Week 5: Scouting the DuPage Valley

Glenbard North (3-1, 2-1) at Naperville North (4-0, 3-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Glenbard North 45, Thornton 21; Naperville North 28, Lake Park 23.

Last year: Glenbard North 46, Naperville North 6.

Outlook: In each of the last two weeks, Glenbard North tailback Vittorio Tricase tied Ryan Clifford's DVC record of 6 touchdown runs. This can't go on forever, and when he's contained the Panthers' Plan B offers quarterback Shane Conway extending plays and targeting receivers Jace James, Greg Newsome and Tyrik Henderson. Also outstanding defensive backs, those three must remain relatively fresh to handle Naperville North's tall receivers sprinting out of a no-huddle offense. A matchup to definitely keep an eye on is Glenbard North's big offensive line against Naperville North's talented and experienced defensive line headed by Isaac Velasco, Malik Wells, Cole Jacobs, Alex Iaccino and others. The defense, however, suffered a huge loss with the season-ending injury to linebacker Jake Jegglie. The Huskies' running tandem of Eric Wright and Cross Robinson is dangerous in multiple ways - including out of the Wildcat formation. Keeping pace in the DVC race is an obvious key.

Next week: Wheaton North at Glenbard North; Neuqua Valley at Naperville North.

Lake Park (2-2, 1-2) at Wheaton North (2-2, 1-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: After missing the first four games due to injury, Diamante Smith hopes to return to the Lancers' lineup at defensive back. Injuries keep piling up for Wheaton North, which struggled on both sides of the ball last week. Sam Singleton rushed for 81 yards.

Metea Valley (1-3, 1-3) at Waubonsie Valley (2-2, 2-2) Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: After its first victory Metea will need even better execution. Linebacker Austin Marmolejo, safety Nick LaRosa help defend on the edge. Waubonsie needs another passionate, 48-minute effort. It helps that senior defensive linemen Calvin Ringenbach returns.

Naperville Central (2-2, 2-2) at WW South (0-4, 0-4)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Naperville Central's inexperienced offense is starting to get rolling with quarterback Pat Ryan and running back A.J. Deinhart. As the Tigers try to stave off playoff elimination, look for some of the offensive playmakers to see time on defense.Neuqua Valley (4-0) at Bishop Chatard (Ind.) (2-3)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.