Scouting Week 6 DuPage County football games
Glenbard South (4-1, 3-0) at Riverside-Brookfield (2-3, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Raiders: Since allowing 35 points to a potent Wheaton Warrenville South team in Week 1, the Raiders’ defense has given up a total of 28 points during the team’s 4-game winning streak. Freshman tailback Elijah Donahue provided a highlight reel with 3 first-quarter touchdowns against Elmwood Park last weekend. The Rams need a win to stay atop the Upstate Eight East.
About the Bulldogs: Sophomore quarterback Giancarlo Garcia accounted for 166 yards of offense during the Bulldogs’ 21-14 loss to Fenton last weekend. Garcia, who completed 11 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, has thrown 4 TD passes in 5 games. Senior defensive back Julian Espinoza recorded a team-high 10 tackles against Fenton.
Fenton (4-1, 2-1) at Glenbard East (4-1, 3-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 49-7, last season.
About the Bison: It has been quite a turnaround season for the Bison, who will secure their first winning campaign since 2013 with a victory over the Rams. That won’t be easy, however, considering Glenbard East’s 49-7 victory over Fenton last season. Senior quarterback Nathan Stewart is flanked by Jack Tinajero, Nate Lopez, Javier Rosas, Omar Diaz, and Jayshaun Shipp.
About the Rams: Glenbard East has scored 153 points (51-point average) during its last 3 victories over Bartlett, Elmwood Park, and Ridgewood. Quarterback Michael Nee has hurt opponents with his arm and legs, evidenced by his 3 touchdown passes and 20-yard touchdown run, during the Rams’ 41-8 victory over Ridgewood last weekend. Amonte Cook is a scoring threat every time he touches the ball, while junior tailback Kedrick Dennis also possesses game-breaking speed.
West Chicago (3-2, 1-1) at Elmwood Park (0-5, 0-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Wildcats: The Wildcats’ offense continues to be led by junior quarterback Carter Naranjo and senior tailback Robert Lee. Naranjo rushed for 211 yards and a touchdown during last weekend’s 38-21 loss to South Elgin, while Lee topped the 100-yard mark with 108 yards and an 11-yard TD. West Chicago needs 2 more victories to become playoff eligible.
About the Tigers: Quarterback Matthew Fritz is a 2-way threat, evidenced by his 77-yard touchdown run against Glenbard South last weekend. Jacob Solis and Jairus Ponce are his favorite targets. Elmwood Park’s defense allowed 511 yards to Glenbard South.
Lincoln-Way East (5-0, 2-0) at Neuqua Valley (1-4, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Griffins: Lincoln-Way East continued to flex absolute dominance, although the Week 5 win over Homewood-Flossmoor took a little bit longer to materialize. The Griffins and Vikings were tied at 7 in the first half before East scored 41 unanswered points to earn its fourth consecutive on-field runaway win. QB Jonas Williams threw six touchdown passes in the victory, as he moved past the 80 career touchdown pass milestone and into the top 20 in state history as only a junior. Williams is starting to establish a rapport with his receiving group, as both Talan White and Keagan Ruane are reliable and consistent targets.
About the Wildcats: Neuqua Valley got in the win column for the first time in Week 5, beating DeKalb, and by far put together its best offensive performance of the season. Most of that offensive surge was provided by junior RB Andrew Barkley, who scored four touchdowns in the victory over the Barbs and put the game on ice with a 81-yard touchdown to cement the victory. The win also led to a better defensive outing from the Wildcats, who had surrendered 30-plus points in all but one of their games.
Naperville Central (5-0) at Lockport (3-2)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
About the Redhawks: Naperville Central reached 5-0 for the first time since 2017, surviving a defensive scuffle with Lincoln-Way West in Week 5 to get there. The Redhawks seem OK in that scenario, as the they have allowed more than two touchdowns to only one opponent. Naperville Central’s offense has been consistently fueled by RB Aiden Clark. The Redhawks’ balance on offense has given opponents’ defensive fronts fits all season.
About the Porters: Lockport appeared to be on the way to implementing the same blueprint that has worked for it in recent seasons in a Week 5 matchup with Naperville North: Play great defense and scratch and claw out enough points for a win. But after holding the Huskies scoreless in the first half, Lockport promptly gave up 31 second-half points, and the injury-riddled Porters limped to the finish line in a 31-20 loss. RB Tyler Pospisil scored two touchdowns, as the Porters seem to have landed on a reliable source in the running game.
Naperville North (3-2) at Lincoln-Way West (3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Huskies: Naperville North’s two losses have come against teams that are undefeated, and the Huskies will be playing the fifth of its first six games this season against teams with a winning record Friday. In fact, all but two of Naperville North’s opponents this season have winning records thus far. QB Jacob Bell is having a standout season for Naperville North. The offense put things together for 31 second-half points in a win over Lockport.
About the Warriors: Lincoln-Way West has hit a bit of an offensive lull after a strong start to the season. The Warriors scored 40-plus points in the first three games of the season but hit a wall in Week 5, managing just seven points in a loss to Naperville Central. The pieces are there for the Warriors to rebound, but the remaining schedule features four above-.500 teams, so there’s not a lot of time for the regroup to happen.
Waubonsie Valley (3-2) at Normal Community West (3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Warriors: Due to an injury to Josh Siekarski, junior Colin Ford made the most of his first varsity start last weekend, running for a touchdown and throwing for another during the Warriors’ 28-7 win over Stagg. Chrisjan Simmons, who scored 2 rushing TDs last weekend, is the Warriors’ leading ball carrier.
About the Wildcats: Despite being held to 134 yards of total offense, the Wildcats won the turnover battle, 4-1, while handing Peoria its first loss last week (20-18). While most players were caught looking at the ball following a short punt, Jaylen Cross scooped it up and ran 18 yards for a touchdown against Peoria, while Shawn Watkins added an interception.
Wheaton Warrenville South (2-3, 1-2) at Wheaton North (3-2, 1-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: WW South has to quickly put behind a stunning 37-32 loss to St. Charles North last week, a game in which the Tigers led 32-23 with 2:30 left before the North Stars rallied with two TDs over a 37-second span. Tigers’ quarterback Luca Carbonaro threw TD passes to Owen Yorke in the fourth quarter and Luke Beres in the second quarter. NIU recruit Amari Williams had six catches for 93 yards. WW South beat Wheaton North 20-17 last season, the Tigers’ first win in the rivalry series since 2019. The teams’ last four meetings have been decided by a total of nine points.
About the Falcons: Wheaton North comes in off a rough 41-0 loss to Batavia. The Falcons managed just 31 yards of offense minus five rushing. They’re in the middle of a tricky stretch of games, the crosstown rivalry sandwiched around matchups with unbeaten Batavia and Geneva.
Glenbard North (2-3, 0-3) at Lake Park (2-3, 0-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Lake Park won, 27-14, last season.
About the Panthers: Glenbard North gave unbeaten Geneva a scare before being outscored 24-0 in the second half during last weekend’s 38-12 loss to the Vikings. Junior RB/LB Lucas Kramer’s 16-yard touchdown run helped push the Panthers to a 9-0 first-quarter lead, and they trailed just 14-12 at halftime. Tailback Donato Gatses gained 102 yards rushing against Geneva. Glenbard North owns a 4-2 record against Lake Park since the teams began play in the DuKane Conference.
About the Lancers: During last weekend’s 27-21 loss to St. Charles East, quarterback George Tzamouranis was forced to leave the game after taking a hit in overtime. If he isn’t available, Taysean Smith will likely get the nod. Robert Munaco had a touchdown run and caught a touchdown pass against St. Charles East. A year ago, the Lancers snapped a 4-game losing streak to the Panthers.
Addison Trail (4-1) at Proviso West (2-3)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Last matchup: Addison Trail won, 41-6, last season.
About the Blazers: The Blazers will become playoff eligible for the second straight season with a victory over the Panthers. Noah Cruz caught a 25-yard touchdown pass during last weekend’s 28-8 victory over Proviso East. Raja Corhn and Dom Renc provide valuable offensive leadership for the Blazers, who look to remain in striking distance of West Suburban Gold leader Downers Grove South.
About the Panthers: Since opening the season with back-to-back wins over Von Steuben and Proviso East, the Panthers have been outscored 169-0 in losses to Oak Park, Downers Grove North, and Lyons. Quarterback Rayjon Johnson and tailback Donte Butcher are Proviso’s top offensive threats.
Downers Grove North (5-0, 3-0) at York (5-0, 2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Trojans: By its standards this season, Downers Grove North’s 28-7 win over Oak Park-River Forest last week was quite modest. The Trojans, ranked third in Class 7A in the latest Associated Press poll, has outscored its five opponents by a combined margin of 208-14. Now comes their biggest challenges, back-to-back games with fellow West Suburban Silver unbeatens York and Lyons. Those were Downers Grove North’s two regular-season losses last season, York by a 32-21 margin. Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu is the man to watch at quarterback while the Trojans have the ball, Charlie Cruse one of his top targets. Meanwhile, linebacker Jake Gregorio leads a defense that has been downright stifling.
About the Dukes: York, which has won at least a share of the last two Silver titles, got its toughest challenge to date this season last week, a 21-13 win over Hinsdale Central. Jimmy Conners made his presence felt on both sides with 76 yards and three TDs on 17 carries, and four tackles, a tackle for loss, pass breakup and an interception on the final play of the game. Defensive back Riggins Kohl had seven tackles and an interception. York had 272 yards rushing against Hinsdale Central, with Henry Duda rushing for 107 and dual-threat quarterback Bruno Massel 88 yards rushing and 72 yards passing. Notre Dame recruit and two-way starting lineman Joe Reiff is a man to watch for the Dukes, ranked third in Class 8A.
Hinsdale Central (2-3, 0-2) at Glenbard West (1-4, 0-2)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central, similar to previous defeats to Naperville Central and Lyons, hung in there until the end of an eventual 21-13 loss to York last week. Now the Red Devils must make hay the next three weeks, games against teams with current losing records, if they are to make a playoff push. Junior QB Riley Contreras threw for 111 yards and TD passes to Kelan McInerney and James Skokna last week. Skokna had six catches for 77 yards and the score.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West finally put an end to its worst start since 1999 last week, blowing out Leyden 63-0 in a West Suburban crossover. JaMarcus Kelly ran for four TDs, including ones from 47 and 37 yards, and the Hilltoppers led it 49-0 at the half. Danny Campanella had a pick-six and Dylan Vlach and Jack Davis also had TDs in the first half. Similar to Hinsdale Central, the schedule sets up for a potential playoff push with three games remaining against teams with current losing records. Glenbard West anticipates the return of running back Teyion Oriental, out since Week 1 with an apparent hand injury. Glenbard West beat Hinsdale Central 42-21 last season.
Hinsdale South (2-3, 1-2) at Downers Grove South (3-2, 2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Hornets: Hinsdale South comes in off back-to-back losses, a 45-7 defeat to Willowbrook last week. The Hornets’ defense has struggled in its three losses, giving up 39 points per game.
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South has won back-to-back games since entering Gold Division play with a 48-0 win over Morton last week. In the game Kayden Smith ran for 74 yards and three TDs, Keon Maggitt had a 95-yard kickoff on the game’s opening play and defensive lineman Ryker Dudley had four tackles for loss and a sack. Downers Grove South has won the last three games in the rivalry for the Rebel Cannon, including 29-17 last season.
Proviso East (0-5, 0-3) at Willowbrook (2-3, 2-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Pirates: It’s been another difficult season for Proviso East, but at least last week’s 28-8 loss to Addison Trail was a relatively competitive result.
About the Warriors: Willowbrook got back on track after a tough two-point loss to Downers Grove South in Week 4, blowing out Hinsdale South 45-7 last week. Aidan Kuehl and Anthony Leo had TD runs and Jahonise Reed threw two TD passes to KJ Rhodes for the Warriors, which led 32-0 at the half. Willowbrook beat Proviso East 43-8 last season.
Carmel (3-2, 0-1) at Montini (3-2, 0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
About the Corsairs: Carmel comes in off a 42-20 win over Marian Catholic, as the Corsairs have alternated wins and losses over the first five weeks. Sophomore QB Trae Taylor holds 28 scholarship offers including Michigan, Ohio State, LSU and Tennessee. He leads an offense that includes running back senior running back Donovan Dey, the CCL/ESCC Purple co-Offensive Player of the Year last year. Head coach Jason McKie, who played for the Chicago Bears, leads a program on the rise that reached the Class 5A quarterfinals last season.
About the Broncos: Montini bounced back from back-to-back losses in a big way last week, beating Marmion 55-19. Sophomore QB Israel Abrams threw for 224 yards and five TDs, CJ Harkins catching three of those scores. Jaxon Lane had 13 tackles, eight of them solos and JoJo James rushed for 82 yards and caught a 61-yard TD. Lane leads Montini with 42 tackles on the season. Santino Florio has 20 catches for 230 yards and three TDs. Montini is ranked No. 5 in the Class 3A poll.
St. Francis (3-2, 0-1) at IC Catholic Prep (2-3, 0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Francis won, 35-34, last season.
About the Spartans: After its 3-0 start, St. Francis has suffered back-to-back losses, including last weekend’s stunning 27-25 defeat at the hands of Providence. Junior quarterback Brady Palmer engineered a pair of fourth-quarter drives to give the Spartans a late lead only to watch the Celtics score the go-ahead TD on a 30-yard pass in the final seconds. A year ago, the Spartans pulled off a 35-34 win over IC on a touchdown pass and 2-point conversion with 19 seconds remaining.
About the Knights: Quarterback Will Bryk leads the Knights into action following last weekend’s 34-26 loss to Marist. IC Catholic has suffered 3 consecutive losses after a 2-0 start. Junior running back/linebacker Foley Calcagno averages 10-plus tackles per game. Spartans coach Bob McMillen was a football standout at IC in the 1980s.
Wheaton Academy (4-1, 3-0) at Kankakee McNamara (3-2, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy won, 51-0, last season.
About the Warriors: Winners of 4 straight games, Wheaton Academy travels to Kankakee looking to stay atop the Chicagoland Christian Conference standings. Senior quarterback Nathan Downey has improved each week and has multiple targets in Charlie Coniaris, Gino Spinelli, and Jake Weston. Tailbacks London Leflore and Brandon Kiebles combined for 4 touchdowns during the Warriors’ 56-0 victory over St. Edward last weekend.
About the Fightin’ Irish: Ian Irps’ 67-yard touchdown run in the third quarter provided the go-ahead score during Kankakee McNamara’s 17-14, come-from-behind victory over Aurora Christian last weekend. How much improved are the Fightin’ Irish? A year ago, they dropped a 51-0 decision to Aurora Christian. If that score sounds familiar, it’s identical to Wheaton Academy’s 51-0 victory over Kankakee McNamara last season.
Benet Academy (4-1, 1-0) at St. Patrick (2-3, 0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Benet won, 23-13, last season.
About the Redwings: The Redwings look to bounce back after having their 4-game winning streak ended during last weekend’s 48-13 loss to perennial powerhouse Mt. Carmel. Jack Clevenger provided a highlight with his 22-yard interception return for a touchdown, while cornerback Conor Evers recorded 12 tackles. Benet will become playoff eligible with a road victory.
About the Shamrocks: St. Patrick hopes to snap a 2-game losing streak in which it has been outscored, 89-0, by Brother Rice and DePaul Prep. Colin Hay directs the Shamrocks’ defense, supported by receivers Gavin Fitzgerald, Vince Curio, and sophomore tailback Jayden Miranda.
Westmont (1-3) at Lanark Eastland Pearl City Co-op (4-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Sentinels: Westmont travels west for a first-time meeting against Lanark Eastland Pearl City Co-op following last weekend’s 46-20 loss to Madison. The Sentinels are led by quarterback-linebacker Lucas Fears and teammates Lawrence Walker, IV, Yannis Tutuianu, Landon Hicks, Bryan Baker, and Jeremiah Thomas.
About the Cougars: Pearl City-Eastland tailback Draven Zier rushed for 207 yards on 15 carries and had a pair of 64-yard touchdown runs during the Cougars’ 34-8 victory over Stockton last weekend. The Cougars have scored 116 points during their 3-game winning streak.