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Scouting Week 4, Northwest

Hersey (2-1) at Fremd (2-1)

When: Friday 7 p.m.

Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights

Outlook: The Vikings have been on a roll since the return of quarterback Sam Beutler. In his absence, the Vikings rushed for just 66 yards in Week 1; in the last two games, Fremd has amassed 837 yards on the ground while scoring 103 points. The Vikings face a Hersey team that held Schaumburg to 347 yards rushing last week, the Saxons’ lowest output of the season. Hersey, which rallied late in second half last week, counters with some standout ground gainers of its own in running backs Kyle Polinski (44 carries, 290 yards) and Mario Thomas (46 carries, 283 yards). Fremd beat Hersey 14-7 last year.

Barrington (3-0) at Buffalo Grove (1-2)

When: Friday 7 p.m.

Outlook: Barrington has rallied in its first three games to come away with victories to be 3-0 for the first time since 2010. Offensively, the Broncos have relied heavily on quarterback Dan Kubiuk, who is 39-for-70 for 582 yards. But it was Colin Castagna who stole the show last week, blocking two punts and recording 4 sacks for the Broncos. Buffalo Grove has struggled since its season-opening victory over Leyden. But Scott Smithern returns to the lineup after sitting out the last two games to help buoy the offense. Barrington beat Buffalo Grove 40-10 last year.

Palatine (2-1) and Elk Grove (2-1)

When: Friday 7 p.m.

Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights

Outlook: Elk Grove finally found its offense last week when the Grens put up 38 points in their win against Hoffman. Running back Travon Royal led the way for Elk Grove with 3 touchdowns and 56 yards rushing. Adam O’Malley continues to impress with his passing, throwing for 622 yards on the season. That offense is stacked up against a spirited Palatine defense, which has become the strength of the team in the early part of the season. Led by Steve Smearman, Brad Bauer, and E.J. Miller, the Pirates have surrendered only 31 points this season. Palatine beat Elk Grove 42-21 last year.

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

When: Friday 7 p.m.

Outlook: Schaumburg continues to grind out its opponents. In three games, the Saxons have piled up 1,176 yards on the ground with most of that has coming from quarterback Stacey Smith, who leads the area in rushing with 500 yards, and his backfield-mate Justice Macneal-Young, who has tallied 333 yards. Prospect has struggled in its first 3 games. The Knights, who have allowed nearly 34 points per game, have not had a start like this since 1996, when they were winless. Schaumburg beat Prospect 28-19 last year.

Conant (3-0) at Rolling Meadows (1-2)

When: Friday 7:15 p.m.

Outlook: Expect another huge air show with Conant quarterback Danny Modelski, who has thrown 86 times this year, and Rolling Meadows quarterback Bobby Suchecki, who has gone to the sky 98 times. Both teams can score, with Rolling Meadows averaging 33 points while Conant has averaged 28. The difference may be Conant’s defense, which is led by Kevin Copher, Deangelo McBride, Odell Andrews and Chris Shintaku. The Cougars have 6 interceptions this season. “We need to be more focused on both sides on the ball,” Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. Conant beat Rolling Meadows in a shootout last year 41-34.

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

When: Friday 7 p.m.

Outlook: Wheeling entered the season with plenty of optimism after winning 3 games last season. But the Wildcats have struggled this season, with the running of Issac Branch (45 carries, 242 yards) one of the bright spots. Coach Mike Donatucci has Hoffman Estates looking to match its best win total in 10 years. The Hawks, who lost for the first time last week, have looked good behind the play of junior quarterback Jeff Mayes, who has thrown for 261 yards while rushing for another 236 yards. Kabian Johnson has also garnered 180 yards, averaging 10 yards per carry. Wheeling beat Hoffman Estates 26-20 in overtime last year.

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

When: Friday 7:30 p.m.

Outlook: The Lions are coming off a tough loss to perennial state power Joliet Catholic, but showed that they can compete with the state elite. Now they look North to take on their Lake County rivals, who played a tough nonconference schedule before knocking off Marian Catholic 41-7 last week . The Corsairs will have to try to stop St. Viator’s potent passing threat, led by Bobby Calmeyn, who has thrown for 777 yards on 9 touchdowns. Ben Dickey (14 receptions, 268 yards) and Matt Darling (13 receptions, 195 yards) are among the area’s top receivers. St. Viator beat Carmel 28-25 last year.

Leyden (0-3) at Addison Trail (0-3)

When: Friday 7:30 p.m.

Outlook: This is the West Suburban Gold opener for both teams. Leyden has struggled offensively in its first 3 games, scoring just 31 points. But the Eagles hope to get their offense back on track against a Blazers squad that has allowed 115 points thus far. Aaron Whigham leads the Eagles with 222 yards rushing. Leyden lost the team’s last meeting in 2011, 14-7.

Maine West (1-2) at Evanston (2-1)

When: Friday 7:30 p.m.

Outlook: This is the final Central Suburban League divisional crossover game for the Warriors before beginning conference play next week. Maine West had a difficult time with Waukegan last week, dropping a 35-0 decision while gaining only 120 yards. The two programs have not met since 2008, when Evanston won 21-7.

Christian Liberty (0-3) at North Shore Country Day (0-3)

When: Saturday 1 p.m.

Outlook: Overmatched in its first three games, CLA has been held scoreless. The Chargers have been competitive in the second halves of their games, though, and could find this opponent a better matchup as North Shore has scored 8 points this season while allowing 115. North Shore beat CLA last year 30-8.

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