Football: DuPage previews, Week 6

The best of the bunch

1. Naperville Central vs. Naperville North at North Central College: Big stadium, big crowd, big game.

2. Neuqua Valley at St. Charles East: Wildcats' UEC title chances are on the line.

3. York at Glenbard West: Can Hilltoppers deliver a hit to York's West Suburban Silver title defense?

4. Addison Trail at Willowbrook: Three straight wins for the Blazers in this District 88 rivalry.

5. Downers Grove North at Hinsdale Central: Old-school rivalry pre-dates last Cubs World Series appearance.

Wes Spencer Classic

Naperville North holds a 20-18 series edge over rival Naperville Central. The last three games were decided by a combined total of only 7 points.

Old Oaken Bucket

In the 73rd rendition of this West Suburban Conference rivalry, Hinsdale Central holds a 38-30-4 edge over Downers Grove North.

Young guns

Of the 27 DuPage-area football teams, 18 have non-senior starting quarterbacks. Eight of those teams start sophomores behind center.

Glenbard North (2-3, 1-2) at West Chicago (2-3, 1-2)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Glenbard North 21, West Chicago 0.

Last week: Naperville North 37, Glenbard North 7; West Chicago 27, Glenbard East 20, OT.

Outlook: After allowing 270 rushing yards last week, the Panthers and standout linebacker Adrian Leal will shore up their defense against a resurgent West Chicago ground game. Glenbard North's Tyler Doll gutted out a 100-yard rushing effort against Naperville North. He and Carl Gerrick will put the focus on the run again tonight. Converted Wildcats linebacker Mason Brandstedter amazed with his 46-carry, 275-yard effort last week behind a line led by Jim Miner and Justin Bjornson. With Brandstedter on offense, defensive lineman Taylor Overman made a successful transition to linebacker.

Next week: Glenbard North at Glenbard East; West Chicago at Naperville Central.

Glenbard East (1-4, 0-3) at Wheaton North (3-2, 1-2)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Wheaton North 49, Glenbard East 7.

Last week: West Chicago 27, Glenbard East 20, OT; Wheaton North 28, West Aurora 15.

Outlook: After a 3-point loss to West Aurora and last week's overtime defeat, the Rams must regroup to stave off playoff elimination. Sophomore quarterback Jack Merrithey and receiver Jason Callahan combined for 3 touchdown passes and a 2-point conversion last week. A surging Falcons secondary, meanwhile, snared 4 interceptions. Jack DeAno, who had two, has 4 picks on the season. Sophomore quarterback Taylor Graham won his first start last week. In his first full game solely focusing on defense, Eric Terrazas had an interception at cornerback.

Next week: Glenbard North at Glenbard East; WW South at Wheaton North.

West Aurora (3-2, 1-2) at Wheat Warrenville South (5-0, 3-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: WW South 69, West Aurora 13.

Last week: Wheaton North 28, West Aurora 15; WW South 26, Naperville Central 7.

Outlook: The Blackhawks are under the .500 mark in the DVC, but they're still in the midst of one of their most competitive conference seasons. Quarterback John Nunnally is a playmaker who helped account for the team's season-high 230 rushing yards last week. The Tigers defense roared last week led by Phil Traynor's 7 tackles and 2 sacks, and Paul Riss' blocked punt and forced fumble. Keep an eye on wide receiver Kendrick Perry. The game-breaking 6-foot-6 senior emerged last week to catch 2 passes for 69 yards and a 40-yard touchdown.

Next week: Naperville North at West Aurora; WW South at Wheaton North.

Naperville Central (3-2, 2-1) vs. Naperville North (5-0, 3-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today at North Central College.

Last year: Naperville Central 30, Naperville North 27.

Last week: WW South 26, Naperville Central 7; Naperville North 37, Glenbard North 7.

Outlook: Redhawks offensive lineman Scott Baum should return from a knee injury while defensive lineman Josh Jelesky could be back from an athletic code violation. The offense will try to control the ball with quarterback Harrison Daniels, receiver Mike Schmitz and running back Nick Kukuc. It'll be the stiffest test yet for the Huskies' pass defense and DBs Dan Hess, Ben Kelsey, Jason Dangles and Paul Freier. The ground game of QB Jordan Tassio and running backs Nick Mlady, Tom Costantino and Tyrone Saunders boasts nearly 1,400 yards.

Next week: West Chicago at Naperville Central; Naperville North at West Aurora.

Benet (1-4, 1-2) at Marist (2-3, 1-2)

East Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Benet 13, Marist 10.

Last week: Joliet Catholic 55, Benet 10; Marist 10, St. Patrick 0.

Outlook: Speedy Joliet Catholic knocked Benet out of its ground-based game plan and onto the playoff precipice. “It's a challenge, but the opportunity is there, ť said coach Gary Goforth, whose 35 passing opportunities last week could prove beneficial against Marist, which lost 55-0 to Joliet Catholic. Defensive back Corey Fotre returns from a concussion to help linebacker James East and tackle Pete Schimeck defend Marist's spread offense. Both teams have allowed many more points than they've scored; Marist back Bill Seiler and tight end Colin Monnier have scored Marist's only ESCC touchdowns. Benet hopes to continue the trend by getting turnovers and containing the big play.

Next week: St. Patrick at Benet; Marian Catholic at Marist.

Reed-Custer (2-3, 0-2) at Lisle (0-5, 0-2)

Interstate Eight Large

Game time: 7:15 p.m., today, Benedictine University.

Last year: Reed-Custer 40, Lisle 27.

Last week: Herscher 15, Reed-Custer 14; Sandwich 42, Lisle 21.

Outlook: Lisle's homecoming will help alleviate the pain of what will be the Lions' first non-playoff season since 2000. Youthful Reed-Custer, which plays sophomore backs Ryan Garbin and Jim Benson behind junior quarterback Casey Burns, has identical 7-6 wins over Wilmington (which beat Lisle 33-7) and Dwight. Lisle's challenge will be to eliminate mistakes that sabotaged its chances last week and meet the Comets at the line. Despite last week's loss to Sandwich, both quarterback John Surber and tailback Ricardo Lee had their best games, with Lee rushing for 178 yards and touchdowns of 41, 6 and 64 yards.

Next week: Manteno at Reed-Custer; Lisle at Peotone.

Fenton (2-3, 1-1) at Riverside-Brookfield (2-3, 2-0)

Metro Suburban Conference

Game time: 7 p.m., today.

Last year: Fenton 32, Riverside-Brookfield 26; Fenton 42, Riverside-Brookfield 36.

Last week: Fenton 55, Elmwood Park 21; Riverside-Brookfield 21, Ridgewood 19.

Outlook: Fenton coach Mark Farrell felt his team's execution was at a season high last week, starting with the ground game that piled up 300 rushing yards with running backs D.J. Anderson and Tyler Sabala behind an Alex Mroz-led line. Quarterback Ricky Prignano accounted for 170 total yards. Tonight presents a similar challenge to last week - a pass-happy spread offense from the Bulldogs, who sit alone atop the MSC standings after starting the season 0-3. Controlling the line of scrimmage is Fenton's top goal.

Next week: Ridgewood at Fenton; Elmwood Park at Riverside-Brookfield.

Wheaton Academy (2-3, 1-2) at Rockford Christian Life (2-3, 1-2)

Private School League

Game time: 7 p.m., today.

Last year: Did not play.

Last week: Walther Lutheran 35, Wheaton Academy 14; Rockford Christian Life 34, Luther North 0.

Outlook: Luther North is a common foe - Wheaton Academy lost 10-6 - but so is Walther, which beat RCL 28-0. Wheaton Academy coach Ben Wilson said it's no secret the Warriors must stop 5-7, 195-pound fullback Zander Pineschi. Offensively, Wilson wants to establish the run after last week's minus-8 yard effort. But if quarterback Brian Pell gets protection, receivers Anthony Ritchie, Jake Jones and Josh Kuell - the just-eligible transfer had a touchdown grab and returned a kick for a touchdown - are deadly.

Next week: Chicago Christian at Wheaton Academy; Rockford Christian Life at Luther South.

St. Francis (2-3, 1-2) at Marmion (2-3, 0-3)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 1 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: Marmion 16, St. Francis 10.

Last week: St. Francis 51, Aurora Central 28.

Outlook: A refreshing change for these SCC rivals. Marmion enters having been outscored 111-0 by Driscoll, Marian Catholic and Montini; St. Francis gained 554 yards last week after losing to Montini and Driscoll. Spartans coach Greg Purnell likes quarterback Jeff Reckards' development and has to love last week's combined 332 yards rushing by Stan Bobowski and Mark Kachmer. At issue Saturday is the ability of nose tackle Danny Sufranski and Co. to counter Marmion's veteran offensive line and five-wide set. Cadets quarterback Ricky Bird is probable with a knee injury; receiver Manny Juarez (mono), questionable.

Next week: St. Francis at St. Edward; Marmion at Immaculate Conception.

St. Edward (0-5, 0-3) at Driscoll (5-0, 3-0)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Driscoll 57, St. Edward 12.

Last week: Marian Central 30, St. Edward 0; Driscoll 37, Immaculate Conception 21.

Outlook: St. Edward will be hard-pressed to end its 19-game SCC winless streak. Still, Green Wave coach Mike Rolando's experienced crew headed by Matt Ardiente, Moises Quiroga, Ryan Gilbert and Jimmy Mathisen has lost three games by 8 total points. Homecoming host Driscoll's greatest fault is a slew of penalties. Quarterback David Schwabe and tailback Tim Franken shine in the spread offense, linebacker Kevin Palermo on defense. As usual the Highlanders' recipe includes unsung heroes like receiver Clay Cooper, defensive end Nick Stenzel, linebacker Mike Balaskovits.

Next week: St. Francis at St. Edward; Driscoll at Aurora Central Catholic.

IC (2-3, 1-2) at Montini (5-0, 3-0)

Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Montini 28, Immaculate Conception 7.

Last week: Driscoll 37, IC 21; Montini 35, Marmion 0.

Outlook: Bottom line it was a loss, but IC showed positives against Driscoll - an offensive line that opened holes for Jon Ellis and Paul Hornstra, more experience for sophomore quarterback Will Cronin and good special teams headed by Brendan Ryan's 90-yard return for touchdown. Now the defense has to deal with a Montini offense that leads the area in yardage at 438 a game. Broncos quarterback Tom DiCristina has completed 65 percent of his passes with 17 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. The key for both teams will be how much influence two-way Montini linemen Garrett Goebel, Chuck Porcelli and Dave Lembas have, and if the Knights defense can make key stops.

Next week: Marmion at IC; Montini at Marian Central.

Neuqua Valley (2-3, 2-1) at St. Charles East (4-1, 3-0)

Upstate Eight Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Neuqua Valley 34, St. Charles East 7.

Last week: Neuqua 56, Larkin 39; St. Charles East 30, Lake Park 0.

Outlook: Bartlett's on tap next week for Neuqua Valley, but this will decide if the Wildcats are up to defending their UEC title. The offenses of both Neuqua and the Saints go through top-flight tailbacks - Anton Wilkins for Neuqua, Wes Allen for St. Charles East. With the defenses stoked up for those two, others such as Neuqua tight end Regi Miskel or St. Charles East back Chris Caci may make the difference. A game pitting power against power, jelling Neuqua defensive ends John Quill and T.J. Jordan head a defensive front seven that aims to create field position for an offense that gained confidence in last week's bonanza.

Next week: Neuqua at Bartlett; St. Charles East at South Elgin.

Addison Trail (1-4, 1-1) at Willowbrook (3-2, 1-2)

West Suburban Gold

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Addison Trail 27, Willowbrook 0.

Last week: Glenbard West 41, Addison Trail 27; Leyden 24, Willowbrook 21.

Outlook: Blazers quarterback Zach Maxwell had his best game last week, aided by Vince Beachem's 9 catches for 135 yards and 2 TDs. The addition of running back Michael D'Ambrose has helped diversify the offense, something Willowbrook needs be wary of in its attempt to bounce back from last week's heartbreak. The Warriors were down four starters due to injury, although wide receiver Milton Colbert managed to gut through the game on an ankle at about 50 percent. Wayne Bolden, who caught 2 TD passes and accounted for 150 total yards, continues to shine.

Next week: Downers South at Addison Trail; Willowbrook at Hinsdale South.

Hinsdale South (2-3, 1-1) at Downers South (5-0, 2-0)

West Suburban Gold

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Downers South 28, Hinsdale South 0.

Last week: Hinsdale South 41, Morton 6; Downers South 28, Proviso East 0.

Outlook: The Hornets hope to reclaim the Rebel Cannon after playing their best game of the season last week. Quarterback Gary Mayberry threw for 112 yards and he and Rushawn Galloway combined for 162 rushing yards - they'll look to carry over that balance. Dan Hopp, Galloway and 275-pound Dane DeKing will all see time on both sides of the ball. Expect explosive Downers South running back Scottie Williams back in the lineup tonight after sitting out last week with a foot injury. The Mustangs look to go 6-0 for the first time since 2002.

Next week: Willowbrook at Hinsdale South; Downers South at Addison Trail.

Downers North (1-4, 0-2) at Hinsdale Central (4-1, 2-0)

West Suburban Silver

Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: Downers North 17, Hinsdale Central 7.

Last week: Proviso West 8, Downers North 6; Hinsdale Central 42, Oak Park 22.

Outlook: After Downers North's first loss to Proviso West since the early '90s and possibly into its fourth quarterback, Tom Benton, this Old Oaken Bucket may be a little down. But with Downers North allowing 11.2 points a game the coaches don't see it that way. Coach Mike DiMatteo's Red Devils have won four straight and last week got a 5-touchdown game from quarterback John Whitelaw. Linebackers Chase Culbertson and Rory Cassin try to penetrate a revamped Downers North offensive line that looks to spring backs James Gaston and Joe Tokarski for long, consistent drives.

Next week: Glenbard West at Downers North; Hinsdale Central at York.

York (3-2, 2-1) at Glenbard West (3-2, 1-1)

West Suburban Silver

Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.

Last year: York 35, Glenbard West 7.

Last week: Lyons Twp. 32, York 8; Glenbard West 41, Addison Trail 27.

Outlook: Flashback: In 2005, 3-1 Glenbard West came off a 21-point win Week 4 over Addison Trail to lose 28-16 to York. Regardless of York's ability to spread the Hilltoppers defense, make tackles and recover from last week's fumble-prone loss (lacking four starters due to team code violation), this should be a good one. Glenbard West's Bryant Venson exploded for 200 yards and 4 touchdowns last week, while York quarterback Tom Judge completed 13 of 19 passes. Expect more of both in this Hilltoppers homecoming. Both coaches said the same thing - the key is run the ball and stop the run.

Next week: Hinsdale Central at York; Glenbard West at Downers Grove North.

Glenbard South (3-2, 1-2) at Kaneland (2-3, 1-2)

Western Sun Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m., today.

Last year: Kaneland 56, Glenbard South 13.

Last week: Glenbard South 49, DeKalb 14; Kaneland 31, Batavia 28.

Outlook: The Raiders enjoyed their highest scoring output in three years with last week's win. Running back-linebacker Mike Oratowski led the offense by rushing for 4 touchdowns by early in the second quarter. His athleticism, along with fellow linebackers Greg Calabrese and Louis Erkins, will be just as key on defense tonight. Will Hill is among the many defensive backs ready to keep tabs on Kaneland's potent passing game. This is the first time this season the Raiders have faced a spread offensive set. Kaneland piled up 500 yards of offense for a third straight season against Batavia, beating the Bulldogs for a fourth straight year.

Next week: Yorkville at Glenbard South; Kaneland vs. DeKalb at Northern Illinois University.