Scouting St. Charles East at St. Charles North

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today

Last year: St. Charles East 14, St. Charles North 13 (2 OT).

Last week: Elgin 27, St. Charles East 24; St. Charles North 38, Batavia 28.

Outlook: St. Charles East coach Mike Fields said you can throw the records out the window when these two Upstate Eight Conference River Division rivals play each other. Nothing personal, but he'd also like to throw the North Stars out of the playoffs. The Saints played well last week despite losing, an indication of what the offense can do when it has its quarterback. Charlie Fisher, in his first full game since tearing a groin muscle in Week 2, threw for a season-high 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. Mr. Consistent, Mike Brown, ran for another 126 yards to reach 920 on the season, with 10 touchdowns. Though Zach Zajicek has drawn St. Charles North's attention running the Wildcat, Fisher's return makes the Saints' offense stronger in not just one but several spots. The Saints will still be challenged to move the ball against a North Stars squad that looks pretty good with senior Jake Bergren coming up to make the hit. They are getting a big boost too by running back Ben Hodges also playing on the defensive side of the ball. Guys who didn't play last year, like linebacker Brian Sullivan, defensive lineman Jimmy Huske and safety Gage Cantrell who had an interception against Batavia have helped turn this unit around. St. Charles North is mainly known for its offensive array, capable to strike long in the air with Matt Shiltz to receiver Josh Mikes and, last week, Andrew Elliott, or on kick returns by bruiser Dirk Schmitt. Big plays have hurt St. Charles East. Of Elgin's four scores last week three came on plays of 40 or more yards. But that was then. "This has turned into a really good rivalry," said St. Charles North coach Mark Gould. "It's bragging rights for the city and our kids take that to heart. They're really psyched for it."