Scouting Kaneland at Burlington Central
Kaneland (6-4) at Burlington Central (3-6)
When: today at 7 p.m. at Rocket Hill
Last year: Kaneland 35, Burlington Central 0
Outlook: This is the seventh straight year these teams have squared off in the season opener. Kaneland has won the last 5 meetings by wide margins, but Central isn't as inexperienced as it has been the past two seasons, not with proven senior running backs Tim Maroder and all-Big Northern pick Tre Llanes returning. The Rockets have had trouble matching up with Kaneland's prolific spread passing game. The Rockets now boast veterans at key positions in the secondary, led by all-Big Northern safety Michael Kellenberger. Central is hoping additional work over the summer will yield positive results against the Knights, who have made two straight playoff appearances. "We played a few more 7-on-7s this summer to prepare for teams that spread it out like that," Central coach Aaron Wichman said. "Hopefully, that and the experience we have coming back on Friday nights will pay off." Kaneland returns All-Area quarterback Joe Camiliere, who last year finished with a 60.6 completion percentage, 2,208 yards passing, 20 passing touchdowns, 349 yards rushing and 7 rushing touchdowns.