Who’s making the grade at the halfway point?
Can you believe we’re already heading into the fifth week of the high school football season?
In the case of Aurora Christian, Batavia, Geneva, and Kaneland, you couldn’t have asked for a better first four weeks of the 2011 campaign, as the quartet has combined for a 16-0 record.
If you’re a fan of St. Charles East or St. Charles North, who own a collective 0-8 mark and have suffered some of the toughest losses imaginable, you’re hoping the Illinois High School Association grants a “do-over.”
As the season nears the halfway point, it appears there is a case of the “haves” and “have-nots” for area teams.
Aurora Christian (4-0, 2-0)
Observations: This is a team that can light up a scoreboard, something that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering former NFL wide receiver Don Beebe is the Eagles’ head coach.In their last two games, the Eagles have outscored opponents 97-7.One of the reasons many experts picked Aurora Christian to capture the Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division was based on the leadership expected from senior quarterback Anthony Maddie.The Western Michigan-bound recruit has been nothing short of spectacular. In his first three games, Maddie completed better than 70 percent of his passes for 13 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions.Outlook: While Aurora Christian faces a stiff test against 2-time defending Class 5A state champion Montini Friday night in Lombard, it has more than enough firepower to reach the playoffs for the eighth time in Beebe#146;s 8 years at the helm.Batavia (4-0, 1-0)Observations: Are the Bulldogs for real? Ask any of their first four opponents #8212; Marmion, Plainfield East, Larkin, and Bartlett #8212; and the answer is a resounding #147;yes.#148;With senior quarterback Noel Gaspari playing like a third-year varsity starter, Batavia is off to its best start since 2006 #8212; the year it earned a second-place state finish in Class 6A.Led by FB/DL Alec Lyons, TE/DL Cole Gardner, DB/WR Jon Gray, receivers Zach Strittmatter, Evan Zeddies, and LB/KR Anthony Thielk, the Bulldogs possess an array of big-play performers.While Gaspari (56-of-83, 882 yards, 9 TDs) calls the offensive shots, the Bulldogs defense has allowed just 32 points.Outlook: Needing just one more win, a postseason berth is likely but the Bulldogs want more in Dennis Piron#146;s first year as head coach. If Batavia beats St. Charles East Friday night, it will set up a much-anticipated showdown with defending Upstate Eight Conference River Division champ Geneva Sept. 30 at Burgess Field.Geneva (4-0, 2-0)Observations: No player means more to his team than senior quarterback Matt Williams. The NIU-bound veteran has thrown 5 TD passes and rushed for a pair of TDs, while also serving as the Vikings#146; punter.Williams#146; two successful onside kicks were pivotal to their Week 2 come-from-behind victory over Wheaton North.Parker Woodworth (86 carries, 560 yards, 11 TDs) has picked up where former Viking stars Nick Herrera, Michael Ratay, Michael Santacaterina, and Connor Quinn left off in the backfield. Meanwhile, speedy junior Bobby Hess and WR Ben Rogers give Williams additional offensive outlets.Outlook: If the Vikings continue to average 425 yards of offense per game, they will be difficult to dethrone atop the UEC River standings. They#146;ll also be a tough out in the state playoffs.Kaneland (4-0, 0-0)Observations: No area team has more offensive weapons than Kaneland. Five different players scored TDs in last weekend#146;s 56-14 rout of LaSalle-Peru. Senior WR/DB Quinn Buschbacher (17 receptions, 337 yards, 4 TDs) displayed his electrifying ability with a 92-yard kick return for a TD and 72-yard TD reception.Senior teammate Sean Carter (15 catches, 257 yards, 6 TDs) also added a pair of touchdowns against LaSalle-Peru.While the Knights lost several experienced players from last year#146;s 5A state semifinalist team, they have been rejuvenated with excellent play from sophomores Alex Snyder (OL/DL), Matt Rodriguez (K), Jesse Balluff (RB), and quarterback Drew David (16 TD passes, 2 interceptions).Outlook: The Knights appear to be on a collision course with unbeaten Morris for the NI-Big 12 East Division title, and will face the Redskins on the road Oct. 21.Aurora Central Catholic (3-1, 1-1)Observations: Led by senior quarterback Kyle Clechenko, middle linebacker Nick Holzer, and tailbacks Luke Dickerson and Marcus Jefferson, the Chargers have already matched last year#146;s win total.After suffering a 41-0 loss to Immaculate Conception in Week 3, ACC bounced back last weekend with an impressive 35-13 win over Chicago Christian.With a plus-4 turnover ratio, the Chargers may stay in the SCC Gold race all the way to their Oct. 21 cross-town showdown against Aurora Christian.Outlook: With 2 more wins, coach Brian Casey#146;s Chargers will likely earn their first playoff berth since 1997 but they#146;ll have to do it the hard way #8212; 4 of their last 5 games are on the road.Marmion (2-2, 1-1)Observations: After managing just 19 points in its first 3 games, Marmion doubled its pleasure during last week#146;s 38-6 victory over previously unbeaten St. Edward. While Charlie Faunce and Dan DiBartolo have shared time at quarterback, there#146;s no disputing who the Cadets#146; top tailback is.Senior Garret Becker (54 carries, 319 yards, 3 TDs) runs behind an offensive line anchored by veteran Ryan Glasgow.Don#146;t be fooled by Marmion#146;s 2-2 record. The losses were against unbeaten Batavia and 2-time defending 5A state champion Montini.Outlook: The Cadets will likely have to beat IC (4-0), St. Francis (3-1), or Marian Central Catholic (4-0) to secure a 6A playoff berth.West Aurora (2-2, 0-2)Observations: Turnovers continue to cripple the Blackhawks, who are a minus-8 in that category through 4 games. Defensively, Javonta Black and Brandon Warren have provided steady play but West Aurora needs more consistent offensive support if it hopes to reach the postseason.Outlook: The next 3 games vs. Glenbard North, Wheaton North and Naperville North will help determine West Aurora#146;s fate.St. Charles E. (0-4, 0-2), STCN (0-4, 0-1)Observations: I put these teams together simply because they#146;re still winless. Both teams have played hard but seemingly always hurt themselves with key mistakes at the worst times.Outlook: For the second straight season, St. Charles will be shut out of the playoff picture. If both teams fall to 0-5, it will be time to start playing more juniors and look ahead to bigger and better things in 2012.You can reach Craig Brueske at csb4k@hotmail.com. 28551836Genevas Matt Williams, left, and Batavias Anthony Thielk, above, are two big reasons their teams are a combined 8-0 with one week left before they meet Sept. 30 in Geneva.Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com