Scouting this weekend's DuPage County football games
Editor's note: Due to Friday's night's weather forecast, some game times and dates have been changed. Others might still be changed.
Batavia (3-1, 2-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (3-1, 1-1)
DuKane Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Batavia 24, Glenbard North 21; St. Charles East 28, WW South 20.
Last year: Batavia 41, WW South 20.
Outlook: After four weeks on the road, WW South finally plays a home game. The Tigers welcome the defending DKC champs in a test of their ability to stand up to a power rushing game — not to mention the array of formations Batavia presents. Of primary concern is Bulldogs running back Art Taylor and a pack of linebackers, headed by North Dakota-bound Quinn Urwiler. They'll pound at the Tigers' young defense that features strength up the middle with lineman Ben Burger and linebackers Michael Rogers and Will Cassin. WW South's offense has been super balanced. Last week the ground game of Jake Arthurs and Prince Lankah, who have combined for 571 rushing yards, put up about 200 yards while quarterback Parker Brown matched that number through the air. It's not ideal, but the Tigers have gone to two-way play with some of their top guys, including tight end-defensive end Jason Haw and Arthurs, who last week deepened an injury-depleted secondary.
Next week: Batavia at Geneva; Wheaton North at WW South.
Neuqua Valley (3-1, 1-0) at Waubonsie Valley (2-2, 0-1) DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Waubonsie Valley 17, Neuqua Valley 10; Neuqua Valley 47, Waubonsie Valley 16.
Last year: Neuqua Valley 34, DeKalb 30; Naperville North 31, Waubonsie Valley 28.
Outlook: Can the Warriors slow Neuqua Valley's offense averaging nearly 35 points ... especially after allowing 91 points the last two weeks? Not all of that can be pinned on the Warriors' defense, though, not after the turnovers and special teams miscues. Waubonsie Valley has plenty of defensive ability, starting with Demari Wilson up front and middle linebacker Ryan Mutz. Their task is a tall one in trying to contain quarterback Mark Gronowski, a South Dakota State recruit who's thrown for 491 yards and rushed for 259. Running back Armani Moreno is the ideal complement while Sean Larkin has developed into Gronowski's go-to receiver. Waubonsie Valley's offense will have its opportunities against a Wildcats defense also allowing a bunch of points. Last week Bryce Logan notched his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. Quarterback Ethan Nelson's thrown for 814 yards. A bright spot in the Wildcats' defense has been safety Carl Reina.
Next week: Naperville Central at Neuqua Valley; Waubonsie Valley at DeKalb.
South Elgin (4-0, 4-0) at Glenbard East (4-0, 4-0)
Upstate Eight Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: South Elgin 63, Streamwood 0; Glenbard East 21, Fenton 12.
Last year: Glenbard East 35, South Elgin 7.
Outlook: In 2018 Glenbard East beat the Storm after four prior losses, helping earn its first conference title since 1965. South Elgin has outscored teams 232-0, the second-highest scoring 11-man team in the state (Peoria, 264) and one of two (Fairfield) yet to be scored upon. Explosive Corve King, Marquis Gillespie and Davion Cherwin each average no less than 11.7 yards a carry. Dual-threat quarterback Ben Karpowicz has 5 touchdown passes on 11 completions. Shiking Marshall is like glue in pass coverage and linebacker Vince Clinite brings the physicality coach Dragan Teonic seeks against the Rams. Turnovers have been Glenbard East's bugaboo. Otherwise they're hard to pin down. Backs Chris Whitehead, Jamylenn Miles, Benny Miller and Mike Smith have taken turns as leading rushers. Armoni Gilford's program record-tying 87-yard touchdown grab last week and Deon Cook's 11 catches for 252 yards show the Rams' big-play ability. Finishing drives is Glenbard East's goal.
Next week: South Elgin at Larkin; East Aurora at Glenbard East.
Wilmington (4-0, 2-0) at Lisle (3-1, 1-1)
Illinois Central Eight
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at Benedictine University in Lisle.
Last week: Wilmington 51, Manteno 28; Lisle 42, Herscher 10.
Last year: Lisle 27, Wilmington 6.
Outlook: Last year saw Lisle's first victory over the Wildcats since 1995. It led to Lisle's first conference title since 1981. Given Lisle's 36-30 Week 3 loss to Manteno — who Wilmington handily beat — and with Coal City yet to come, the Lions can't afford another loss in their bid to repeat as conference champs. Everyone knows “Wilmo” runs a rock-pounding Wing-T, it's another matter stopping Jake Rodawold, who's run for 738 yards, 14 touchdowns. When the defense draws in, quarterback Keaton Hopwood will go play-action and find Cody Franzen streaking downfield. It only happens once or twice, but it's deadly. To counter, Lisle seeks ball possession. Lions gunslinging quarterback Aidan Lombardo is a dual threat with plenty of weapons at hand. Inevitably it comes down to line play, where Lions Chris Farrell, Josh Pereira, Jon Sears, Jack Kelly, Aaron Harris, Luke Neylon, Trevor Schertler and Anthony Raineri will get after it. Kudos to Lisle for scheduling this heavyweight for homecoming.
Next week: Herscher at Wilmington; Lisle at Reed-Custer.
York (3-1, 2-0) at Glenbard West (4-0, 1-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last week: York 17, Lyons Twp. 3; Glenbard West 49, Addison Trail 0.
Last year: Glenbard West 45, York 24.
Outlook: After three straight blowout wins Glenbard West faces a challenge against a physical York team. The Dukes boast one of the Silver's top offensive lines led by Josh Mathiasen. Their defensive front is also powerful with Chris Eckard, who last week had 2 sacks, and Liam Enright. No one, however, has been able to slow Glenbard West's ground game that's piled up more than 1,400 yards. While Jalen Moore leads with 528 yards, the Dukes must be wary of Joey Richmond, Samson Zander and Nic Seifert. Quarterback Braden Spiech is averaging 25 yards on 14 completions. York, though, has been solid preventing explosion plays. The Dukes' offense features a two-headed ground game with Nick Conroy, who's rushed for 450 yards, and Patrick Kastner, who last week returned from injury. Glenbard West's defense hasn't been challenged much in recent weeks, but Greyson Metz has been tremendous. Last week he had a pick six while Gerik Tyburk also snared an interception.
Next week: Hinsdale Central at York; Glenbard West at Downers Grove North.
The Rest of the Best
Addison Trail (0-4, 0-1) at Willowbrook (3-1, 2-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Clearly a tough matchup for Addison Trail, which hasn't allowed fewer than 400 rushing yards in a game this season. Willowbrook received a huge boost with the return from injury of lineman T.J. Gregory. Sergio Ayala is picking it up on defense.
Aurora Christian (3-1, 1-1) at IC Catholic Prep (4-0, 2-0)
Game time: 5:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Danny Cronin's game-winning 2-yard touchdown run against Bishop McNamara capped an all-heart effort by the Knights. Cronin, Tommy Ryan, Justin Hall and cornerbacks Deontae Oatman and Chauncey Lee now must spy Eagles quarterback Ethan Hampton.
Christ the King (2-2) at Wheaton Academy (2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Christ the King rallied from a 20-6 third-quarter deficit to beat Westmont 34-27. With tough teams yet ahead Wheaton Academy's playoff bid starts now. Helping is lineman Masa Kasai's return from injury. Stephen Garner will try to renew the run game.
DeKalb (2-2, 0-1) at Metea Valley (1-3, 0-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: With Jalen Johnson out with an injury, C.J. Wilcox shifts to the edge at receiver while Johnny Flynn moves to the slot. That means Elijah Wright becomes the primary ballcarrier for the Mustangs. Logan Frederick's completing 65 percent of his passes.
Downers Grove North (3-1, 1-1) at Hinsdale Central (4-0, 1-0)
Game time: 6 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Old Oaken Bucket hasn't been Downers North's since 2006, but the Trojans have a shot with quarterback Drew Cassens, who's rushed for 715 yards. Hinsdale Central's talented secondary, featuring Owen and Guy Goss, will step up in run support.
Fenton (2-2, 2-2) at Bartlett (3-1, 3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Streamwood's Millennium Field.
The quick hit: If there was a chink in Bartlett's armor last week it was allowing long plays. Fenton quarterback Nick Benn and back Andre Bess — up to 601 yards rushing, 8 touchdowns — will take note. Bartlett's combo of Mike Priami and Tyler Rivelli is also very strong.
Hinsdale South (2-2, 1-0) at Downers Grove South (2-2, 1-1)
Game time: 5 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Hinsdale South's defense allowed 30 points a game before last week's shutout of Morton. Downers South receiver Jayden Lambert is adding cornerback duties to his plate. Last week Cole Warehime threw for 130 yards while the ground game churned 160.
Larkin (1-3, 1-3) at Glenbard South (3-1, 3-1)
Game time: 5 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Raiders guards Faiz Hameed and Brandon Lim, center Johnny Golden were part of a solid line push, helping quarterback Nick Plaso run-pass option his way to 79 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns. Nose tackle T.J. Burnett intends to disrupt an improving Larkin line.
Marian Catholic (3-1) at Benet (4-0)
Game time: Noon Saturday at Benedictine University in Lisle.The quick hit: Running back Tajheem Lawson is the focus of Benet's defense that's getting solid play from lineman John Golden and freshman linebacker John Weidenbach. Sean Torres notched 150 rushing yards last week and took half the defensive snaps at linebacker.
Naperville Central (1-3, 1-0) vs. Naperville North (1-3, 1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at North Central College in Naperville.
The quick hit: Three Redhawks receivers have at least 12 receptions from quarterback Sam Jackson, who just picked up a Wisconsin offer. Huskies receivers Matt Maschmeier and Stephan Williams combined for 13 catches and over 200 yards in last week's victory.
St. Charles North (3-1, 2-0) at Lake Park (2-2, 1-1)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: The North Stars scored on all four first-half possessions last week, a quick start Lake Park must thwart. Kyler Brown completed his first 7 passes for 140 yards. For all of Lake Park's injuries, linebacker Anthony Beacom was a huge addition last week.
St. Francis (3-1, 1-0) at Bishop McNamara (2-2, 1-1)
Game time: 6 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: By far St. Francis' strongest test to date. Containing Mac's trio of Tyler Hiller, Owen Jackson and Manny Harris is a huge challenge for Spartans linebackers Enzo Rendina and Michael Bumpus and linemen like Connor Schmidt and Luke Meyer, who've been great.
St. Viator (3-1) at Montini (3-1)
Game time: 6 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: These two haven't met in decades. Montini comes in hot after beating St. Rita behind quarterback Deontay Bell's 305 yards passing, 203 rushing. Offensive linemen Colin Baker, Brett Kuczynski, Dagen Miller, Ethan Peska and Jeremiah Banks-Wall are a force.
Westmont (1-3, 0-1) at Elmwood Park (2-2, 1-1)
Game time: 6 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: With quarterback Zack Fischer back Westmont led 20-6 before things started rolling the wrong way in a loss to Christ the King. Elmwood Park quarterback Mike Stranski will challenge safety Mason Pardy and linebackers Riley Basit and Sam Abbatacola.
Wheaton North (2-2, 0-2) at Glenbard North (1-3, 1-1)
Game time: 5 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Inside linebackers Xander Mueller, committed to Northwestern, and Brayden Cook have been outstanding for the Falcons. Glenbard North junior Denhim Betney will get more carries to support Jordan McQuarter, a mainstay at tailback and linebacker.