Week 8: Scouting the Northern Lake
Antioch Sequoits (7-0, 5-0) at North Chicago Warhawks (3-4, 2-3) When: 7:15 p.m., Friday
Last week: Antioch def. Lakes, 14-7; North Chicago def. Grayslake Central, 28-12.
Skinny: Antioch is out to run the table and should be more focused than ever, coming off its most contested game of the season by far. The Sequoits, who average a Northern Lake County Conference-best 38.3 points per game, managed just 14 points in last week's squeaker against Lakes. Before that, Antioch's lowest point total came in a 28-0 win over Grant … Antioch's defense has also been impressive this season. The Sequoits are allowing just 15.6 points per game, second fewest per game to league-leading Grayslake North (13.7 ppg) … Antioch's run-oriented offense tends to spread the ball around with a handful of rushers. Last week, quarterback Branden Gallimore led the way with 82 yards on 15 carries. Brandon Lind added 62 yards and Drew Porter finished with 52 yards…North Chicago stopped a three-game losing streak with last week's win. Quarterback Dyshawn Gales makes the Warhawks go.
Grant Bulldogs (2-5, 2-3) at Wauconda Bulldogs (3-4, 2-3)When: 7:15 p.m., Friday
Last week: Grant lost to Grayslake North, 35-7; Wauconda def. Round Lake, 42-7.
Skinny: Grant was eliminated from playoff contention with last week's loss, but Wauconda is still very much alive. Wauconda could qualify for the postseason on points with 5 wins, and its chances are good with 33 playoff points, among the most in the Northern Lake County Conference. Wauconda has won two of its last three games and has averaged 36.5 points per game over those two wins … The running game was working well last week for Wauconda, which rolled up 412 yards of total offense. Jacob Bicknase was nearly unstoppable, going off for 294 yards on 21 carries … Grant's offense continues to struggle. The Bulldogs managed just 10 first downs last week against Grayslake North and scored its only touchdown in the final seconds against Grayslake North's subs.
Grayslake Central Rams (1-6, 1-4) at Grayslake North Knights (6-1, 4-1)When: 7:15 p.m., Friday
Last week: Grayslake Central lost to North Chicago, 28-12; Grayslake North def. Grant, 35-7.
Skinny: It's the battle of sister schools and crosstown rivals. However, this rivalry has been rather one-sided in recent years, with Grayslake North having a distinct advantage. Grayslake Central won its first game this season since the 2013 season. Meanwhile, Grayslake North has been getting playoff berths, and secured another with last week's big win over Grant. The Knights, who have won four straight games, boast the best defense in the Northern Lake County Conference, allowing just 13.7 points per game. The 7 points they allowed last week marked the third time this season they have given up 10 or fewer points in a game ... The Grayslake North offense got a big boost out of the return of running back Dami Oladunmoye, who has missed much of the season with ankle injuries. He rolled up 91 yards and 2 touchdowns on 5 carries last week against Grant … Grayslake Central has lost three straight games. Running back Mikey Andrews continues to be the focal point of the Rams' offense.
Round Lake Panthers (0-7, 0-5) at Lakes Eagles (4-3, 4-1)When: 7:15 p.m., Friday
Last week: Round Lake lost to Wauconda, 42-7; Lakes lost to Antioch, 14-7.
Skinny: Lakes had its four-game winning streak snapped last week with a close-shave lost to Northern Lake County Conference leader Antioch. The 7 points Lakes scored was its fewest on the season. But this could be a get-well week for the Eagles' offense. Round Lake gives up more points than any other team in the league, 38.1 points per game. The Panthers, who are still looking for their first win, have also struggled offensively. They've scored only 43 points on the season, for an average of 6.1 points per game. That's fewest in the league. They've scored a total of 13 points over the last three weeks … Against Antioch last week, running back Cameron Ruiz took on the offensive load for Lakes. He rushed 14 times for 112 yards and the Eagles' only touchdown, on a 60-yard run … Round Lake quarterback Tabieas Young is a threat to pass or run the ball. He had 107 all-purpose yards last week against Wauconda.