Scouting Naperville North at Wheaton North

Naperville North (5-2, 3-2) at Wheaton North (5-2, 3-2)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.

Last week: Naperville North 49, Glenbard East 21; Wheaton North 23, Naperville Central 21.

Last year: Wheaton North 10, Naperville North 3.

Outlook: Both teams are anxious to guarantee a playoff berth with a win. Naperville North's rounding into shape offensively behind quarterback Matt LaCosse, who enters with 847 rushing yards and 534 passing. Linebacker Nick Lifka boasts 10 tackles for loss, while linebacker Dan Pinkerton and lineman Nick Krejci have four apiece. Quarterback Reece Butler, who's completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,378 yards, powers the Falcons' short-passing offense. Running back Patrick Sharp's return from injury, though, should help balance the load. Linebacker Trevor Schmit shined last week with 8 tackles, including 4 for loss, and an interception.

Next week: Naperville North at West Chicago; Wheaton North at Glenbard East.