreaking losses to Nazareth (24-21) and Marist (29-28) against another strong foe in St. Francis. Junior QB Nate Lang threw 3 touchdown passes, including a pair to sophomore Grant Bowen, against Marist. Two-way standout Foley Calcagno added a 4-yard TD run in the fourth quarter against Marist. A false start penalty and missed PAT kick proved costly last weekend.
About the Spartans: If anyone understands the rivalry between the CCL/ESCC teams, it is Spartans coach Bob McMillen, a former 2-way standout at IC Catholic Prep. A year ago, the Spartans earned a hard-fought, 8-point win over the Knights. Last weekend, SIU-bound receiver Dario Milivojevic (6 receptions, 177 yards) caught 4 touchdown passes covering 31, 13, 61, and 35 yards, respectively, from quarterback Brock Phillip during the Spartans’ 47-35 victory over Providence.
Montini (5-0, 1-0) at Carmel (4-1, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Montini won, 34-16, last season.
About the Broncos: Scoring on 7 of their 8 possessions, the Broncos rolled to a 47-0 victory over Marmion last weekend behind junior quarterback Israel Abrams (18 of 26, 250 yards, 2 TDs) and senior receiver Nico Castaldo (7 catches, 125 yards, TD). Senior linebacker Santino Tenuta led the defense to its first shutout of the season with 3 tackles for losses. “I love being that team with the target on its back,” said Tenuta. “I want to play every game like that. We won’t back down.”
About the Corsairs: Junior quarterback Trae Taylor has thrown 13 touchdown passes this season, 5 of them to sophomore wideout Greg Bess-Henning (87.3 yards receiving per game). Sophomore tailback Jorden Moore averages 57 yards per game on the ground. The Corsairs handed Marian Catholic a 70-7 setback last weekend.
St. Patrick (3-2, 1-0) at Benet Academy (3-2, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Benet won, 49-30, last season.
About the Shamrocks: The Shamrocks allowed 542 yards of total offense and 8 touchdowns — 4 passing, 4 rushing — to Brother Rice during last weekend’s 56-14 setback. Junior quarterback Gavin Gardiner has several targets to choose from, including Joey Pemberton, Timmy Schayer, Anthony Catron, and Emanuel Day. Jayden Miranda is the Shamrocks’ leading ball carrier.
About the Redwings: This is a battle between the remaining unbeatens in CCL/ESCC Purple play. The Redwings ran into a roadblock in the form of state-ranked Mt. Carmel during last weekend’s 48-0 loss. Sophomore Christiano Diomede received his first varsity start for the Redwings, who allowed 5 Emmett Dowling touchdown passes in the first half. Sophomore safety Donovan Wells provided a highlight with his second-half interception. Benet needs 2 wins in its last 4 games to become playoff eligible for the second consecutive season.
Lake Park (2-3, 0-3) at Glenbard North (3-2, 1-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Lake Park won, 29-21, last season.
About the Lancers: After a 2-0 start, the Lancers have dropped 3 straight games to DuKane Conference foes Wheaton North (30-20), Batavia (42-21), and Geneva (35-17). Joey Michelini earned Player of the Game honors for the Lancers with a pair of sacks against Geneva last weekend, while receiver Emanuele Carrozzoli caught 3 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, linebacker Max Degen recorded 3 tackles and an interception against the Vikings. The Lancers’ defense will try to slow down Glenbard North’s vaunted ground game.
About the Panthers: Senior tailback Donato Gatses is the player to watch for the Panthers. The speedy 5-foot-11, 185-pounder has scored a team-high 11 touchdowns while averaging 170 yards rushing per game. Last week, Gatses carried the ball 25 times for 165 yards and a touchdown during the Panthers’ tough-luck, 35-28 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South. Senior quarterback Kyle Melody passed for 172 yards with a 56-yard touchdown toss to Zachariah Morris against the Tigers. The Panthers need 2 wins in their last 4 games to become playoff eligible.
Neuqua Valley (2-3, 1-2) at Homewood Flossmoor (3-2, 2-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: H-F won, 43-16, last season.
About the Wildcats: The Wildcats snapped a 3-game losing streak while recording their 17th consecutive victory over Metea Valley last weekend, 37-22. Michael Creedon, who finished 4 for 4 on PAT kicks, booted 3 field goals for the Wildcats. Junior quarterback Drake Mennecke connected with Ben Stefanski for a 13-yard touchdown pass, while tailback Andy Barkley (19 carries, 135 yards) added a 42-yard TD run. Neuqua looks to avenge last year’s 27-point loss to H-F.
About the Vikings: Sophomore quarterback Rahsaan Coleman directs the offense for the Vikings, who feature 6-foot-4 senior wide receiver Joaquin Jordan. The Vikings’ 2-game winning streak ended with last weekend’s 31-7 loss to unbeaten Sandburg. H-F coach Troy McAllister is in his first season in Orland Park after guiding Sandburg to playoff berths in 3 of the previous 4 seasons.
Normal West (3-2) at Waubonsie Valley (0-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Normal West won, 21-7, last season.
About the Wildcats: A state playoff qualifier the past 3 seasons, the Wildcats have won 29 of their last 38 games dating back to 2022. This year’s team is off to a 3-2 start, aided by last weekend’s 43-38 victory over Peoria. Senior quarterback Jrue Mangruem and receiver Maliq Givens lead an offense that has scored at least 22 points in every game this season.
About the Warriors: The Warriors gave unbeaten Lincoln-Way West a scare during last weekend’s 27-17 loss. Waubonsie jumped out to a 17-7 lead in the second quarter before being outscored 13-0 in the second half. Quarterback Colin Ford connected with Gavin Ali-Hanlon for a 51-yard touchdown pass, while Brayden Hostetler powered his way into end zone on a 4-yard run against Lincoln-Way West.
Sandburg (5-0, 3-0) at Naperville North (2-3, 1-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville North won, 44-34, last season.
About the Eagles: The Eagles improved to 5-0 for the first time since 1998 with last weekend’s 31-7 victory over Homewood-Flossmoor, thanks in part to a 17-point third quarter. Sheamus Murphy took over as the Eagles’ head coach last March. Junior quarterback Sean Ruisz threw an 80-yard touchdown pass in his first varsity start against Andrew in Week 1. Led by strong safety Jake Drew, Sandburg’s defense has not allowed 10 points in a game this season.
About the Huskies: Senior quarterback Josiah Nothacker completed 17 of 26 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown during last weekend’s heartbreaking 20-17 overtime loss to Lockport. Tailback William Eloe topped the 100-yard mark with 102 yards on 26 carries with a touchdown. Defensively, all-state candidate Gabriel Hill collected 7 tackles, including 2 for losses, and a pass deflection. With unbeaten, state-ranked Lincoln-Way East looming in Week 8, the Huskies could use a win to make their playoff path a bit easier.
Naperville Central (1-4, 1-2) at Lockport (2-3, 1-2)
When: 6:15 p.m. Friday
About the Redhawks: Naperville Central suffered the same fate many have, as it was overwhelmed by Lincoln-Way East in Week 5. Even though that loss doesn’t come as a big surprise, it further accentuated what the Redhawks’ biggest problem has been all season — they’ve struggled to score points. They’ve posted more than two touchdowns in just one game this season, their lone win over Neuqua Valley in Week 4, and any chance the Redhawks have in making the playoffs for a fifth consecutive time has to come with better offensive performances.
About the Porters: Lockport hopes to continue to build on the momentum of a win over Naperville North in Week 5 to inch back to the .500 mark, and it appears to be pretty pivotal for the Porters to do so should they hope to continue their drive to the playoffs. The Porters came through late with a big throw from QB Brendan Mecher in the Naperville North win and have gotten consistently strong efforts from RB Chris Miller. But Lockport would certainly appreciate getting a stronger foothold early in the game so it doesn’t have to rely on late-game theatrics.
Metea Valley (2-3, 0-3) at Lincoln-Way East (5-0, 3-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Mustangs: Metea Valley started the season better than the Mustangs have in quite some time after winning its first two games, but things have returned to normal since they returned to conference play. The Mustangs have won more than one game just once (now twice) since 2016, and, curiously, the school was placed in the stronger of the two Southwest Valley Divisions, where it will be hard-pressed to add onto the two wins they’ve already achieved.
About the Griffins: Another week, another dominant performance for Lincoln-Way East. The Griffins ran away and hid early in the victory against Naperville Central in Week 5, a game where QB Jonas Williams tied the state record for career touchdown passes by throwing his 127th TD pass in the second quarter. He didn’t play after throwing that tying score, both due to the lopsided score and the fact that he suffered a minor ankle injury that isn’t expected to keep him from taking that record all to himself in this game.
York (4-1, 2-0) at Hinsdale Central (4-1, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Dukes: York took care of business during the soft portion of its schedule, four consecutive wins over teams with losing records by a combined 177-28 margin since a Week 1 overtime loss at Glenbrook South. Now comes a gauntlet of a stretch run against the Silver’s other top four teams, three of those four games on the road. How the Dukes stack up in that mix should start to take shape here. York enters off a 34-11 win over Oak Park-River Forest. Henry Duda rushed for 214 yards and two TDs and also caught a TD in the win. York won last year’s meeting with Hinsdale Central 21-13.
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central didn’t miss a beat after its big Week 4 win at Lyons, topping 50 points for the second time this season with its 52-40 win at Downers Grove South last Friday. Patrick Connors did a little bit of everything, 153 yards and two TDs after Dominic Tresslar was nicked up and Connors also had a 58-yard TD catch on a screen and 65-yard interception return for a score. Riley Contreras completed 15-of-20 passes for 272 yards and three scores, also connecting with Jack Lesniewicz and James Skokna for touchdowns as the Red Devils rolled out to leads of 28-0 and 52-19 and then held off a late comeback. Hinsdale Central can become a real factor in the Silver race the next two weeks, home games with York and Glenbard West.
Downers Grove North (4-1, 2-1) at Oak Park-River Forest (2-3, 1-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North, after a tough couple weeks and a rough loss at Glenbard West, got well with a 49-0 win over Proviso West last Friday. It’s the third time this season a stingy Downers Grove North defense has kept an opponent to single figures. A trip to Oak Park would figure to provide a step up in competition, but also an opportunity to stack up another win to position the Trojans for the playoffs and a run at the Silver title the season’s last few weeks, games with York and Lyons still on the docket. Downers Grove North won last year’s meeting with OPRF 28-7.
About the Huskies: OPRF, which has doubled last year’s win total, seems like it’s taken a small step toward competing with the Silver’s upper crust, but is still a few rungs toward really going toe-to-toe. This matchup provides another opportunity. Junior running back/linebacker Liam Smith is the man to watch.
Lyons (3-2, 0-2) at Proviso West (1-4, 0-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Lions: Lyons’ hopes of repeating as Silver champs took a hit with back-to-back losses, the latter 24-17 at Glenbard West last Saturday. Jack Slightom was 26 for 38 for 194 yards with TD passes to Owen Matela and Grant Smith. Smith, a 6-foot-6 sophomore, had 10 catches for 101 yards. The Lions have what looks to be a couple winnable games the next two weeks to get back on track, at Proviso West and OPRF, before a closing kick. Lyons beat Proviso West 59-0 last season.
About the Panthers: Proviso West has dropped its last four games after winning its season opener. It’s been a particularly rough go of it for the Panthers’ defense in Silver play, as it’s allowed a tick over 48 points per in three losses.
Willowbrook (2-3, 2-1) at Morton (1-4, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: A little bit of deja vu. Willowbrook, which was 1-3 for the second consecutive season, like last year kicked off its turnaround with a Week 5 win over Hinsdale South last Friday. The Warriors pulled away from a 14-14 halftime game for a 45-14 win. Double duty by senior Anthony Leo led the way. Leo rushed for 230 yards on 28 carries with a TD. With Willowbrook’s defense a little banged up, Leo also played defense and had nine tackles, four for loss, and a sack. The opportunity is in front of the Warriors to stack together wins, the next three opponents, Morton, Proviso West and Proviso East, currently sporting 1-4 records. Willowbrook beat Morton 43-6 last season.
About the Mustangs: Morton comes in off a 48-6 loss to Addison Trail last week. The Mustangs’ offense has struggled to generate points throughout the season — a combined 40 points in five games — but its defense, which held it down for the most part early, has yielded a combined 103 points in Morton’s last two losses.
Downers Grove South (1-4, 1-1) at Proviso East (1-4, 0-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Mustangs: Perhaps it’s a moral victory, but the Mustangs did show fight in climbing out of a 33-point hole in an eventual 52-40 loss to Hinsdale Central last Friday. Sophomore QB James Sobkowiak impressed in defeat, throwing for 270 yards with TDs to Aidan Kanazawa, who had four catches for 111 yards. Joseph Vieyra rushed for 114 yards and seven catches. Downers Grove South must run the table to return to the playoffs, but it’s plenty doable, games remaining with teams with a combined 5-15 record. Downers Grove South beat Proviso East 55-26 last year.
About the Pirates: Proviso East got in the win column following an 0-9 2024 season with its Week 2 victory over district rival Proviso West, but has dropped three straight since. The Pirates need a spark offensively, as they’ve been shut out by Morton and Leyden the last two weeks and have managed just 31 points all season.
Hinsdale South (1-4) at Glenbard West (5-0)
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South likely needs to win out for a chance to play beyond Week 9, and a visit to Duchon Field is a daunting task to start with. Glenbard West will be the third current unbeaten that the Hornets have played this season. On the glass-half-full side, Hinsdale South was plenty competitive with Willowbrook for a half last Friday, a game tied through two quarters.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West has it rolling again on the banks of Lake Ellyn. The Hilltoppers added Lyons to their list of quality wins last Saturday, 24-17 in a game Glenbard West led throughout. Jamarcus Kelly, the lead man in the Hilltoppers’ speedy group of skill-position players, rushed for 147 yards and two TDs, including a 57-yarder, against Lyons. A.J. Rayford was 9 for 16 for 132 yards. The Hilltoppers have big road tilts the next two weeks — at Hinsdale Central and at York — that will determine the Silver champion, so they’ll want to take care of business and stay healthy here.
Wheaton North (2-3, 1-2) at Wheaton Warrenville South (3-2, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Falcons: Wheaton North’s playoff hopes took a damaging hit with its 24-20 loss to St. Charles East last week, a game in which the Saints snapped an eight-game losing streak dating back to 2024. A crosstown rivalry game, hopefully for the Falcons, will light a fire because matchups with games at Batavia and Geneva loom the next two weeks.
About the Tigers: WW South weathered a 35-28 barnburner with Glenbard North in Week 5, thanks to the heroics of Owen Yorke and Amare Williams. Yorke rushed for 204 yards and three TDs, and also threw a TD. Williams had a monster defensive game, 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, a pass breakup and a 36-yard interception return for a TD. WW South has won the last two meetings in this series, 31-6 last season. The Tigers’ quirky schedule has them finishing the year with four of their last five at home, after four road games to start the season.
Havana (2-3) at Westmont (1-3)
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
About the Ducks: Havana, a member of the Lincoln Trail-Prairieland Conference Small Division, matched last year’s win total with its 28-0 win over Oneida ROWVA last week. Havana the community is located 40 miles southwest of Peoria between Peoria and Springfield. The Dukes’ losses are to teams with a combined record of 14-1. Senior Cayden Green has rushed for 543 yards and seven TDs and sophomore QB Jack Turner has thrown for 503 yards with four TDs and seven interceptions.
About the Sentinels: It’s been a tough go of it for Westmont since its lone win, in Week 2. The Sentinels have lost their last two games by a combined margin of 89-0. Westmont has only one more game scheduled after this one, an Oct. 18 return date at a Walther Christian team that beat the Sentinels 36-0 last week.
— Joshua Welge and Steve Soucie from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview