Scouting DuPage County football games
Montini (1-0) at Loyola (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Montini 26, Palatine 21; Loyola 40, Evanston 0
Last year: Loyola 31, Montini 9
Outlook: Last year’s game was the only one Montini appeared outmanned, understandably given Loyola played in a Class 8A semifinal. Loyola enters No. 3 in 8A, Montini No. 1 in 5A. In this second and final matchup — Montini picks up Lincoln-Way East next year — the Broncos may match up better up front, particularly on defense. Against Palatine defensive tackle Josh Powers (broken finger; probable) made 12 tackles, a physical effort joined by tackle Jaleel Johnson and end Fred Beaugard. Linebackers Mitch Lydon and Franklin Bruscianelli combined for 29 tackles. One goal will be to pressure Loyola quarterback Malcolm Weaver, who has a pal in 6-2 wideout Charlie Dowdle. Loyola’s defense has been alerted to Montini back Dimitri Taylor after his 160 yards and 2 touchdowns last week. On a suspected hot-weather day, the Ramblers will also put the heat on quarterback Mark Gorogianis, who in his varsity debut threw for 138 yards but 3 interceptions.
Next week: Marmion (0-1) at Montini; Lake Forest Academy (0-1) at Loyola.
Neuqua Valley (1-0) at Naperville Central (0-1)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: Neuqua Valley 37, Naperville North 23; Waubonsie Valley 21, Naperville Central 7
Last year: Neuqua Valley 20, Naperville Central 18
Outlook: Neuqua Valley rolled out 492 yards of offense last week. Linemen Andrew Geers, Doug Kindt, Kyle Bryant, Jeff Borghesi, Ryne Baker and Brendan Keyes, tight end Scott Simpson and fullbacks Sam Norgaard and Drelyn Hunt paved the way for Joey Rhattigan and Danny Dudek to each surpass 136 yards rushing — and allowed no sacks. But because Neuqua allowed two 100-yard rushers as well, limiting Naperville Central back Matt Randolph is a concern for Wildcats coach Bryan Wells. The Redhawks came very close to meeting key goals last week, such as getting Randolph 30 touches and quarterback Ian Lewandowski 20 touches, including 10 passes. The Redhawks, however, need to complete six or seven passes instead of three or four. With Neuqua Valley expected to pound the running game at the Redhawks’ defense, Naperville Central coach Mike Stine believes that strategy feeds into his team’s strength up front with defensive lineman Zach Borta.
Next week: St. Charles North (0-1) at Neuqua Valley; Glenbard East (1-0) at Naperville Central.
Wheaton North (1-0) at Geneva (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: Wheaton North 26, Bartlett 24; Geneva 27, Rock Island 14
Last year: Did not play
Outlook: Because Rock Island ran a double tight end, double wing, run-heavy offense, Wheaton North didn’t get a good read on how Geneva will hold up against the Falcons’ quick passing game. Even though quarterback John Peltz did well with 150 passing yards, the Vikings also need to focus on running back Patrick Sharp, who rushed for 168 yards. The Falcons rotate eight players on their defensive line, which should help them hold up against Geneva’s ball-control offense.
Geneva coach Rob Wicinski has repeatedly said Burgess Field’s grass has helped the Vikings win games by slowing opponents. At fast Rock Island, Geneva allowed 293 yards rushing but seldom broke. Despite running only 38 plays, 11 in the second half, new tailback Parker Woodworth ran for 104 yards, 3 touchdowns; Northern Illinois-bound quarterback Matt Williams threw for 140 yards, 1 TD. Geneva will want to control the ball longer than last week to ground the speedy Falcons offense.
Next week: Naperville North (0-1) at Wheaton North; Geneva at St. Charles East (0-1).
WW South (0-1) at Maine South (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Glenbard West 21, WW South 7; Maine South 40, Warren 12.
Last year: WW South 44, Maine South 7.
Outlook: The Tigers look to avoid their first 0-2 start — a dreaded thought heading into DuPage Valley Conference play — since losing to Glenbard West and Waubonsie Valley to start the 1997 season. Unfortunately, WW South faces the three-time defending Class 8A champion Hawks, the top-ranked team in the state that’s also ranked nationally. Tigers running backs Dan Vitale and Patrick Garner ran well at times last week behind an all-junior offensive line, but the entire unit needs to be more consistent and do a better job extending and finishing drives.
Last week’s loss might have been a different story if the Tigers could have converted on golden opportunities in the red zone. Maine South’s explosive spread offense starts with returning quarterback Matt Alviti. It certainly doesn’t end there, though, as the Hawks have another strong running threat in 5-foot-4 back Paul Preston. Tigers linebackers Adam Dansdill, Brandon Peterson and the entire defense will be tested.
Next week: West Aurora at WW South; Maine South at Deerfield.
Addison Trail (1-0) at Proviso West (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Addison Trail 42, West Chicago 0; Proviso West 21, Hubbard 18.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: Addison Trail last played Proviso West in 2000, a 21-6 victory over a 1-8 Panthers team. The Blazers, however, know this is a completely different group they’ll be facing. Proviso West is riding two straight playoff appearances — the only two in its history. Addison Trail excelled in all phases last week as the starters only played into the first series of the second half. Do-it-all Blazers senior Anthony Catanese scored 2 receiving touchdowns, a rushing touchdown and also scored on a punt return. Anthony Messina rushed for more than 100 yards behind a dominant offensive line anchored by left tackle Nathan Biewer.
Addison Trail linebackers Mike Imperiale and Kevin Kent each boasted double-digit tackles last week, and they’ll need a similar effort against a potent Panthers offense led by quarterback Quincy Cole and receiver-running backs Ryan Hathaway and Craig Lottie. Limiting explosion plays by the Panthers is a top goal for Addison Trail’s defense.
Next week: Leyden at Addison Trail; Proviso West at Hinsdale Central.
Byron (1-0) at Wheaton Academy (0-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday, Elmhurst College
The quick hit: The young Warriors need strength up front to stop a Byron ground game that tagged Walther Lutheran for 63 points. Three turnovers inside their own 20 really hurt last week, but both quarterbacks, Nate Martinez and Drew Decker, showed promise.
Downers South (1-0) at Lyons Twp. (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: After the Lions snagged six turnovers against Stevenson, the biggest key for Downers South — which turned it over twice last week — is holding on to the ball. The Mustangs, who defended only 5 passes, will have to fend off the Lions’ spread.
Glenbard East (1-0) at Lake Park (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: The Rams’ balance was ideal last week after four running backs combined for 230 rush yards and quarterback Joe Kotch threw for 247. Lake Park quarterback Zach Gehant will try to move the chains after Conant outgained the Lancers 375-192.
Glenbard North (1-0) at Fenger (1-0)
Game time: 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Gately Stadium.
The quick hit: While Glenbard North builds upon its deep running game led by Phil Jackson, quarterback Brian Murphy and others, the defense looks to contain Fenger’s wing offense and quarterback Darrien Boone, who helped the Titans beat Reavis 40-19.
Glenbard South (0-1) at Bloom (0-1)
Game time: Noon Saturday.
The quick hit: The Raiders ran into a buzzsaw against Prairie Ridge and now take on a Bloom team they beat 28-14 last year. One bright spot last week for Glenbard South was the play of running back Wes Sanders, who piled up 200 total yards.
Hinsdale South (1-0) at York (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Hornets’ D.J. King shined on both sides of the ball against Romeoville and clinched the win with a 95-yard fumble return for a TD. York’s 50-49 loss to Rolling Meadows overshadowed a record-breaking game from receiver David Byerley.
Immaculate Conception (1-0) at Edwardsburg (Mich.) (1-0)
Game time: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: IC needed a Week 2 foe and found one 119 miles away. The Eddies, 11-2 last year in the fourth of Michigan’s eight classes, won their opener 15-9. IC quarterback Demetrius Carr ran and threw for 230 yards in the Knights’ 38-12 win over Ridgewood.
Larkin (0-1) at West Chicago (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Avoiding an 0-2 start is crucial for West Chicago heading into DuPage Valley Conference play. Not much went right last week for the Wildcats in a loss at Addison Trail, starting with a fumble on the opening kickoff of the game that led to a touchdown.
Lisle (0-1) at Coal City (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Lisle coach Dan Sanko highlights the line play in this Interstate Eight crossover, but he’s also got skilled positions on his mind. Like, Coal City’s quarterback Cody Onsen to receiver Matt Halloran, and how the Coalers will defend Lions wideout Ty Howell.
Leyden (0-1) at Hinsdale Central (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Red Devils used a pair of huge stops at the end of regulation and in overtime to pull out a win over St. Charles North. Hinsdale Central relied on a pair of quarterbacks — Danny Callahan and Brian Owens — to keep the offense moving.
Maine West (0-1) at Fenton (1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Judging by Fenton’s offensive performance last week Maine West needs to do much better than the 6 points it scored. Bison QB Sean Havlovic threw for 300 yards against Leyden, but look for Fenton to start expanding the ground game.
Marian Catholic (1-0, 1-0) at Benet (0-1, 0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: If there was a positive from Benet’s 17-0 loss to Nazareth it was the play of the defense headed by linebackers Jim Lynch, Jack Crain and Tim Veselik. Marian Catholic rolled up 52 points and 360 rushing yards with its no-huddle option offense.
Morton (1-0) at Downers North (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Downers North expected to be able to throw the ball more this season, and that came to fruition as Riley McGinnis threw for over 200 yards. The Trojans stayed close to Lockport, but the 33-21 loss conjured memories of last year’s close losses.
Oswego (0-1) at Waubonsie Valley (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: The Warriors, who beat Naperville Central 21-7, host an Oswego squad that lost 47-41 to Marian Central, squandering a lead. Warriors backs Austin Guido and Brandon Malby will get lots of opportunities to control the clock by running the ball.
Quincy (1-0) at Metea Valley (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: A 30-20 winner over Alton, nonconference foe Quincy risks being spread thin. Metea earned 457 yards of offense in its 38-26 win over Plainfield East. Sophomore Cameron Wilcox ran for 215 yards; quarterback Jarrett House passed for 244.
St. Francis (1-0) at Vernon Hills (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Vernon Hills, a 5A quarterfinalist last season, is a big step up from last year’s Week 2 opponent, DuSable. Spartans junior Jack Petrando, who played 42 of 48 minutes last week, ran for 128 yards, 2 touchdowns in the win over Riverside-Brookfield.
Thornton (1-0) at Naperville North (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: With 400 total yards last week the Huskies had to be pleased with the offense. Danny Puknaitis ran hard, Tyler Gehr grew more comfortable at quarterback and the line was physical. Against explosive Thornton the Huskies’ defense must step up.
Willowbrook (0-1) at Glenbard West (1-0)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Willowbrook leans on two-way players on both lines. The Warriors need to be careful not to wear down against the Hilltoppers. Glenbard West can’t let down after last week’s win over WW South. The pounding running game will be a major factor.