Scouting Week 7 Fox Valley football games
Aurora Christian (4-2, 2-2) at Chicago Christian (2-4, 1-3)
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Chicago Christian won, 28-21, last season.
About the Eagles: The Eagles snapped a 2-game skid with last weekend’s 26-0 shutout victory over Christ the King. Senior quarterback Asa Johnson continued his solid season, throwing a pair of touchdown passes to Jalen Callaway while rushing for a pair of scores against Christ the King. After allowing 106 points in back-to-back losses to Hope Academy and Bishop McNamara, the Eagles’ defense regrouped last weekend and recorded their third shutout of the season.
About the Knights: Chicago Christian ended a 3-game losing streak with last weekend’s 45-0 victory over St. Edward. Led by sophomore linebacker Luke Verstrate, the Knights’ defense limited the Green Wave to 69 yards of total offense while recording the team’s first shutout of the season. The Palos Heights school features senior tailback Joshua Crawford, who averages more than 100 yards rushing per game, and junior quarterback Tyce Hamstra.
Hope Academy (6-0, 4-0) at St. Edward (1-5, 0-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Hope Academy won, 68-0, last season.
About the Eagles: The Eagles extended their winning streak to 6 with last weekend’s 28-21 victory over Wheaton Academy. Trailing 13-6 at halftime, and 21-6 in the third quarter, Hope Academy staged a late rally, capped by Mekhi Smith’s 45-yard touchdown catch with 54 seconds remaining. Quarterback Daevion Greenberg also threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jacobi Henry in the fourth quarter. The Eagles lost junior tailback Maurtice Mitchell to a knee injury last weekend.
About the Green Wave: St. Edward suffered its fourth consecutive loss during last weekend’s 45-0 setback at the hands of Chicago Christian. Senior receiver Jivonni Leix provided a bright spot with 4 catches for 62 yards. Junior linebacker Connor Englum recorded a team-high 9 tackles against Chicago Christian. Englum and senior Zach Sauceda lead the team with 7.2 tackles each per game. Luciano Mauro has 5 sacks in 6 games.
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 percent 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.
Elgin (4-2, 2-1) at Streamwood (2-4, 2-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Streamwood won, 13-0, last season.
About the Maroons: Fresh from capturing the Town Jug for the second consecutive season with last weekend’s 43-21 victory over crosstown rival Larkin, the Maroons look to become playoff eligible for the first time since 2019 against Streamwood. Against Larkin, junior quarterback Jacob Rufino passed for a career-high 6 touchdowns, as the Maroons amassed 405 yards of total offense. Jamiere Moore caught a pair of touchdown passes, while also recording 2 sacks on defense. Defensive end Daemyn Simon collected 9 tackles, including 3 for losses, while Coreyon Johnson added a team-high 12 sacks. Elgin’s defense, which forced 4 turnovers last week, now faces Streamwood’s triple-option attack.
About the Sabres: Streamwood hopes to bounce back from last weekend’s 49-0 loss to Upstate Eight West leader South Elgin with a home clash against an improved Elgin squad. Senior tailback Justin Brown gained 70 yards on 19 carries against the Storm. Defensively, linebackers Tyler Nelson and Callan Clinton anchor a unit that has split its last 4 contests. The Sabres need to win their last 3 games – Elgin, Elmwood Park, and West Aurora – to become playoff eligible.
South Elgin (4-2, 3-0) at Bartlett (2-4, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 48-25, last season.
About the Storm: Since dropping back-to-back games to state powers Barrington and Batavia, South Elgin has scored 192 points during its 4-game winning streak that continued with last weekend’s 49-0 victory over Streamwood. Multi-purpose threat Gavin Mueller scored 5 touchdowns against Streamwood, including a pair of rushing scores out of the Wildcat formation. Mueller caught 6 passes for 113 yards and 3 TDs. Senior Darrion Thurman is the top backfield threat, while athletic lineman Frankie Macaluso anchors a defense that recorded its first shutout of the season last weekend.
About the Hawks: Bartlett kept its state playoff hopes alive with last weekend’s 41-2 victory over East Aurora. Two-way standout Tyler Meziere recorded a pair of pick-6s from his secondary spot, while scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown and throwing a TD pass to Nicholas Carlos against East Aurora. Defensively, the Hawks hope to contain South Elgin’s big-play capability, while trying to tackle 6-foot-6, 250-pound Storm offensive threat Gavin Mueller.
West Aurora (5-2, 3-1) at Larkin (0-7, 0-5); Larkin forfeited
When: This game was scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Larkin announced Wednesday it has canceled the game due to the number of healthy players, according to interim principal Jason Misicka and athletic director Alex Serluco. Larkin said it hopes to be able to resume its season for the final two weeks. West Aurora tried to find a replacement opponent at the last minute but wasn’t able to so the Blackhawks accepted the forfeit.
About the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have scored 49 points in 3 of the last 4 weeks, including last weekend’s 49-0 shutout of Ridgewood. Lesroy Tittle has scored 7 touchdowns during the past 2 games, including a pair of receptions from senior quarterback Mason Atkins against the Rebels. Tittle also displayed his special teams ability, returning a punt 50 yards for a first-quarter touchdown. Meanwhile, tailback Bryce Riley has tallied 5 touchdowns in the last 2 contests, highlighted by his 53-yard scoring run against Ridgewood. Atkins is a threat with his arm and legs, evidenced by his 2 passing touchdowns and 78-yard TD run last weekend.
About the Royals: Larkin scored a season-high 21 points during last weekend’s loss to crosstown rival Elgin. Senior tailback Devin Krueger carried the ball 19 times for 83 yards with a 29-yard touchdown run, while Ja’Vontae Mahone provided a highlight with his 85-yard kick return for a touchdown against Elgin.
Living Word Lutheran (2-5) at Aurora Central Catholic (5-1)
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Timberwolves: The Jackson, Wis.-based school put 36 points on the boards during last weekend’s 50-36 loss to Brookfield Academy. Junior quarterback Ryde Ehley completed 14 of 27 passes for 290 yards and 4 touchdowns while rushing for another score last weekend. Ehley, who has completed 59 percent of his passes, has thrown 15 TD passes this season. His favorite targets are seniors Gavin Weissenburger (8 receiving TDs, 107-yard average) and Donovan Pettis (6 TDs, 88-yard average). Junior linebacker Chip Fox averages 9 tackles per game.
About the Chargers: The Chargers completed a 1,000-mile-plus, 3-game road trip with an impressive 41-6 victory over Pacelli Catholic in Stevens Point, Wis. Tailback Trey Seifrid, the Chargers’ leading rusher, scored on a 56-yard run, while southpaw quarterback Grant Bohr tallied 3 touchdowns, including a 61-yard run, and passed for another against Pacelli Catholic. Now, the Chargers look for their 6th victory while celebrating homecoming,
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.
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.
Rochelle (3-3, 1-2) at Kaneland (5-1, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Hubs: They return to the field for the first time after their 34-14 loss to Morris. Dylan Manning, a three-year varsity player who earlier this season eclipsed 2,000 career rushing yards, was wheeled off the field Friday night on a stretcher after collapsing on the sideline after the game was over. He underwent surgery at Loyola Medical Center to remove a blood clot and relieve pressure on his brain after suffering a head injury against Morris. According to a Monday Facebook post, Manning was awake, interacting and was able to stand. Ramon Villalobos ran for 89 yards against Morris, including a 52-yard touchdown run.
About the Knights: They’re coming off a defining win, 34-14 against Sycamore. It was the first time they’ve beaten the Spartans since 2018 and their first win against Sycamore, Morris or Kaneland since coach Michael Thorgesen took over the program in 2023. This week they have a chance to check Rochelle off the list. Thorgesen said the Knights plan to honor Manning before the coin toss, the teams gathering at midfield for a moment of silence. Thorgesen said last week against Sycamore was as close as the team had been to full health since the start of the season, with Jackson Little and Jalen Carter both back from brief injuries. He said he hopes that momentum continues.
Huntley (3-3, 3-3) at Burlington Central (5-1, 5-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Raiders: Huntley was in position to hand FVC leader Prairie Ridge its first loss of the season last week but couldn’t protect a fourth-quarter lead and lost 35-34 on its homecoming. It was the Red Raiders’ third loss in a row, following defeats of 35-27 to Jacobs (Week 5) and 34-27 to Cary-Grove (Week 4). Sophomore QB Malik Carter threw an interception at the goal line with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter but otherwise had a terrific performance. Carter, making his fourth start in a row, was 27-of-37 passing for 289 yards and a TD. Carter also rushed for 66 yards and two TDs on 13 carries. Jacob Marx had 12 receptions for 109 yards, including a 37-yard TD grab. Kyle Ziebell, Michael Chan and Chase Hojnacki each caught four passes. Hojnacki rushed for 118 yards and two TDs on 29 carries but tweaked his ankle in the fourth quarter and did not play on the Raiders’ final drive, which covered 66 yards (15 plays) before the Carter interception. ... Huntley lost to Burlington Cental 31-7 in Week 9 last year.
About the Rockets: Central put together a dominating defensive effort and produced its second straight 40-point performance in a 42-7 win that spoiled McHenry’s homecoming last week. QB Landon Arnold busted off an 87-yard TD run and rushed for two other scores. He finished with 155 rushing yards, while also completing 11 of 17 passes for 100 yards and two TDs. Parker Auxier’s 84 rushing yards included a 51-yard TD. Christian Livingston and Gavin Bergemann caught TD passes, Bergemann added a 5-yard TD run, and kicker Maximillian Gemelli scored from 8 yards out on a fake field goal. Liam Schultz had an interception. ... Central’s 68 points allowed through six weeks are the fewest in the FVC. With 40- and 42-point efforts the past two weeks, the Rockets have increased their points-a-game average to 23.5. ... The Rockets have won two straight since a 28-7 loss to Prairie Ridge in Week 4.
Dundee-Crown (3-3, 3-3) at Jacobs (4-2, 4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Chargers: Dundee-Crown suffered its most-lopsided loss of the season last week, as visiting Cary-Grove rolled to a 46-27 win, snapping the Chargers’ three-game winning streak. D-C entered the game having allowed 53 points in its first five games but spotted C-G a 22-0 lead by late in the second quarter. The Chargers yielded 420 rushing yards (7.9 average per carry). D-C WR Ryan Pierce caught two TD passes (37 and 9 yards) from QB Ikey Grzynkowicz (9-of-18 passing, 144 yards). Ereyon Bailey scored on a 5-yard run and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a TD. ... The Chargers’ schedule doesn’t lighten up, as after Friday’s game against Jacobs, they host undefeated Prairie Ridge in Week 8 and visit once-beaten Burlington Central in their regular-season finale. ... The Chargers lost to Jacobs 56-21 in Week 5 last year.
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs needed to wake up at halftime against Crystal Lake Central, as it trailed by seven points to the winless Tigers, who were celebrating their homecoming. RB Caden DuMelle helped rally the Golden Eagles to a 27-21 win, their third in a row. DuMelle scored back-to-back TDs in the second half en route to 168 rushing yards. Justin Gonzalez scored the tie-breaking TD from 29 yards out with 1:40 left in the game. Michael Cannady had a 5-yard rushing TD for Jacobs, which is tied for third place with Cary-Grove in the FVC. ... For the season, DuMelle is up to 850 rushing yards (8.8 average per carry) and nine TDs.
Crystal Lake South (1-5, 1-5) at Cary-Grove (4-2, 4-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Gators: Crystal Lake South dropped a tough one at home last week, as Hampshire pulled out a 24-21 win in a game that was tied 14-all at halftime. The Gators had success through the air, as QB Michael Silvius was 20-of-31 passing for 196 yards, including TDs to Noa Franch (seven catches, 115 yards) and Gavin Hastings (six catches, 74 yards). ... The Gators have lost two in a row since beating Crystal Lake Central 34-7 in Week 4. ... South lost to Cary-Grove 50-7 in Week 8 last year.
About the Trojans: Cary-Grove’s offense continued to roll last week, and this time the Trojans got a boost from freshman RB Leo Zavala, who rushed for 105 yards and three TDs on only six carries in a 46-27 win over host Dundee-Crown. Zavala, who was making his first start, scored on runs of 23, 29, and 24 yards, as the Trojans won their fourth game in a row. Sophomore QB Jackson Berndt rushed for 131 yards and two TDs on 16 carries, and FB Logan Abrams added 108 rushing yards and two scores on 15 carries. Junior Shamarion Prude scored C-G’s final TD. Earlier, Landon Moore returned a punt 45 yards for a TD. ... The Trojans have put up point totals of 36, 34, 40 and 46 in their past four games.
McHenry (2-4, 2-4) at Hampshire (2-4, 2-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: McHenry is out to snap a four-game losing streak after falling to Burlington Central 42-7 last week. After allowing only 21 points in its first two games of the season against D-C and Crystal Lake South, McHenry has given up 156 (39 a game average) to C-G, Jacobs, Prairie Ridge and Burlington Central. Central held McHenry to only 18 yards of offense in the first half in building a 21-0 lead. QB Jeffry Schwab got McHenry on the board with a 1-yard run in the third quarter, but the Rockets scored three unanswered TDs to end the game. Schwab finished with 11 carries for 70 yards, including a 47-yard scramble. Schwab was 6-of-14 passing for 60 yards. ... The Warriors play on the road again next week, at Huntley (3-3, 3-3), before finishing the regular season at home against Crystal Lake Central (0-6, 0-6). McHenry needs to win out to have a chance at earning an at-large playoff berth.
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire bettered its 2024 win total by edging host Crystal Lake South 24-21 last week. It was the Whip-Purs’ first win since a 42-14 decision over Crystal Lake Central in Week 2. One more win will give them their most since going 5-5 in 2021. Tymere Marshall’s 18-yard TD run midway through the third quarter snapped a 14-14 tie, Mason Hill kicked a 28-yard field goal, and the Whip-Purs held to beat South, avenging last year’s 9-0 loss. Marshall finished with 125 rushing yards on 18 carries. Hampshire inserted versatile athlete Chris Whetstone at QB, and the senior rushed for 96 yards (13 carries) and a TD. Whetstone also had an interception, and junior Roman LaSalvia had three tackles for losses.
- Joe Aguilar, Joel Boenitz and Eddie Carifio from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.