St. Charles East focused on stopping Elgin's big-play offense

Elgin (0-2, 0-0) at St. Charles East (0-2, 0-0)

Upstate Eight (River)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: West Aurora 35, St. Charles East 10; Mundelein 35, Elgin 24

Last year: St. Charles East 40, Elgin 0

Outlook: Proud programs with rich traditions seek their first victory of the season. The Maroons have been outscored 71-37, but not from a lack of effort.

"I give them and their new coach (Anthony Mason) a lot of credit, " St. Charles East coach Bryce Farquhar said. "You can see on film they play with energy, they play hard and fast and they play with a passion and a purpose. Things haven't turned out how they wanted, but they are playing with intensity."

The St. Charles East defense will focus on stopping Elgin's big play.

Of the Maroons' 6 touchdowns, 5 have been plays of 10 or more yards.

Receiver Lavion Baldwin has been the recipient of 36- and 65-yard touchdown throws from quarterback Terrance Miller Allen (21 of 44, 395 yards, 5 TD, 6 Int.). Baldwin has 9 receptions for 199 yards and 2 scores.

St. Charles East has been fighting the injury bug.

Seven starters have missed time already.

Farquhar said quarterback Zach Mitchell remains "a bit banged up," meaning backup Aiden Wright could again run the triple option offense.

Senior Cam Canales is day-to-day after playing through pain last week, his coach said.

The fullback has carried 30 times for 149 yards. On a positive injury note, defensive leader Mitch Guillaume has been cleared, though the senior linebacker's playing time may be limited this week, his coach said.

Next week: West Aurora at Elgin; St. Charles East at Batavia