Scouting Grayslake Central at Jacobs

Grayslake Central (2-1) at Jacobs (2-1)

When: 7:15 p.m. Thursday at Jacobs Athletic Field

Last year: Grayslake Central 20, Jacobs 0

Last week: Prairie Ridge 33, Jacobs 6; Crystal Lake South 34, Grayslake Central 3

Outlook: After three road games to open the season, the Golden Eagles return to the nest for the first of three straight games in Algonquin. "I'm kind of excited to finally see what it's like to play a home game," said new Jacobs coach Bill Mitz, whose next win will be career No. 200. "This is an extremely big game for both teams to get that third win." Jacobs is shooting for its first 3-1 start since 2006, the last season the program reached the playoffs. The Golden Eagles hold a 7-5 series edge since 1997, when the Rams joined the Fox Valley Conference. Mitz said last week's loss to Prairie Ridge came down to some missed assignments in the first half against the option, breakdowns a defense can't afford against a good team. Through three weeks, Jacobs is outgaining its opponents by an average of 308 total yards to 211. The Golden Eagles boast two of the top seven rushers in the area: junior Caz Zyks (52 carries, 274 yards. 2 TD) and senior Kyle Wright (60-246-5). Mitz and his staff are used to the short turnaround for a Thursday game. They faced the same scenario regularly while coaching at Stevenson. "The kids have responded fine," Mitz said of the short week of preparation. "We're just happy to have a home game."