Talking with ‘Edgy’: The best offenses, looking ahead in the MSL, Metea Valley and an early FVC showdown

This week’s edition of Talking with “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran takes a cue from the Bears after their 59-point performance in Sunday’s win over Carolina.

Daily Herald columnist Kevin Schmit also talks to the Rivals prep football expert about Metea Valley’s dark horse status in the DuPage Valley Conference, if it’s time to look ahead in the Mid-Suburban League, Cary-Grove vs. Huntley and more.

Kevin Schmit: In honor of the Bears’ 59-point explosion, who has the top offense in the Daily Herald coverage area this season?

“Edgy” Tim: I’ll give you my candidates. Batavia, I like the balance. (Coach Dennis) Piron, when he has the quarterback play like their obviously getting with (Michael) Vander Luitgaren, they’re going to win games. Good receiver corps, I mean, two or three of them are Division I guys. They can always run the ball. They always have good line play. I just like what they do and Vander Luitgaren is a real steady quarterback.

How can you not go with (quarterback Israel) Abrams and Montini? I had a chance to see them and, even in a loss to Sandburg, they “struggled” their way to 28 points (laughs). With a break here or there, they probably win that game and put up 40 points. He’s dynamic. (The Miami, Florida, commit) can completely change the momentum of the game with his arm or his legs. And there’s enough skill around him. He’s got kids who can obviously catch the ball and a couple good running backs.

And then flip a coin with Geneva and Hersey. (Hersey quarterback and Kentucky commit Jake) Nawrot is a no-brainer. Josh Riggs, he’s been a really good receiver for a couple years now. They’re pretty comfortable putting up points. And then (Geneva quarterback) Ben Peterson and (receiver Bennett) Konkey are quite a connection.

I’m excited about that Batavia-Geneva game (in Week 6) because, it’s like, first to 100 points wins. That’ll be fun.

If there’s a lifetime achievement award, I’ll throw in Maine South. (Coach Dave) Inserra’s been there forever, and they’ve run that offense consistently for decades now.

KS: Metea Valley (2-2) last week beat Neuqua Valley for the first time. This week the Mustangs face Naperville North (3-1). Could Metea be a sleeper in the DVC?

ET: I think they’ve got a shot against Naperville North. Matchup-wise, it’s kind of interesting.

Naperville North hasn’t put up a ton of points. And (Metea quarterback Iggy Amorrortu), I’m happy for that kid. He’s a good player, and leaving St. Francis and going to Metea Valley, he probably wasn’t sure what he was getting into. I think he’s shown that he can help them win games.

Naperville North, more of a power team, and they haven’t given up many points. Is Naperville North going to be able to manhandle them? I’m not sure. But the matchup is intriguing for sure. It’s two different styles for sure. It’ll be interesting.

KS: With both teams 4-0, can we officially start looking forward to Hersey against Prospect in the MSL East finale in Week 9?

ET: I’ve been ready since Week 1, but you never say never in high school football. Weird things can happen. But if everything goes as planned, yeah, Week 9 will be pretty spectacular and I’ll be there bright and early for it.

(Prospect quarterback Jackson Cacini) is a really good quarterback, and I think people kind of overlook him a little bit even though he’s putting up big numbers and they’re winning games. That’s a great rivalry. And another one where it’s first to 100 points wins.

KS: Cary-Grove (3-1) and Huntley (4-0) play Friday in one of the many upcoming Fox Valley Conference showdowns. Who you got?

ET: Man, it’s tough. Cary-Grove is young. They lost Week 1, but obviously they got things figured out. And they’re starting to put up points. Huntley, points are not a problem. (Junior quarterback) Malik Carter, I’m excited to see him and how they do.

It seems like those power running teams have been kind of a thorn in Huntley’s side, and that’s why I’m really interested to see if this Cary-Grove team is the one that can do it.

Historically, I’ll go with Cary-Grove at home, but it’s truly two different styles of offense. Cary-Grove’s best defense will be its offense. They’re going to want to control the ball and limit the touches for Huntley and Carter.

KS: Where are you going this weekend?

ET: Cary-Grove, and I blame you for that because you brought it up. I definitely want to see Carter play in person. I’ve seen him throw a million times, but I’ve never seen him live in a game.

And Saturday I’m going to Eckersall Stadium in the city to see Morgan Park play Phillips. I want to see how good Morgan Park is. Eckersall is really cool and they just renovated it, so I’m really interested to see how it looks.