Scouting: Downers S. @ Glenbard West

Downers South (0-1) at Glenbard West (1-0)

Nonconference

Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Last week: Bolingbrook 16, Downers South 14; Glenbard West 49, Glenbard South 0.

Last year: Did not play.

Outlook: Glenbard West looked stunning in last week's win over rival Glenbard South. Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet had the preseason goal of balancing the offense, and that immediately came to fruition as Tyler Warden threw for 4 touchdowns in addition to the two he ran into the end zone. Receiver J.T. Mesch tallied two of the touchdown receptions as Glenbard West scored every time it had the ball. The ground game showed incredible depth as six backs carried the ball. Fresh legs from Steve Jones, Adam Bruere, Pierre Washington-Steel and others will come in handy on a warm Saturday afternoon. This week presents a bigger defensive test for the Hilltoppers, especially in a secondary led by Jack Marston and Mike Laning. Despite last week's loss to state-ranked Bolingbrook, Downers South remains dangerous. Illinois-bound quarterback Chandler Whitmer accounted for both touchdowns last week including a scoring pass to 6-foot-3 receiver Jason Jozaites. The stiffest defensive challenge for the Hilltoppers may be trying to contain Mustangs sophomore running back Josh Williams. In his first varsity start Williams posted a 100-yard game on the ground. The Mustangs aim to avoid their second straight 0-2 start, although last year ended with seven straight regular-season wins.

Next week: Downers South at Leyden (1-0); Hinsdale Central (0-1) at Glenbard West.