DuPage Valley Week 5: Waubonsie Valley battles Metea Valley in Indian Prairie Classic
Waubonsie Valley (3-1, 3-1) at Metea Valley (1-3, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Central College in Naperville.
Last week: Waubonsie Valley 15, Naperville Central 14; Wheaton North 14, Metea Valley 8.
Last year: Waubonsie Valley 38, Metea Valley 37; Waubonsie Valley 21, Metea Valley 14 in Class 8A playoffs.
Outlook: Metea Valley makes its Indian Prairie Classic debut in what is now a rotating schedule with Neuqua Valley. Waubonsie Valley enters off a quality win, patiently overcoming a 14-0 deficit after three quarters with 2 Max Ihry touchdown runs and quarterback Jack Connolly's 2-point conversion run. The Warriors also found the third phase of their option — the pitch/slot — with Tanner Westwood and Milan Fowler. Against a passing foe, defensive backs Connor Yukna, Derric Lee, Trevon Moore and Quaid Gill look to be busy. Metea's aerial game took a hit when senior receiver Brad Fekety broke an arm and looks out for the season. Quarterback Conner Lovely, who's thrown for 912 yards, has many alternatives, including Jordan Cagigal, Jack Feeley and Reggie Hill. But as Mustangs coach Ben Kleinhans said, throwing 40 times is not a recipe for success. Speaking of success, defensive end Michael Robinson and nose guard Cayman Wilcox, a converted back, get it done.
Next week: WW South at Waubonsie Valley; Lake Park at Metea Valley.
Wheaton North (2-2, 2-1) at Lake Park (2-2, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: With Cullen Heimburger hurt and Bo Neidballa moved to defensive line, Reese Dickinson emerged as the Falcons' feature running back. The Lancers' Jacub and Mike Panasiuk-led defensive line is getting an added boost from Will Moore.
Naperville North (0-4, 0-3) at Glenbard North (2-2, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: To stay alive for the playoffs, the Huskies will lean on its defense led by lineman Tom Rizzi and safety Grant Ericksen. Tyrik Henderson's 2 interceptions last week put the Panthers at 10 already. The run game's solid; now look for wideout Jace James.
Neuqua Valley (3-1) at Bartlett (1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Neuqua Valley 28, Wheaton Warrenville South 14; South Elgin 27, Bartlett 19
Last year: Neuqua Valley 54, Bartlett 29
Outlook: Different conferences, same rivalry. Bartlett and Neuqua Valley continue an annual series that began in 1998, though the Wildcats departed this season for the DuPage Valley Conference. The schools draw each other in nonconference play by chance due to an agreement between the DVC and the Upstate Eight. Neuqua Valley's explosive offense is directed by senior Jack Stankoven (43 of 71, 641 yards, 4 TDs) and includes standouts like junior wide receiver Isaiah Robertson (18 rec., 264 yards, 2 TDs), 6-foot-6, 235-pound tight end Brett Borske (6 rec., 128 yards) and 6-3 senior wideout Owen Piche (11 rec., 178, 2 TDs). Nick Osikowicz, a 205-pound running back, is the third-leading scorer in DuPage County, having scored 48 points to go with 232 yards. A Neuqua Valley offense that gains 305 yards and scores 25.3 points per game faces a Bartlett defense that allows 307 yards and 23.5 points per game. The Wildcats fell just shy of cracking the AP Top Ten in Class 8A this week with 15 points. “We've played a lot of highly ranked teams and they're the highest,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. “They have some gifted athletes. Hopefully, we can stay with them and make something happen in the fourth quarter.”
Next week: Naperville North (0-4) at Neuqua Valley Bartlett at East Aurora (1-3)