Football: Scouting DuPage County, Week 5
By Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
kschmit@dailyherald.com
South Elgin (2-2, 2-0) at Neuqua Valley (3-1, 1-0)
Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: South Elgin 33, Metea Valley 0; Neuqua Valley 56, East Aurora 7
Last year: South Elgin 21, Neuqua Valley 14
Outlook: Neuqua, seeking its first conference title since 2006, has beaten its last two foes, St. Charles North and East Aurora, by a total score of 99-10. “I think we have some work cut out for us this week,” said Wildcats coach Bryan Wells. South Elgin, 2-0 against Neuqua in its brief history — Storm coach Dale Schabert has not lost to Neuqua either at here or at Larkin — offers a run-based offense of back Adolfo Pacheco and quarterback Zach Gross.
They combined for 220 yards rushing against Metea, Pacheco running for 137 yards and a touchdown, and will challenge Michael Ippolito and the Neuqua defense as Naperville Central did Week 2. Neuqua junior running backs Joey Rhattigan and Danny Dudek have combined for 806 yards, Rhattigan already with 11 touchdowns. Wildcats kicker Ryan Mulhern and South Elgin counterpart David Reisner may have a say. “We need to be solid in special teams ... and turn around and control the ball with our offense,” Wells said.
Next week: Bartlett at South Elgin; Metea Valley at Neuqua Valley.
Waubonsie Valley (3-1, 1-1) at Metea Valley (3-1, 1-1)
Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: Waubonsie Valley 54, Lake Park 7; South Elgin 33, Metea Valley 0
Last year: Waubonsie Valley 21, Metea Valley 20
Outlook: Both teams’ starting quarterbacks — Metea’s Jarrett House (knee), Waubonsie’s Mitch Stefani (collarbone) — will miss this Indian Prairie District rivalry game. Waubonsie’s Dylan Warden hardly played like a backup last week. Alongside Austin Guido’s 209 yards rushing the junior ran for 4 touchdowns and passed for a fifth as the Warriors capitalized on 2 fumble recoveries by linebacker Tommy Wooten and one each by cornerback Andrew White, defensive lineman Zac Steele and linebacker Hugh Griffin, who returned his 25 yards and a score.
Metea center Mike Schapen and his linemates require low pads and leg drive to open holes for running backs TréSean Mackey and Cameron Wilcox so the Mustangs don’t become too reliant on sophomore quarterback Peyton Mitchell to get it done. “The winner stays in the chase for the conference championship,” said Waubonsie coach Paul Murphy. “The loser, it’s gonna be tough to get it with two losses.”
Next week: Waubonsie Valley at Larkin; Metea Valley at Neuqua Valley.
Immaculate Conception (4-0) at Marmion (2-2)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: Immaculate Conception 41, Walther Lutheran 6; Marmion 38, St. Edward 6
Last year: Did not play
Outlook: Should Immaculate Conception stand up to Marmion’s physicality at the line, this will be a very compelling Suburban Christian Conference crossover. Marmion, which features two-way linemen Ryan Glasgow and Tyler Boyd, will try to contain IC tailbacks Dan Vatch and Matt Mesnard as well as quarterback Demetrius Carr, forcing Carr to pass out of the spread offense. He’s been solid; 22 of 44 passing for 408 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception plus a team-high 327 yards rushing.
The Knights, No. 7 in Class 4A, will try to penetrate Marmion’s big line and sniff out Cadets senior tailback Garret Becker, son of former Bears lineman, Kurt. End Coleon Leverson and 320-pound tackle Christian Lopez vie against Glasgow and Boyd, while allowing linebacker James Peachey and safety Charlie Pulkownik to clean up. “It should be interesting to see how we match up and how we handle a team with a little bit more talent up front,” said IC coach Chris VanDyke.
Next week: Immaculate Conception at Chicago Christian; Wheaton Academy at Marmion.
Naperville Central (3-1, 2-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (1-3, 1-1)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: Naperville Central 35, West Aurora 14; Naperville North 17, WW South 14.
Last year: WW South 38, Naperville Central 13.
Outlook: Naperville Central has improved tremendously since an opening-week loss to Waubonsie Valley. While the defense has been consistent all season, the offense really has rounded into shape behind workhorse running back Matt Randolph, who has 702 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Ian Lewandowski was efficient last week while completing 9 of 12 passes for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. Aside from two long Naperville North runs, WW South’s defense continued to play well last week but the Tigers need to create turnovers — especially after last week’s 5-0 deficit.
Offensive balance is the key for both sides, and WW South’s struggling passing game got a boost last week with quarterback Thaddeus Armstrong’s 20-of-32 performance for 195 yards. The Tigers’ all-junior offensive line must create holes for running back Dan Vitale. It’ll be a chore to run against Naperville Central’s physical defensive line of Zach Borta, Rob Girgis and Cody Campbell.
Next week: Glenbard North at Naperville Central; West Chicago at WW South.
Glenbard West (4-0, 2-0) at Oak Park (2-2, 1-1)
West Suburban Silver Conference
Game time: 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Last week: Glenbard West 45, Hinsdale Central 14; York 35, Oak Park 7.
Last year: Glenbard West 42, Oak Park 0.
Outlook: The Glenbard West juggernaut hits the road with a bunch of momentum at its back. The quick-strike offense struck again last week on the game’s first play as Hilltoppers quarterback Justice Odom, who enjoyed his best game of the season with 180 passing yards, connected with Avery Balogh for a long touchdown. Balogh, Kendall Johnson, Joey Zito, Nathan Marcus and others present a stunning challenge for Oak Park’s defense, which struggled to contain York’s pass attack last week.
The Huskies’ offense feeds off running back Jakari Cammon, whom Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet considers among the Silver’s top backs. Glenbard West’s defensive pressure comes at all three levels of the unit, starting with Tommy Schutt and Ruben Dunbar up front, to linebacker Andrew Larkin and all the way back to secondary mates Michael and Matthew Marston. With Oak Park relying on a backup quarterback due to injury, expect the defense to focus on Cammon.
Next week: Proviso West at Glenbard West; Oak Park at Lyons Twp.
Aurora Christian (4-0) at Montini (2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Montini’s physicality and depth has prevailed the last two years. Bronco defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson, linebacker Mitch Lydon hope to continue that and contain quarterback Anthony Maddie, already with 1,048 yards passing, 17 touchdowns.
Bartlett (2-2, 1-0) at Lake Park (1-3, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Six turnovers ruined Lake Park’s Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division game against Waubonsie Valley. The Lancers look to control the ball without mistakes, while continuing the progress of the passing combo of Zach Gehant to Scott Filip.
Chicago Christian (0-4) at Wheaton Academy (0-4)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday, Wheaton College
The quick hit: Joel Swick’s 63-yard touchdown run was too little, too late against St. Francis, but the young Warriors are on equal footing in this Suburban Christian Conference crossover. Sophomore defensive back John Gemmel brings 2 sacks into the game.
Downers Grove North (1-3) at Downers Grove South (4-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Even though a 200-yard passing game from Riley McGinnis nearly rallied the Trojans from last week’s three-touchdown deficit, they can’t afford a similar hole. For the first time in forever, Downers South enters this game completely healthy.
Dwight (0-4, 0-2) at Lisle (0-4, 0-2)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday, Benedictine University
The quick hit: Hungry for a first win in this Interstate Eight Small Division contest, the Lions need consistency to get it. Now up to eight two-way starters due to Injuries, but guard-end Dan Kisla and wingback-linebacker Nick Leonard are still bringing the physicality.
Elmwood Park (2-2, 0-1) at Glenbard South (1-3, 0-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Cleared of tough games with state-ranked Prairie Ridge and Crete-Monee, the Raiders seek momentum in the Metro Suburban Conference. Considering his standout play against those powerhouses, expect big things from running back Wes Sanders.
Glenbard East (1-3, 0-2) at Wheaton North (3-1, 2-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Rams, decimated by injury, enter this game down eight starters. Wheaton North is thin at running back after injuries to Patrick Sharp and backup Zach Muscari. Mike Sammer, himself back from injury, will carry the load with QB John Peltz.
Guerin (2-2) at St. Francis (3-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday, College of DuPage
The quick hit: Look for a result similar to St. Francis’ 56-12 win (49-0 at one point) over Wheaton Academy. Jack Petrando already has 539 yards, 6 TDs rushing, but the Spartans still would like to get more out of the passing game. Here’s a chance to tune up.
Hinsdale South (2-2, 1-1) at Leyden (0-4, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: After managing 88 total yards in last week’s shutout loss to Addison Trail — including 3-of-11 passing — look for Hinsdale South’s offense to try and break out against a Leyden defense that’s allowed at least 30 points three times in four games.
Joliet Catholic (4-0, 3-0) at Benet (0-4, 0-4)
Game time: 8 p.m. Saturday at Benedictine University.
The quick hit: How to contain JCA’s Ty Isaac and Malin Jones, who have combined for nearly 1,300 rushing yards? That’s the question facing Benet, which is without injured LB Jim Lynch. Sophomore Porter Ontco sparked Benet’s ground game last week.
Lyons Twp. (2-2, 1-1) at Hinsdale Central (2-2, 0-2)
Game time: Noon Saturday.
The quick hit: The Red Devils took their lumps against Glenbard West but not without some positives. Quarterback Brian Owens, who threw for 250 yards, is settling in thanks to several talented receivers including 6-foot-3 Brad Anlauf and 6-4 Tom Garvin.
Morton (2-2, 1-1) at Addison Trail (4-0, 2-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Four TD passes by Morton QB Ismael Ledezma last week provide something to think about for Addison Trail’s defense, which has yet to allow double-digit scoring in a game. Blazers linemen Jake Newsome and Nathan Biewer power the ground game.
Proviso East (0-4, 0-1) at Willowbrook (0-4, 0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Willowbrook is showing scoring potential on the ground with running back Dom Battaglia, who helped the Warriors to 220 rushing yards last week, but penalties are wrecking drives. The Pirates’ big-play potential is an opponent’s perpetual concern.
St. Francis de Sales (0-4) at Fenton (4-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Fenton’s fifth straight winless opponent, the Pioneers — with only 18 points on the season — are struggling immensely. Freddy Joyner saved the day for the Bison last week with a fumble recovery that set up Sean Havlovic’s winning TD.
West Aurora (2-2, 0-2) at Glenbard North (4-0, 2-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: West Aurora’s defense loves to blitz, which might come in handy after Panthers QB Brian Murphy threw 2 touchdown passes to Trevor Hackett last week. The Panthers’ offensive line, which coach Ryan Wilkens calls a work in progress, will be tested.
West Chicago (0-4, 0-2) at Naperville North (2-2, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: West Chicago hopes to carry over its second-half effort from last week and sustain drives against Naperville North’s stingy defense. Huskies quarterback Tyler Gehr and running back Dan Puknaitis each piled up 100-yard rushing games last week.
York (3-1, 1-0) at Proviso West (3-1, 1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Junior quarterback Andrew Iwaszkiewicz, who has experience from the first four games, gets the start for injured Joe Lucca. Although many receivers thrive for the Dukes, David Byerley leads the way with 19 catches for 599 yards and 7 touchdowns.