Scouting DeKalb @ Batavia

Posted October 15, 2009 11:00 pm

DeKalb (1-6, 0-5) at Batavia (1-6, 0-5)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year Batavia 53, DeKalb 14.

Last week Kaneland 35, DeKalb 6; Sycamore 28, Batavia 7.

Outlook Two teams still battling but in need of a win, DeKalb is on a 6-game losing streak and Batavia hasn't won since Week 2 at West Chicago. A Bulldogs victory - DeKalb hasn't won in three Western Sun Conference meetings - would bring some momentum into Geneva next week. On the heels of losses to Yorkville and Sycamore, teams coach Mike Gaspari said hadn't beaten his Bulldogs since 1987, the goal continues to be clutch defensive stops and finishing offensive drives over what Gaspari called "flashes." The return of one of their leaders, senior Pete Koczmara, should help the Bulldogs both physically and mentally. A three-year starting linebacker, at tailback against West Chicago he carried 16 times for 71 yards before leaving with a torn MCL late in the first half. Koczmara will play only on defense, which continues to provide chances for successors Danny Seiton and Emund Kabba, who've combined for 700 yards rushing. Sophomore quarterback Noel Gaspari continues to work on the vertical element with receivers David Peskind and Jack Clancy, looking to lend more offensive balance and extend the defense. DeKalb may play more conservatively tonight, but against Kaneland first-year coach Marty Sanders threw out all the stops - an opening onside kickoff that was recovered and led to a touchdown the next play; and a reverse pass between quarterback Frank Petras and quarterback-receiver Dylan Donnelly for an apparent touchdown brought back by penalty. The Barbs average around 250 on the line but Kaneland's three-man defensive front got penetration and plugged gaps. Against the Western Sun's lowest-scoring team - DeKalb also allows the most - Batavia's thrust is mainly to score points. "We have to get in the three-touchdown range," Mike Gaspari said. "That's critical for us."

Next week Rochelle (5-2, 3-2) at DeKalb, Oct. 23; Geneva (6-1, 4-1) at Batavia, Oct. 23.

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