Metro Suburban Week 5: Wheaton Academy looks for 5-0 start

Riverside-Brookfield (4-0, 0-0) at Wheaton Academy (4-0, 0-0)

Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Riverside-Brookfield 55, Walther Christian 7; Wheaton Academy 35, Chicago Christian 0.

Last year: Riverside-Brookfield 45, Wheaton Academy 21.

Outlook: Three times Wheaton Academy has started 4-0 since the Warriors recommitted to football in 2006 - but never 5-0. Part of the challenge will be hurdling the mental block of facing an established program. Another is up front where Warriors offensive linemen David McDonell, Noah Owens, Nathan Meade, Dimitri Skakavac and Nori Kasai must protect three-year starting quarterback David Thrasher, whose beautiful downfield spirals have produced 14 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. If Thrasher is hurried, R-B's Dean Zigulich will be ready. The senior defensive back intercepted 3 passes in the Bulldogs' 55-7 win over Walther Christian, according to the Landmark's Marty Farmer. (Walther is the lone mutual foe; Wheaton Academy won 39-14.) To slow a team that favors long drives and tries to confuse defenses with multiple formations, Warriors coach Brad Thornton also seeks balance and tempo using a ground game featuring Chase Martin and Harrison Taylor.

Next week: IC Catholic at Riverside-Brookfield; Glenbard South at Wheaton Academy.

Aurora Central Catholic (2-2, 0-0) at IC Catholic (3-1, 0-0)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: IC has beaten ACC 16 straight times, many of them back-and-forth thrillers. Facing former Downers South coach John Belskis and quarterback son Johnny, IC's Jordan Rowell and Jim Kenneally enter off huge games in a 41-6 bash over St. Edward.

Fenton (2-2, 0-0) at Glenbard South (2-2, 0-0)

Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Against the Metro Suburban West's top dog, Fenton will need more than Brian Jaramillo's 52-yard pick-6 that beat Elmwood Park. Lineman Adrian Bahena pulls double duty, will try to slow Raiders back Sean Cooke. Justin Goetz returns for South.

Guerin (2-2, 0-0) at St. Edward (2-2, 0-0)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. at Geneva High School

The quick hit: The Green Wave make Geneva's Burgess Field their temporary home for this Metro Suburban East opener. St. Edward's 24-man roster has been reduced by injury. Linebacker/running back Patrick Brown and center AJ Salvadore are out with concussions, and star running back Dwayne Allen remains doubtful due to a high-ankle sprain, coach Mike Rolando said.