Scouting this weekend’s DuPage County football games
By Kevin Schmit and David Oberhelman
kschmit@dailyherald.com
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Bartlett (6-2, 4-1) at Neuqua Valley (8-0, 5-0)
Upstate Eight Valley
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Bartlett 27, Larkin 7; Neuqua Valley 53, Lake Park 23.
Last year: Bartlett 34, Neuqua Valley 7.
Outlook: These two bruisers have won at least a share of all but one of the last 11 Valley or Upstate Eight titles. Two-time defending champion Bartlett was interrupted by Neuqua from 2004-06. Last week Bartlett’s Kyle Garcia threw a touchdown pass to Central Michigan-bound tight end Chris Kantzavelos, but the Hawks’ bread and butter is 198-pound tailback Aaron Everson. He’s Bartlett’s single-season rushing leader with 1,729 yards, plus 23 touchdowns and 2 more on kickoff returns. Neuqua linebacker Sam Norgaard is the backbone of a 3-5 defense that allows only 3.3 yards a carry. The game will be decided up front. If Neuqua’s offensive line of Andrew Geers, Kyle Bryant, Nick Bilgri, Jason Vandermyde and J.P. Quinn have their way, 1,137-yard tailback Joey Rhattigan and quarterback Dylan Andrew can, as coach Bill Ellinghaus said, “make them defend the whole field.” Opportunistic Neuqua has 9 touchdowns on defense or special teams; the Wildcats are plus-13 on take-aways.
Benet (7-1, 4-1) at Joliet Catholic (5-3, 4-2)
East Suburban Catholic Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Benet 34, Marist 24; Notre Dame 42, Joliet Catholic 33.
Last year: Joliet Catholic 35, Benet 0.
Outlook: History’s on the line for the Redwings, who can claim their first ESCC title with a win. Benet has not won a conference title since grabbing the Catholic Metro Green crown in 1998. It’s tough to doubt the Redwings as they come off wins over Nazareth and previously unbeaten Marist. Sophomore quarterback Jack Beneventi is starting to consistently connect with receivers Jack Euritt and Jack Toner on big plays. Porter Ontko stepped up with 130 all-purpose yards. The offense has caught up with the defense that’s been rock solid all season. Joliet Catholic’s power running game is the challenge this week, although University of Southern California-bound running back Ty Isaac missed last week’s loss due to injury. Fellow back Tyler Reitz also was injured and sat out. Defending the run has been the Redwings’ strength all season. Linemen Charles Melka and Steve Hubona are backed by Jack Crain, whom Benet coach Pat New considers to be among of the state’s premier linebackers.
Downers Grove North (5-3, 2-3) at Glenbard West (8-0, 5-0) West Suburban Silver
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last week: Hinsdale Central 21, Downers Grove North 20; Glenbard West 41, York 7.
Last year: Glenbard West 49, Downers Grove North 7.
Outlook: Three words — time of possession — will dictate the path this game takes. Downers North’s split-back veer, capably run by 6-foot-6 sophomore quarterback David Edwards, has shown the ability to eat up huge chunks of clock with extensive drives. Kyle Leto rushed for 100 of his 632 yards last week. Coach John Wander, however, also hinted he might put defensive standout Vontae Diggs at receiver to give Edwards a 6-1 target opposite 6-2 Richard Olekanma. Whether it’s against the run or the pass, Hilltoppers safety Hayden Carlson is a physical force. Offensively, last week Glenbard West returned a huge piece to its puzzle when powerful fullback Devante Toney came back from injury. Combined with Joe Zito and Scott Andrews, who rushed for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns last week, the Hilltoppers are at full strength with their ground game. As always, the Henry Haeffner to Nathan Marcus passing combination maintains big-play potential.
Glenbard North (7-1, 6-0) at Naperville North (5-3, 4-2)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Glenbard North 17, Wheaton North 15; Naperville North 26, Naperville Central 23.
Last year: Glenbard North 34, Naperville North 10.
Outlook: By beating Wheaton North, Glenbard North wrapped up at least a share of its first DVC title since 1991. The Panthers, however, can’t afford to look past Naperville North into the playoffs. The Huskies quietly have strung together four straight wins, and it could be five if not for a last-second loss. Sharad Crosby, DeSean Brown, Kendall Veluvolu and quarterback Johnny Brown have combined for nearly 2,000 rushing yards, but Johnny Brown also threw for 175 yards last week. Linebacker Mario Rodriguez and the Panthers’ defense have improved all year, evidenced by their first-half shutout of the Falcons. Glenbard North’s offense revolves around running back Justin Jackson, who’s rushed for 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns. Last week’s game-winning drive, though, was orchestrated by quarterback Brian Murphy. The Huskies, who rely on run-stoppers Eric Montgomery, Jason Sinnick and Pat Mollo, must keep a close eye on Panthers big-play receiver Ryan Storto.
Wheaton Warrenville South (4-4, 4-2) at Wheaton North (7-1, 5-1)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: WW South 48, Glenbard East 21; Glenbard North 17, Wheaton North 15.
Last year: WW South 27, Wheaton North 13.
Outlook: Wheaton North’s DVC hopes took a hit last week, but there’s still plenty of motivation. The Falcons haven’t beaten WW South since 2002. The Tigers, meanwhile, need a win to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since that same 2002 season. Wheaton North’s offense struggled in the first half last week, although quarterbacks Johnny Peltz and Clayton Thorson led a second-half rally. The Falcons had success running the ball early, and they may look to emphasize Patrick Sharp against the stout Tigers defensive line anchored by Dan Chism and Hollis Henry, who should return from injury. Cornerback Ben Bach returned last week to immensely improve the Tigers’ secondary. WW South shifted offensive strategies last week by focusing on the run. Brandon Adams ran for 230 of the team’s 370 yards. The Falcons suffered key injury losses to defensive lineman Jonathan Chapman and cornerback Jared Strom but still held up well against Glenbard North’s power run game.
Addison Trail (2-6, 1-4) at Downers Grove South (3-5, 3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: After winning his 200th game last week, longtime Downers South coach John Belskis will retire after this game. The Blazers hope to win a second straight against the Mustangs behind Javvion Bradley, who last week caught 6 passes for 160 yards.
Aurora Central Catholic (6-2, 4-2) at Montini (6-2, 5-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Mentor (Montini coach Chris Andriano) vs. mentee (ACC coach Brian Casey, 2001 grad). Concussed Montini QB Alex Wills may still be out, but last week Mark Gorogianis accounted for all 4 touchdowns, including the winning pass to Joey Borsellino.
Chicago Christian (2-6, 1-5) at Immaculate Conception (5-3, 3-3)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday
The quick hit: Danny D’Angelo’s 141 yards rushing led a 416-yard ground game that scored 55 points on Walther Lutheran. Angling for an SCC Gold tri-championship, IC continues to tune its option offense while new linebacker Sean Fenton and Co. play tough “D.”
Glenbard South (5-3) at Rock Island (7-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Yet another Class 6A heavy hitter for the Raiders, who face the fourth-ranked team in the state. Glenbard South’s offense again was unstoppable last week, rolling up over 500 total yards, including nearly 400 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground.
Hinsdale South (5-3, 3-2) at Willowbrook (6-2, 4-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Both teams are hurting for playoff points, but Willowbrook’s got a sixth playoff-clinching win. The Hornets must win to qualify for the first time since 2005. Their challenge is slowing wide receiver Devin Childress and the Warriors’ quick pass game.
Lake Park (3-5, 2-3) at East Aurora (0-8, 0-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Neuqua Valley stalled Lake Park’s try at four straight wins and a playoff appearance, but a couple Lancers have big goals to aim for. Kevin Teglia is 140 yards away from 1,000 yards receiving; linebacker Ronnie Castaldo needs 11 tackles for 100.
Metea Valley (2-6, 1-4) at Waubonsie Valley (7-1, 4-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Waubonsie’s second district rivalry game in three weeks. The Warriors need this for a probable home playoff game. Metea QB Blaise Bell looks for momentum into 2013 while sending senior mainstays Alex Hagemaster, Cam Wilcox out with a bang.
Naperville Central (3-5, 3-3) at West Chicago (0-8, 0-6)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: After last week’s loss Redhawks coach Mike Stine said they’re playing this one for the seniors. West Chicago running back Miguel Flores rushed for 230 yards last week while receiver Dean Paulie’s caught a touchdown pass the last three weeks.
Riverside-Brookfield (2-6, 2-1) at Fenton (2-6, 1-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: A strong rivalry continues with both sides looking for off-season momentum. Fenton coach Mark Kos expects everything from the Bulldogs, even a Wing-T offense. The Bison hope to send out seniors like linebacker Jimmy Stamas on a high note.
Sandwich (6-2) at Lisle (4-4)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Lisle (32 playoff points) needs a win, lots of help to reach the playoffs. Kevin Coppin, Bailey Welch and Cliff Krause try to slow 6-foot-2, 220-pound back Seth McDonald. Lions QB Nick Saul will wing it against a defense perhaps susceptible to the pass,
St. Francis (4-4, 2-4) at St. Edward (2-6, 1-5)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Big numbers for St. Francis are 34 — St. Edward running back Davontae Elam — and 32, the number of playoff points the Spartans drastically need help with. In two games back from his knee injury, senior Jack Petrando has run for 279 yards.
West Aurora (2-6, 1-5) at Glenbard East (1-7, 1-5)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Glenbard East saw some major positives while staying right with Wheaton Warrenville South for a half last week. With steady running back Javante Burnett out with an injury, the Rams will lean on Jordan Abushanab to carry the load on the ground.
Wheaton Academy (4-4, 4-2) at Marian Central (8-0, 6-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Essentially a playoff game for Wheaton Academy, and against a probable No. 1 seed. Marian revolves around ace QB Chris Streveler. Warriors defenders like Taylor Johnson, Nate Lopez, Matt Lindsay will be stretched between stopping the run and pass.
York (0-8, 0-5) at Hinsdale Central (6-2, 3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
The quick hit: Even without leading rusher Jack Adams and leading receiver Ian Bunting, Hinsdale Central still edged Downers North last week. Bunting will be out another week or two with an ankle injury, while Ben Stefani ran for 100 yards in place of Adams.