Scouting Week 7 Lake County football games
Stevenson (5-1, 4-0) at Warren Township (5-1, 4-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Stevenson 24, Lake Forest 7; Warren 58, Mundelein 13
Last year: Stevenson 16, Warren 7
Scouting Stevenson: Obviously, our Lake County Blue Plate Special of the Week. The winner of this humdinger earns an automatic playoff berth with 6 victories and at worst retains a share of the North Suburban Conference lead (and takes over outright if Lake Zurich loses at Mundelein). In Stevenson’s Week 6 win against the Scouts, quarterback Aidan Crawley ran for 62 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Aiden Elliott had a rushing touchdown. Zach Becker caught 6 passes, while Zach Hersh and Jaxon Saint Paul each had 4 catches. Caden Schultz had 3 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, while Dangelo Washington had 6 tackles and a sack. Coach Brent Becker, whose squad probably isn’t getting the respect it deserves as evidenced by receiving 2 voting points in the new Class 8A Associated Press state poll, lauded the play and importance of kicker Caden An. “Caden is having a great year so far,” Becker said. Through the first 6 games An registered a PAT and a 33-yard field goal against Prospect, a PAT and a 47-yard field goal against Wheaton North, 4 PATs and a 33-yard field goal against Libertyville, 3 PATs against Mundelein, 4 PATs and a 22-yard field goal against Waukegan and 3 PATs and a school-record 52-yard field goal against Lake Forest. That’s a perfect 16-for-16 on extra points.
Scouting Warren: The Blue Devils, ranked No. 7 in Class 8A in the new AP poll, also have a budding kicker in sophomore Adam Benske, who hasn’t missed an extra point. Coach Bryan McNulty is high on the play of senior safety Zion Vines-Peterson and senior wideout Simon Castillo. “Zion has been a mainstay in our secondary the past 2 years,” he said. “Simon has been an outstanding leader and contributes in all 3 phases of the game.” Senior running back Aaron Stewart is up to 1,709 rushing yards on 177 carries (9.7 yards per carry) and has scored 28 touchdowns with 3 regular season games left to play. Going to the Lake County football manila file folder, through 6 weeks last year Stewart was at 144 carries for 1,251 yards (8.7 yards per carry) and 18 scores. Junior quarterback Reed Dangel has thrown for 462 yards (38 completions), while senior wide receiver Corvell Hodges has 22 catches for 178 yards. Linebacker Javon Brisker has 48 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. “Last week (against Mundelein), we started fast, which was point of emphasis for us,” McNulty said. “We need to continue to grow our knowledge of situational football.”
Lake Zurich (5-1, 4-0) at Mundelein (1-5, 0-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Lake Zurich 31, Zion 0; Warren 58, Mundelein 13
Last year: Lake Zurich 20, Mundelein 7
Outlook: Lake Zurich, No. 9 in the new Class 6A Associated Press state poll, can clinch an automatic playoff berth with a victory in Week 7 and also must win to keep pace atop the North Suburban Conference leaderboard with either Warren Township or Stevenson. Let’s discuss the Bears defense, which has allowed point totals (or lack thereof) of 0, 0, 9, 7 and 0 over the last 5 games (compared to last year’s tally of 35, 12, 29, 14 and 6 during the same time span). “For now, we need to keep finding ways to stay consistent and keep getting better,” Lake Zurich coach Ron Planz said. “We need to continue to minimize mistakes and keep executing in all 3 phases. We have a lot of goals still left to accomplish over these next 3 weeks and we have to attack them 1 day at a time.” Planz said the team has received a boost from some young sophomores on the roster, including Rocco Dicanio, who starts on both lines, Jackson Lewandowski, who starts on the defensive line and rotates in at tight end, and Tyler Boneli-Schultz who starts at linebacker. Punter Tyler Vuckovic is averaging just under 40 yards a boot for the Bears. “Tyler has punted the ball well for us,” Planz said. “He has flipped the field for us multiple times and it makes a huge difference.” Putting the microscope on the Lake Zurich defense a little more, the Bears have allowed a total of 323 rushing yards (2.1 yards per carry) and only 2 rushing touchdowns in 6 games. They hold an 80-57 first downs advantage. Lake Zurich has surrendered only 1 sack and averages less than a turnover a game. Chris Chang has 22 caches for 389 yards and 4 TDs and also has 2 interceptions on defense. Mundelein, eliminated from playoff contention, seeks its first league win of the season.
Round Lake (1-5, 0-4) at Grant (4-2, 2-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Grant Community High School, Fox Lake
Last week: Lakes 49, Round Lake 0; Wauconda 43, Grant 39
Last year: Grant 35, Round Lake 7
Outlook: Grant, which lost by 4 points to league co-leader Wauconda last week, becomes playoff eligible with a win here. Coach Tim Norwood continues to be impressed with the play of wide receiver Max Hembrey (28 catches, 885 yards, 10 touchdowns) and senior inside linebacker Logan Myers (82 tackles, 7 tackles for loss). “Max is one of the state leaders in receiving yards,” Norwood noted. “Logan leads our defense in tackles and has more than double than anyone else on our team.” Quarterback Matthew Gipson has thrown for 1,474 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Tyler Zdon has run for 628 yards and 8 TDs. “We need to continue to eliminate penalties. It has been an issue all year,” Norwood said. “We need to play more disciplined football if we want to beat playoff teams.”
Antioch (5-1, 4-0) at Grayslake North (1-5, 1-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Antioch 62, North Chicago 12; Grayslake Central 28, Grayslake North 6
Last year: Antioch 22, Grayslake North 18
Outlook: Another win and in situation. An Antioch road victory in Grayslake punches a guaranteed playoff ticket and keeps it squarely in the race for the Northern Lake County Conference crown. The Sequoits, ranked No. 11 in the new Class 6A state poll, average 386 rushing yards a game and have only given up a total of 332 rushing yards through 6 games. Gavin Stone has run for 632 yards and 9 scores on 52 carries, while Logan Lennon has 538 rushing yards on 42 carries and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, linebacker Henry Lubkeman has 44 tackles, while defensive lineman Owen Shea has 32 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. “Owen is one of the most dominant defensive players we have had at Antioch,” coach Brian Glashagel said. “He has a motor and doesn’t take plays off. He ruins offenses, including ours in practice every day.” Damion Johnson returned a kickoff 75 yards for a score in Week 6, rushed for a touchdown and caught a TD. “Oh yeah, he plays DB as well,” Glashagel pointed out. Kicker Jack Hulting is 35-for-38 on point-after tries this season — also highlighting Antioch’s fondness for the opposing team’s end zone. “Jack has become very consistent,” Glashagel said. “It’s a luxury to have a kicker who can get you points in the red zone. We’ll need that come playoff time.” Antioch finishes the regular season with 3 road games, starting this week at North and then tilts with Wauconda and Grant. “Our last 2 games will be for the NLCC title,” Glashagel said. Since losing to Lake Zurich 33-0, Antioch has hung point total of 47, 70, 56 and 62 on opponents.
Libertyville (3-3, 2-2) at Zion-Benton (3-3, 1-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.; Zion-Benton High School, Zion
Last week: Libertyville 48, Waukegan 6; Lake Zurich 31, Zion 0
Last year: Libertyville 40, Zion 14
Outlook: First-year Libertyville coach Tim Budge likes where his team is headed. The Wildcats still are very much in the playoff qualification conversation with 3 games to play. “Lots of improvements have been made on both sides of the ball,” he said. “I would like us to continue to solidify our identity on both sides of the ball and continue to build in those areas. It always starts with running the football and being able to defend the run. I would like us to strive for consistency in all we do. If we do that, I think we can put ourselves in a position to win each of our last regular season games.” Budge said Aiden Weaver (302 rushing yards) has been a plus in the backfield. “Aiden has carried the load for us at running back,” he said. “He continues to grow and develop and is having a good season.” Defensive lineman Jacob Syc has 5 quarterback hurries and 2.5 sacks. “Jacob has enjoyed a good start to the season and is one of our leaders on the defensive line,” Budge said. “He brings energy and great effort in practice and in games. He always strives to be his best and push his teammates to do better.” Kicker Jack Zaban ripped a 57-yard field goal against Mundelein. “Jack has been such a difference-maker for us in the kicking game,” Budge said. “As we saw, he can hit the long-range field goals and consistently gets touchbacks on kickoffs, which greatly helps with field position.” Brock Williams is up to 326 receiving yards. Erich Walldorf has 39 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, while Kaden Butt is right behind Syc in tackles for loss. Syc has 6 TFLs and Butt has five.
Grayslake Central (3-3, 2-2) at Wauconda (6-0, 4-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Wauconda 43, Grant 39; Grayslake Central 28, Grayslake North 6
Last year: Wauconda 44, Central 6
Outlook: High stakes in this Northern Lake County game as well. Central must win to keep its playoff hopes rolling, while the Bulldogs, the first area team to clinch a playoff spot, and now ranked No. 9 in the most recent Associated Press Class 6A state poll, need a win to keep atop the conference and inch closer to hosting a home playoff game. “We showed tremendous toughness in the face of adversity last week,” Wauconda coach Chris Prostka said. “Our team stayed solid and believed in what we could do. We need to display the same toughness each game and continue to respond to adversity. We have to continue to hold high expectations for each other all the time.” Wauconda continues to run the ball with great success. Jackson Rudolph has run for 960 yards and has 20 total touchdowns, while Cole Korycanek has 661 yards on the ground and 6 touchdowns. Prostka said offensive lineman Logan Anderson and Finn Loomis (who also doubles on the defensive line) have played a big role in the Bulldogs’ offensive success. “Logan has done an outstanding job at center and has contributed to the success of our offense that is averaging more than 500 yards per game,” he pointed out. “Finn is also a big reason our offense is having success and defensively, he has been tough inside against the run, often battling through double teams to make plays.” Jake Thorstenson has thrown for 460 yards and has 7 total touchdowns, while Luke Sickmeir has caught 10 passes for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Eric Alvarado has 47 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery, while Brody Rudolph has 27 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and 1 forced fumble, and also has found time to run for 355 yards and 6 touchdowns. On special teams, Rocco Garcia is 23-for-23 on extra points and has 1 field goal, plus 12 touchbacks on kickoffs. “Rocco’s consistency has been impressive and made a big difference in last week’s win against Grant.” After losing 21-20 to Lakes, Central has reeled off consecutive wins.
Lakes (4-2, 3-1) at North Chicago (1-5, 0-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last week: Lakes 49, Round Lake 0; Antioch 62, North Chicago 12
Last year: North Chicago 21, Lakes 17
Outlook: Coming into this week, Wauconda, Lake Zurich, Warren, Stevenson and Antioch have either earned an automatic playoff berth or become playoff eligible. Lakes can join that group with a win in North Chicago. Dillan Davis leads the Eagles with 55 tackles, while Ean Ankney has passed for 1,147 yards and 13 touchdowns against only 3 picks. Jordan Phelan is 21 of 22 on extra-point tries and has 15 touchbacks on kickoffs. “Coach Jason Ellerman also tipped his hat to the Lakes scout team. “Our scout guys are doing an awesome job of preparing the starters each week,” he said. “We are becoming better in pass protection and tackling. We are focusing on 1 game at a time and trying to raise the standard every day.”
Chicago DePaul College Prep (2Chicago DePaul College Prep (2-4) at Carmel Catholic (4-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein
Last week: Montini 55, Carmel 54; DePaul Prep 36, St. Viator 7
Last year: DePaul 25, Carmel 22
Outlook: Carmel lost a 1-point barnburner to Class 4A No. 1 and defending Class 3A state champion Montini at home last week. A Carmel win in Week 7 against the defending Class 4A state champions (yes, Carmel is playing a defending state champion in back to back weeks) makes it playoff eligible. For those who missed it, Carmel junior quarterback Trae Taylor was 25-for-32 for 505 yards and 5 touchdowns and also ran 10 times for 66 yards and 3 scores, meaning he factored into all 8 Carmel touchdowns. “Trae has been everything as advertised,” Carmel coach Jason McKie said. “He puts in the work. I will say it again, it’s the things people don’t see, the 5 a.m. zoom calls before school breaking down defenses, looking at game plans. It’s him out in the snow in the offseason throwing, throwing in the rain, lifting and doing everything necessary for a kid to be in the position he is in.” McKie also has been pleased with how Carmel’s running backs have performed in pass protection. “It’s one thing to run the ball, but playing the game at the highest level the biggest attribute you can have is pass protection and how you excel in it,” he said. “I am pleased with how they have responded in pass protection.” Kai Owens (9 catches, 174 yards, 2 TDs) and Kyron Hart (4 catches, 128 yards) were two of 6 different receivers that caught passes in an offense that rolled up 719 total yards against an elite Montini program. “We have a bunch of young receivers, all making plays and taking turns making the big plays. I’m very pleased with our offense as a whole.” DePaul Prep, the defending Class 4A state champion, beat 2-4 Marian Catholic (43-19) and 1-5 St. Viator (36-7). Three of its 4 losses have come against teams with a combined 13-4 mark (Loyola Academy is 4-1 and didn’t play a Week 2 game). “We have some history with them,” McKie said. “They were state champs last year and beat us last year. They are a team you definitely have to make sure you are well-prepared for in all 3 phases. We’re excited to play them here, especially coming off the game last week against Montini. The guys have some extra motivation to get back in the win column after letting one slip away. I like the fight our guys have. They battle. We’ve been down in games this year and our leaders have stepped up and we have responded. We have a bunch of fighters and that’s a quality you have to have if you want to have an opportunity to make the playoffs.” Speaking of the playoffs, “At the end of the day you want to get in the tournament,” McKie said. “It doesn’t matter what you did in the regular season. Our goal is getting in the tournament and not just getting in it, but putting our foot in it. It’s 1 game at a time. DePaul is a great opponent and won a state championship last year. We’re excited to play them here at Baker Stadium in front of our home fans. It’s a great atmosphere. It doesn’t get any better.”
Other Friday Week 7 Lake County Football Games
Vernon Hills (2-4, 1-1) at Niles West (1-5, 1-1), 7:30 p.m.