Scouting Week 8 Fox Valley football games
Bartlett (2-5, 2-2) at Larkin (0-7, 0-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Bartlett won, 57-29, last season.
About the Hawks: The Hawks need to win their last 2 games to reach the 4-5 mark for the fourth consecutive season. Last weekend, quarterback Vince Yario passed for a pair of touchdowns – 40 yards to Tyler Meziere and 63 yards to Jake Marchese – during a 55-19 loss to South Elgin. Bartlett has shown it can play with stronger competition at times, but hasn’t been able to avoid allowing big plays defensively.
About the Royals: Will the Royals have enough healthy players to compete with Bartlett after forfeiting last weekend’s Upstate Eight West game against West Aurora due to limited numbers.
East Aurora (2-5, 1-3) at West Aurora (5-2, 3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Aurora won, 47-6, last season.
About the Tomcats: East Aurora brings a 3-game losing streak into the crosstown showdown against the Blackhawks. Quarterback Joseph Becker passed for 155 yards, including a few big-yardage plays, to receiver Alexander Baez during last weekend’s 33-6 loss to Fenton. The Tomcats trailed 20-6 after 3 quarters before being outscored 13-0 down the stretch.
About the Blackhawks: West Aurora enters the game in unusual fashion, having received a forfeit win from Larkin last weekend due to the Royals’ lack of healthy players. The Blackhawks feature multi-threat Lesroy Tittle (13 touchdowns, including 7 receiving, 2 ½ sacks), junior tailback Bryce Riley (9 rushing touchdowns), and senior quarterback Mason Atkins (12 touchdown passes). Sophomore Devin Farmer leads the defense with a pair of interceptions.
Elgin (5-2, 3-1) at South Elgin (5-2, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 51-0, last season.
About the Maroons: Elgin became playoff eligible for the first time since 2019 following last weekend’s 25-6 victory over Streamwood. Senior Coreyon Johnson led the Maroons with 10 tackles, including 4 fumble recoveries, two of which were returned for touchdowns against the Sabres. Anthony Foster carried the ball 18 times for 129 yards with a rushing touchdown and receiving touchdown. Now, the Maroons set their sights on a share of the UEC East against a red-hot South Elgin squad looking to recapture the top spot for the first time since 2023.
About the Storm: South Elgin brings a 5-game winning streak into the home contest with Elgin. Last weekend, the Storm became playoff eligible for the eighth consecutive season with a 55-19 victory over Bartlett. Senior multi-purpose threat Gavin Mueller scored 4 rushing touchdowns (6, 2, 54, 4 yards) against the Hawks, supported by senior tailback Darrion Thurman’s 207 yards rushing on 21 carries and 65-yard TD run. Carter McDonald completed 6 of 8 passes for 114 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Julian Huerta. A Storm victory over Elgin would clinch a share of the UEC East title.
Streamwood (2-5) at Elmwood Park (0-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Streamwood won, 40-21, last season.
About the Sabres: The Sabres attempt to snap a 2-game losing streak and finish the regular season on a winning note. Turnovers proved costly during last weekend’s 25-6 loss to Elgin, particularly a pair of scoop and score fumble recoveries by the Maroons. Junior quarterback Aden Sanchez tossed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Damarion Smith for the Sabres’ lone score last weekend.
About the Tigers: Elmwood Park seeks its first win of the season. Last weekend, the Tigers dropped a 67-8 decision to unbeaten Riverside-Brookfield – the third time their defense has allowed more than 60 points in a game this season. Senior Daniel Dohoney carried the ball 18 times for 67 yards and a touchdown, while also completing 3 of 5 passes in a reserve quarterback role.
Marist (2-5) at Marmion Academy (3-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Marist won, 42-0, last season.
About the RedHawks: A second-round state playoff qualifier last season, the RedHawks have been a tough-luck team this fall, losing 3 games decided by 7 points or less – to St. Rita (28-21), Montini (28-21), and Joliet Catholic (23-17). Marist may be the state’s best 2-5 team, evidenced by its 29-28 win over IC Catholic Prep in Week 5. The RedHawks feature seniors Ayden Ginn (WR), Luke Detampel (QB), Sean Murphy (LB), and junior Tommy Hosty (DB).
About the Cadets: Playing without injured sophomore quarterback Roy Magana, Jr., last week, the Cadets suffered a 57-14 loss at the hand of IC Catholic Prep. Vinnie Testa, who has played several positions, including middle linebacker, this season, completed 11 of 24 passes for 119 yards and a 9-yard touchdown toss to Colin McEniry in his first varsity start against IC Catholic Prep. Will Wilde added 55 yards rushing on 13 carries with a late 13-yard touchdown run last weekend. Marmion needs to win its last 2 games to become playoff eligible.
St. Edward (1-6, 0-5) at Marian Central Catholic (3-4, 2-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Marian Central Catholic won, 69-15, last season.
About the Green Wave: Senior 2-way standout Zach Sauceda continues to be a shining light for the Green Wave. Last weekend, Sauceda rushed for 58 yards on 18 carries during the team’s 64-0 loss to Hope Academy. Five of St. Edward’s 6 losses have come via shutout.
About the Hurricanes: The Hurricanes enter the final 2 weeks of the regular season still clinging to state playoff aspirations. Last weekend, junior wide receiver/defensive back Wilson Jakubowicz earned player of the game honors during Marian Central Catholic’s 27-0 victory over Christ the King. The Hurricanes need wins over St. Edward and Aurora Christian to reach postseason play.
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.
Big Foot, Wis. (1-7) at Aurora Central Catholic (6-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Big Foot won, 29-7, last season.
About the Chiefs: The Walworth, Wis.-based school dropped its sixth consecutive game last weekend, losing a 56-10 decision to Lake Mills. Junior quarterback Dawson Walter (4 touchdown passes) leads the Chiefs, supported by senior TE/DL Owen Smith (6 sacks, 25-yard receiving average), and senior running back Valleck Channing.
About the Chargers: Aurora Central Catholic extended its winning streak to 3 with last weekend’s 42-34 victory over Living Word Lutheran. Senior tailback Trey Seifrid continued his superb season with touchdown runs covering 49, 40, and 11 yards, last weekend, while quarterback Grant Bohr added a 47-yard TD run. The Chargers clinched their first playoff berth since 2016 with their sixth victory, and will aim for a higher postseason seed with a strong regular season finish.
St. Charles East (1-6 overall, 1-4) at Batavia (5-2, 4-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: St. Charles East had all of its playoff hopes come to an end with a 41-35 loss to Lake Park in Week 7. It’ll be the fifth consecutive season in which the Saints will not reach the playoffs. Despite that, there were still plenty of bright spots in the game, with sophomore quarterback Cruz Herrera going for a season-high 432 passing yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Tyler Bradley also had a breakout game, going for 188 receiving yards and two touchdowns off of three catches.
About the Bulldogs: After averaging 41 points through three weeks of conference play, Batavia has slowed its offensive output a bit over the past two weeks but have still gotten the results it’s wanted. A 28-7 victory over Wheaton North puts the Bulldogs in great position to reach the playoffs for the 14th straight year. The defense ended up being the main focal point in the victory, with the Bulldogs — led by DB Sai’marr Howell — making two crucial stops in the red zone in the second half. The Bulldogs have won their last eight contests against the Saints, including a 56-7 victory last season.
Geneva (3-4, 2-3) at Wheaton North (2-5, 1-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: Geneva found itself on the losing side of a game-winning field goal for the second consecutive week with a 16-13 loss to Glenbard North. Now, the Vikings find themselves needing to win out in order to reach the playoffs. A week after having his best passing performance of the season, quarterback Ben Peterson had his best rushing performance of the season, going for 112 yards and a touchdown in the game, but also recording three interceptions in the contest. The defense also still managed to keep its hold atop the conference for least amount of points allowed, averaging 14.8 points allowed per conference game. The Vikings won a close 28-24 contest against the Falcons last season.
About the Falcons: A 28-7 loss to Batavia last week all but secured the fate of Wheaton North, who is set to have losing seasons in back-to-back years for the first time since 2018-2019. The Falcons have also lost four straight conference games after getting a 30-20 win over Lake Park to kick off the slate. Quarterback Burke Neibch threw for 177 yards last week against the Bulldogs, and a touchdown pass to Drew Mazeska accounted for the Falcons’ only score.
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.
Kaneland (5-2, 2-2) at La Salle-Peru (2-5, 1-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Knights: They dropped a 21-20 game to Rochelle last week, keeping them from notching an automatic playoff bid. Coach Michael Thogresen said the defense just couldn’t get the Hubs off the field. Rochelle controlled the ball for 32:41 and had 19 first downs. He said he liked how the offense moved the ball aside from the last drive, when a turnover sealed the Rochelle win. The extra time on the field for the defense led to some big numbers, including 17 tackles for Brady Alstott and 10 for Jackson Slifka. Jackson Little and Luke Gadomski had eight tackles, and they each had one of the team’s two tackles for a loss.
About the Cavaliers: Marion Persich helped spark a comeback last week against Sycamore. With his team down 27-7, he ended up running for 208 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries and threw for 76 yards. The rally fell short in the 34-28 loss. L-P has still only defeated Ottawa this year, with a 41-24 win in Week 3 and a 28-14 victory in Week 6.
Prairie Ridge (7-0, 7-0) at Dundee-Crown (3-4, 3-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge, the only undefeated team in the FVC, beat visiting Crystal Lake Central 35-14 last week as quarterback Luke Vanderwiel rushed for 152 rushing yards and his 19th and 20th rushing touchdowns of the season. Logan Thennes and sophomore Vincent Byk also had rushing TDs. Byk, a starting linebacker, made his first start at fullback in place of Jake Wagler, who got injured late against Huntley in Week 6. Vanderwiel also threw a 60-yard TD pass to WR Eli Loeding. It was the only throw of the game for Vanderwiel, who has four TD passes this season. Thennes also had an interception. ... The Wolves remain the top-ranked Class 5A team in the Associated Press poll. ... Prairie Ridge is the highest-scoring team in the FVC (37.1 points a game). The Wolves allow an average of 20.1 points a game. ... Prairie Ridge beat Dundee-Crown 21-6 in Week 6 last year. Vanderwiel suffered a fractured fibula in the game and missed the Wolves’ next four games before returning for the team’s second-round playoff contest.
About the Chargers: After back-to-back shutouts in Week 4 and Week 5 extended its winning streak to three games, Dundee-Crown has allowed 99 points in its past two games. The Chargers lost to host Jacobs 53-18 last week, a week after allowing 46 points at home to Cary-Grove. Against Jacobs, Chargers QB Ikey Grzynkowicz (9 of 17, 133 yards) rushed for a 4-yard TD and threw TD passes of 20 yards to Ereyon Bailey in the third quarter and 22 yards to Ryan Pierce in the fourth. Defensively for the Chargers, Xavier Ingram recovered a fumble and Anthony Looze recorded a sack. ... D-C, which visits Burlington Central in Week 9, needs to win its next two games to have a good shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Jacobs (5-2, 5-2) at Crystal Lake South (1-6, 1-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs extended its season-best winning streak to four games last week with a 53-18 win over visiting Dundee-Crown and now has a chance to clinch a fifth-straight playoff berth. The Golden Eagles’ point total matched their season high (Hampshire, Week 1). They rushed 46 times for 412 yards (8.9 per carry). Caden DuMelle led the way, carrying 11 times for 154 yards and two TDs, and Michael Cannady had 13 carries for 87 yards and three TDs. Special teams contributed too, as Justin Gonzalez returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD. The Eagles went 4 of 4 in two-point PAT conversions in the first half. ... Jacobs is averaging 37.5 points during its winning streak. ... Jacobs beat Crystal Lake South 41-7 in Week 9 last year.
About the Gators: It’s the final home game of the season for Crystal Lake South, which, since beating Crystal Lake Central in Week 4, has lost three straight. That includes last week’s 56-13 decision at Cary-Grove. The point total marked the most the Gators have allowed this season. Their offense came from QB Michael Silvius, who threw TD passes of 32 yards to Noa Franch and 24 yards to Hector Del Bosque.
Burlington Central (6-1, 6-1) at Crystal Lake Central (0-7, 0-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Rockets: Burlington Central relied on its defense to win another game last week, as the Rockets beat visiting Huntley 20-7 at Rocket Hill to clinch a playoff berth for the second year in a row. Huntley came in averaging 32 points per game and hadn’t scored in single digits all season. Parker Auxier had two of the Rockets’ three interceptions, and QB Landon Arnold accounted for three TDs. Arnold threw TD passes of 31 and 10 yards to Christian Livingston and also ran for a score. Arnold finished 9 of 18 for 113 yards and ran for 49 more. ... Burlington Central has won three straight games for the second time this season. ... The Rockets haven’t been 6-1 since they went 10-2 in 2006 and won the Big Northern East. ... Burlington Central beat Crystal Lake Central 49-0 in Week 4 last year.
About the Tigers: Crystal Lake Central continues to show signs of progress, but the Tigers are still seeking their first win. The Tigers lost to FVC leader Prairie Ridge 35-14 last week, marking the second game in a row in which they scored double digits (a first this season). Tyler Porter had a 4-yard TD run, and Kiran Pokharel scored from 17 yards out. QB Aidan Niederkorn was 13-of-27 passing for 141 yards. ... The game marks the final one at home this season for the Tigers, who visit McHenry in Week 9.
Hampshire (3-4, 3-4) at Cary-Grove (5-2, 5-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire’s 19-17 win over visiting McHenry last week gave the Whip-Purs their first two-game winning streak since 2021, when they made the Class 7A playoffs with five wins. Mason Hill’s 25-yard field goal as time expired rallied the Whips, who played without RB Tymere Marshall. Chris Whetstone helped make up for Marshall’s absence by rushing 22 times for 128 yards, including a 50-yard TD burst. QB Tyler Lacke completed 8 of 15 passes for 95 yards, and Knox Homola scored on a 2-yard run. ... The Whips, who went 1-8 last year, need to win their final two games to give themselves a good shot at making the playoffs. They host Huntley in their regular-season finale next week. ... Hampshire lost to Cary-Grove 48-7 in Week 6 last year.
About the Trojans: Logan Abrams’ five TDs on Cary-Grove’s first five possessions led the way in the Trojans’ 56-13 win over visiting Crystal Lake South last week. Abrams finished with 87 rushing yards on 11 carries, as C-G forced a running clock by halftime en route to their fifth straight win. DB/special teamer Elias Berthelsen had his best game as a Trojan, as he blocked a punt, recovered it and added an interception. Jason Ritter Jr. also intercepted a pass, Nate Jonas had a fumble recovery, and Lance Moore scored on a 15-yard TD run. ... A win will clinch a playoff berth for the Trojans for the 20th time in 21 seasons.
McHenry (2-5, 2-5) at Huntley (3-4, 3-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: McHenry’s 19-17 loss at Hampshire on a last-second field goal last week extended the Warriors’ losing streak to five games after they started 2-0. They have allowed an average of 35 points in those five losses. QB Jeffry Schwab continued to make plays for McHenry. The senior threw a 15-yard TD pass to Mick Reidy, and his 72-yard TD run put the Warriors up 17-16 in the third quarter. Schwab completed 4 of 6 passes for 41 yards. ... McHenry lost to Huntley 44-0 in Week 2 last year. ... A loss will officially eliminate the Warriors from postseason contention.
About the Red Raiders: Huntley had scored in double digits in every game this season before losing to Burlington Central 20-7 last week. The Red Raiders’ fourth loss in a row means they are fighting for their playoff lives. Chase Hojnacki’s 2-yard TD run in the second quarter accounted for Huntley’s only score. QB Malik Carter was 22-of-38 passing for 161 yards. ... It’s the Raiders’ final home game of the season, as they visit Hampshire in Week 9. Winning their last two games will put the Raiders in a good position to earn a playoff berth for the fourth year in a row.
– Joe Aguilar and Joel Boenitz from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview