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Football: Week 4 previews, Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN CROSSOVERS

Buffalo Grove (1-2) at Barrington (1-2)

When: 7 p.m. today at Barrington Community Stadium

Last week: BG d. Hoffman 14-0; Barrington d. Prospect 42-6

Outlook: Both teams picked up their first wins last week and are looking for momentum in the last week before divisional play. Barrington’s turnaround had a lot to do with a stout defense led by Colin Castagna and Ben Calamari, who combined for 6 sacks. And a week after their first-string offense was shut out, Daniel Kubiuk threw for 3 touchdowns and Justin Dragosz ran for 199 yards. The Broncos defense will have to stop another option attack, led by Andrew Apel, who last week helped BG end a 10-game losing streak and give coach Mike DiMatteo his first win.

Conant (2-1) at Elk Grove (2-1)

When: 7 p.m. today at Robert Haskell Stadium

Last week: Conant d. Rolling Meadows 41-34; Elk Grove lost to Palatine 42-21

Outlook: Conant’s defense made a play when it mattered most last week to preserve a victory and now they get an Elk Grove squad coming off of their first loss in a battle for the Mayor’s Cup. The Grenadiers’ defense has their hands full in trying to stop the versatile Tim Manczko, who caught 3 touchdown passes and rushed for another score last week. Jacobi Sims also ran for 219 yards and provides a nice balance for junior quarterback Danny Modelski. Elk Grove battled back from a 14-0 hole last week as Travon Royal had a 65-yard touchdown.

Fremd (2-1) at Rolling Meadows (2-1)

When: 7 p.m. today at Robert A. Hoese Athletic Field

Last week: Fremd d. Wheeling 56-7; Meadows lost to Conant 41-34

Outlook: Fremd has been clicking in all phases of the game as 4 players scored on offense and 2 more on special teams as the Vikings racked up the most points in program history while yielding only a fourth quarter touchdown. The Vikings only needed QB Sam Beutler to throw one pass as Jeff McGlade and Darius Burchett combined for 4 touchdowns in the first half. Fremd may need to put points up on the board to match the high-flying Meadows offense, led by Jack Milas. The senior quarterback has thrown for 11 touchdowns with only one interception as the Mustangs have eclipsed 30 points in all 3 games thus far.

Hersey (1-2) at Palatine (2-1)

When: 7 p.m. today at Chic Anderson Stadium

Last week: Hersey lost to Schaumburg 37-21; Palatine d. Elk Grove 42-21

Outlook: After a dominant Week 1 performance, Hersey looks to get back on track after losses in their last two games. That is easier said than done against a Palatine squad loaded with talent and starting to get healthy. Jesse Bobbit returned last week and had an interception, Chaka Kelly rushed for 93 yards in his return and John Serio found the end zone on 2 of his 7 carries. Not to mention the Pirates have steady QB Ethan Olles, who threw for 341 yards in the big win last week. Hersey, playing their first road game of the season, will need QB Quinn Orlandi to find Ed Miklasz, who has caught 7 touchdown passes already this season.

Hoffman Estates (0-3) at Wheeling (1-2)

When: 7 p.m. today

Last week: Hoffman Estates lost to BG 14-0; Wheeling lost to Fremd 56-7

Outlook: Both teams will look to turn their seasons around after difficult early schedules. Wheeling was overmatched against Fremd last week, trailing 49-0 at halftime. Sophomore Isaac Branch was a bright spot with 23 yards on 4 carries, including the Wildcats’ lone score in the fourth quarter. Hoffman actually outgained BG last week as Harry Wright piled up 92 rushing yards but penalties and turnovers kept the Hawks off of the scoreboard. Keegan Mugerditchian also ran for 59 yards for Hoffman.

Prospect (2-1) at Schaumburg (3-0)

When: 7 p.m. today at Gary Scholz Stadium

Last week: Prospect lost to Barrington 42-6; Schaumburg d. Hersey 37-21

Outlook: The Knights will look to pick up the pieces from a loss that Prospect coach Mike Sebestyen hopes his team can learn from. Unstoppable on offense the first 2 weeks, Prospect had only a late fourth quarter touchdown against Barrington when the outcome was decided. Schaumburg has gotten contributions from a variety of players thus far. Cole Reyes scored on offense and defense last week while Juwaan Richard also had an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown. QB Nick Anzelmo has been able to utilize weapons like Richards, Sadarriss Patterson and Stacey Smith. Devin O’Hara ran for 68 yards and Jack Tuttle contributed 41 rushing yards and a touchdown for Prospect.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Carmel (1-2, 1-0) at St. Viator (2-1, 0-1)

When: 7 p.m. today at Forest View Educational Center

Last week: Carmel d. Marian 34-10; St. Viator lost to Joliet Catholic 33-20

Outlook: St. Viator showed how far they’ve come in a close loss to Joliet Catholic last week and will look to take another step in the right direction against Carmel. Mayo Arogundade ran for 54 yards and a touchdown that tied the Hillmen late in the third quarter. Bobby Calmeyn briefly gave St. Viator a first quarter lead when he found emerging sophomore Ben Dickey. The Corsairs’ running attack came alive last week and is led by junior QB Nick Grandolfo, who ran for 122 yards and 2 TD. St. Viator will also have to be aware of Sean Brennan, who ran for 70 yards last week and returned an interception for a touchdown.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN CROSSOVER

New Trier (1-2) at Maine West (1-2)

When: 7 p.m. today

Last week: New Trier d. Highland Park 35-28; Maine West lost to Niles West 53-6

Outlook: Maine West looks to rebound from a lopsided loss to an athletic Niles West squad in the last week before division play begins. The Warriors had plenty of success running the football, cranking out 270 yards on the ground, led by QB Matt Swanson’s 106. With teams keying on Swanson, opportunities should be available for John Manicke and Matt Romano, who scored the Warriors lone touchdown last week. Despite all of the success in the run game, Maine West was unable to overcome 5 fumbles (3 lost) and 6 penalties and will need to clean that up against a Trevians squad coming off of their first victory.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD

Leyden (2-1, 1-0) at Downers Grove South (1-2, 1-0)

When: 7 p.m. today

Last week: Leyden d. Addison Trail 27-0; Downers Grove South d. Morton 48-7

Outlook: The Leyden defense continues to impress with their second shutout in 3 games. Linebacker Quintin Morgan scored on special teams and Javier Rhoades helped deny Addison Trail twice late in the game to keep them off the scoreboard. The Eagles defense yielded just 101 total yards and will need a repeat performance against a balanced Downers Grove South squad coming off a blowout victory. Leyden hopes to keep the ball away from the Mustangs as much as possible with a powerful ground game, led by Mickey Gulo, who churned out 62 yards last week. QB Michael Smith ran for 2 touchdowns and threw for another.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC

Christian Liberty (0-3) at Mooseheart (3-0)

When: 7 p.m. today

Last week: Christian Liberty lost to Hope Academy 7-0; Mooseheart d. Rockford Christian Life 35-14

Outlook: Christian Liberty continues to excel on defense as last week they yielded only a special teams touchdown. Emilio Mondragon and Aaron Cunningham were part of a defensive line that led the charge while linebackers Marcus Silva and Dan Glad have also contributed to the cause. Now it’s just a matter of Christian Liberty finding its’ grove on offense after struggling to run outside last week but finding success running up the middle. The defense will get a big test against an undefeated Mooseheart squad averaging 41 points.

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