Scouting Week 6 Lake County football games
North Chicago (1-4, 0-3) at Antioch (4-1, 3-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Antioch 56, Lakes 15; Grayslake Central 31, North Chicago 19
Last year: Antioch 50, North Chicago 8
Outlook: Antioch, ranked 10th in the most recent Associated Press Class 6A state poll, sits tied atop the Northern Lake County Conference standings with unbeaten Wauconda (5-0, 3-0). “We’re excited to be competing for the NLCC crown again,” Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said. “We’re working on improving every week. We need to improve in several areas in order to win out and make a deep playoff run.” The Sequoits average 387 rushing yards (not a misprint) per game. Sophomore Logan Lennon is averaging 12 yards per carry and is up to 486 rushing yards on 39 carries, while sophomore Kelen Wilson averages 10 yards a carry (223 yards on 22 carries). Senior Dominic Cabuyadao has been a defensive stalwart for Antioch. He has 31 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. North Chicago split a pair of games against North Suburban entrants Zion-Benton and Waukegan and has since lost its first 3 league games to Wauconda, Grant and Grayslake Central.
Wauconda (5-0, 3-0) at Grant (4-1, 2-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Grant Community High School, Fox Lake
Last week: Wauconda 77, Round Lake 18; Grant 40, Grayslake North 12
Last year: Wauconda 37, Grant 13
Scouting Wauconda: Our Lake County Blue Plate Special of the Week has plenty of implications. Wauconda (ranked No. 9 in the new AP Class 6A poll) is the lone remaining Lake County area unbeaten, is the first area team to become playoff eligible and can clinch a playoff spot and stay atop the Northern Lake County Conference standings (tied at a minimum) with a win. Grant becomes playoff eligible with a win and makes the NLCC race interesting. “We are in a good position right now, but we have not played our best game yet,” Wauconda coach Chris Prostka said. “We need to be ready for the next challenge, which this week is Grant. We are expecting a physical game from a well-prepared opponent. Injuries have impacted our team to start the season, but we have been getting players back week after week.” The Bulldogs average 416 rushing yards per game and already are over the 2,000-yard barrier on that front. Defensively, Wauconda has 17 tackles for loss, 10 takeaways and 6 quarterback sacks. That defense is led by the likes of Eric Alvarado (42 tackles) Brody Rudolph (23 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) and Khalil Roberson (2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception). Jake Thorstenson (403 passing yards, 4 total TDs), Jackson Rudolph (758 rushing yards, 18 total TDs) and Cole Korycanek (563 rushing yards, 7 total TDs) lead the offense. Rocco Garcia has connected on all 17 point-after attempts and has drilled a field goal. Prostka noted Luke Sickmeier, who attended a game-day visit to Division I Toledo this past weekend, adds another weapon to the offense with his athleticism, hands and blocking ability. Vit Stromsky collected his first sack last week. “Vit is getting better each week and is also contributing on special teams,” Prostka said.
Scouting Grant: Bulldogs coach Tim Norwood called last week’s win against Grayslake North “our most disciplined game,” he said. “We only had 2 penalties and cleaned up our execution of plays. There is still a lot of room for improvement with this team so we need to continue to keep stacking good practice days on top of good practice days. Our key to success is playing disciplined football where we continue to win the turnover battle.” Norwood also likes Grant’s run defense of late. “Our defense has played really well against the run over the past few weeks,” he said. “Wauconda will be our biggest test of the year and we will need to continue to play well against the run.” Senior defensive back-wideout Zach Collins has moved from safety to corner due to injuries and “has done a great job matching up with our opponents’ best wide receiver. On offense, he adds some depth and playmaking ability.” Senior three-year starting guard Elijah Zerbe also was cited for notable play. “Elijah has been a big part of the success of our running game,” Norwood pointed out. Norwood likes the versatility senior linebacker-defensive lineman-fullback Matt Longabaugh brings to the table. “Matt has been a jack of all trades and has been asked to play multiple positions and has done it really well. He is willing to do anything that is best for our team.” Grant is well over the 400 total-yard mark per game on offense (passing 256 a game and rushing nearly 200). Matthew Gipson has thrown for 1,243 yards and 13 touchdowns (2 interceptions and 1 sack in 88 attempts). Tyler Zdon has run for 477 yards and 7 scores (9.2 yards per carry), while Doltyn Longtin has run for 359 yards (4 scores, 8.4 yards per carry). Max Hembrey has caught 26 passes for 834 yards and 8 touchdowns. Logan Myers has 58 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and an interception, while Logan Sledzik has 6 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Mikey Cronkite has 2 fumble recoveries.
Lake Zurich (4-1, 3-0) at Zion-Benton (3-2, 1-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Zion-Benton High School, Zion
Last week: Lake Zurich 28, Lake Forest 7; Warren 42, Zion 22
Last year: Lake Zurich 38, Zion 6
Outlook: After spotting 5-0 Fremd 35 points in its opener, Lake Zurich (ranked No. 8 in the latest AP Class 6A state poll) has won 4 games in a row and has allowed 16 points total during the winning streak (2 shutouts). A win here in Zion makes the Bears playoff eligible and keeps them atop the North Suburban standings. “I have been proud of our resiliency and focus through the last few games,” Lake Zurich coach Ron Planz said. “We have battled injuries, sicknesses and having to put in new starters and move some peoples’ positions around. If we can maintain that ‘it doesn’t matter, next-man-up mentality,’ then I am excited to see what this team can accomplish the rest of the season.” Wide receiver Chris Chang (19 catches, 359 yards, 4 TDs, 18.9 yards per catch) has been an explosive play threat that Planz pointed out the program hasn’t had consistently over the last couple years. He has receptions of 80 (TD), 64 (TD), 58 (TD), 40, 21 (TD) and 20 yards. Planz also has been pleased with how linebackers Arturo Zarinana (team-high 49 tackles, 4 tackles for loss) and Brock Rubicz (33 tackles, 1 sack, 1 defensive TD) have been playing. “They have been very physical and flat-out make plays,” he said. Lake Zurich is limiting opponents to 55.4 rushing yards per game and 2.2 yards per carry. The Bears have surrendered 2 rushing scores all season and foes have converted only 32.7% of third downs. Jackson Lewandowski has 4 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Offensively, Reid Pfeifer has thrown for 569 yards and 7 TDs, while Kaden Abrantes has run for 443 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and 4 scores. Lake Zurich trailed 7-0 against Lake Forest last week and then had 4 different players (Abrantes, Chang, Rubicz and Evan Peterson) each score a touchdown, accounting for 28 unanswered points in the triumph. Zion has lost 2 games in a row after starting 3-0.
Stevenson (4-1, 3-0) at Lake Forest (2-3, 1-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Stevenson 45, Waukegan 12; Lake Zurich 28, Lake Forest 7
Last year: Stevenson 35, Lake Forest 21
Outlook: The Patriots are tied atop the North Suburban with Lake Zurich and Warren Township (each 3-0), which will organically make for an interesting tail-end of the regular season. Obviously, none of the three have played each other yet. Stevenson has won 4 games in a row, surrendering point totals of 7, 6, 7 and 12 during that span. “Our defense is playing at a high level right now with a lot of experience on that side of the ball,” Stevenson coach Brent Becker said. “We’re excited for October football.” In the Waukegan win, Aidan Crawley threw for 113 yards and a touchdown and ran for 31 yards and another score. Aiden Elliott ran 7 times for 61 yards, while Hayden Hudleston had 17 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Daniel Lentz had 9 carries for 43 yards, while Cole Shein had 5 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown. Zach Becker caught 2 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown, while John Concialdi had 2 catches for 28 yards and a touchdown. Concialdi and Vyas Anand each had an interception. Caden An was 4-for-4 on point-after attempts and hit a 22-yard field goal, while Isaac Rodriguez was 2-for-2 on PATs. Lake Forest lost 22-6 to Warren and 28-7 to Lake Zurich and sandwiched a 4-point win against Zion between those 3 NSC bouts.
Grayslake North (1-4, 1-2) at Grayslake Central (2-3, 1-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Grayslake Central 31, North Chicago 19; Grant 40 Grayslake North 12
Last year: Grayslake North 28, Grayslake Central 12
Scouting Grayslake Central: The annual battle of Grayslake sees Central with an opportunity to get to .500 and North needing a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. “We are definitely capable and I think we are starting to understand what it takes to maximize our potential, and that will probably be the biggest key to our season,” Rams coach Brent Pearlman said. Kenye Pendleton has run 57 times for 460 yards (8.1 yards per carry), while Bryce Carlson has 17 catches for 284 yards (16.7 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns. On defense, Karll McDonald has 4 interceptions in the last 2 games, while Ezra Lorenzo has 3 interceptions. Riley McNiece is the Rams’ leading tackler and continues to lead the defense, Pearlman noted. Pearlman added Cordell Johnson is having a nice season and getting better every week. “Cordell is one of those players who takes the coaching, asks good questions and just keeps improving,” he said. Justin Pappin returned last week. “Justin has been a great addition in all 3 phases of the game,” Pearlman said. Jack Velez has played multiple positions “and continues to be a solid piece of our puzzle over the past 5 weeks,” Pearlman added.
Scouting Grayslake North: “Our players understand success doesn’t happen overnight,” Knights coach Brian Johnson said. “They continue to practice and play with enthusiasm. There have been some growing pains the first half of the year. Each day and week they are getting more experience. We have a good group of senior leadership that is really guiding our younger players. Eli Woyat, Kyle Case and Isaac Rios have been really good mentors with their respective groups so far this year.” Sophomore Jaylen Newkirk has thrown for 556 yards and 7 touchdowns. “Jaylen has greatly improved as the season has progressed, becoming more comfortable in the pocket,” Johnson said. “He has progressed in his reads and that has improved his ability to protect the ball and increased his completions (63% last week with 419 total yards to his credit).” Senior Jacob Sweeney has run for 367 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sophomore Alejandro Romero has 15 catches for 193 yards and 3 touchdowns. Junior Angel Rosiles has 29 total tackles, while Romero has 28. “Alejandro has become accustomed to the speed of varsity football and has excelled on both sides of the ball,” Johnson said. “He is beginning to understand his role on offense and has taken the next step in his progression as a football player.” Johnson also has been impressed with linebacker Connor Vargo. “Connor continues to be one of our better tacklers on defense,” he said. “He is playing really well right now. Teams have to game-plan for him.”
Mundelein (1-4, 0-3) at Warren Township (4-1, 3-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Warren Township O’Plaine Campus, Gurnee
Last week: Warren 42, Zion 22; Libertyville 17, Mundelein 7
Last year: Warren 34, Mundelein 20
Outlook: Warren’s defense has allowed a combined 252 rushing yards in 5 games (50.4 yards per game). “It’s been a team thing,” said Warren coach Bryan McNulty, who lauded the efforts of defensive coordinator Justin Van Schaick. Running back Aaron Stewart is up to 1,346 yards on 157 carries with 21 touchdowns. Quarterback Reed Dangel has thrown for 389 yards, while Corvell Hodges has 20 catches for 183 yards. Linebacker Javon Brisker has 41 tackles and 9 tackles for loss. Sophomore defensive lineman Kaiden Millbrooks “has been a nice surprise,” McNulty said. “He has a very bright future.” McNulty said senior linebacker Royce Lopez has been a consistent mainstay on defense, while senior athlete X’Zavion Montgomery is a 3-year starter who “provides a wealth of experience and natural talent,” McNulty added. Warren (ranked No. 7 in the new AP Class 8A poll) becomes playoff eligible with a win and stays atop the North Suburban leaderboard with a win. “The nicest surprise has been our kids’ resiliency,” McNulty said. “They have been a great group to work with.” Mundelein has lost 3 in a row by margins of 5, 14 and 10 points. The Mustangs must win to remain in the playoff hunt.
Lakes (3-2, 2-1) at Round Lake (1-4, 0-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Antioch 56, Lakes 15; Wauconda 77, Round Lake 18
Last year: Lakes 42, Round Lake 7
Scouting Lakes: Dillan Davis leads the Eagles with 42 total tackles and 7 sacks, while Ethan Gialo has 6 pass breakups “Ethan has stepped up nicely at cornerback for us,” Lakes coach Jason Ellerman said. “He is gaining more confidence each week and now leads the team in pass breakups.” Will Mercure has 338 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Speaking of the receivers room, John Zutkis starts at wide receiver, “but his effort on special teams and playmaking ability is really dynamic,” Ellerman said. Still on the special teams subject, Jordan Phelan starts at center and defensive line, “but his placekicking has been really stellar,” Ellerman said. Phelan is 14-for-15 on extra points and has 10 touchbacks on kickoffs. Lakes needs 2 wins to become playoff eligible and finishes up with Round Lake (1-4), North Chicago (1-4) and Grayslake North (1-4) before facing unbeaten Wauconda. “I am proud of the grit and leadership our seniors have shown,” Ellerman said.
Scouting Round Lake: Panthers quarterback Evan West has thrown for 1,076 yards and 10 touchdowns, while wide receivers Devon Powell (22 catches, 463 yards, 3 TDs) and Marqus Reis (19 receptions, 456 yards, 3 TDs) have been kept plenty busy. “Stat-wise, our passing game is what stands out to me,” Round Lake coach Randi Dey said. “Our goal was to improve one thing at a time here, and moving the ball has been a problem at Round Lake for a few years. As an offense, we’re at 1,076 passing yards, which is close to breaking Round Lake’s passing record.” Halfback Deantae Griggs has run for 320 yards. On defense, linebacker Dylan Wright has 32 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Dey said defensive lineman and tight end DJ Billups’ size and range is a difference-maker. “As a student who transferred at the beginning of the year, Wauconda was his first game,” said Dey, who noted Billups had 10 tackles in that game “and brought a lot of excitement,” he added. Dey said Taron Barnes “has been doing a great job taking on double teams and is consistently motivating players around him,” he said. Dey said he’s excited to see how the Panthers finish. “Every week our team is understanding more and more what we’ve been trying to install,” he said. “Going from a triple option to a spread offense isn’t easy. There’s a lot to retrain and reteach. However, our players have made the best of our time and have made great strides. We had a rough start to the season, but with our growth, I’m looking very forward to seeing who we are at the end of the year.”
Montini (5-0, 1-0) at Carmel Catholic (4-1, 1-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein
Last week: Montini 47, Marmion 0; Carmel 70, Marian Catholic 7
Last year: Montini 34, Carmel 16
Outlook: A marquee Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference White Division showdown. Montini clinches a playoff spot with a win and Carmel becomes playoff eligible with a win. Through the first 4 games, standout Corsairs quarterback Trae Taylor completed 80% of his passes (957 yards with 13 touchdowns) to 4 different receivers (Eli Jackson, Kai Owens, Greg Bess-Henning and Kyron Hart) who each had 10 or more catches. Jameer Miles, Nic Hopman, Kristian Chadick and Noah Breckinridge have been key on a Carmel defense that has held opponents to 14 or less points in 4 of the team’s first 5 games (13, 7, 14 and 7 point totals). Montini, the defending Class 3A state champions, opened the season with a 4-point win against Lumen Christian (2-3) out of Michigan, downed 2-3 Hillcrest by 23 points, defeated 1-4 Chicago Marist by a touchdown, edged 4-1 Fenwick by 2 points and shut out 3-2 Marmion last week. Montini is the state’s No. 1-ranked team in Class 4A (latest Associated Press poll), while Carmel checks in at No. 12 in Class 7A.
Libertyville (2-3, 1-2) at Waukegan (0-5, 0-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Libertyville 17, Mundelein 7; Stevenson 45, Waukegan 12
Last year: Libertyville 52, Waukegan 14
Outlook: Libertyville winning here keeps it squarely in the playoff picture. Waukegan already has been eliminated from playoff consideration. “Our team leadership has been a key to keeping us together through a few tough losses,” Libertyville coach Tim Budge said. “We did a lot of nice things on both sides of the ball against a tough Mundelein team. We are starting to form our identity on both sides of the ball and we continue to get better. On offense, we want to continue to get the ball to our playmakers and on defense we want to execute our scheme at a high level. I felt like we really improved in being consistent on both sides of the ball against Mundelein.” Budge noted Reid Williams and Matt Liu have been steady at the safety position. “Reid and Matt have been doing a great job getting us into correct coverages in the secondary,” he said. “Both have done a great job in coverage and helping out in the run game.” Outside linebacker Dylan Doughty also is having a notable season. “Dylan has been really solid,” Budge said. “He always brings great energy to practice and games. The players and coaches all respect Dylan because of his great work ethic and enthusiasm for the game.” Aiden Weaver and Gavin Dickson, Budge added, “have both done a great job at running back,” he said. “They are both tough runners who can by physical and also make opponents miss.” Dickson scored Libertyville’s second TD against Mundelein on a screen pass. Kicker Jack Zaban booted a 57-yard field goal against Mundelein, while Brock Williams had a 53-yard punt return that helped set up a score in that contest. “Jack continues to do a nice job as our kicker,” Budge said.
Other Friday Week 6 Lake County Football Games
Vernon Hills (1-4, 0-1) at Maine East (0-5, 0-1), 7 p.m.