Scouting Marmion at Montini

Marmion (8-0, 4-0) at Montini (6-2, 4-0)

Game time: 7 p.m. today

Last year: Marmion 18, Montini 7.

Last week: Marmion 48, Chicago Christian 7; Montini 55, Wheaton Academy 0.

Outlook: In this battle for the outright championship of the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division, Marmion seeks its first repeat as conference champion since it turned the trick in 1997 and 1998. The Broncos, 2008 SCC champs, are the defending Class 5A champions. “It should be a humdinger,” said Montini coach Chris Andriano. Marmion coach Dan Thorpe sees the game as Cadets power against Montini speed. Marmion's offensive line, book-ended by big boy tackles Graham Glasgow and Jake Winkel, will open cracks for backs T.J. Lally (677 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns) and Mitch Loehmann (312 yards, 4 touchdowns), but Montini defenders Bubba Tredenick and Doug Diedrick won't roll over despite playing on a torn knee meniscus and torn ACL, respectively. Montini wideout Jordan Westerkamp has caught 52 passes for 967 yards, 12 touchdowns, and though he mainly likes the sideline routes, Marmion can't forget about Anthony Taylor across the middle or Joey Borsellino on the bubble screen. A big defensive key will be whether Cadets defensive end Nick Scoliere can pressure Montini quarterback Matt Westerkamp (Jordan's cousin) and add to his 10 sacks. Montini must also recognize that while the Cadets will try to run roughshod with Lally, Loehmann, Scoliere, Mike Carbonara and Garret Becker, quarterback Bobby Peters can hurt them with the play-action pass. This is a game in which Marmion would like to not only drive the ball 10 plays, but force Montini to do the same for clock-killing purposes. In big games like this turnovers and field position make the difference. Marmion's turnover ratio is plus-16, Montini plus-9. Marmion kicker-punter A.J. Friedman averages 36.2 yards a punt and is 5-of-8 converting field goals with a long of 47 yards, production that exceeds both his counterparts at Montini. “It's going to be packed and people need to come early,” Thorpe said. “It's going to be a great atmosphere.”