Scouting Week 9 in DuPage County
West Aurora (3-5, 1-5) at WW South (7-1, 6-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: As WW South seeks its fourth outright DVC title in five years, the best matchup may be Tigers kicker Nick Immekus, a touchback expert, against potent return man Leon Spears. Tigers receiver Steve Kmiotek returns from a summer ACL tear tonight.
West Chicago (0-8, 0-6) at Naperville North (4-4, 2-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: West Chicago's coming off its best effort thanks to the two-way play of Blake Zumpano. It's pretty simple math for the Huskies. They must win to reach the playoffs for the 13th straight season. Ten of linebacker Nick Lifka's 52 tackles are for loss.
St. Patrick (4-4, 2-4) at Benet (3-5, 2-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: As many as eight of the 10 ESCC teams may make the playoffs, but the Redwings - who will miss the postseason after last week's loss to Marist - aim to disrupt St. Patrick's hopes tonight. To win, though, Benet must limit big plays.
Lisle (2-6) at Sandwich (4-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Anthony Ventrella's 154 yards and 3 touchdowns led the Old Plank Road Trophy win over Westmont. Now, seniors like Pat Callan, Michael Reeves, David Stahulak and Alec Sanders hope to squash Sandwich's playoff bid, lend momentum for 2010.
Fenton (5-3, 4-1) at Elmwood Park (1-7, 0-5)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: This game is important for two reasons. First, the Bison can wrap up at least a share of the Metro Suburban Conference title for the first time since 2006. A Fenton victory also would clinch the program's first playoff berth since that same season.
St. Francis (6-2, 1-2) at Aurora Central (1-7, 0-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: The Spartans simply hone their Wing-T and look for a home playoff opener. Speed on offense and defense will hurt Aurora Central, which will have a hard time tracking Mark Schmitt and Bob Miller behind a strong line including senior Wes Herwaldt.
Chicago Christian (4-4, 2-2) at Immaculate Conception (3-5, 1-3)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Senior day at Lewis Stadium, and IC can be a playoff spoiler. A key is getting a rush on Chicago Christian quarterback Jason VanderLaan. The best way to quiet him is for Knights QB Will Cronin to hand off 30 times to Conor Hendricks and Matt Mesnard.
Wheaton Academy (5-3, 3-1) at St. Edward (5-3, 2-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit: St. Edward, with 30 playoff points (the Warriors have 34), especially needs a sixth win in what should be a dynamite game. Limiting physical St. Ed's run game is essential. Jake Heidorn, Jon Fink, Howie Mill and Nate Jones will plug the gaps.
Waubonsie Valley (5-3, 4-2) at East Aurora (0-8, 0-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: With 39 playoff points Waubonsie is good to go. Coming off its best overall game, 36-14 over Lake Park, the goal is to keep it going. Scott Kuehn, Kenny Clay, Owen Saldana, Devon Morgan, Rickey Simpson, Jalen Love, etc., won all three phases.
Elgin (3-5, 3-2) at Neuqua Valley (2-6, 2-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Neuqua's Jeff Samuel attempted 45 passes last week in the Wildcats' 7-3 loss to St. Charles East. Joey Ippolito tried 6 more. That's a lot. Here's to more than 17 rushing attempts on offense, while Neuqua linebacker T.J. Rhattigan terrorizes Elgin.
Lake Park (6-2, 5-1) at Bartlett (3-5, 1-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today at Streamwood.
The quick hit: Playoff-bound Lake Park needs a win and a St. Charles East loss for its first conference title since 2002. Allowing 21 points off turnovers, like last week, won't get it done. Lancers defensive tackles Matt Kaiser and Charlie Perrecone bring it hard.
Leyden (6-2, 4-1) at Addison Trail (3-5, 3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: In the final football game for retiring coach Paul Parpet, Addison Trail is the latest team to try and slow Leyden's Angel Maldonado, who's close to 1,700 rushing yards. Last week's loss cost the Blazers a shot at the playoffs and Gold title.
Hinsdale South (1-7, 1-4) at Proviso East (2-6, 2-3)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: In horrible field conditions Hinsdale South quarterback Kevin Miller did his best to keep the chains moving during last week's 7-0 loss. He rushed for 104 yards and threw for 60. The Pirates' big-play offense rolled up a season-high 35 points.
Morton (1-7, 0-5) at Downers South (6-2, 5-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Another easy night in the West Suburban Gold led to another 40-point performance from the Mustangs. Downers South got some recent good news with the surprise return from a broken hand by Jason Ulrich, the lone senior returner to the offensive line.
York (3-5) at Willowbrook (3-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Expect nothing new with styles of play. While York leans on running back Mike DeBernardis, who comes in with 997 rushing yards, Willowbrook looks to carry over last week's game-winning drive - a 17-play, nearly 10-minute, run-dominated epic.
Downers North (1-7, 0-5) at Oak Park (4-4, 2-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: This game obviously means more to Oak Park in terms of its playoff chances. Seeking their fourth win in five games, the Huskies look for opportunities against a Downers North defense that last week surrendered 40 points for the third time this season.
Proviso West (5-3, 2-3) at Hinsdale Central (6-2, 4-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: After a 4-0 start Proviso West has lost three of four in the teeth of the Silver schedule. Hinsdale Central's David Lutz had a terrific two-way game last week. The senior rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on only 5 carries and notched 6 tackles.