Preview: DeKalb (1-5, 1-3) at Kaneland (3-3, 2-2)

DeKalb (1-5, 1-3) at Kaneland (3-3, 2-2)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: Kaneland 35, DeKalb 7

Last week: Geneva 48, DeKalb 6; Glenbard South 47, Kaneland 31

Players to watch: DeKalb has some skilled players that can cause some problems in Landon Hughes, Dylan Donnelly and Taylor Dupre. Donnelly had 2 INTs and 4 catches for 57 yards in last week's loss to Geneva. Damian Nelson had a 71-yard touchdown run last week but without that he was limited to 38 yards on 15 carries. Quarterback Frank Petras has replaced Kyle Wallin this fall. He only completed 7-of-21 passes last week for 83 yards and was intercepted twice. Kaneland quarterback Joe Camiliere continues to do well in leading the Knights' spread attack. He threw 3 more touchdown passes last week and had 49 completions even in the midst of a 2-game losing streak. The big area of concern for the Knights is the defense where they've struggled at times, especially recently. Look for seniors such as Steve Tosaw, Tyler Suerth and Ben Bradford to make a big tackle or force a turnover tonight to help get the Knights back on track.

Outlook: The road weary Knights will be happy to return home tonight after losses to conference foes Batavia and Glenbard South. Last week the Knights trailed 26-18 at the half at Glenbard South before the Raiders blasted them for 3 touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game away. Tonight, they'll look to put away a DeKalb team that was eliminated from the postseason last week, and is now trying to play spoiler against a playoff-hopeful such as Kaneland. The Knights will have to play without Blake Serpa, who has been an outstanding contributor at running back and wide receiver. Serpa, who is just a sophomore, had 10 catches in the loss to Batavia in Week 5 but sustained an ankle sprain last week. Normally when you head home after consecutive road games it's nice to return to normalcy but with Serpa out, looming concerns over a teacher's strike potentially coming next week and now a must-win game tonight, things certainly aren't normal in Maple Park. The Knights will be feeling a lot better this evening as long as they continue to put points on the board, something Camiliere and the offense has been able to do, and keep the Barbs from doing the same. The Barbs were able to move the ball and control the clock for a while against Geneva last week, and now will try to make things more difficult on the Knights.

Bottom line: The Knights need a win tonight and to at least a split in games against Geneva and Yorkville if the hope to finish above .500 this season and hopefully make the playoffs.

Sycamore (3-3, 1-3)

at Batavia (4-2, 3-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: Batavia 48, Sycamore 27

Last week: Rochelle 35, Sycamore 26; Batavia 44, Yorkville 6

Players to watch: Sycamore quarterback Michael Buckner has proven to be one of the best weapons at quarterback in the Western Sun Conference this fall. He accounted for all 4 of the Spartans touchdowns last week. Buckner (44-of-62 passing, 827 yards, 8 TDs) also is the leading rusher for Sycamore with 68 carries for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns. Tom Hensley (17 catches, 601 yards, 6 TDs) is by far the leading receiver for the Spartans while they have a nice mix of playmakers in the backfield with Marckie Hayes (40 carries, 309 yards, 7 TDs), Joe Dougherty (48 carries, 275 yards, 2 TDs) and Cody Bex (32 carries, 171 yards, 2 TDs). Batavia senior safety Mike Theriault has 3 interceptions in the past two games to lead the Batavia defense. Offensively, quarterback Jordan Coffey has thrown for more than 1,200 yards to lead the Bulldogs. J.R. Kabba has shown no ill effects from the injury he sustained in Week 1 at St. Charles East, as the senior has rushed 48 times for 460 yards and 5 TDs during the past three weeks. Erich Zeddies (33 catches, 535 yards) continues to be one of the best receivers in the area, while Kyle Duhig (34 rushes, 228 yards), Tyler Lindquist, Ryan Webb, Evan Olexa and others all could get their numbers called tonight.

Outlook: It may be hard to believe, but tonight is the final regular-season home game for Batavia. The Bulldogs should get a warm welcome as they enter this evening with a three-game winning streak in which they've averaged more than 36 points a contest. How strong has their offense been? Well, they've only punted the ball 4 times during their winning streak. "It's not only the offense, but the defense has come up with some big turnovers too, even when we've allowed them to move the ball at times," Batavia coach Mike Gaspari said. "Teams run so many different offenses at this level so you have to adjust. Also, what we present to a defense can be a difficult situation." The Bulldogs expect a big challenge defensively from Sycamore, as the Spartans run a spread attack. "They're very much like Kaneland and it could be one of those games as a coach that's fun to watch but could evolve into a shootout," Gaspari said. "We're very concerned with their ability to score, but we feel good about our ability to score too." The key to stopping the Spartans is to slow Buckner. "He's a good athlete, a three-year varsity starter who has been a wingback and played defense (in prior years)," Gaspari said. "He's very efficient in terms of completion percentage and they run a lot of short routes, 5- to 10-yard routes and their screen game is really tough to defend." No one other than Batavia knows what to expect from the Bulldogs offense tonight. Three weeks ago they came out passing, two weeks ago they ran 17 straight running plays and last week they were up 14-0 after just five plays from scrimmage. Their ability to both run and pass the ball successfully bodes well for them tonight against a Spartans team that can't afford to drop below .500 if it hopes to get back to the playoffs.

Bottom line: A win all but assures Batavia a playoff berth and puts them in a great position to play for a potential share of a conference title against Geneva in Week 9 as long as they can handle sputtering DeKalb a week from tonight. "We have a great chance to get to (6 wins) before even getting to Geneva," Gaspari said. "But first we have to take care of business here against Sycamore."

Geneva (6-0, 4-0)

at Rochelle (4-2, 2-2)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: Geneva 24, Rochelle 15

Last week: Geneva 48, DeKalb 6; Rochelle 35, Sycamore 26

Players to watch: Geneva's offensive line of Anthony Miller, John McNeil, Bryce Biel, Greg Gregory and Anthony Strauss, along with fullback Drew Fagot have paved the way for a monster of a season thus far for running back Michael Ratay (1,200 rushing yards, 21 rushing TDs, 1 TD reception). At the same time, they're been trying to offer protection to quarterback Brandon Beitzel who still is searching for a breakout passing game and consistency from his core of wide receivers. Beitzel has completed less passes this entire season (36) than Ratay had rushing attempts (41) in a game against Glenbard South. Beitzel has thrown for 438 yards, been intercepted 7 times and has 4 touchdown passes. "The 4 interceptions (last week) are misleading," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. "He made 1 bad throw, the others we had some breakdowns and he got hit and turnovers like that can happen." During Rochelle's modest 2-game winning streak, Ben Schwartz has rushed for 248 yards but the smash mouth potential from fullback Dan Ruppenthal is generally what allows the Hubs to achieve their greatest success in milking the clock and slowly moving the chains. Quarterback Nate Eyster has been maximizing his abilities in efficient fashion. He's only attempted 11 passes in the last two games but he's completed 7 of them, 4 which went for touchdowns, for a total of 183 yards.

Outlook: Tonight marks the Vikings first trip to Rochelle's gorgeous football stadium, which opened last year. "We're pretty excited about playing there," Wicinski said. "I always love playing a Crandall-coached team. They play hard and they test you. We anticipate a very physical game." The Vikings know the Hubs like to run the ball up the gut, mainly with Ruppenthal, but they also are prepared for some wrinkles, especially with Eyster's ability to run the option. "He runs it really well and it's something they were missing last year," Wicinski said. "They're also doing something we haven't seen, some formations and some spread-type stuff." Still, the Vikings know the bread-and-butter of Crandall's club is smash mouth football and the defense is looking forward to the challenge. "Last week I thought our defense played really well," Wicinski said. "We're getting our angles in good shape. Linebackers are coming around and the defensive line has been solid, and probably been the strength of our team and some defensive backs are coming along." As far as the offense is concerned, Wicinski isn't too worried about Beitzel and the passing game, as long as the Vikings make sure to correct their mistakes. "We just keep breaking down the three phases of the passing game," he said. "Dropping balls, some throws sailing a bit and protection. But we have complete faith that we'll get it all settled later, but later is coming right now." If an average to above average passing game can complement Ratay's running tonight ­- and for the rest of the season for that matter ­- then the Vikings undefeated season has a chance of being extended for quite awhile.

Bottom line: Rochelle fumbled the ball 11 times in its 2 losses. As long as the Vikings avoid turnovers of their own, and capitalize on the Hubs' tendency to cough the ball back up, they should be able to handle Rochelle.

Larkin (3-3, 2-2)

at St. Charles North (4-2, 2-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: St. Charles North 28, Larkin 13

Last week: Larkin 22, Streamwood 21; St. Charles North 35, South Elgin 24

Players to watch: St. Charles North junior running back Jordan Huxtable had a career-best 246 rushing yards on 29 carries last week. He also rushed for 3 touchdowns. Quarterbacks Nick Neari and Sean McGushin and a nice group of playmakers in Eric Battle, Jeff Stolzenburg and Kyle Harmon will look to pick up the slack now that wide receiver Jon DeMoss is out for the season with an injury. Larkin senior quarterback Justin Kalusa made a textbook switch from wide receiver in a Week 5 loss to Neuqua Valley. He's remained there ever since while former quarterback Jeff Saurbaugh is now spending time at running back. "We definitely needed some more depth at tailback, and Jeff really does some good things with the ball in his hands," Larkin coach Matt Gehrig said.

Outlook: Last week Larkin's defensive line was having trouble getting the offensive linemen of Streamwood off them. After the great success Huxtable had last week, the North Stars offensive line should be able to handle the Royals and allow the hosts to move the ball with frequency. "There's a lot of pieces we're still putting together," St. Charles North coach Mark Gould said. "Last week we challenged them at halftime to show some toughness and when you see a team comeback it's good to see." Having played on Saturday, Gould was able to watch the Larkin-Streamwood game in person. "They are talented and it shows especially offensively with their speed," he said. "They've got four guys that can run the ball and run it well with option, misdirection and jet sweeps, whatever it may be. Defensively you have to contain it and not let them outside and swarm to the ball." The North Stars should enjoy returning home on a Friday night after two straight Saturday noon starts with a chance to capture win No. 5. "We know most 5-4 teams will make (the playoffs), but our goals are higher," Gould said. It goes without mentioning that one of those goals is beating rival St. Charles East, something the North Stars will have a chance of doing next week.

Bottom line: A conference title might not be within their grasp with Bartlett still undefeated, but the North Stars need to continue their winning ways tonight and accumulate some momentum before they battle crosstown rival St. Charles East next Friday.

South Elgin (2-4, 1-2)

at St. Charles East (4-2, 3-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: St. Charles East 38, South Elgin 19

Last week: St. Charles North 35, South Elgin 24; Neuqua Valley 49, St. Charles East 42, 4 OTs

Players to watch: South Elgin quarterback Patrick Rae had a big afternoon against St. Charles North last Saturday, completing 22-of-32 passes for 340 yards and 3 touchdowns. His best target is Josh Smith who had 10 catches for 201 yards last week and will look to be a similar playmaker tonight. You can't ask for much more from the Saints' offensive line of Blake Griffiths, Eric Olstad, Andrew Bradburn, Rafael Flores and Brennan Walls and what they've been doing to create running lanes for Wes Allen, especially in the past two weeks as Allen has rushed 80 times for 534 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kyle Wiebe (53 rushes, 362 yards, 5 TDs) has also put up impressive numbers while Paul DeBord leads the run-laden offensive attack in receptions (17).

Outlook: Overtime and St. Charles East have been synonymous the past two Fridays but the Saints will look to avoid playing extra tonight against an improved South Elgin program. The Storm battled St. Charles North last Saturday before eventually falling, while the Saints offense was shut out in the second half at Neuqua Valley and ultimately dropped a wild quadruple overtime affair to the Wildcats. The development of Tim Russell and Dan White at quarterback has been mixed this season, with coach Ted Monken looking to maximize the skills of each while minimizing weaknesses. Having a back like Allen certainly takes some pressure off the quarterback but some efficiency throwing the ball could go a long way tonight as well as in helping the Saints put together a nice postseason run. While on the subject of passing the ball, the Storm had some good success doing it last week so the Saints secondary must be ready for it tonight.

Bottom line: South Elgin yielded nearly 250 rushing yards to St. Charles North's Jordan Huxtable last week so it's hard to imagine the Storm being able to slow the Saints' potent attack tonight, especially with St. Charles East hungry to get back to its winning ways.

Aurora Christian (6-0, 3-0)

at Walther Lutheran (5-1, 3-0)

Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last year: Aurora Christian 30, Walther Lutheran 15

Last week: Aurora Christian 46, Luther South 6; Walther Lutheran 69, Lake Forest Academy 28

Outlook: Aurora Christian senior quarterback Jordan Roberts again has chance to make history. Two weeks after becoming the state's all-time touchdown leader, Roberts can put his name at the top of the passing yards list if he throws for 407 yards Saturday. The current leader, Wil Lunt from Rochester, totaled 8,308 yards from 2005-07. Walther Lutheran, always a top rival for the Eagles, has lost one game this year to Immaculate Conception, 25-7. The Eagles rallied to beat that same IC team in Week 1. With both teams at 3-0 in the Private School League, the winner today likely will the PSL champ, though Walther does still have Chicago Christian on its schedule in Week 9.

Wheaton Academy (3-3, 3-1) at Chicago Christian (5-1, 3-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Outlook: The new "biggest game" for Wheaton Academy. After crunching Rockford Christian Life 51-19 the Warriors need to win two of three vs. Chicago Christian, Lake Forest Academy (2-4) and Aurora Christian (6-0). They sure can score; will they defend?

West Aurora (3-3, 1-3) at Naperville North (6-0, 4-0)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: Naperville North 37, West Aurora 0

Last week: Wheaton Warrenville South 41, West Aurora 7; Naperville North 35, Naperville Central 21

Outlook: Naperville North must be wary of those receiver screens to the Blackhawks' Markus Cocroft. While the Huskies' secondary is filled with ball-hawking interceptors, it starts up front with pressure from defensive lineman Tim Weidenbacher.

Aurora Central (0-6, 0-4) at Driscoll (5-1, 3-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: Driscoll 62, Aurora Central 35

Last week: Marian 28, Aurora Central 14; Driscoll 21, St. Edward 12

Outlook: This and last week's 21-12 Suburban Catholic win over St. Edward are the Highlanders' preparation for Week 8-9 games against Marian Central and Montini. A passing team, ACC will test Driscoll's Joey Calabrese, Matt Woods in the secondary.

Immaculate Conception (3-3, 2-2) at Marmion (2-4, 0-4)

Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last year: Marmion 33, Immaculate Conception 7

Last week: St. Francis 34, Marmion 32; Montini 17, Immaculate Conception 15

Outlook: IC's last win over Marmion came in 2004. To retain playoff hopes they need this one with St. Francis up next week. The focus here is just that - focus, right out of the box, no turnovers, continue to pound the ball with Paul Hornstra and that big O-line. Meanwhile, Marmion enters on a four-game losing streak to four teams who not only will make the playoffs, but likely advance deep into them. The last two losses have been especially difficult, with narrow losses to both St. Francis and Montini. The Cadets will try to finish the year on a 3-game winning streak, starting Saturday and continuing against Aurora Central and St. Edward to get to 5-4. Sean Fichtel caught a pair of touchdowns last week.

St. Edward (3-3, 1-3)

at St. Francis (5-1, 3-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Outlook: In St. Francis' 32-30 overtime win over Marmion, Spartans coach Greg Purnell discovered, again, his team has the character to rally from behind. Mark Kachmer is most definitely the man, but quarterback Jeff Reckards looks better each game.

Glenbard South (4-2, 3-1)

at Yorkville (1-5, 0-4)

Game time: 7 p.m. today.

Outlook: Raiders QB Trace Wanless, RB Curtis Ford and WR Jon Holland present quite a challenge to defenses. Holland has 6 TD catches while Wanless has 9 TDs in the last two weeks. Yorkville's the latest spread offense to test the Raiders' defense.

Bartlett (6-0, 4-0) at Neuqua Valley (3-3, 2-2)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Outlook: Neuqua's backs-to-the-wall act worked last week in a 49-42, four-overtime win over Upstate Eight foe St. Charles East. Now comes Bartlett. Neuqua Valley must revisit last week's 388 yards of offense while containing the big play.