Scouting Week 5 football in DuPage County
Glenbard East (2-2, 2-2) at South Elgin (4-0, 4-0) When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m., at Millennium Stadium
2019 result: South Elgin 35, Glenbard East 7.
Outlook: The Rams would love to get some revenge after suffering their lone regular season loss to South Elgin in 2019. The two teams have split the last two games, with the score an identical 35-7 for the winner. South Elgin can attack a number of ways, with a variety of talented runners. Senior running back Davion Cherwin is the feature back for South Elgin. Glenbard East is coming off a 48-14 win over East Aurora, which ended a two-game losing streak.
Glenbard West (2-0, 1-0) at Hinsdale Central (4-0, 4-0) When: Friday, 7 p.m.
2019 result: Glenbard West 20, Hinsdale Central 17.
Outlook: This should be one of the best games of the season. The Hilltoppers enter with a slight disadvantage with only two games under their belts compared to Hinsdale Central's four games. The Red Devils can spread the ball and attack the Hilltoppers' stout defense from a number of ways, from quarterback Michael Brescia's running to a plethora of a talented receivers. Establishing the ground attack is a good way to slow down Glenbard West's talented group of running backs. The Hilltoppers have shut out both their two opponents this season. If the series history is any indication, expect the game to be close. The Red Devils haven't beaten the Hilltoppers since a thrilling 31-30 overtime win in 2016.
Naperville Central (4-0, 2-0) at Metea Valley (0-3, 0-2) When: Friday, 7 p.m.
2019 result: Naperville Central 42, Metea Valley 14.
Outlook: On paper, this could be a tough matchup for Metea Valley. The Redhawks have dominated teams in their four-game season, holding three opponents to seven points or less and allowing just 23 total points. The Redhawks' defense is one of the best in the state, but despite their record, the Mustangs' offense is filled with playmakers. Junior wide receiver Jalen Johnson is a big target and John Flynn is an emerging talent. Flynn led the Mustangs with 9 catches for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns last week. The Mustangs have to protect quarterback Logan Frederick and stay away from costly turnovers and penalties.
Neuqua Valley (2-0, 2-0) at DeKalb (2-1, 2-1) When: Friday, 7 p.m.
2019 result: Neuqua Valley 34, DeKalb 30.
Outlook: The Wildcats welcomed a return to the field after a two-week quarantine, playing a solid four quarters in a resounding win over Waubonsie Valley. The Wildcats head into a tough situation, with the Barbs motivated following a 41-7 home loss to Naperville Central. In that game, the Redhawks ran for 285 yards. Look for the Wildcats, behind running back Armani Moreni, to attempt to copy that offensive game plan to keep the Barbs' offense off the field. Moreni set the tone by gaining 74 of his 108 yards in the first quarter against the Warriors. "DeKalb is really good football team," Neuqua coach Bill Ellinghaus said. "It's one of those things where you have to throw out last week. I watched them (play) Waubonsie Valley. They've got talent all over the field. The quarterback is a lefty, a really dynamic player. They got size where they need to have it, the defensive line is huge, and they do a really nice job."
Naperville North (1-1, 1-1) at Waubonsie Valley (1-3, 1-3) When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
2019 result: Naperville North 31, Waubonsie Valley 28; Waubonsie 42, Naperville North 21.
Outlook: The two DuPage Valley Conference teams are set to meet only once this season compared to splitting their two games in 2019. The Huskies showed little rust in last week's blowout win over Metea Valley after a two-week quarantine. Naperville North running back Lontrez Duckworth is coming off a career effort, so expect the Warriors to focus their defensive game plan on stacking the box and stopping Duckworth. The Warriors have a slight edge due to playing four games, but struggled in a 34-12 loss to Neuqua Valley last week. The Warriors trailed 34-0 before scoring two late fourth-quarter touchdowns. "Waubonsie Valley is young, but like Metea Valley, they come out and play hard," Naperville North coach Sean Drendel said. "They have a first-year head coach, so we don't know a ton, but we'll be ready to play. We have learned to take advantage and be ready for every chance and every opportunity to play."
Other games
Friday
Batavia at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
St. Charles North at Lake Park, ccd.
Geneva at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
St. Charles East at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Bishop McNamara at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 p.m.
Downers Grove North at Lyons, 7:30 p.m.
Elgin at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Elmwood Park at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.
Glenbard South at Larkin, 7:30 p.m.
Hinsdale South at Addison Trail, 6 p.m.
Leyden at Downers Grove South, 7 p.m.
Lisle at Streator, 7 p.m.
Montini at DeLaSalle, 7:30 p.m.
Morton at Willowbrook, 7 p.m.
St. Rita at Benet, 7 p.m.
Westmont at St. Edward, 7 p.m.
Wheaton Academy at Riverside-Brookfield, 7 p.m.
York at Oak Park-River Forest, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Bartlett at Fenton, 1 p.m.