Scouting Week 8 in DuPage County
Glenbard East (3-4, 1-4) at West Aurora (3-4, 1-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit Sloppy field conditions didn't prevent Rams quarterback Jack Merrithey from throwing for 180 yards last week. Three turnovers, however, led to 3 touchdowns by Naperville North. With four losses apiece, the playoff push begins tonight for both teams.
Naperville Central (6-1, 4-1) at West Chicago (0-7, 0-5)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Four Naperville Central games have been decided on the final play, including last week's overtime win. The Redhawks' receiving tandem of Hayden Daniels and Cam Brate combined for 17 catches, 196 yards and a touchdown.
Wheaton North (3-4, 2-3) at Naperville North (4-3, 2-3)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit Falcons quarterback Reece Butler's settling in. Last week he rushed for 90 yards and threw for 140. As the Huskies' offense rounds into shape, the focus shifts to defense. Too many long drives and yards allowed, according to coach Larry McKeon.
Benet (3-4, 2-3) at Marist (5-2, 3-2)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit The grind of the ESCC is taking its toll on Benet, which last week lost receiver Connor Nelligan to a concussion. Slow starts have hampered the Redwings in five of seven games. They can't afford sluggishness against Marist QB Mike Perrish.
Westmont (0-7, 0-4) at Lisle (1-6, 0-4)
Game time 7:15 p.m. today at Benedictine University.
The quick hit: Led by one of this year's players, Anthony Ventrella, Lisle won 27-22 last year to recapture the Old Plank Road Trophy. Lions coach Dan Sanko holds a 2-1 edge for the Trophy against his former player and assistant coach, Westmont coach Mark Orszula.
Ridgewood (3-4, 2-2) at Fenton (4-3, 3-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. today.
The quick hit The Bison must bounce back from last week's loss to Riverside-Brookfield. Two-way standout Nico Watt missed the second half with injury, an absence sorely felt. A limited number of playoff points makes the next two weeks critical for Fenton.
Aurora Central (1-6) at Immaculate Conception (2-5)
Game time 1 p.m. Saturday, Elmhurst College.
The quick hit Hard to believe that one year removed from the Class 2A state title, the Knights will miss the playoffs. Linemen Robert Rivera, Nick Stam and Co. will have to meet ACC's physical challenge to protect offensive forces Will Cronin, Conor Hendricks.
St. Francis (5-2) at Aurora Christian (5-2)
Game time 7:15 p.m. today.
The quick hit A matchup of speed vs. speed in this Suburban Christian Conference crossover. St. Francis regroups from its 14-12 loss to Marian Central, with Spartans linebacker Colin Marshall taking aim at the cutback running of 4.6 speedster Johnny Magee.
Neuqua Valley (2-5, 2-2) at St. Charles East (5-2, 5-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit No playoffs for Neuqua, but the Wildcats can finish 4-2 in the Upstate Eight and dent St. Charles East's title hopes. Defensive linemen Christian Eble, Michael Ippolito, Leif Munson and Andrew Skowronski confront a pounding Saints ground game.
Willowbrook (2-5, 2-3) at Hinsdale South (1-6, 1-3)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit Twenty-nine Hinsdale South players have missed games due to injury. The latest is third-year starter Cody Kuhlman, who separated his shoulder last week. Eliminated from playoff contention last week, Willowbrook, like the Hornets, play for pride.
Glenbard West (7-0, 4-0) at Downers North (1-6, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit The Hilltoppers turned on the turnover machine last week, taking away seven from York. An awesome Glenbard West running game gets a boost this week with the return from injury of offensive lineman Jordan Walsh, who missed the last two weeks.
Hinsdale Central (5-2, 3-1) at York (3-4, 2-3)
Game time 7:30 p.m. today.
The quick hit: Last week Hinsdale Central linebacker Jason Rafferty led the team's best defensive effort of the season. Standout receiver Alex Kirk missed the game with a groin injury. Quarterback John Whitelaw still spread the ball to five different receivers.