Scouting this weekend’s DuPage County football games
By Kevin Schmit and Dave Oberhelman
kschmit@dailyherald.com
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Aurora Christian (7-0, 5-0) at Montini (5-2, 4-1)
Suburban Christian Blue
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Aurora Christian 47, Immaculate Conception 20; Marian Central 49, Montini 24.
Last year: Montini 55, Aurora Christian 14.
Outlook: The defending Class 3A champ against three-time defending 5A champ Montini. Promoted from the SCC Gold, Aurora Christian has beaten St. Francis and Marmion and a win here may earn at least a share of the Blue (it ends against 1-6 Guerin). Montini, though, will be loaded for bear after allowing 28 unanswered second-half points last week. Outscoring Aurora Christian 151-22 the last three years, the Broncos’ edge has usually been physicality and size, but the Eagles’ 224-pound running back-linebacker Joel Bouagnon, who ran for 207 yards against St. Francis, is a load. AC, like Montini, runs a spread offense, yet Montini’s initial thrust will be to stop Bouagnon and force Ryan McQuade to pass. Montini linemen Phil Kesik, Anthony Ferraro, David Sarkan, Pat Strzempek and Tate Briggs hope to open holes for tailback Dimitri Taylor so the Broncos can pass when they want to rather than need to. “We have to play a solid, physical game,” said Montini coach Chris Andriano.
Next week: Guerin at Aurora Christian; Aurora Central Catholic at Montini.
Marist (7-0, 5-0) at Benet (6-1, 3-1) East Suburban Catholic Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Benedictine University in Lisle.
Last week: Marist 21, Notre Dame 14; Benet 49, Nazareth 0.
Last year: Marist 17, Benet 14.
Outlook: Benet’s defense has been stellar while posting four shutouts and allowing 6 points a game. This is the Redwings’ biggest test. Defensive lineman Charles Melka, who had 2 sacks last week, and the entire unit need to pressure Marist quarterback Ian Woodworth, who’s thrown for about 1,200 yards. His top target is Nic Weishar. Benet can’t afford to focus all its effort on the pass, however. Especially not after Peter Andreotti rushed for 100 yards last week. In all phases, the Redwings are coming off their best effort of the season. Six-foot-six sophomore quarterback Jack Beneventi is already rewriting the program record book. He was phenomenal against Nazareth while throwing for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. Receivers Jack Toner and Jack Euritt pose big-play potential. Against a Marist defense with lineman Shannon Smith, Benet needs to be as balanced as possible with Nick McTarnaghan and Porter Ontko running the ball.
Next week: Marist at Withrow (Ohio); Benet at Joliet Catholic.
Naperville North (4-3, 3-2) at Naperville Central (3-4, 3-2)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Central College in Naperville.
Last week: Naperville North 38, West Aurora 2; Wheaton North 45, Naperville Central 0.
Last year: Naperville Central 36, Naperville North 26.
Outlook: With Naperville North holding a 22-20 overall series edge, few regular-season matchups between these rivals have been this important. A Huskies win seals a playoff spot. A Naperville Central win staves off the rare chance at not making the playoffs. The Redhawks, by the way, have lost to teams with a combined 26-2 record. Naperville North makes no secret about its plans to run several backs behind an extraordinary line led by Colin Goebel. Running backs Sharad Crosby, DeSean Brown and Kendall Veluvolu each have rushed for at least 400 yards. The key for Naperville Central’s defense is keeping the Huskies’ offense off the field. The Redhawks’ offense has struggled quite a bit while being shut out the last two weeks. Junior quarterback Jake Kolbe and the passing game still has tremendous potential if the line can keep Huskies defensive linemen Pat Mollo and Ryan Wilson off Kolbe’s back. Ben Andreas, with 6 touchdown catches, leads the Redhawks’ talented receiving corps.
Next week: Glenbard North at Naperville North; Naperville Central at West Chicago.
Neuqua Valley (7-0, 4-0) at Lake Park (3-4, 2-2)
Upstate Eight Valley
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Neuqua Valley 35, Waubonsie Valley (2 OT); Lake Park 35, South Elgin 26.
Last year: Lake Park 33, Neuqua Valley 30.
Outlook: For a second year Lake Park needs three straight wins for playoff eligibility. This is a huge hurdle. Neuqua last week maintained position for its first conference title since 2006 behind tailback Joey Rhattigan’s 131 yards, 3 touchdowns and Dylan Andrew TD passes to tight end Ryan Kuhl and, in overtime, wideout Mike Dudek. Safety Spencer Donahue led the Wildcats in tackles, and against Lake Park an emphasis will be a pass rush from linemen Tyler Speich, Mike Casas, Godfrey Collins and Alex Jaquez. The Wildcats’ 3-5 defense will be a challenge for returning Lake Park linemen Vince Fallico and the unrelated Smiths, Zach and Ian. If they can give quarterback Zach Gehant time he’s got potent wideouts in Kevin Teglia and Scott Filip. Filip has 6 touchdowns the last four games while Teglia has 13 TD receptions, at least 1 every week. If Neuqua stays deep, tailback Curtwan Evans will run the ball. Neuqua’s loss last year was a big upset. “We won’t let them forget it,” coach Bill Ellinghaus said.
Next week: Bartlett at Neuqua Valley; Lake Park at East Aurora.
Wheaton North (7-0, 5-0) at Glenbard North (6-1, 5-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: Wheaton North 45, Naperville Central 0; Glenbard North 27, Wheaton Warrenville South 21.
Last year: Wheaton North 27, Glenbard North 17.
Outlook: The DVC comes down to this as the winner wraps up a share of the title. It’d be Wheaton North’s second straight and the Panthers’ first since 1991. Can the Falcons’ defense, allowing only a touchdown a game, slow Panthers running back Justin Jackson, who’s rushed for 1,455 yards and 19 touchdowns? Linebacker Luke Sahly and linemen Kellen Cleveland and Kaelen Bradford have been strong run-stoppers, but this is the Falcons’ toughest challenge this season. They’ll also need to keep an eye on quarterback Brian Murphy after he threw for 130 yards last week. Wheaton North’s offense is the most diverse the Panthers have seen. Dual-threat quarterbacks Johnny Peltz and Clayton Thorson have combined for 1,356 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Running back Patrick Sharp boasts 535 yards and 11 scores. Glenbard North’s improving defense is headed by linebacker Mario Rodriguez, but it’ll be interesting to see how much Jackson and Murphy play in the secondary.
Next week: Wheaton Warrenville South at Wheaton North; Glenbard North at Naperville North.
Chicago Christian (2-5, 1-4) vs. Wheaton Academy (3-4, 3-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at Wheaton College
The quick hit: The hosts seek a fourth straight victory, looking strong in the process. Aside from tailback John Gemmel’s 83 yards, they got St. Edward off-guard in last week’s 12-7 Warriors win on quarterback Nate Martinez’s keepers for 9.3 yards a carry.
Downers Grove South (2-5, 2-2) at Hinsdale South (5-2, 3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Downers South’s out of the playoffs for only the second time since 1984, but motivation won’t be difficult in the quest to keep the Rebel Cannon. Hornets running back Arian Toney exploded for 230 rushing yards in last week’s win over Morton.
East Aurora (0-7, 0-4) at Waubonsie Valley (6-1, 3-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Woe to the Tomcats. Waubonsie Valley’s 35-34 epic double-overtime loss to Neuqua Valley saw the Warriors outgain Neuqua by more than 100 yards, but with 3 crucial turnovers Waubonsie intends to fix things with the goal of a long stretch run.
Fenton (2-5, 1-1) at Elmwood Park (5-2, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Fenton may be out of the playoff hunt for the first time since 2008, but the Bison still can have a tremendous say in determining the Metro Suburban Conference champion. Four of the five teams have one loss after Elmwood Park’s setback last week.
Glenbard East (1-6, 1-4) at WW South (3-4, 3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: With quarterback Joe Kotch piling up 524 total yards, the Rams are coming off their best effort of the season. WW South must get its disappointing special teams in order. Tigers quarterback Ryan Graham had nearly 200 total yards last week.
Glenbard West (7-0, 4-0) at York (0-7, 0-4)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: The Hilltoppers keep getting healthier. Linebacker Contrell Silmon should be ready, and possibly running back Devante Toney. Expect Nathan Marcus more on defense. York receiver Austin Wagner had 11 catches for 110 yards last week.
Hinsdale Central (5-2, 2-2) at Downers Grove North (5-2, 2-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: The Old Oaken Bucket’s on the line as both sides clinch a playoff berth with a win. Hinsdale Central suffered a tough OT loss to Oak Park despite 185 rushing yards from Jack Adams. Downers North needs to bounce back from a loss to Proviso West.
Immaculate Conception (4-3, 2-3) at Walther Lutheran (2-5, 2-3)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: Immaculate Conception was unbeaten till playing Marian Central, Montini and Aurora Christian. The Knights will capitalize behind a tested offensive line that aims to wear Walther out. Quarterback Demetrius Carr will add to his 473 yards rushing.
Lisle (4-3) at Peotone (3-4)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Interstate Eight Small wins are a tough go vs. Large teams. Lisle needs at least one for playoff eligibility. On its side is three-year starting quarterback Nick Saul’s 8 TD passes to 1 pick. Griffin Huba’s 75 yards led last week’s 178-yard ground game.
Metea Valley (2-5) at Geneva (2-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Line play and mistakes may well determine this game between similar UEC foes. Metea tailback Cameron Wilcox needs 78 yards for 1,000 on the season. Another factor will be the big arm of Mustangs quarterback Blaise Bell: 1,176 yards, 14 TDs.
Ridgewood (2-5, 0-2) at Glenbard South (4-3, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Glenbard South’s ground game was running at full steam last week as the Raiders rushed for 355 yards against the Bison. Justin Gjerazi continues to lead the way. The Raiders still have eyes on the Metro Suburban title after Elmwood Park’s loss.
St. Francis (3-4, 1-4) at Guerin (1-6, 0-5)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: St. Francis’ 14-6 loss to Marmion put the Spartans to the wall, but a huge positive was Jack Petrando returning from an MCL injury. The senior ran for 151 yards and a TD on 26 carries. He, Dan Beck, T.J. Jackson and Alex Alcantara will give Guerin fits.
West Chicago (0-7, 0-5) at West Aurora (1-6, 0-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: West Chicago is counting down the games until the Wildcats say goodbye to the DuPage Valley Conference. Both teams are champing at the bit for a league win. The Wildcats need to run the ball effectively while doing a better job against the run.
Willowbrook (5-2, 3-1) at Addison Trail (2-5, 1-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Willowbrook coach Nick Hildreth said his team was “grounded” after last week’s loss to Leyden. A victory clinches a playoff berth. Matt Gontarek, John Taylor and Jim Wislek return from injury to help Addison Trail try to keep the District 88 trophy.