Scouting: Neuqua Valley @ Lake Park

Neuqua Valley (1-1, 0-0) at Lake Park (0-2, 0-0)

Upstate Eight Conference

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

Last year: Neuqua Valley 21, Lake Park 0.

Last week: Neuqua Valley 36, Plainfield Central 21; Naperville Central 28, Lake Park 20.

Outlook: The Upstate Eight Conference race starts here. Neuqua Valley enters with momentum from a reinvigorated passing attack, while Lake Park has a pair of "woulda, coulda" games to its credit. Once Neuqua quarterback Alex Lincoln hit Conner Yearian on a 12-yard touchdown the Wildcats were on their way, Lincoln finishing with 4 touchdown strikes. The Lancers' defense, especially returning all-conference safety Nick Wiley, faces the 6-4 Yearian and 6-2 Joshua Schaffer but can't forget about back Nate Pena. Lake Park's defense needs a "hold" after the occasional squib punt or turnover. Wingback Chris Jasinski (ankle) was hurt against Naperville Central but may return. If not, backs Kevin Thomas and Artie Monaco and improved quarterback Larry Nawrot won't let Neuqua safeties Owen Larson and Mike Oliver rest. The bottom line for both? Confidence.