Scouting Week 8 DuPage County football games
Fenton (3-4, 1-3) at Ridgewood (1-6, 0-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Fenton won, 28-27, last season.
About the Bison: Fenton snapped a 3-game losing skid with last weekend’s 33-6 victory over East Aurora behind a pair of touchdown runs by Omar Diaz. Quarterback Ivan Medrano added a 6-yard touchdown run for the Bison. Fenton needs back-to-back victories over Ridgewood and West Chicago to reach the state playoffs for the second straight season – first time since 2010 and 2011.
About the Rebels: Ridgewood, which reached the state playoffs in 2022 and 2023, and finished 4-5 a year ago, has struggled through a 1-6 campaign. Defensively, the Rebels have allowed 270 points in 5 conference losses. Offensively, junior quarterback Angelo Vitale (6 touchdown passes) is flanked by receivers Alex Hrabchak (4 touchdowns) and Marko Jonic. Junior linebacker Kobe Lewis leads the defense with 10 tackles per contest.
West Chicago (4-3, 2-2) at Riverside-Brookfield (7-0, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Wildcats: West Chicago, which has made back-to-back playoff appearances after a two-decade drought, is closing in on its third bid, even after a 41-6 loss to Glenbard East last week. Senior QB Carter Naranjo, who rushed for 100 yards and a TD last week and is at around 1,000 yards rushing on the season, makes the Wildcats’ offense go. West Chicago’s four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 3-25. The Wildcats finish with Riverside-Brookfield and Fenton, the latter a game that could decide both club’s playoff fortunes.
About the Bulldogs: R-B continues its comeback season. The Bulldogs, who were 4-5 last year, are now 7-0 for the first time since the Otto Zeman-coached 2001 team that reached the Class 5A quarterfinals. R-B had little trouble with Elmwood Park last week, 67-8. Braeden Novak threw for two TDs and his quarterback tag team partner Giancarlo Garcia ran for a TD, as did Jacob Retana from 40 yards out. R-B has a big one looming in Week 9, at Glenbard East in a matchup of the top two teams in the UEC East, but first things first. West Chicago beat R-B 41-10 last year, which the Bulldogs have likely been reminded of this week.
Glenbard South (5-2, 4-1) at Glenbard East (6-1, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 41-7, last season.
About the Raiders: Glenbard South bounced back from a tough, 21-17 Week 6 loss to Riverside-Brookfield in a big way during last weekend’s 42-7 victory over Ridgewood. Sophomore tailback Elijah Donahue, who ran for all 6 of the Raiders’ touchdowns against Ridgewood, is a threat every time he touches the ball. Quarterback Tommy Bauman directs the Raiders’ attack. Glenbard South looks to snap a 3-game losing streak against their district rivals, and has dropped 4 of the last 5 meetings. The playoff-bound Raiders hope to keep their Upstate Eight East title hopes alive with a victory.
About the Rams: The Rams’ defense, led by lineman Sam Walton, Donnie Beardsley, Donovon Brooks, linebackers Orlando Hoye, David Salgado, and backs Montii Perry, and Mike Orive, faces its toughest challenge trying to contain Raiders standout tailback Elijah Donahue. “We’ve given up 83 points all year,” said Rams coach John Walters, “and 14 came on special teams. Our defense has played lights out all year. It kind of went unnoticed behind the offense. We have some guys who can play.” Senior quarterback Michael Nee guides the offense that includes tailback Kedrick Dennis, and receivers Muhammad Musleh, Malachi Miller, and Henry Benka.
Homewood-Flossmoor (3-4, 2-3) at Naperville Central (2-5, 2-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville Central won, 31-28, in 2017 (second round of 8A playoffs)
About the Vikings: The Vikings dropped their third straight game last weekend, 42-14, to unbeaten Lincoln-Way East. Their path to the state playoffs is clear – win their final 2 games against Naperville Central and Metea Valley. Sophomore quarterback Rahsaan Coleman directs the offense, with 6-foot-4 senior receiver Joaquin Jordan a threat any time he touches the ball.
About the Redhawks: The Redhawks find themselves in an unusual position as spoilers in their regular-season finales against Homewood-Flossmoor (3-4) and crosstown rival Naperville North (4-3). Last weekend, they showed their grit, rallying from a 14-0 deficit to edge Metea Valley, 28-21 in overtime. Quarterback Jackson Loth’s fourth touchdown pass of the game – second to Dylan Martin – gave the Redhawks the lead in the extra session, and Eron Kennedy’s interception sealed the decision.
Neuqua Valley (3-4, 2-3) at Sandburg (5-2, 3-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Wildcats: How will the Wildcats respond following last weekend’s crushing 29-23 loss to Naperville North? Late in the game, quarterback Drake Mennecke caught a halfback option pass from Andy Barkley and dove for the end zone pylon only to have officials rule he lost the ball before landing, resulting in a touchback. Barkley enjoyed a 173-yard, 3-touchdown performance against the Huskies, and might need a repeat against a strong Sandburg squad looking to snap a 2-game losing skid. Neuqua needs wins over Sandburg and Lockport to reach the state playoffs.
About the Eagles: Two weeks ago, Sandburg was cruising with an unblemished 5-0 mark. Now, the playoff-bound Eagles are 5-2 following losses to Naperville North (36-35) and Lockport (28-7) with a Week 9 meeting looming against state-ranked Lincoln-Way East. The Eagles are led by junior quarterback Sean Ruisz, senior defensive back Beck Stukel, senior receiver Jeffery Bellik, and junior receiver/kick returner Lucas Matykiewicz.
Waubonsie Valley (1-6, 1-3) at Lincoln-Way Central (6-1, 4-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Waubonsie Valley broke through for its first win of the season, routing Stagg 51-0 in Week 7. And while the Warriors have an unsightly record, a mindful team wouldn’t look past them. Of Waubonsie Valley’s six losses, just one is by more than 10 points. They’ve had losses by a touchdown or less three times this season, and with a schedule that has six teams on it that are currently above .500.
About the Knights: Lincoln-Way Central had a too-close-for-comfort win over Andrew, which locked in a playoff berth, but had a few issues that led to that contest not going as cleanly as it hoped. An uncharacteristic three turnovers gave Andrew a few extra chances, one of which he converted for a defensive score to take an early lead. But the Knights locked in after that, getting stingy on defense and using 100-yard-plus rushing efforts from both Lucas Andresen and Justin Cobbs.
Lincoln-Way East (7-0, 5-0) at Naperville North (4-3, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Griffins: Lincoln-Way East was once again not seriously challenged in its Week 7 matchup with Homewood-Flossmoor, but the Vikings did do something most haven’t – moving the ball a little bit against the Griffins’ first-string defense. Ultimately, that didn’t matter much, though, as H-F didn’t have any luck shutting down Lincoln-Way East’s high-octane offense. QB Jonas Williams tacked on four more passing touchdowns to his career passing touchdown state record and added a rushing touchdown to boot.
About the Huskies: Naperville North has been involved in a couple of fantastic finishes over the past two weeks, winning in overtime against Sandburg in Week 6 before a close call on a potential game-winning touchdown by Neuqua Valley went the Huskies’ way in Week 7 for another narrow win. Naperville North would need to play flawlessly to force such an outcome here, but the Huskies have managed to keep every game they have played competitive, and that’s likely the first goal here.
Metea Valley (2-5, 0-5) at Lockport (4-3, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Mustangs: Metea Valley started well enough in the nonconference season, but since reaching league play, things have not gone to plan. The Warriors have dropped five straight league games, including an overtime heartbreaker to Naperville Central in Week 7. Metea Valley has also given up a bunch of points since entering conference play, something that’s going to have to change if it hopes to finish the regular season with a little bit of momentum.
About the Porters: Lockport ran its winning streak to three games by doing what it seemingly has done all season – grinding out victories with sturdy defense and a potent, yardage-churning rush attack. QB Braden Mecher ran for all four touchdowns in its win against Sandburg in Week 7, as the Eagles did a good job of keeping bruising RB Chris Miller in check. After giving up 98 points in three consecutive losses in Weeks 2 through 4, the Porters have only allowed 31 points during the three-game winning streak.
IC Catholic Prep (5-2) at St. Viator (1-6)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: IC Catholic Prep won, 48-28, last season.
About the Knights: IC Catholic Prep earned its fifth victory of the season with last weekend’s 57-14 win over Marmion. Led by freshman tailback Jakobe Baldwin (8 carries, 122 yards, 3 touchdowns), the Knights built a 50-7 halftime advantage against Marmion. KC Kekstadt provided another highlight with his 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Junior quarterback Nate Lang finished 6 of 6 for 77 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for another score. The Knights are playing to secure a higher postseason seed during the final 2 weeks of the regular season.
About the Lions: Since opening the season with a 22-19 victory over Marian Catholic, St. Viator has suffered 6 consecutive losses, including last weekend’s 49-3 setback at the hands of unbeaten Montini. Junior kicker Alex Niemiec booted a 38-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter against the Broncos.
Montini (7-0) at St. Ignatius (2-5)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Montini won, 28-7, last season.
About the Broncos: Montini puts its unbeaten record on the line against a solid 2-5 St. Ignatius team that stayed with state-ranked Loyola Academy (28-7) and Marist (35-21) in losses the past 2 weeks. Junior quarterback Israel Abrams completed 15 of 19 for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding a touchdown run during the Broncos’ 49-3 win over St. Viator last weekend. Abrams has thrown 17 TD passes in 7 games, 6 of them to junior wideout Damacio Ortegon (25 catches, 621 yards). Defensively, Montini features linebackers Santino Tenuta (77 tackles, 5 sacks), Laddie Asay (64 tackles, 21 tackles for loss), and Orlando Greco (67 tackles).
About the Wolfpack: St. Ignatius hopes to end a 2-game losing streak against the state-ranked, unbeaten Broncos. Senior running backs Robbie Connor and John Rydz anchor an offensive attack that generated 44 points during a Week 5 victory over St. Viator.
St. Francis (5-2) at DePaul College Prep (2-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Francis won, 41-38, last season.
About the Spartans: St. Francis’ 42-20 win over Marian Catholic last weekend secured a playoff berth, but the Spartans want to finish the regular season strong to boost their postseason seed. Quarterback Brock Phillip tossed 3 touchdown passes – 2 of them to senior wide receiver Dario Milivojevic – against Marian Catholic. Tailback Tivias Caldwell rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown last weekend. Defensively, 2-way standout Tanner Glock recorded an interception.
About the Rams: This is not the same DePaul College Prep team that captured the Class 4A state championship last season. However, the Rams are still dangerous, thanks to junior quarterback Jackson Grabinski (1,008 passing yards, 9 touchdowns), senior receiver Matt Osterman (71 yards per game), and sophomore running back Tyson Hooks (83 yards per game, 8 touchdowns). Junior tailback Zach Stewart gained 73 yards with a touchdown in a 54-14 loss to Carmel last weekend.
Wheaton Academy (3-4, 3-2) at Aurora Christian (5-2, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy won, 41-0, last season.
About the Warriors: The Warriors need a faster start after falling behind Bishop McNamara 21-0 in the first quarter of last weekend’s 29-14 loss. Playing without leading ground gainer Tyler Jones (injury), the Warriors scored a pair of second-half touchdowns – Colton Miller’s 1-yard keeper and Miller’s 10-yard pass to Logan Oros. Wheaton Academy has qualified for the state playoffs in all 4 of Jim Johanik’s full seasons as head coach, but needs victories over Aurora Christian and Christ the King to reach the magic 5-win number.
About the Eagles: An opportunity for the Eagles to begin preparing for the state playoffs against a solid Class 4A squad. Aurora Christian, headed to the 2A playoffs following last weekend’s 49-7 victory over Chicago Christian, features senior quarterback Asa Johnson, receiver Dominic Klimpke, and tailback Jalen Callaway. Johnson threw a pair of touchdown passes to Klimpke, and rushed for 2 more scores against Chicago Christian. Senior Eli Anderson added a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Nazareth (6-1) at Benet (3-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Roadrunners: Nazareth clinched a playoff bid by virtue of its 43-0 win over De La Salle last week. The Roadrunners, winners of four straight games, are rolling, topping 40 points in each of their last three. Jackson Failla has the offense clicking throwing to Trenton Walker and Jake Cestone. Nazareth at this point will be angling for a first-round home playoff game, and could play spoiler to Benet’s playoff hopes. Nazareth beat Benet 62-14 last year.
About the Redwings: Benet’s bid for a return to the playoffs has taken a big hit with a three-game losing streak, the latest 48-7 to Fenwick last week. The Redwings have allowed each opponent during that skid to top 40 points, not a good sign with a high-powered Nazareth offense on deck. The Redwings also appear to be decimated by injuries. Joe Salvino rushed for 119 yards on 24 carries against Fenwick.
Glenbard West (7-0, 4-0) at York (5-2, 3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West, for much of the last two decades the king of the hill in the Silver, can return to the top with a win here. The Hilltoppers are a game up on York and Downers Grove North, and host Proviso West in Week 9. Glenbard West is one of just four unbeatens left in the state’s largest two classifications. Jamarcus Kelly rushed for 196 yards and scored four touchdowns in last week’s 44-20 win at Hinsdale Central. Max Hetlet, a ringleader of the Glenbard West defense, ran for a 53-yard TD and Jayden Daniel had two sacks.
About the Dukes: York had its five-game winning streak snapped last week, a 41-28 loss at Downers Grove North. Of equal concern, starting quarterback Dominic Alfano was knocked out of that game in the last minute of the first half and did not return. Junior Zack Assaad fared well in relief with 153 yards while leading two scoring drives, including one of two TD catches by 6-foot-7 Princeton commit Hunter Stepinach. Whoever is behind center will be leaning on bellcow back Henry Duda, who rushed for 113 yards last Friday. York won at Glenbard West 24-14 last season, and has won three of the last four meetings with the Hilltoppers.
Downers Grove North (6-1, 4-1) at Lyons (5-2, 2-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Trojans: A welcome sight for Downers Grove North last Friday, as Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu returned to action after missing four games with a broken left arm. And he showed little rust. Lansu completed 15 of 21 passes for 388 yards and four TDs in the 41-28 win over York. Three scores went to Oliver Thulin, who had eight catches for 195 yards. With Lansu back in the fold, the Trojans again look like a top contender in the Class 7A field, and they clinched a spot last week. That said, at question now is the status of Purdue recruit Aiden Solecki. The two-way lineman left last week’s game in the first half with an apparent leg injury and did not return.
About the Lions: Lyons is coming off a 32-6 win over Oak Park-River Forest that in all likelihood locked up a playoff bid with a fifth win. Now the Lions finish with a couple big challenges, home games with Downers Grove North and York. Cincinnati baseball commit Jack Slightom threw for 200 yards with two TDs to Grant Smith and one to Brady Rusk in the win over OPRF. EJ Kuhlman rushed for 171 yards with a 43-yard TD and Nathan Fitzgerald had six tackles. Lyons beat Downers Grove North 21-20 last year and has won the last six meetings with the Trojans.
Hinsdale Central (4-3, 1-3) at Proviso West (1-6, 0-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central has been on the short end of the grind of the Silver the last two weeks, losses to York and Glenbard West. The schedule now lightens up with Proviso West and Oak Park-River Forest, a combined 3-11, with a good bet to clinch the playoff bid that has eluded the Red Devils the last three seasons. Riley Contreras completed 23 of 30 passes for 233 yards, connecting with Spencer Martin for an 8-yard score and James Skokna for a 20-yard touchdown, against Glenbard West. Skokna had 10 catches for 90 yards.
About the Panthers: Proviso West has lost its last six games since a Week 1 win over Christ the King. The results have not been close at all, either, as the Panthers have surrendered just a hair under 50 points per game over their last five.
Leyden (3-4, 2-2) at Downers Grove South (3-4, 3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Eagles: Leyden is coming off a 31-22 win over Morton last Friday. Nehemiah Almodovar rushed for 179 yards and two TDs and Luca Latiker ran for a score. Matthew Aquirre threw a touchdown pass to Elijah Martinez. Leyden last made the playoffs in 2016. A win here, and one over Hinsdale South in Week 9, and the Eagles in all likelihood would be headed back.
About the Mustangs: It was a little sweaty, but Downers Grove South kept its playoff hopes alive with a 30-27 win over Hinsdale South last week. Josh Muhwezi made a 32-yard field goal with just over a minute left as the Mustangs rallied from two touchdowns down. James Sobkowiak threw a TD pass to Aidan Kanazawa and Joey Vieyra rushed for two short TD runs. Downers Grove South beat Leyden 33-7 last year.
Willowbrook (4-3, 3-1) at Proviso East (1-6, 0-5)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Willowbrook can in all likelihood lock up a ninth consecutive playoff appearance with one more win. The Warriors have taken care of business against the softer portion of their schedule, three consecutive wins over 1-6 teams Hinsdale South, Morton and Proviso West with another one here. That’s before a Week 9 test against district rival and current Gold leader Addison Trail.
About the Pirates: Proviso East has dropped five straight games since a Week 2 win over district rival Proviso West. The Pirates did score a season-high 16 points against Addison Trail, but it was at the business end of a 45-16 loss, the third straight game in which Proviso East’s opponent topped 40 points.
Morton (1-6, 1-3) at Hinsdale South (1-6, 1-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Mustangs: Morton put up a season-high 22 points last week, but it was at the short end of a 31-22 loss to Leyden.
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South comes in off a tough 30-27 loss to Downers Grove South, a game in which the Hornets led 20-7 at the half. It was the most points the Hornets have scored in a loss this season. Hinsdale South beat Morton 62-35 last season.
Addison Trail (6-1) at Oak Park-River Forest (2-5)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Oak Park-River Forest won, 35-14, in 2016.
About the Blazers: Last weekend, Addison Trail punched a ticket to the state playoffs for the third straight season with a 45-16 victory over Proviso East. Blazers coach Chris Bazant will try to keep his team focused on the task at hand against West Suburban crossover foe Oak Park-River Forest – and not look ahead to their Week 9 WSC Gold showdown with rival Willowbrook. Senior quarterback Nico Dill and senior tailback Gio Ortiz lead the Blazers’ offense.
About the Huskies: Competing in the rugged West Suburban Silver, the Huskies’ conference losses came against state-ranked Glenbard West, York, Downers Grove North, and Lyons Township. Juniors Liam Brown (QB) and Liam Smith (RB), and senior 2-way player Daniel Taylor (WR/CB) are the Huskies’ top threats.
Wheaton Warrenville South (5-2, 4-1) at Lake Park (3-4, 1-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: WW South is coming off its biggest win of the season – perhaps multiple seasons – a 33-7 blowout of previously undefeated St. Charles North. That win has the Tigers squarely in the hunt for a DuKane Conference title, in a three-way tie with Batavia and St. Charles North. That could set up a huge Week 9 game, Batavia at WW South, but the Tigers first must take care of business here. Owen Yorke continues to pile up huge numbers. The WW South senior rushed for 285 yards and five TDs on 40 carries, all career highs, against St. Charles North and is over 1,200 yards on the season. Linebacker Amare Williams leads the Tigers’ defense, 10 tackles and three pass breakups last week. WW South beat Lake Park 27-14 last year.
About the Lancers: Lake Park kept its playoff hopes flickering by beating St. Charles East 41-35 last week to snap a four-game losing streak. Niko Menos had 11 catches for 214 yards and three TDs, including the game-winner with eight seconds left. Kendan Ratini rushed for 143 yards and Joey Michelini’s blocked punt turned into a Julian Joseph TD. Lake Park, which just missed the playoffs at 4-5 last year, has a tough finish in its bid to reach the postseason, home games with WW South and St. Charles North the next two weeks.
Geneva (3-4, 2-3) at Wheaton North (2-5, 1-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: Geneva, last year’s Class 6A runner-up, is going to have to scramble to just make it back to the playoffs. The Vikings’ three losses in the DuKane each came by a field goal, including last-second losses the last two weeks to Batavia and Glenbard North. Junior QB Ben Peterson has thrown for 1,159 yards and 12 TDs, but has been intercepted nine times. Bennet Konkey is his top target with 30 catches for 545 yards and five TDs, but Geneva’s running back group has been banged up. Geneva’s defense has been steady with 109 points allowed, second in the DuKane to WW South.
About the Falcons: Wheaton North’s tough sledding in the DuKane continued last Friday, a 28-7 loss to Batavia its fourth straight. Burke Neibch threw for 177 yards and a 14-yard TD to Drew Mazeska that accounted for the Falcons’ lone points. It was the third time Wheaton North has been held to one score or fewer in a game this season. Geneva won a 28-24 thriller over Wheaton North last season.
Glenbard North (5-2, 3-2) at St. Charles North (6-1, 4-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Panthers: Glenbard North all but secured its first trip to the playoffs in three seasons with a 16-13 victory over Geneva on a game-winning 31-yard field goal from Anthony Gibson. Running back Donato Gatses continued his incredible senior campaign, rushing for 195 yards off of 31 carries and a touchdown. He’s now up to 1,325 rushing yards on the season and has found the end zone in all seven games played. He’s also recorded over 150 rushing yards in all but one game this year.
About the North Stars: St. Charles North saw its hopes for an undefeated season come to an end with a 33-7 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South, and now finds itself in a three-way tie for the conference title with two weeks to go. The defense let up 296 rushing yards in the contest, and will need to rebound quickly against a rush-heavy team like Glenbard North. Wide receiver Keaton Reinke pushed his streak of 100+ receiving yards in the game to five, finishing with 138 in the loss while going for a 78-yard receiving touchdown. The North Stars won this contest 34-14 a season ago.
Westmont (1-4) at Walther Christian (2-5)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
About the Sentinels: Westmont, which has not been on the field since a 36-0 loss at home to Walther Christian on Sept. 26, wraps up its season with a return date as the Sentinels have no scheduled Week 9 opponent. Westmont took a forfeit loss to Havana two weeks ago.
About the Broncos: Walther Christian does not need to look too hard to identify the highlight of its season – that 36-0 win over Westmont. The Broncos’ other win this season came by forfeit. Since that Westmont win Walther Christian has dropped two straight by a combined 86-0 margin, but the Broncos have still topped last year’s winless season.
– - Joshua Welge from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview