Scouting: Palatine @ Schaumburg

MID-SUBURBAN WEST

Palatine (4-0) at Schaumburg (2-2)

When 7:30 p.m. today at Gary Scholz Stadium

Last week Palatine d. Hersey 35-14; Schaumburg d. Wheeling 37-13

Outlook Defending MSL West co-champion Palatine can become eligible for a third straight playoff berth as it looks to continue its best start since 1997. "We've got our work cut out for us because Schaumburg moves the ball on everybody," said Palatine coach Tyler Donnelly. "They always have good skill kids and the key is not letting them get on the perimeter and get long runs. If they get to our safeties we're in trouble." Especially with RB Warren Brewer, who scored on four consecutive fourth-quarter runs last week en route to 188 yards, and junior QB Mark Iannotti and WR Dionte Hackler. Schaumburg has won two straight after losses to Maine South and Prospect and will look for solid defensive efforts again from Dru Richardson and Josh Marchok against the precision passing of QB Cody Bobbit (71 percent, 808 yards, 8 TDs) and the tough running of Joe Pelnar. "I think our defense has gotten better the last two weeks," said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling. "I still think all three phases are starting to get it in order to be more consistent." Schaumburg will be without OL Mario Echevarria (knee) this week but gets lineman Kyle Pollock back. Palatine leads the series 13-9.