Preview: Elgin at Waubonsie Valley

When: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last year: Waubonsie Valley 38, Elgin 15

Last week: South Elgin 42, Elgin 28; Waubonsie Valley 28, Neuqua Valley 26

Outlook: Waubonsie Valley has relied more on the pass this season than the traditional option. The scheme worked out last week as Waubonsie quarterback Tyler Castro completed 20-of-29 passes for 258 yards and 4 touchdowns against rival Neuqua Valley. But it wouldn't be a shocker if the Warriors don't hand the ball off early and often to Nate Pena, who ran for 181 yards last week. Elgin has allowed 1,669 total yards in four games (417.3 avg.), including 1,145 yards rushing (286.3). Elgin has struggled with seven or eight Maroons playing on both sides of the ball, thus the plan this week is to rotate in some younger players who have shown improvement during the week. "We'll play some more people, especially in the first half," Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. "Maybe that will help us more in the second half. We have a lot of guys going both ways who never get a break at all, so we're going to try to see if these kids who have improved in practice can go a series or two and get some other kids off the field to get a drink and so we can talk to them." Elgin is still filling holes with only 2 starters back at their original positions from Last year: quarterback/safety Tom Roth and receiver/defensive back Jamal Cook. Roth has thrown for 699 yards and 6 touchdowns, but has been picked off 5 times. Cook is his favorite target with 12 receptions for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cook also has 2 fumbles returns for touchdowns and a 99-yard kickoff return to his credit. The Maroons will face a formidable battle in the trenches tonight. "Waubonsie is very big and physical up front, so we have to make sure we're using leverage and technique because if you play high, it's going to be a long night," Bierman said.