Scouting Week 7 DuPage County football games
Bishop McNamara (6-0, 4-0) at Wheaton Academy (3-3, 3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Wheaton Academy won, 41-0, last season.
About the Fightin Irish: Following a rare losing season (4-5) a year ago, Bishop McNamara has regained its winning ways, thanks in part to an offense that averages 53 points per game. The high-powered offense and opportunistic defense have propelled the Fightin Irish to 45-plus points in every game this season. Senior quarterback Karter Krustinger directs the offense that features senior tailback Julius May, who rushed for 171 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Marian Central Catholic last weekend. Defensively, senior outside linebacker Tucker Inman leads the team with 9 tackles per game.
About the Warriors: The Warriors’ 3-game winning streak ended following a 28-21 loss to unbeaten Hope Academy last weekend. Junior quarterback Colton Miller completed 13 of 21 passes for 146 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Hope, while junior 2-way standout Logan Oros carried the ball 11 times for 67 yards and a touchdown, while recording a team-high 10 tackles. Junior Tommy Sommer caught 5 passes for 106 yards and a TD last weekend. The Warriors need to win 2 of their last 3 games to become playoff eligible for the fifth consecutive season.
East Aurora (2-4, 1-3) at Fenton (2-4, 1-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Fenton won, 56-20, last season.
About the Tomcats: Jairo Ceniceros provided a highlight for the Tomcats when he tackled a Bartlett player on a fake punt from the end zone for a safety during last week’s 41-2 loss to the Hawks. Junior quarterback Joseph Becker completed 68% of his passes for 146 yards, but a pair of interceptions proved costly last weekend. Junior Alexander Carter accounted for 60 yards, including 39 receiving on 4 catches, while Alexander Baez added a pair of receptions for 38 yards.
About the Bison: The Bison attempt to snap a 3-game losing skid that included last weekend’s 49-0 loss to defending Upstate Eight champion Glenbard East. Fenton, which trailed 42-0 at halftime, features running backs Omar Diaz and Ivan Macedo-Luna, and receiver Javier Rosas. Quarterback Jason Contreras connected with Rosas for a 21-yard gain against the Rams. The Bison need to win out the next 3 weeks to become playoff eligible.
Glenbard East (5-1, 3-0) at West Chicago (4-2, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 49-15, last season.
About the Rams: The defending Upstate Eight champions bring a 4-game winning streak to West Chicago. Led by senior quarterback Michael Nee (14 touchdown passes), receiver Malachi Miller (6 touchdowns), and tailback Kedrick Dennis (95-yard average, 5 touchdowns), the Rams have scored at least 28 points in all 6 of their games, topping the 40-point mark the past 3 weeks. Defensively, Glenbard East has recorded shutouts in 2 of its last 3 games, fueled by linemen Sam Walton and Donovan Brooks, linebackers Orlando Hoye and David Salgado, and safeties Keenan House and Montii Perry. The Rams’ final 3 opponents — West Chicago, Glenbard South, R-B — own a combined record of 14-2.
About the Wildcats: Playing without several starters due to injury, including senior quarterback Carter Naranjo (167-yard rushing average, 14 touchdowns), the Wildcats rushed for 341 yards during last weekend’s 61-6 victory over Elmwood Park. Adriano Rivera led the way, rushing for 66 yards and 3 touchdowns on 5 carries, supported by Iann Lemus (67 yards, 2 TDs), Liam Zbierski (82 yards, TD), and Gonzalo Flores (58 yards, TD). Lucas Wheat completed both of his passes for 51 yards, while scoring a pair of rushing touchdowns in his first start of the season at quarterback. Defensively, Roman Zolota collected 8 tackles against Elmwood Park. The Wildcats have topped the 60-point mark for a school-record 3 times this season.
Ridgewood (1-5, 0-3) at Glenbard South (4-2, 3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 24-21, last season.
About the Rebels: West Aurora’s defense held Rebels junior quarterback Angelo Vitale to 38 passing yards during Ridgewood’s 49-0 loss last weekend. Running backs Nicco Camillo and Frank Horak gained 34 and 22 yards, respectively against West Aurora. Ridgewood, which averages 14 points per game, has found the end zone just once over the past 2 contests.
About the Raiders: Glenbard South looks to begin another winning streak after last weekend’s 21-17 loss to Riverside-Brookfield snapped a 4-game surge. Battling leg cramps in the second half, sophomore 2-way standout Elijah Donahue carried the ball 24 times for 113 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while adding an interception on the defensive side of the ball against unbeaten R-B. Junior quarterback Tommy Bauman completed 13 of 27 passes for 173 yards last weekend. The Raiders hope to clean up mistakes and play turnover-free ball against a Ridgewood squad that took last year’s game down to the final possession. With a win, the Raiders will become playoff eligible for the 14th consecutive season.
Marian Catholic (2-4) at St. Francis (4-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: St. Francis won, 38-27, last season.
About the Spartans: Marian Catholic kept its slim playoff hopes alive with last weekend’s 34-20 victory over Marmion. Quarterback Owen Askren threw 3 touchdown passes, while workhorse running back Kyle Scott rushed for 265 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 36 carries. Nick Venturi and Braxton Henry helped thwart a late Marmion rally with second-half interceptions.
About the Spartans: St. Francis looks to become playoff eligible for the second straight week after last weekend’s 35-28 loss to IC Catholic Prep. Penalties, dropped passes, and turnovers proved costly in the loss to the Knights. Quarterback Brock Phillip passed for 252 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown throw to Dylan Liner, while tailback Tivias Caldwell scored a pair of long touchdown runs (32, 39 yards). St. Francis owns a 3-1 series edge over Marian Catholic — last year’s game was the first between the teams since the 1960s.
Marmion Academy (3-3) at IC Catholic Prep (4-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: IC won, 40-6, last season.
About the Cadets: Marmion suffered its second straight loss last weekend, dropping a 34-20 decision to CCL/ESCC leader Marian Catholic despite a pair of touchdown passes from sophomore quarterback Roy Magana, Jr., to Colin McEniry. McEniry, a junior, finished with 7 receptions for 69 yards. Magana (13 of 26, 178 yards) tallied the Cadets’ final touchdown on a 22-yard run late in the game. The Cadets’ secondary, led by Ryan Loria, figures to be tested by a strong IC Catholic Prep passing game. Marmion needs to win 2 of its next 3 games to become playoff eligible.
About the Knights: IC Catholic Prep rebounded from heartbreaking losses to Nazareth and Marist with last weekend’s 35-28 victory over St. Francis. Sophomore 2-way standout Grant Bowen caught a pair of second-half touchdown passes from junior quarterback Nate Lang (11 of 18, 226 yards) for the Knights. “Special player that makes special plays,” Knights coach Bill Krefft said of Bowen. Earlier, Lang connected with Tamarion Garner and Quai McGee on long touchdown passes. Defensively, senior Foley Calcagno and sophomore Will Schmidt anchor a unit looking to improve against a young Marmion squad.
Benet (3-3) at Fenwick (5-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Redwings: Benet is in the midst of its most brutal four-game stretch of the season that started with Mount Carmel in Week 4 and ends with Nazareth next week. The urgency for this particular game for the Redwings’ playoff hopes was heightened with a 46-24 loss to St. Patrick last week, a game in which Benet led 17-7 close to halftime. Ben Clevenger threw two TD passes to Luca Diomede in the loss.
About the Friars: Fenwick has picked up two one-sided wins since its only loss, and is coming off an impressive 41-7 CCL/ESCC White win over St. Laurence. Jake Thies rushed for 97 yards and a TD and Jamen Williams was 12-for-17 passing for 193 yards and ran for a score. Cameron Garrett had an 80-yard kickoff return for a TD and Tommy Thies added a TD run. Fenwick beat Benet 42-7 last season.
St. Viator (1-5) at Montini (6-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Montini won, 31-14, last season.
About the Lions: Since a season-opening, 22-19 victory over Marian Catholic, St. Viator has dropped 5 consecutive games, including last weekend’s 38-7 loss to DePaul Prep. Offense has been an issue, as the Lions have scored just 24 points in those 5 defeats. Senior quarterback Joey Lampignano directs the Lions’ attack that features receivers Dylan Molima, Jack Leonard, and CJ McAllister.
About the Broncos: How will the Broncos respond following last weekend’s wild, 55-54 victory over Carmel in a game that featured more than 1,000 passing yards? Junior quarterback Israel Abrams passed for 572 yards on 22 completions against Carmel, including a pair of 90-yard TD passes — to Damacio Ortegon and Luca Florio. Abrams has completed 105 of 156 pass attempts with 14 touchdowns. He has plenty of targets to choose from, including Ortegon (24 catches, 594 yards, 5 TDs), Florio (18 catches, 434 yards, 3 TDs), Nico Castaldo (29 catches, 336 yards, 4 TDs), and Isaac Alexander (25 catches, 218 yards, 2 TDs). Santino Tenuta and Lassie Asay lead the Broncos’ defense with 74 and 60 tackles, respectively.
Naperville Central (1-5, 1-3) at Metea Valley (2-4, 0-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville Central won, 56-7, last season.
About the Redhawks: For the first time in 5 seasons, the Redhawks will likely not head to the state playoffs following last weekend’s grueling 14-7 overtime loss to Lockport. Senior receiver Vince Bern’s acrobatic catch of quarterback Jackson Loth’s desperation pass on 4th-and-22 in the extra session was called back due to a penalty, thwarting the Redhawks’ hopes. Earlier in the game, Loth connected with Bern on a short TD pass with 4.5 seconds left in the first half to tie the score at 7-7. “We told the kids the reputation of our program is on the line,” said Redhawks coach Mike Ulreich. “We must put the ball in the end zone and finish strong. We have a bunch of young guys, and we have to get better every week.”
About the Mustangs: After beginning the season with back-to-back victories, the Mustangs have dropped 4 in a row — the latest coming during last weekend’s 42-6 loss to perennial powerhouse Lincoln-Way East. Quarterback Charles Larson snapped the shutout bid with a 3-yard touchdown run during a running clock. Metea Valley has lost 11 consecutive games to Naperville Central since 2015.
Naperville North (3-3, 2-2) at Neuqua Valley (3-3, 2-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville North won, 42-0, last season.
About the Huskies: Since both teams own 3-3 records, this game takes on added significance as far as postseason hopes are concerned. Naperville North earned a hard-fought, 36-35 overtime victory over previously unbeaten Sandburg last weekend, thanks to William Eloe’s 2-point conversion run in the extra session. Eloe, a senior tailback, carried the ball 33 times for 261 yards and 3 touchdowns — a big part of the Huskies’ 302 rushing yards. Quarterback Josiah Nothacker completed 8 of 15 for 59 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 23 yards and a TD last weekend. Senior linebacker Drew Murphy (5.5 tackles per game) and senior lineman Gabriel Hill (5 tackles per game, 2 sacks) anchor the defense.
About the Wildcats: The Wildcats’ 3-game winning streak against Naperville North ended with last year’s 42-0 victory. Neuqua Valley has won 5 of the last 7 meetings between the teams dating back to 2019. Last weekend, the Wildcats posted one of their best victories of the season, outlasting Homewood-Flossmoor, 42-27. Quarterback Drake Mennecke threw a career-best 5 touchdown passes, including a 5-yard pass to William Kalish on the final play of the first half last weekend. The winner will improve its postseason hopes
Stagg (0-6, 0-4) at Waubonsie Valley (0-6, 0-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Waubonsie Valley won, 28-7, last season.
About the Chargers: Since losing their season opener, 20-19, to Romeoville, the Chargers have been outscored 222-12 over the past 5 weeks, including last weekend’s 56-6 loss to Andrew. Explosive plays cripped the Chargers’ cause against Andrew, which scored on a kickoff return and fumble return, while adding a pair of pick-6s on defense.
About the Warriors: Waubonsie Valley looks to get over the proverbial hump following last weekend’s wild 40-35 loss to Normal West. Five of the Warriors’ 6 losses have been decided by 10 points or fewer. Senior Colin Ford recorded 3 rushing touchdowns out of the Wildcat formation against Normal West, while quarterback Nolan Alberson connected with Gavin Ali Hanlon on a 53-yard touchdown pass.
Wheaton North (2-4, 1-3) at Batavia (4-2, 3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Falcons: After starting off conference play with a 30-20 victory over Lake Park, Wheaton North has now dropped each of their last three contests, including a 14-0 loss to Wheaton Warrenville South, and find themselves on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Falcons have heavily relied on the rushing game so far this season, with running back Max Serbick putting up 130 yards on 23 carries in the loss last week.
About the Bulldogs: Batavia finally found themselves on the right side of a close game for the first time this season in Week 6, escaping Geneva with a 24-21 victory in overtime. While the offense had their lowest scoring output of the season, the Bulldogs showcased their ability to move the ball down the field efficiently, especially with guys like running back Charlie Rosengren and wide receiver Darin Ashiru, who were both playing in their first fully-healthy game of the season. The defense is also coming off of its best game in terms of getting into the backfield, with the linebacker duo of Tony Minnec and Nick Jansey leading the Bulldogs to 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks in the contest. That defense also played a huge role for the Bulldogs in this contest last season, with the team recording 18 tackles for loss in a 41-0 victory last season.
Geneva (3-3, 2-2) at Glenbard North (4-2, 2-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: Despite falling to .500 on the season last week, Geneva saw a lot of upside in its 24-21 loss to Batavia in overtime. Quarterback Ben Peterson threw for a season high 346 yards and had three total touchdowns, putting him at 11 scores over the past three weeks. Meanwhile, the defense has continued to be one of the top in the conference, only allowing 58 points in four DuKane games (a conference low) while also only allowing a singular running back to eclipse 100 rushing yards in a game so far. The Vikings won this contest 34-12 last season, and a win would be crucial if they want to make it to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season under head coach Boone Thorgesen.
About the Panthers: After a 41-23 victory over Lake Park last week, Glenbard North finds themselves just a win away from being considered playoff eligible after missing it in each of the last two seasons. A lot of that reason why has been running back Donato Gatses, who rushed for a season-high 283 yards and four touchdowns against the Lancers. He’s already amassed 1,130 yards (188.3 yards a game) and 15 touchdowns on the ground this season. The Panthers have put up 124 points through four conference games, which is second in the conference only behind Batavia.
St. Charles East (1-5, 1-3) at Lake Park (2-4, 0-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: A 24-13 loss to St. Charles North all but secured the fate of St. Charles East, who’ll finish the regular season with a losing record for the fifth consecutive season. Despite this, the Saints did put up quite the fight against their undefeated crosstown rivals, with the game mostly being a one-score contest all the way up to the final five minutes of the game. A lot of that was thanks to their defensive line, with guys like Jaxon Fulkerson and Matt Medina providing plenty of pressure in the backfield. The Saints won their matchup against the Lancers last year, beating them in overtime 27-21.
About the Lancers: The DuKane Conference has not been kind to Lake Park, with a 41-23 loss to Glenbard North last week keeping it as the only winless team in conference play this season, and now on the verge of missing the playoffs with another loss. The Lancers have given up 30 or more points on defense in all four losses on the season. Wide receiver Niko Menos has been their main force on offense, going for 107 yards and a touchdown off of 10 catches against the Panthers.
St. Charles North (6-0, 4-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (4-2, 3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: St. Charles North moved to 6-0 for the first time in school history with a 24-13 victory over St. Charles East, its fifth win in a row in the crosstown rivalry. A lot of its team success has come from their offensive output, spearheaded by senior quarterback JT Padron, who threw for a season-high 346 yards against his former team. Wide receiver Keaton Reinke has recorded 100-plus receiving yards in all four conference games, including a season-high 179 yards a week ago. The North Stars have also already won two games that have been decided in the final minute, something that’s also happened in each of the past two games against the Tigers, including scoring two touchdowns in the final minute of play to win 37-32 a season ago.
About the Tigers: WW South played some good old-fashioned football to get a 14-0 victory over Wheaton North relying on an experienced defense while handing the ball off to running back Owen Yorke, who ran for 242 yards and both touchdowns in the contest. The senior back, who ran for 168 yards against the North Stars a season ago, enters the contest with 942 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and might be the key if the Tigers hope to get their first win over the North Stars since 2021.
York (5-1, 3-0) at Downers Grove North (5-1, 3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Dukes: York has won five straight games now, and started its gauntlet of a closing stretch with a workmanlike 28-18 win at Hinsdale Central last Friday. Henry Duda went over 200 yards rushing for the second straight game, 31 carries for 216 yards and also had 98 yards receiving with three total TDs. Costa Kampas is the anchor of an offensive line that paved the way to 479 total yards. Dominic Alfano threw for two TDs, one to Duda and a 38-yarder to Princeton commit Hunter Stepinach. Games at Downers Grove North and home against Glenbard West the next two weeks should decide the Silver title.
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North returns to the grind of Silver contenders after a two-week breather — wins over Proviso West and Oak Park-River Forest by a combined 70-0. The Trojans’ defense has been a consistent strength, allowing a total of 29 points in their five wins. Whether he is at running back or quarterback, Kevin Jay should be heavily involved in the Trojans’ offense rushing the football. Illinois recruit Will Vala is another who the Trojans will want to get touches. Downers Grove North beat York 35-14 last season.
Glenbard West (6-0, 3-0) at Hinsdale Central (4-2, 1-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West, after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2006, will be returning, clinching a spot with last week’s 63-0 win over Hinsdale South. The Hilltoppers are one of 45 unbeaten teams remaining statewide and can return to the top of the Silver with wins over Hinsdale Central and York the next two weeks. An explosive offense led by quarterback A.J. Rayford and with speedy backs like Jamarcus Kelly and Bryce Ellens is averaging nearly 35 points per game. Glenbard West beat Hinsdale Central 35-14 last season.
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central, if anything, has proven that it can compete with the top dogs in the Silver in recent weeks — close losses to Downers Grove North and York and a two-point win over Lyons. Now the Red Devils get perhaps the league’s best team at home. Riley Contreras, who also plays defense for Hinsdale Central, threw for 251 yards and two TDs last week. James Skokna had five catches for 143 yards and an 80-yard TD. Defensively, Patrick Connors had two interceptions. Hinsdale Central is a win away from likely sewing up a playoff bid after missing the last three postseasons.
Downers Grove South (2-4, 2-1) at Hinsdale South (1-5, 1-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South needed to win out for a playoff bid after a 1-4 start, and got it started with a 56-6 win over Proviso East last week. The Mustangs have had no problem putting up points, a total of 130 the last three weeks. Daniel Mensah ran for three TDs last week and sophomore QB James Sobkowiak threw for two scores. Downers Grove South won last year’s meeting with Hinsdale South 31-28.
About the Hornets: It’s been a tough slate for the Hornets and first-year head coach Jarrod Amolsch this fall. A 63-0 loss last Saturday to Glenbard West was Hinsdale South’s third to a current 6-0 team. Stopping teams has been a big culprit, as the Hornets are giving up 38 points per game. It’s a tough matchup against a high-scoring Downers Grove South offense.
Proviso West (1-5) at Willowbrook (3-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Panthers: Proviso West hast lost five straight since a season-opening win over Christ King, and the results have not been competitive, 197-26 the last four weeks. It doesn’t get any easier, games remaining with Willowbrook, Hinsdale Central and Glenbard West, all potential playoff teams.
About the Warriors: Willowbrook began its stretch run for a ninth straight playoff bid with wins over Hinsdale South and Morton the last two weeks by a combined 94-20 margin. The next two weeks — games with Proviso West and Proviso East — should secure that bid. QB Jahonise Reed and Anthony Leo are players to watch for the Warriors.
Proviso East (1-5, 0-4) at Addison Trail (5-1, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Addison Trail won, 28-8, last season.
About the Pirates: Freshman quarterback Noah Hickman completed 12 of 23 passes for 114 yards and a pair of interceptions during the Pirates’ 57-6 loss to Downers Grove South last weekend. Hickman provided a highlight with his rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Senior receiver Curtis Marshall and sophomores Jalen Fowler and A’meir Gaston provide options for Hickman.
About the Blazers: The Blazers are 2 wins away from earning their first West Suburban Gold title since the 2014 squad finished 6-0 in conference play. Senior quarterback Nico Dill directs the offense, flanked by senior receiver Noah Cruz, senior tailback Gio Ortiz, and sophomore running back Ayden Smith. Addison Trail puts its 4-game winning streak on the line against a Proviso East team that has managed just 6 points in the last 3 weeks. The Blazers’ defense has allowed an average of 10 points per contest. Addison Trail’s lone blemish on its schedule was a 7-6, Week 2 setback at the hands of Johnsburg.
— Joshua Welge and Joel Boenitz from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview