Week 7: Scouting the West Suburban
Hinsdale Central (6-0, 4-0) at Lyons Twp. (6-0, 3-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Hinsdale Central 31, Glenbard West 30 (OT); Lyons Twp. 23, Downers Grove North 6.
Last year: Hinsdale Central 51, Lyons Twp. 21.
Outlook: A tremendous rivalry in any sport, expect an extra rowdy atmosphere in a showdown between two of the three Silver unbeatens. When looking at the two teams, you can't help but gravitate toward the quarterbacks. Lyons Twp. junior Ben Bryant, who holds offers from Wisconsin and Central Michigan, is a game-changer who obviously has tremendous passing ability but also is effective on the run. The one question, though, is his health. Bryant dislocated fingers on both hands two weeks ago and sat out last week's win. If it's an issue, the Lions can lean on talented running back Reggie Terrell. Hinsdale Central counters with Columbia-bound Josh Bean, who engineered the Red Devils' fourth-quarter rally from 10 points down last week. He'll distribute to a bunch of receivers, none more dangerous than 6-foot-3 Matt Bjorson. Sophomore Luke Skokna posted another 100-yard rushing effort, including a 39-touchdown run to start Hinsdale Central's scoring.
Next week: Hinsdale South at Hinsdale Central; Lyons Twp. at Oak Park.
Oak Park (6-0, 3-0) at Glenbard West (4-2, 2-2)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Last week: Hinsdale Central 31, Glenbard West 30 (OT); Oak Park 34, York 17.
Last year: Glenbard West 34, Oak Park 7.
Outlook: A testament to the Hilltoppers' excellence, the program is riding a two-game losing streak for the first time since 2006. Before Glenbard West fans worry too much, though, keep in mind the Hilltoppers came a 2-point conversion away from winning last week. Offensively, there's reason to be optimistic despite an injury to leading rusher D.J. Ficarella. Last week quarterback Cole Brady and receiver Alec Pierce connected on 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. That vertical passing threat will help ease the pressure on the ground game that features Ryan Diver and Dre Thomas. On short-yardage plays, expect to see more of defensive standouts Dionte Moorehead and Jackson Goleash. For the third straight week, each against an unbeaten opponent, the Hilltoppers face a top-notch quarterback. Oak Park's Jeremy Hunt may be the most dynamic. Still short a linebacker due to injured Eric Samuta, Glenbard West's defense must be better than last week - especially in the fourth quarter.
Next week: Lyons Twp. at Oak Park; Glenbard West at Proviso West.
Addison Trail (2-4, 1-3) at Morton (1-5, 1-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Blazers must win out to have a chance at the playoffs. Establishing the run is important, but so is the big-play potential of quarterback Bobby Daniels and receiver Darrion Conrad. Slowing Morton running back Greg Hoard is the defensive focus.
Downers Grove South (2-4) at Downers Grove North (1-5)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Mustangs' offense continues to struggle without injured quarterback Matt Greenwald, but they need to overcome it to stay playoff eligible. Downers North defensive back Joe Keys had a huge game with 12 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Leyden (4-2, 3-0) at Hinsdale South (3-3, 3-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Hinsdale South, winner of three straight, is surging at the perfect time. The Hornets must win to maintain hopes of claiming the WSC Gold title. Receiver Destin Talbert should return from injury. Last week Colton Kotecki played well in his place. A victory here would keep the Eagles as the only undefeated team in conference play in the West Suburban Gold. Leyden has showed that it can play top-notch defense. Led by Justin Aleman, Brian Szopinski, Taylor Morioka, Kevin Nevarez and Adrian Aviles, the Eagles limited Downers Grove South to just 79 yards of total offense and 5 first downs in Week 6. Donovan Brown, who has rushed for 470 yards, and Michael Wilms, who has thrown for 577, continue to shine for Leyden. The Eagles also hope to have Jalen Moore back in the lineup after he was sidelined with an injury last week. L
Proviso West (1-5, 0-3) at York (1-5, 0-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: It's been a tough season, but York's poised for a breakout game. Quarterback Charlie Pakenas has struggled at times in the passing game, but leads the Dukes with 334 rush yards. Luke Sacksteder and Chris McCoy have combined for 13 tackles for loss.
Willowbrook (4-2, 2-1) at Proviso East (0-6, 0-3)Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Willowbrook's ground game has been consistent all season, but last week the Warriors found success in the pass game with quarterback M.J. Ranieri and receivers Mike Dembowski and Sikander Zafar. Like last week, the goal is to build a big early lead.