Valley supremacy at stake as Crystal Lake South visits Huntley
Crystal Lake South (5-1, 2-0) at
Huntley (6-0, 2-0)
Fox Valley (Valley)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday
Last week: Crystal Lake South 41, Dundee-Crown 6; Huntley 22, Jacobs 19
Last year: Huntley 38, Crystal Lake South 7
Outlook: Already guaranteed a playoff spot for the second straight year and the third time in coach John Hart's four seasons, Huntley attempts to retain sole possession of first place in the FVC Valley while improving its playoff seed. The Gators' only loss was a 21-14 setback in Week 1 to state-ranked Marian Central. "I think they're really physical, much more than they have been the last few years since I've been around," Hart said of CL South. "They have some good skilled kids. The tailback (Corey Sheehan) and fullback (Kyle Leva) are difference-makers for them and the tight end (6-foot-3 senior Drew Murtaugh) gives them a big target to throw to." The Red Raiders average 38.7 points per game, but they turned the ball over 6 times last week. Such miscues could prove costly against CL South, which has claimed 12 more turnovers than it has committed. "We have to find a way to stop them or we're not going to win the game," CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. "It'll be a challenge and we'll have to do things a little differently. We're not going to be able to just man up and push them around." Huntley defensive back Anthony Bellantuono (26 tackles) and offensive linemen Justin Domingo (6-0, 275) will not play due to injuries suffered last week.
Next week: Crystal Lake South at Jacobs (5-1); Huntley at McHenry (1-5)