Week 5: Scouting the Mid-Suburban West
Barrington (4-0, 0-0) at Fremd (3-1, 0-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Barrington 49, Fremd 28
Outlook: This should be quite the ground battle between a pair of teams that like to run the football and throw to their tight ends. Barrington has continued its pound game behind the plowboy. The Broncos have gained 1,300 yards on the ground this season and are averaging 42.5 points per game. The Broncos will also look to get the ball to tight end Josh Babicz, who had a big game against Fremd last year. Fremd has not been a slouch with its ground attack, coming off a 183-yard performance last week. Vikings tight end Austin Schwantz has also been getting free in the secondary. After a slow start in the first game of the season, Fremd has averaged 35 points per game.
Conant (0-4, 0-0) at Schaumburg (3-1, 0-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Conant 49, Schaumburg 14
Outlook: Conant continues to struggles last week against Maine South, the latest in a string of tough opponents. The Cougars' opponents have a combined record of 12-4. Conant has had its troubles offensively, scoring a touchdown or less in 3 of their 4 games. Schaumburg's defense, which had been struggling in the Saxons' first three games, put together its best game of the season last week. Schaumburg limited Highland Park's high-scoring offense to just 1 touchdown a 9 first downs. Meanwhile the offense continues to produce, averaging 29 points per game. It is led by Jordan Salgado, who has rushed for 559 yards, and Hezekiah Trotter, who stepped into the lineup last week and gained 145 yards.
Palatine (4-0, 0-0) at Hoffman Estates (4-0, 0-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Palatine 35, Hoffman Estates 14
Outlook: Palatine comes in to this game as the two-time defending champions and ranked in the top 10 in Class 8A in the state. The Pirates offense has been its sensational self with Zack Oles throwing for 817 yards and Johnny O'Shea and Jack Grochowsk becoming huge threats at the wide receiver spot. Palatine's defense has also been very good, allowing just 15 points per game. Despite that, the talk is all about Hoffman. It will be a huge homecoming crowd for the surprising Hawks, who will be looking for their biggest win in decades.The Hawks are 4-0 for the first time since 1988 thanks to the play of quarterback Austim Miller-Coalson, who has thrown for 819 yards and 10 TDs without an interception.