Scouting this weekend's DuPage County football games
By Kevin Schmit and David Oberhelman
kschmit@dailyherald.com
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Carmel (0-1) at Glenbard North (0-1)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Lincoln-Way East 17, Carmel 7; Batavia 29, Glenbard North 26.
Last year: Glenbard North 31, Carmel 16.
Outlook: Tough opponents led to tough opening losses for both teams. Unfortunately, Glenbard North was in this same position last year. Fortunately, though, the Panthers responded with 12 straight wins. To start a similar charge this season they need to clean up the minor mistakes that led to a 3-point loss. Thirteen penalties set Glenbard North back 155 yards — nearly three times as much as Batavia. Miscues on punts and extra points added to the woes. Now the good news. The Panthers appear to have another strong set of linebackers led by Joe Fierro and Luke Greenberg. Kendall Holbert and Robert Collier snared interceptions. Northwestern-bound Justin Jackson rushed for 230 yards, but much of that came in the first half. The Panthers need to sustain their offense better this week against a grinding Carmel team that'll eat clock with its option attack. Like Glenbard North, the Corsairs seek consistency on offense after managing only 5 first downs against Lincoln-Way East.
Next week: Carmel at Marian Catholic; Naperville North at Glenbard North.
Montini (1-0) at East St. Louis (1-0) Nonconference
Game time: 5:45 p.m. Saturday.
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights.
Last week: Montini 21, Maine South 19; East St. Louis 19, Rockhurst (Mo.) 14.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: On the heels of Montini's huge win over Maine South, the Broncos travel hours to play another legendary program at the City of Champions tripleheader. Montini coach Chris Andriano expects East St. Louis — No. 2 in this week's Associated Press 6A poll — to feature junior Nate Strong, who downstate writer Norm Sanders reported ran 31 times for 217 yards and a 75-yard touchdown last week. Yet the Flyers beat their Kansas City foe on a late TD toss by quarterback Temarcus Jones to Gregory Taylor, Jones' second TD strike. Rivals.com lists Flyers lineman Terry Beckner, 6-4 and 270, with 14 Division I offers. Montini's own Division I lineman, Dylan Thompson, led an outstanding run defense. Montini made 12 tackles for loss with 2 sacks apiece by Thompson and Nile Sykes; linebacker Tyler Quick made 13 tackles. Andriano's concerns are a ground game held under 100 yards with 2 lost fumbles and secondary play that allowed 319 yards passing.
Next week: Montini at Wheaton Academy; East St. Louis at Edwardsville.
Neuqua Valley (1-0) at Naperville Central (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Neuqua Valley 34, Naperville North 27; Naperville Central 23, Waubonsie Valley 10.
Last year: Neuqua Valley 41, Naperville Central 28.
Outlook: Neuqua Valley seeks its second straight 2-0 start after not doing so the prior 14 seasons. Tailback Nolan Dean is probable to return from a high ankle sprain to aid the 1-2 punch of running back T.J. Scruggs and receiver Mikey Dudek. Dudek requires constant defensive focus, opening space for receiver Ryan Kuhl. Junior quarterback Broc Rutter emerged with 3 touchdown passes against Naperville North. However, another 4-turnover game won't cut it against strong Naperville Central, which can complete a District 204 sweep with a win. The Redhawks showed Waubonsie Valley how tough of a matchup they are on offense. Keeping up with the playmakers will be tough. There's quarterback Jake Kolbe and receiver Ben Andreas, but Neuqua Valley also must account for the five players who caught passes last week as well as running backs Tyler Joyce and Kevin Clifford. Defensively watch out for linebackers Jack Wooldridge and Bobby McMillen.
Next week: South Elgin at Neuqua Valley; Lake Park at Naperville Central.
Wheaton North (1-0) at Geneva (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Wheaton North 42, Cary-Grove 18; Geneva 29, Oswego 27.
Last year: Wheaton North 34, Geneva 7.
Outlook: After watching Cary-Grove attempt only 6 passes last week, Wheaton North expects more offensive diversity from the Vikings. With that in mind, look for the Falcons to create some quarterback pressure beyond just their linemen. Offensively, Northwestern-bound quarterback Clayton Thorson came out firing with 300 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and completions to seven players. Of the three running backs featured by the Falcons, Dee Alexander rated a slight edge last week. Geneva quarterback Daniel Santacaterina threw 29 times for 337 yards with the late game-winner to 6-3 Kyle Brown; Pace Temple also rang up 160 yards receiving and made 2 interceptions on defense. The Vikings' inexperienced line lost mainstay Ryan Powers and 275-pound junior T.K. Hood, a concern since the ground game headed by tailback T.J. Miller amassed a net 57 yards. Geneva made the big plays to beat Oswego, but the Vikings need to capitalize in the red zone after failing twice last week.
Next week: Wheaton North at Wheaton Warrenville South; Batavia at Geneva.
Wheaton Warrenville South (1-0) at Maine South (0-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: WW South 17, Glenbard West 14; Montini 21, Maine South 19.
Outlook: With one huge win under their belts, the Tigers have a chance at another. While Glenbard West presented a challenge with the run, Maine South and quarterback Matt Basso piled up nearly 350 passing yards against Montini. Three receivers caught at least 4 passes for at least 60 yards. The best way to thwart the Hawks' passing game is with quarterback pressure, something 5-foot-7, 195-pound Tigers defensive lineman Mocha Uchiyama excelled at last week. The senior had 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Tigers quarterback Ryan Graham showed the poise of a third-year varsity player by completing 10 of 15 passes for 160 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown pass to Keishawn Watson. Graham was also the team's leading rusher, although the Tigers hope to change that with a stronger performance from the offensive line and running backs Isaiah Campos and Zack Moberg. In addition to Watson, tight end Connor Ostrander stepped up in the passing game.
Next week: Wheaton North at Wheaton Warrenville South; Maine South at Glenbrook South.
Addison Trail (0-1) at Hinsdale Central (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: If a positive came from the Blazers' loss, it was quarterback Mike Rybarczyk and receiver Jaavion Bradley, who combined for 9 catches and 125 yards. After booting a pair of field goals, Hinsdale Central's looking for its first touchdown.
Downers South (0-1) at Proviso West (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Blanked 21-0 by Benet, Downers South finds solace in a strong game from receiver senior Javon Turner, who had 6 catches for 80 yards. Proviso West needs to recover quickly from a devastating 39-38 triple-overtime loss to Evanston.
Fenton (0-1) at Walther Lutheran (0-1)
Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: The Bison are one of the few area teams not losing a preparation day thanks to this Saturday matchup. Five turnovers showed the growing pains of a learning offense. Linebacker Eric Lonergan stepped up on defense along with junior Eric Pingel.
Glenbard East (1-0) at Oswego East (1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: After completing 12 of 20 passes for 225 yards without an interception, Rams quarterback Drake Pusateri must be wary of Oswego East's defense that last week returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Pusateri also ran for over 100 yards.
Glenbard South (1-0) at Antioch (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Raiders piled up 500 yards of offense last week, but the defense also had big plays. Sophomore linebacker Jake Kapp came up with some tackles for loss with help from the line. A giant Antioch offensive line is the challenge this week.
Glenbrook South (1-0) at Metea Valley (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Big plays against and 5 turnovers scuttled Metea's opener against Plainfield East. The Mustangs head to Week 2 off positives from Jay Parker, 109 yards rushing with a touchdown; and receiver Nick Dodson's 9 catches for 107 yards and a score.
Hinsdale South (0-1) at Downers North (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Not much went wrong for the Trojans last week. Charles Creamer, a special teams contributor last year, quickly developed into another running option with Kyle Leto and quarterback David Edwards. Credit Jalen Reams for leading on the line.
IC Catholic Prep (1-0) at Kaneland (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Handling the huge linemen and speed of Kaneland — No. 4 in Class 5A — will be a task for ICCP, which has about 1,000 fewer students. Last week five ICCP players scored touchdowns, Rhashaun Epting both throwing and receiving TD passes.
Lisle (0-1) at Herscher (1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Last year Lisle earned the rare Interstate Eight Small Division win over this Large foe. The Lions nearly had another until Manteno scored the winner with 22 seconds left. Griffin Huba ran and threw for scores in his quarterback debut.
Lockport (0-1) at Lake Park (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Junior Antonio Shenault was everywhere last week for the Lancers, snaring an interception, playing quarterback and rushing the ball 14 times for 64 yards. Defensive lineman Mike Ferrante contributes to a defense planning to pressure Lockport.
Morton (0-1) at Glenbard West (0-1)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Anyone worried about Glenbard West? Not the Hilltoppers. Last week's loss to WW South was a definite setback but Glenbard West remains solid, even on defense with six juniors. A four-quarter effort is the focus after last week's late letdown.
Noble Street Charter (0-1) at Wheaton Academy (0-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday at Wheaton College.
The quick hit: The Warriors are better than a 44-0 loss to Westminster (Mo.), but it's hard to win giving up 6 turnovers. This foe will allow quarterback Nathan Lopez a better chance to complement the ground game of John Gemmel and Camden Meade.
Oswego (0-1) at Waubonsie Valley (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Efficiency, not effort, was the Warriors' trouble in a 23-10 loss at Naperville Central. Nonetheless they will regroup after Jack Eddy, who ran for Waubonsie's touchdown, threw to six receivers, namely Christian Gibbs and Devin Strickland.
Proviso East (0-1) at York (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: One game won't erase the sting of a winless campaign, but York had to enjoy its 55-8 win over Clark. A victory over Proviso East, also 0-9 in 2012, would give the Dukes momentum heading into their WSC Silver opener against Hinsdale Central.
St. Francis (1-0) at Plainfield South (1-0)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Spartans' twice-postponed opener was a raging success on both sides of the ball. Plainfield South faces an offense that ran for 275 yards and a St. Francis defense that forced 11-of-32 passing with picks by Justin Berry and Ryan Benton.
South Elgin (0-1) at Benet (1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Between Porter Ontko's 160 rushing yards and Nick Surges' 3 sacks, Benet did little wrong in a 21-0 win over Downers South. With a 400-124 yardage edge, Benet showed overall dominance. The Storm's Rob Cuda threw for 300 yards last week.
Thornton (1-0) at Naperville North (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: In last year's win the Huskies ran on every offensive play. Expect plenty from backs DeSean Brown, Sharad Crosby and Leon Hardy, but Naperville North also will lean on the pass. Especially with the potential of big-play receiver Anthony Rehayem.
West Chicago (0-1) at Larkin (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Though Wildcats coach Bill Bicker praised the work of linebackers Mike Otzwirk, Wes Kassaros and Parrish Benton, King still ran for 247 yards. A clean ground game and getting many helmets to Larkin back Damion Clemons are among WeGo's keys.
Willowbrook (0-1) at Lyons Twp. (0-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: It wasn't all gloomy for Willowbrook in a loss to Glenbard East. The Warriors got a 100-yard ground game from Jeremy Barnes and 8 catches for 100 yards by Devin Childress. Look for an energized Lions effort after a triple-OT loss to Warren.