Scouting this weekend's DuPage County football games
By Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
kschmit@dailyherald.com
Glenbard North (2-2, 0-0) at Naperville Central (3-1, 0-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Glenbard North 20, Naperville North 19; Naperville Central 10, WW South 7.
Last year: Glenbard North 40, Naperville Central 34.
Outlook: Glenbard North's hopes for the postseason drastically improved with last week's comeback win. The Panthers must carry over that second-half effort - including more than 100 rushing yards from Devion Hodges and big plays from sophomore Jace James - into a full-game effort against surging Naperville Central. That means no turnovers in their own territory, no untimely penalties and better special teams play. The Redhawks' defense shines up front with Joe Schweikart and Jack Walsh, but it'd be nice to get linebacker Dan DelGrosso back from injury to pair with Bobby McMillen. Their offense last week leaned on running back Kevin Clifford more than ever, and he responded with 195 yards, including clutch gains on the game-winning drive. Glenbard North counters with linebackers Luke Greenberg and Phil Partipilo, who came up with a huge interception last week. A young secondary must contain Naperville Central receivers Michael Kolzow and Emmanuel Rugamba.
Next week: Wheaton North at Glenbard North; Naperville Central vs. Naperville North at North Central College.
Glenbard South (2-2, 0-0) at Fenton (4-0, 0-0)
Metro Suburban West
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Glenbard South 41, Ridgewood 0; Fenton 35, Elmwood Park 6.
Last year: Glenbard South 42, Fenton 14.
Outlook: Glenbard South has dominated this series with an average margin of victory of 30 points since the Raiders joined the MSC in 2011. To turn it around this season, Fenton must find a way to dominate in the trenches with experienced linemen like Adam Benayad on offense and Cody Quarles on defense. Fenton's power running game of Matt Lucas, Kyle McPherson and Eric Lonergan is crucial, but last week quarterback Willie Wassmann also threw 3 touchdown passes. The Bison, however, need to be wary of Glenbard South ballhawks Andrew Wrona, Jimmy Ebbole and Ryan Willis in addition to linebackers Dillon Valdez and Jake Kapp. The Raiders' offense gets a huge boost with the return from injury of Jack Curtis, but look for him to play running back and receiver as opposed to quarterback. Junior Kyle Carli has stepped up to the point that Glenbard South can utilize Curtis elsewhere. Fenton's defense goes 18 deep but still leans on two-way play from Lucas, Benayad and others.
Next week: Wheaton Academy at Glenbard South; Aurora Central Catholic at Fenton.
Glenbard West (4-0, 2-0) at Hinsdale Central (3-1, 2-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Glenbard West 28, Lyons Twp. 14; Hinsdale Central 42, Proviso West 14.
Last year: Glenbard West 37, Hinsdale Central 7.
Outlook: The Hilltoppers hope the lessons learned in last week's comeback win pay long-term dividends. They may be short-handed defensively after a physical matchup, but a thinned line remains strong with ends Declan Ryan and Nate Orrison. If 6-foot-7 basketball standout Matt Rafferty returns from injury to play quarterback, that'll make Hinsdale Central more dangerous in the passing game with Thomas Ives able to switch back to receiver. Balance comes with the return to the lineup of running back Juwan Edmond. Glenbard West's vaunted ground game offers power and more power with Sam Brodner and fullback Donahvon Vaughn, who have combined for 705 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The X-factor remains the passing combination of quarterback Kyle Kramer and receiver Aidan Gould. Hinsdale Central's big-play defense came up with 2 interceptions last week in addition to 3 sacks, including two by Matt Bradley, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt.
Next week: Oak Park at Glenbard West; Hinsdale Central at Lyons Twp.
Hinsdale South (4-0, 2-0) at Addison Trail (4-0, 2-0)
West Suburban Gold
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Hinsdale South 40, Proviso East 6; Addison Trail 40, Leyden 7.
Last year: Hinsdale South 34, Addison Trail 21.
Outlook: It's not often these teams meet in an unbeaten showdown, but with Addison Trail's final three conference foes sporting a combined 2-10 record, this matchup could determine the Gold champion. Hinsdale South is back at full strength after winning last week without five injured receivers and leading rusher Marcus Curry. Down so many skill players, quarterback Rob Regan stepped up for the Hornets. He makes everything go in their option game, something Addison Trail's front seven, led by linebackers Mike Peters and Eric Gilliam, will be pressed to slow. All season the Blazers have been trying to get their passing game going, and last week quarterback Mike Rybarczyk hit the jackpot with 4 touchdown passes. Still, Addison Trail's offense primarily relies on running back Malik Pierre-Louis, who's rushed for at least 100 yards in all four games. Hornets defensive lineman Josh King is regarded as the state's top junior recruit, while safety Robert Hall is also having a standout season.
Next week: Leyden at Hinsdale South; Addison Trail at Morton.
Wheaton Warrenville South (1-3, 0-0) at Wheaton North (1-3, 0-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Naperville Central 10, WW South 7; Wheaton North 17, Lake Park 10.
Last year: WW South 17, Wheaton North 13.
Outlook: Better offensive efficiency would go a long way toward reversing WW South's fortunes. Line changes, including Tom Hutchison's shift to tackle, have stabilized the Tigers up front. While quarterback Josh Prueter and running back Mike Campos have handled the bulk of the touches - 416 combined rushing yards - the Tigers need to get Western Michigan-bound receiver Keishawn Watson and running back Jonathan Johnson more involved. Wheaton North's defense stood tall last week thanks to the senior leadership from linebacker Nick Singleton and defensive back Ben Moore. The Falcons' offense caught a spark last week with Doug Michalak's 70 rushing yards. Another effort like that will ease the pressure on sophomore quarterback Luke Anthony, who's developed a strong rapport with receivers J.P. Forcucci and Michael Bloss. WW South's been getting great play from defensive lineman Solomon Jackson in front of Northwestern-bound linebacker Tom Vitale.
Next week: Lake Park at WW South; Wheaton North at Glenbard North.
Benet (4-0, 2-0) at Marist (1-3, 0-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Benet's defense has dominated thus far, evidenced by Mac Cooney's pick 6 in last week's win over St. Patrick in which quarterback Jack Sznajder threw for 220 yards. Benet can't be caught looking ahead to next week's showdown against Nazareth.
Downers Grove North (1-3, 0-2) at Lyons Twp. (2-2, 0-1)Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: A tough stretch of schedule continues to take its toll on the Trojans, who have scored 3 points against three straight unbeaten opponents. Quarterback David Edwards, accounting for the bulk of the offense, is bouncing back strong from injury issues.
East Aurora (0-4, 0-2) at Neuqua Valley (2-2, 2-0)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: As quarterback Broc Rutter's health has improved, so has Neuqua's offense. That's trouble for East Aurora and the rest of the Upstate Eight Valley Division. Rutter returned to form last week, 10-of-15 passing for 202 yards, 2 touchdowns, no picks.
IC Catholic (1-3, 0-0) at Aurora Central Catholic (4-0, 0-0)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: If the Knights can stay away from turnovers and injuries, they may surprise with skill players Rhashaun Epting and Jordan Rowell. Containing Chargers quarterback Matt Rahn and running back Brandon Babler are critical for the Knights' defense.
Leo (3-1) at Montini (2-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Speed-based Leo reached the Class 1A semifinals last season. Though banged up, Montini will still be deeper. The Broncos' linebacker combo of John Embrey and Terrell Johnson already has been credited with 65 and 43 tackles, respectively.
Leyden (0-4, 0-1) at Downers Grove South (2-2, 1-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Mustangs got their offense moving in last week's win over Morton with the switch of Jacob Baker to quarterback and Ryan Taylor to running back. The 31-7 victory was also Downers South's best defensive effort of the season.
Metea Valley (2-2, 1-1) at South Elgin (2-2, 1-1)Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Metea beat the Storm in 2013, one of its best wins. Defensive linemen Erin Morgan, Mikqual Pines and Matt Hartdegen ruled last week. The Mustangs also scored in all three phases last week, with Bryson Oliver's punt return, Ben Belskis' fumble return.
Morton (1-3, 1-1) at Willowbrook (0-4, 0-1)Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Willowbrook's offense looked different last week with quarterback Billy Degnan and running back David Harris out. That pressed sophomore M.J. Ranieri into action behind center in his first varsity start. He responded with nearly 200 passing yards.
Naperville North (2-2, 0-0) at Lake Park (3-1, 0-0)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Although a great first half was spoiled by a tough second, the Huskies saw a playmaker emerge with receiver D'Angelo Hyshaw. Lake Park has added strength in the secondary with Adam Robinson opposite lockdown corner Antonio Shenault.
Riverside-Brookfield (2-2, 0-0) at Wheaton Acad. (4-0, 0-0)Game time: 2 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Warriors linebacker Camden Meade, who scored 4 touchdowns last week running the ball, and fellow defensive standouts Mike Silfugarian and Luis Ramos will contend with a power ground game from the Bulldogs for the first time this year.
St. Francis (2-2) at Hales Franciscan (3-1)Game time: 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: In St. Francis' first game following tailback Steven Fassnacht's season-ending injury, quarterback Clint Bobowski threw 56 times against Brother Rice. Hales brings Illinois-bound safety Patrick Nelson, Rivals.com's No. 9 senior in the state.
Seneca (3-1, 2-0) at Lisle (1-3, 0-2)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday at Benedictine University.
The quick hit: Finishing plays defensively is a focus after allowing Westmont short completions for big gains in Lisle's 62-42 loss. Yet coach Paul Parpet Sr. was surprised by junior Alex VanVolkenburg - 20-of-37 passing, 287 yards, 4 TDs, 3 to Mark McGrath.
Waubonsie Valley (4-0, 2-0) at Glenbard East (3-1, 1-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Waubonsie's Keaton Casey has touchdown grabs in the last two games, but the bread and butter is Tony Durns and Zach Bennema running option. Glenbard East linebackers Mickey Farnham, Justin Griffin and Anthony Allen will try to deny that.
West Chicago (2-2, 1-1) at Larkin (0-4, 0-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: West Chicago plays for its first 3-2 record since 2003. The Wildcats have to avoid getting burned deep by Larkin's A.J. Hunter. And do what worked last week - run the ball effectively with Parrish Benton, Danny Lazzerini and Peyton Seidler.
Wilmington (4-0, 2-0) at Westmont (2-2, 1-1)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: It's Westmont's crack at the six-time defending Interstate Eight Small champs. Last week Sentinels quarterback Kyle Domin was 17-of-26 passing for 432 yards and 5 TDs - all to Marquis Thomas, whose 332 yards receiving rank third all-time.
York (3-1, 0-1) at Oak Park (4-0, 2-0)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: There's no secret about how the Dukes plan to slow down Oak Park's offense. They'll try keeping the Huskies' potent skill players off the field with a grinding ground game led by Luke Alexander, who last week rushed for 180 yards and 5 touchdowns.