Scouting Week 9 Fox Valley football games
Bartlett (3-5, 3-2) at Elgin (5-3, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Bartlett won, 27-0, last season.
About the Hawks: Bartlett piled up a season-high point total during last weekend’s 62-12 victory over Larkin. Nicholas Carlos began the game with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and quarterback Vince Yario’s 51-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Meziere early in the second quarter started a string of 48 unanswered points for the Hawks. With a victory over playoff-bound Elgin, the Hawks will finish 4-5 for the fourth consecutive season.
About the Maroons: Elgin ran into an immovable force in the form of South Elgin’s 6-foot-6, 250-pound Gavin Mueller during last weekend’s 64-21 loss. Mueller ran for 133 yards and 6 touchdowns on 11 carries. Junior quarterback Jacob Rufino threw an 85-yard touchdown pass to La’Marin Powell in the first quarter, and Powell added a 31-yard TD run late in the game against the Storm. Ja’Miere Moore provided a highlight with his 60-yard kickoff return for a score. The Maroons need a sixth win to avoid facing an unbeaten team in the playoffs. Elgin’s last win over Bartlett came in 2022 (24-7).
Larkin (0-8) at Glenbard South (5-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 62-0, last season.
About the Royals: The injury-depleted Royals returned to the playing field last weekend following their forfeit loss to West Aurora on Oct. 10 (lack of healthy players). Quarterback Aden Mora, running back Devin Krueger, and receiver/defensive back Julius Yandell, Jr. lead the Royals’ offense.
About the Raiders: Playing without sophomore standout tailback Elijah Donahue (injury), the Raiders forced 3 turnovers during last weekend’s 21-14 loss to district rival Glenbard East. Quarterback Tommy Bauman connected with Anthony Baldauf on a 26-yard touchdown pass to give the Raiders an early 7-0 lead, while sophomore backup quarterback Mason Fort hit Baldauf on a 44-yard TD strike in the fourth quarter. The playoff-bound Raiders learned a lot about their squad against Upstate Eight East co-leader Glenbard East. “The execution has to be cleaned up, but we played against an awesome team,” said Raiders coach Ryan Crissey. “That’s the type of game you want to play to get ready for the playoffs.”
South Elgin (6-2, 5-0) at East Aurora (2-6, 1-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 55-0, last season.
About the Storm: Senior multi-purpose offensive threat Gavin Mueller has been on a serious roll of late. The 6-foot-6, 250-pounder scored a school-record 6 touchdowns on runs of 11, 4, 17, 60, 2, and 8 yards, respectively, during last weekend’s 64-21 victory over Elgin. Senior tailback Darrion Thurman added 87 yards and a pair of touchdowns for South Elgin, which carries a 6-game winning streak into its regular-season finale. A win over East Aurora would complete an unbeaten Upstate Eight West campaign for the playoff-bound Storm.
About the Tomcats: How can the Tomcats slow down Storm workhorse Gavin Mueller out of the Wildcat formation? Junior backup quarterback Manny Martinez scored the Tomcats’ lone touchdown in the fourth quarter during last weekend’s 46-7 loss to crosstown rival West Aurora. Two-way player Jonathan Ortiz rushed for 13 yards and collected a team-high 4 tackles against West Aurora. East Aurora, which was 2-2 after 4 weeks, has scored 15 points during its current 4-game losing streak.
West Aurora (6-2, 4-1) at Streamwood (3-5, 2-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: West Aurora won, 56-0, last season.
About the Blackhawks: Senior quarterback Mason Atkins looks to continue his dominance against Upstate Eight West opponents. Last weekend, Atkins threw 4 touchdown passes and ran for 2 more scores during the Blackhawks’ 46-7 victory over East Aurora. Lesroy Tittle, Antonio Higgins, Brendon Salach, and Zach Toma each caught touchdown passes from Atkins last weekend. The Blackhawks look to finish their regular season on a 5-game winning streak.
About the Sabres: Streamwood snapped a 2-game losing streak with last weekend’s 62-20 triumph over Elmwood Park. Senior Shazeb Ahmed and junior Noah Meyer had touchdown runs, while junior receiver Deevon Coats threw his first touchdown pass. While featuring many underclass players, including juniors Adan Sanchez, Justin Brown, Dion Morris, and sophomore Callan Clinton, the Sabres look to gain momentum heading into the 2026 campaign.
Leo (3-5, 1-1) at Marmion (3-5, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Marmion won, 20-14, last season.
About the Lions: The Lions have lost 5 of their last 6, including last weekend’s 40-18 loss to Niles Notre Dame. Derrick Davis directs the Lions’ offense, while sophomore Ellison Cox is the team’s leading ball carrier. Leo has been outscored 95-25 the past 2 contests.
About the Cadets: Vinnie Testa started at quarterback for the second straight game last weekend due to an injury to sophomore Roy Magana, Jr. Senior fullback Joseph Favia accounted for the Cadets’ only touchdown on a 3-yard run during last weekend’s 51-6 loss to Marist. Fielding a roster loaded with underclass players, Marmion has an opportunity to finish its season on a positive note heading into 2026.
Marian Central Catholic (4-4, 3-3) at Aurora Christian (6-2, 4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Aurora Christian won, 34-27, last season.
About the Hurricanes: The Hurricanes know the task at hand — beat Aurora Christian to secure a state playoff berth for the first time since 2017. Sophomore quarterback Colin Hernon directs the offense, flanked by juniors Mike Schmid, Eddie Kowalczyk, Colton Riffe, and Nico Zecchin. The interior line includes 6-foot-2, 245-pound senior Matt Conlon, and 6-4, 292-pound junior George Kordopitoulos.
About the Eagles: Senior quarterback Asa Johnson has enjoyed a superb season for the Eagles, who earned their sixth win in dramatic fashion last weekend, edging Wheaton Academy, 28-27. Dom Klimpke knocked down the potential 2-point pass with 1:06 remaining, securing the victory over the Class 5A Warriors. Klimpke also caught 5 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Jalen Callaway added a pair of touchdowns, including the game-winning, 16-yard touchdown reception from Johnson with 1:39 remaining. A win over MCC would go a long way toward a potential first-round playoff home game for the Eagles.
Fisher (1-7) at Aurora Central Catholic (6-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Bunnies: How did Fisher come up with the school’s nickname — Bunnies? Two Fisher basketball players wore rabbit’s feet on their belts for good luck during the 1933-1934 campaign. A Champaign News-Gazette sportswriter labeled them as the “Bunny Boys,” and the nickname stuck. The Bunnies travel to Aurora with a 4-game losing streak that included a Week 7 forfeit to Tuscola due to injuries that left the program with 16 healthy players. Sophomore RB/LB Andrew Todd averages 96 yards rushing per game and leads the team with 6 tackles per contest.
About the Chargers: Led by senior quarterback Grant Bohr and senior running back Trey Seifrid, the Chargers have enjoyed a solid season. Aurora Central Catholic recorded its playoff-clinching sixth win two weeks ago before having to forfeit its Week 8 game against Big Foot (Wis.) due to illnesses that left the team with an insufficient number of healthy players.
Crystal Lake South (1-7, 1-7) at Prairie Ridge (8-0, 8-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Gators: Crystal Lake South put up a good battle against Jacobs last week in its home finale. The Gators lost 44-30 but trailed only 21-19 at halftime. QB Michael Silvius was 33-of-53 passing for a career-best 380 yards and two TDs, both to WR Noa Franch, who had 12 receptions for 186 yards. It was the Gators’ second-best offensive showing of the season but their fourth loss in a row. … The Gators lost to Prairie Ridge 49-0 in Week 2 last year. … The last time the Gators won only one game in a season — not counting the abbreviated 2020 spring season during COVID-19 — was 1999.
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge had to wait until Saturday to extend their perfect season, as the Wolves completed their suspended game from Friday against host Dundee-Crown by winning 41-15. The game was suspended because of what Carpentersville police later confirmed were gunshots fired in the area. QB Luke Vanderwiel had his fourth 200-yard rushing performance of the season, as he finished with 227 yards and five TDs on 21 carries. For the season, the senior has rushed for 1,427 yards and 26 TDs. He also threw for 26 yards against D-C. … The win clinched a share of the FVC title for the Wolves, who scored 40-plus points for the third time this season. They remain the top-ranked team in Class 5A in the Associated Press poll.
Cary-Grove (6-2, 6-2) at Jacobs (6-2, 6-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Trojans: Cary-Grove clinched a playoff berth last week with a 40-7 win on senior night over visiting Hampshire. Fullback Logan Abrams had another big night running the football, as he gained 215 yards on 19 carries. He had touchdown runs of 8, 58 and 33 yards, giving him eight TDs in the Trojans’ past two games. It was the sixth win in a row for C-G, which rushed for 392 yards while limiting the Whip-Purs to 137 yards of total offense. Lance Moore (TD) and Leo Zavala added 86 and 54 rushing yards, respectively, on only five carries each. Linebacker Oliver Antonelli had an interception, pass breakup and tackle for loss. … The Trojans have outscored their opponents 252-103 during their winning streak. … C-G beat Jacobs 35-14 in Week 4 last year en route to finishing 9-0 in the FVC.
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs ran its winning streak to five games last week by beating host Crystal Lake South 44-30. The win locked up a playoff berth for the Golden Eagles, who had three players rush for 100 yards. Michael Cannady led the way, gaining 172 yards and scoring two TDs. Caden DuMelle added 146 yards and two scores, and Justin Gonzalez ran for an even 100 yards and two TDs. Jacobs finished with 410 yards on the ground (8.7 average). Carson Goehring had four catches for 23 yards. DuMelle’s performance gave the senior his second 1,000-yard rushing season, as he also eclipsed the mark his sophomore year and just missed it last year. He’s up to 1,142 rushing yards and 13 TDs this season.
Dundee-Crown (3-5, 3-5) at Burlington Central (7-1, 7-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Chargers: Dundee-Crown hopes to have starting QB Ikey Grzynkowicz back after the junior missed last week’s 41-15 loss to visiting Prairie Ridge with what coach Mike Steinhaus called a lower-body injury suffered against Jacobs the previous week. Aereon Baily, who usually plays wide receiver, started at QB and rushed for a score, as did RB Kadin Malone. Friday’s game was suspended because of what Carpentersville police said were gunshots fired near D-C. … The Chargers have lost three straight games, after winning three in a row. … D-C lost to Burlington Central 24-22 in Week 2 last year.
About the Rockets: Burlington Central beat Crystal Lake Central 41-6 last week to run its winning streak to four games. The playoff-bound Rockets, who remain in sole possession of second place in the FVC behind Prairie Ridge, led 28-0 at halftime and 41-0 after three quarters. RB Henry Deering rushed for 147 yards and two TDs on 13 carries. LB/HB Trevor Raap had five tackles, including a TFL, and also caught a TD pass. … The Rockets have scored 40-plus points in three of their past four games. Their 81 points allowed are the fewest in the FVC.
Huntley (4-4, 4-4) at Hampshire (3-5, 3-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Raiders: A week after being held to a season-low seven points against Burlington Central, Huntley erupted for a season-high point total in beating McHenry 48-36. Sophomore QB Malik Carter threw for 330 yards and five TDs (both season bests), as the Red Raiders snapped a four-game losing streak and put themselves in good position to secure an at-large playoff berth if they can beat Hampshire. Carter was 23-of-28 passing with TD throws of 36, 59, 5, 8 and 35 yards. WR Jacob Marx had seven catches for 99 yards and a TD, WR Matthew Schroeder had seven receptions for 111 yards and two TDs, and RB Chase Hojnacki had two rushing TDs and one receiving TD. LB Jonas Owens led the defense with 11 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks. Owens also forced and recovered a fumble. The Raiders produced three turnovers in the first half and never trailed. … Huntley beat Hampshire 29-22 in Week 5 last year.
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire’s playoff hopes took a big hit last week with a 40-7 loss to host Cary-Grove, which forced a running clock late in the third quarter. The Whip-Purs totaled only 137 yards of offense and scored their only TD when Uriah Beamon recovered a C-G fumble in the end zone in the fourth quarter. Chris Whetstone was limited to zero rushing yards on eight carries after gaining 128 yards the previous week against McHenry. QB Tyler Lacke was 8-of-20 passing for 58 yards. Ivan Lechuga had three catches for 17 yards. The Whips played their second straight game without RB Tymere Marshall, who’s battling an injury, coach Shane Haak said.
Batavia (6-2, 5-1) at Wheaton Warrenville South (6-2, 5-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: Batavia, which enters Week 9 tied with Wheaton Warrenville South and St. Charles North for the conference lead, has won at least a share of five DuKane titles — most of any school, including last season — since the league formed in 2018. Batavia’s two losses, by a total of four points to Glenbard West and St. Charles North, both came in the final second. Batavia junior QB Michael Vander Luitgaren, a 2024 playoff hero in his first full season as starter, has thrown for 1,676 yards and 19 TDs with just three interceptions. Brett Berggren has 41 catches for 599 yards and five TDs and Darin Ashiru, who transferred from Plainfield North this year, has 30 catches for 460 yards and four TDs. Unlike WW South, Batavia has more of a two-headed monster at running back, with Preston Brummel and Henry Hahn, just one carry apart in total, having combined for 1,041 yards and 13 TDs. Tony Minnec and Nick Jansey are Batavia’s leading tacklers.
About the Tigers: A huge opportunity here for WW South, which has never won a DuKane title. The program’s last championship in any league was the 2014 DuPage Valley Conference title. WW South’s only DuKane win over Batavia came during the COVID-shortened 2021 spring season; Batavia won last year’s game 35-13. The Tigers have won four consecutive games, notably their 33-7 win over DuKane co-leader St. Charles North in Week 7. WW South has topped 30 points in three of those games, but its defense has tightened up too, allowing a combined 21 points the last three weeks. Owen Yorke is having a monster season. The Tigers’ senior running back has rushed for 1,431 yards at 7.9 yards per carry with 19 TDs and six games over 100 yards. Justin Miller has thrown for 996 yards and eight TDs. Amare Williams and Axel Boecker are ringleaders of the defense.
St. Charles North (7-1, 5-1) at Lake Park (3-5, 1-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: After a slight falter in a Week 7 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South, St. Charles North looked to be back in full form against Glenbard North with a 31-20 victory. The North Stars allowed no offensive touchdowns in the contests and only gave up 139 rushing yards, a big difference from the over 300 yards the week before. Wyatt Brandt led the charge in the defensive effort, putting up five tackles for loss and 1½ sacks in the contest. The offense was led by running back Carsen Durante, who got back over 100 rushing yards last week, and wide receiver Braden Harms, who had two receiving touchdowns. A win would secure a DuKane Conference title for the North Stars for the third time in four seasons, sharing the honors with the winner of the Batavia-WW South contest.
About the Lancers: A 35-14 loss to WW South ended the playoff ambitions for Lake Park, who are now set to miss the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. Quarterback Taysean Kemonte Smith made his second consecutive start under center for the Lancers, throwing for 105 yards and rushing for 55. The Lancers have lost seven straight games to the North Stars, including a 43-13 loss last season.
St. Charles East (1-7, 1-5) at Geneva (3-5, 2-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: St. Charles East had its losing streak slip to three with a 31-13 loss to Batavia last week. The Saints have now had at least seven losses in a season in each of the past five seasons, but there is a light of hope for the future. QB Cruz Herrera had two passing touchdowns in the loss last week to senior wideouts Gavin Matejko and Sheko Gjokaj, marking his fifth multi-touchdown performance of the season. The 31 points allowed was also the least amount of points the Saints have given up to the Bulldogs since 2019.
About the Vikings: Geneva saw its postseason hopes slip away with a 21-20 loss on the road to Wheaton North, all but securing their first season not making the playoffs since 2019. Of the Vikings’ five losses on the season, four of them have been by a field goal or less, with a blocked extra point being the difference maker last week. The Vikings have been dealing with multiple injuries for weeks, with the latest change being quarterback Ben Peterson going in to kick extra points for the Vikings. Geneva won this matchup last season 49-14.
—- Joe Aguilar and Joel Boenitz from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.