Scouting Week 8 Lake County football games
Warren Township (6-1, 5-0) at Lake Zurich (6-1, 5-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Warren 28, Stevenson 13; Lake Zurich 35, Mundelein 0
Last year: Warren 10, Lake Zurich 3
Scouting Warren: Our Lake County Co-Blue Plate Special of the Week. The winner earns no worse than a share of the North Suburban Conference title and moves closer to hosting a home playoff game. “The North Suburban Conference is extremely competitive right now,” Blue Devils coach Bryan McNulty said. “This is good for our conference.” Standout running back Aaron Stewart has now rushed for 1,892 yards on 209 carries and has 32 touchdowns, while senior linebacker Javon Brisker leads the way on defense with 55 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3 picks. “Javon has been playing really well,” McNulty said. “He’s a sideline to sideline player and really is coming into his own.” Sophomore defensive lineman Kaden Millbrooks “is getting better every week and should be a big-time recruit here in the future,” McNulty added. Senior Hunter Kleiboer has been a difference-maker on special teams. “He is one of our special teams aces and is having a huge impact,” McNulty said. “Hunter plays extremely hard and always executes in the kicking game.” Warren checks in at No. 6 in the new Associated Press Class 8A poll.
Scouting Lake Zurich: Let’s chat a second about the Lake Zurich defense. The Bears, ranked No. 7 in the new Associated Press Class 6A state poll, have allowed a total of 16 points in the last 6 games (4 shutouts). Coach Ron Planz noted Cooper Gwizdala has been an anchor up front at nose guard, while Arturo Zarinana has flourished at the Mike linebacker and leads the team in tackles. Free safety Bryce Erkman “has been a very physical presence for us when he comes down into the box and he has been sound in coverage as well,” Planz said. “The middle of our defense has been really solid.” Planz said Luke Papasch and Leo Catalano have come to the forefront in the wake of injuries. “They have stepped up and played very well at the wide receiver positions,” he said. The Bears finish the regular season with Warren and Stevenson. “We will be challenged from here on out,” Planz said. “We have 2 great conference teams left to play and then we will find out how the playoff draw goes. It’s going to be a fun couple of weeks.” In the Mundelein win last week, Reid Pfeifer went 12-for-13 for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns. Chris Chang caught 8 passes for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Kaden Abrantes ran 11 times for 97 yards and a score. Lake Zurich had 6 tackles for loss and interceptions by Evan Peterson and Brock Rubicz in the game. Lake Zurich is plus-5 in the turnover battle through 7 games (6 committed turnovers, less than 1 a game) and has 11 quarterback sacks while allowing only 1 sack.
Antioch (6-1, 5-0) at Wauconda (7-0, 5-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Antioch 49, Grayslake North 0; Wauconda 53, Grayslake Central 27
Last year: Antioch 38, Wauconda 24
Scouting Antioch: Our other Lake County Co-Blue Plate Special of the Week sees this familiar matchup of Northern Lake County Conference powerhouses battling it out with the winner securing no worse than a share of the league title. “We will be tested our last 2 games,” Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said. Antioch, ranked No. 11 in the new AP Class 6A state poll, closes the regular season against 5-2 Grant. Defensive lineman Owen Shea has 36 tackles, 6 sacks and more than 10 tackles for loss, while linebacker Henry Lubkeman has 51 tackles. Kicker Jack Hulting has been key, hitting on 42 of 45 extra-point attempts. “Jack is becoming one of the area’s best kickers,” Glashagel said. Antioch averages 371 rushing yards per game, while surrendering 57 rushing yards a contest.
Scouting Wauconda: The Bulldogs, ranked No. 8 in the AP Class 6A state poll, have qualified for the playoffs for a fifth year in a row, which is a school record. Noah Kosiek has played well of late for Wauconda on defense. He has 18 tackles and 2 interceptions in the last 2 games. “Noah is a smart player who communicates well and does a good job identifying formations,” Wauconda coach Chris Prostka said. Brody Rudolph has 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. “Brody has played multiple positions within our defense and has made an impact at all of them,” Prostka said. Like Antioch, Wauconda also features a high-motor offense. Jackson Rudolph has run for 1,115 yards and has 22 total touchdowns (also finding time to register 30 tackles, 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss on defense). Cole Korycanek has run for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Jake Torstenson has passed for 651 yards and has 9 total touchdowns. Luke Sickmeir has 18 catches for 306 yards and 5 touchdowns. Eric Alvarado has 53 tackles, a fumble recovery and a tackle for loss as another key defensive cog for the Bulldogs.
Carmel Catholic (5-2) at Loyola Academy (4-2)
When: Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Loyola Academy High School, Wilmette
Last week: Carmel 54, DePaul Prep 14; Providence Catholic 21, Loyola 20
Last year: Loyola 34, Carmel 16
Outlook: An interesting stat: Carmel, ranked No. 8 in the Class 7A AP state poll, has now played 2024 state champions in 3 consecutive weeks with contests against Montini (1-point loss), De Paul Prep (win last week) and now a trip to Wilmette this week against the defending Class 8A state-champion Ramblers. A win gives Carmel an automatic playoff berth. “Loyola always has a ton of good talent,” Carmel coach Jason McKie said. “It’s always a tough task playing them and playing them at home coming off a tough loss is even harder. I don’t see any weaknesses. They have talent at every level. We have to play our brand of football and not make self-inflicted mistakes and put drives together and be patient. Defensively, it starts with taking away the run. Loyola is a physical football team. We have to not only match it, but be more physical than they are.” McKie liked how his team responded last week coming off the 1-point shootout loss to Montini. “The guys rebounded from a tough loss,” he said. “Offensively, we were real efficient and were balanced with the run and pass. Defensively, we played the run well and played the pass a lot better. We became playoff eligible and got a much-needed win. I was thrilled how the guys performed overall coming off a loss.” Senior wideout Eli Jackson had 5 catches for 125 yards and a score last week, while junior standout quarterback Trae Taylor completed 80% of his 30 passes for 431 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jorden Moore ran 8 times for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns and also had 3 catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. “Jorden had a well-rounded, good, all-purpose day,” McKie said. “We had a bunch of good performances. A lot of guys performed well.” Carmel put up 702 yards of total offense against DePaul after a 719-yard effort against Montini. “I don’t think we have hit our peak,” McKie said. “I don’t think we have played our best game. Offensively, we’re putting points on the board regardless of opponents. Guys are making plays in critical situations and defensively we are getting takeaways. I like how we are trending.” Loyola, which did not have a Week 2 game this season, thus the 4-2 record, has lost to Brother Rice (28-6) and to Providence Catholic (21-20). Those two teams are a combined 11-3 heading into Week 8. Loyola beat DePaul Prep 42-14. Four of its six games are against teams that are either playoff eligible or have qualified for the playoffs (6-1, 6-2 or 5-2 records).
Lake Forest (3-4, 2-3) at Libertyville (4-3, 3-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Libertyville 35, Zion 20; Lake Forest 28, Waukegan 8
Last year: Lake Forest, 42, Libertyville 35
Outlook: A win against Lake Forest makes Libertyville playoff eligible after a 1-3 start. “Our team has really been focused on getting better on a daily basis the last few weeks,” Libertyville coach Tim Budge said. “Our players have done a great job holding each other accountable to doing things the right way in practice and in games. We are starting to establish our identity on both sides of the ball and that has given us greater confidence to execute during games.” Budge said defense linemen Kaden Butt and Jacob Syc are playing at a notable level “and have been causing havoc,” he said. “They are very skilled. They can play on the defensive line and they can also play linebacker when we need them based on their speed. They are both solid in the run game and are both really good pass rushers.” Outside linebacker and safety Dylan Doughty also has proven valuable on the Wildcats’ defensive. “I want to shout out Dylan,” Budge said. “We will also use him as an extra safety. He is so versatile that he is physical in defending the run game, but is fast enough to also be a deep safety. He has been a vital part of our defense this year.” Luca Kalinowski had 6 solo tackles in last week’s win. “Luca came in the game and was able to be a big contributor as an outside linebacker and then later in the game as a safety,” Budge explained. “He did a great job and did a lot of other great things that do not show up on the stat sheet. He is a great kid who has been on our radar and has shown some promise in practice. He clearly took advantage of his opportunity last week.” Trevor Wallace has thrown for 869 yards and 11 touchdowns (1 pick), while Aidan Weaver has run for 329 yards. Brock Williams has 26 catches for 451 yards and 6 touchdowns. Erich Walldorf leads the defense with 46 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss). Butt has 8 tackles for loss, while Syc has seven. Carson Holmes has 5 tackles for loss. Libertyville has 46.5 tackles for loss as a team through 7 weeks.
Zion-Benton (3-4, 1-4) at Stevenson (5-2, 4-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Libertyville 35, Zion 20; Warren 28, Stevenson 13
Last year: Stevenson 44, Zion 21
Outlook: Two key scenarios are accomplished with a Patriots win. Stevenson earns an automatic playoff bid and keeps hopes for a share of the North Suburban title alive. In the loss to Warren last week. Aidan Crawley passed for 164 yards and ran for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns. Zach Becker had 4 catches for 80 yards, while Zach Hersh had 5 catches for 43 yards. Jaxon Saint Paul had 5 catches for 35 yards. On defense, DAngelo Washington had 10 tackles, while Caden Schultz and Braedon O’Hara each had 8 tackles. Abai Atabekov had 7 tackles, while Frank Concialdi had 7 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. Anthony Adams had 5 tackles and 1 sack. John Concialdi had 2 tackles for loss and an interception. Zion has lost 4 games in a row after a 3-0 start. Stevenson is ranked 13th in the new Class 8A AP state poll.
Grant (5-2, 3-2) at Grayslake Central (3-4, 2-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Grant Community High School, Fox Lake
Last week: Wauconda 53, Grayslake Central 27; Grant 65, Round Lake 17
Last year: Grant 49, Grayslake Central 34
Scouting Grant: A Bulldogs win guarantees a playoff spot. “We are improving as a team, but are still not playing our best football,” Grant coach Tim Norwood said. “Hopefully over these next two weeks we will continue to clean things up and be playing our best football at the end of the year.” Senior inside linebacker Logan Myers and senior free safety Zach Collins continue to play at high levels on defense. “Logan is leading our team in tackles and has a nose for the ball,” Norwood said. “Zach is the leader of the back end of our defense. He has bounced back and forth from free safety to corner and has been solid for us all year.” Junior Connor Evans also has aided Grant in a variety of areas, including wide receiver, quarterback and special teams. “Connor is our backup quarterback, but has created a role for himself on special teams,” Norwood said. “He returns kicks and is on every coverage team that he leads in special teams tackles. He also has gone in at receiver due to injuries. Connor is a smart player who can do multiple things for us.” Grant could have a couple 1,000-yard barriers broken with running back Tyler Zdon sitting at 993 rushing yards and 14 scores and wideout Max Hembrey at 929 yards (on only 31 catches) and 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Matthew Gipson has thrown for 1,518 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Scouting Grayslake Central: The Rams are still in the playoff hunt, but need to win their final 2 games to become playoff eligible. Coach Brent Pearlman noted Riley McNiece has done “a great job leading the defense and is also one of our leading tacklers,” he said. Karl McDonald has a team-leading 5 interceptions “and continues to progress each week,” Pearlman said. Junior running back Kenye Pendleton has run for 669 yards on 79 caries (just over 8 yards per carry). Back from injury, Justin Pappin has run 36 times for 263 yards and is averaging 7 yards per carry. Pappin also threw for 195 yards in last week’s game. Bryce Carlson has 21 catches for 371 yards. Pearlman also applauded the play of Nick Norberg, Jack Vellez and Eli Gillette. “Nick, Jack and Eli have played multiple positions for us this year and continue to be team leaders,” he said. Logan Randazzo also has been an important presence for the Rams. “Logan makes quite an impact in practice and special teams and is truly a great and impactful teammate,” Pearlman said.
North Chicago (1-6, 0-5) at Round Lake (1-6, 0-5)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Grant 65, Round Lake 17; Lakes 46, North Chicago 7
Last year: North Chicago 30, Round Lake 12
Outlook: The winner picks up its first Northern Lake County win of the season. Beyond wins and losses, Round Lake coach Randi Dey continues to see the program move forward. “The biggest thing that jumps out to me is our growth as a team from when I arrived here in December,” he said. “We changed a lot of things and the players had to adapt quickly, which is never easy. However, they continue to learn and work. So, although our win-loss record reflects where we are regarding execution, it doesn’t tell the story of how hard the players and staff have been working to be better. I am proud of everyone here.” Evan West has thrown for 1,321 yards and 10 touchdowns. Devon Powell has 30 catches for 619 yards, while Deantae Griggs has run for 378 yards. Dylan Wright has 44 tackles. “Dylan Wright has been doing a great job for us at inside linebacker with his physicality and leads us in tackles,” Dey said. Isaiah Urbina has 36 tackles and 4 tackles for loss, while safety Zenon Reyes also has been key. “Zenon, who is a junior like Dylan, has also done a great job for us as a leader off the field and on,” Dey said. “He’s one of our smallest players and is consistently one of our Top 3 in tackles every game.” Narcisco Gonzales is one of Round Lakes newer players, coming from a wrestling background. “Narcisco has helped bring a sense of toughness to our defense,” Dey noted. “He has all the tools to be a great linebacker for us, so we look forward to him getting as much experience as he can for next season. He’s one of the players we see making a big impact next year.”
Lakes (5-2, 4-1) at Grayslake North (1-6, 1-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Lakes 46, North Chicago 7; Antioch 49, Grayslake North 0
Last year: Grayslake North 40, Lakes 0
Outlook: Lakes is playoff eligible for the first time since 2021 and can earn an automatic bid with a road win in Week 8 here. Senior outside linebacker Dillan Davis has 77 total tackles, 19 for loss, 8 sacks and 2 interceptions. Davis also is now the all-time tackles-for-loss leader in Lakes football history. Junior inside linebacker Robbie Siebert has 50 total tackles, 6 for loss and 3 sacks. Senior quarterback Ean Ankney has thrown for 1,265 yards and 16 touchdowns (against only 3 picks) and has 2 rushing touchdowns. Senior wideout-corner Will Mercure has 20 catches for 426 yards and 5 scores. Lakes coach Jason Ellerman noted junior quarterback-cornerback Ethan Gialo has seen his playing time increase on defense at corner. He leads the team in pass breakups with eight. “Each week, Ethan’s confidence grows,” Ellerman said. Grayslake North is looking to snap a 4-game losing streak.
Other Lake County Week 8 Friday Football Games
Maine West (3-4, 2-1) at Vernon Hills (3-4, 2-1), 7 p.m.
Waukegan (0-7, 0-5) at Mundelein (1-6, 0-5), 7:30 p.m.