Scouting this weekend’s DuPage County football games
By Kevin Schmit and Dave Oberhelman
kschmit@dailyherald.com
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Glenbard West (4-1, 3-0) at Oak Park (5-0, 3-0)
West Suburban Silver
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights.
Last week: Glenbard West 37, Hinsdale Central 7; Oak Park 41, York 13.
Last year: Glenbard West 49, Oak Park 0.
Outlook: For those wondering if Oak Park is for real, this is the ultimate test. This marks the Huskies’ first game this season against a team with an above-.500 record, and they have the Silver’s fewest number of playoff points with 17. That being said, the Huskies boast a ton of talent. It starts on offense with returning quarterback Lloyd Yates, running back Jamal Baggett and receiver Simmie Cobbs, a Montini transfer. The Hilltoppers’ defense, led by linebackers Grant Greeno and Jordan Hassan and safety Hayden Carlson, is definitely athletic enough to keep up with Oak Park’s speed. Facing Leyden, York and Downers North, Oak Park’s gone up against some power running teams. Glenbard West also loves to run it with Scott Andrews, Donahvon Vaughn and Jermon Kindle-Joyner, but quarterback Drew Vogg needs to keep the Huskies’ defense honest like he did last week with a 41-yard touchdown pass to Carlson. Glenbard West hopes to have Devante Toney back from injury.
Next week: Proviso West at Glenbard West; Oak Park at Lyons Twp.
Metea Valley (3-2, 3-0) at Neuqua Valley (4-1, 2-0)
Upstate Eight Valley
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights.
Last week: Metea Valley 24, South Elgin 21; Neuqua Valley 52, East Aurora 6.
Last year: Neuqua Valley 59, Metea Valley 32.
Outlook: Neuqua beat common foe South Elgin by only 6, and Metea’s unbeaten conference mark creates confidence. The 14 touchdowns and 1,428 total yards of Neuqua’s Mikey Dudek can shake confidence; Metea coach Ben Kleinhans just hopes to contain the receiver-returner. Mustangs linebacker Colin Glowienke and linemen Matt Hartdegan and Erin Morgan can put a rush on, but Neuqua’s 1-2 punch of backs Nolan Dean and T.J. Scruggs keeps defenses honest and quarterback Broc Rutter doesn’t make mistakes. Neuqua defensive backs Eli Tappin, Sheldon Jones and Nate Bailey will try to pick off Metea quarterback Blaise Bell for the first time since Week 1. Bell has honed in to complete 63 percent of his passes. He directs a diverse offense including Christian Wilcox, receivers Nick Dodson, Bryson Oliver and Peyton Mitchell, and 648-yard rusher Jay Parker. Historically a big difference between Metea and teams like Neuqua is line play. The Mustangs look to close the gap.
Next week: Metea Valley at East Aurora; Neuqua Valley vs. Waubonsie Valley at North Central College.
Naperville Central (5-0, 3-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (4-1, 2-1)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Naperville Central 56, West Aurora 0; Naperville North 21, WW South 14.
Last year: Naperville Central 24, WW South 13.
Outlook: Did this showdown lose some of its luster with WW South’s loss? Maybe, but all DVC eyes remain on Grange Field. Naperville Central’s offense has been crazy good while burying teams in the first half. Quarterback Jake Kolbe’s best skill may be his ability to keep everyone involved in the scheme. Speedy receiver Ben Andreas impacts the game in so many ways. Last week he rushed for 2 touchdowns. The week before he returned a kick 98 yards for a touchdown. WW South’s defense did a good job in last week’s loss, and that unit will be stronger with the expected return from injury by linebacker Matt Brocious. The Tigers’ offense can’t afford four fumbles or four dropped passes like they had against Naperville North. Quarterback Ryan Graham, running back Isaiah Campos and receiver Keishawn Watson all have shown the ability to carry the load. Redhawks defensive backs Dan Dolehide and Dillon Grooss have been stellar behind standout linebacker Bobby McMillen.
Next week: Glenbard North at Naperville Central; Lake Park at WW South.
Lake Park (1-4, 0-3) at Naperville North (2-3, 1-2)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Wheaton North 42, Lake Park 17; Naperville North 21, Wheaton Warrenville South 14.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: Pay no attention to the records in this one. With both teams teetering on the edge of playoff elimination, expect a high level of play from both sides. Naperville North salvaged a must-win situation with last week’s huge victory over WW South. The Huskies continue to lean on the run with DeSean Brown, Sharad Crosby and Leon Hardy, but quarterback Connor Johannes also ran the ball quite a bit. Lake Park’s defense gets a jolt of energy from two-way starter Curtwan Evans, a linebacker playing in front of talented linemen Michael Ferrante and Mike Panasiuk. Speaking of two-way players, Lake Park is willing to put defensive back Antonio Shenault anywhere he’s needed on offense — including quarterback. Naperville North’s defense was aggressive last week while forcing four take-aways. Leading the way up front was Chris Zhang, who had 7 tackles, 2 for loss and a sack. Like the Lancers, Naperville North also has a big-time leader in its secondary with Danny Schertz.
Next week: Lake Park at WW South; Naperville North at Glenbard East.
St. Viator (3-2, 1-2) at Benet (5-0, 2-0)
East Suburban Catholic Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Benedictine University in Lisle.
Last week: Notre Dame 28, St. Viator 14; Benet 40, Marian Catholic 7.
Last year: Benet 17, St. Viator 0.
Outlook: St. Viator’s already faced two of the heavy hitters in the ESCC, dropping tough decisions to Joliet Catholic and Notre Dame. The Lions let one slip away last week while surrendering two interceptions for touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Bobby Calmeyn attempted 49 passes, with Ben Dickey snaring a touchdown pass. Expect the Redwings’ defense to bring a lot of pressure up front with Nick Surges and Steve Hubona, who is returning from injury. Benet’s also struggled with injuries on its offensive line after playing backups at three spots last week. St. Viator did a great job containing Notre Dame running back Chris James, which presents a challenge to Redwings’ backs Brad Sznajder and Nick McTarnaghan. Benet quarterback Jack Beneventi quietly has put together another solid season. If the Redwings get close, they won’t be shy about leaning on kicker John Duvic, who has 9 field goals the last two weeks, including three from at least 50 yards away.
Next week: Washington, Ind., at St. Viator; Benet at Nazareth.
Bartlett (1-4, 1-2) at West Chicago (0-5, 0-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The hosts hope to return defensive end Mike Favia from injury to bolster the defense and fluster Bartlett quarterback Jordan Flint’s attempt to avoid playoff disqualification. Wildcats coach Bill Bicker said the homecoming excitement was high.
Downers North (2-3) at Downers South (3-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: North’s on a three-game losing streak, South’s on a three-game winning streak. Both see this game as a chance to inch toward a playoff berth. Last week the Trojans boosted their pass game by using defensive standout Vontae Diggs at receiver.
Glenbard East (2-3, 1-2) at Wheaton North (4-1, 2-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Even though the Rams are struggling to put points on the board, Dominic Wilberton is proving to be a load after rushing for over 200 yards last week. Wheaton North quarterback Clayton Thorson is finding more opportunities running the ball.
Glenbard South (5-0, 1-0) at Riverside-Brookfield (0-5, 0-1)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Raiders opened MSC play with a running clock, but linebacker Connor Willis still managed 13 tackles, 3 sacks and an interception in one half of play. R-B shifted Jack Vandemerkt from receiver to quarterback in favor of sophomore Ryan Swift.
Guerin (2-3, 0-3) at Wheaton Academy (2-3, 1-2)
Game time: 7 p.m. Saturday at St. Francis.*
The quick hit: Wheaton Academy players like defensive end-offensive guard Alex Budzisz will make things difficult for Guerin up front. Warriors coach Brad Thornton has a nice problem with quarterbacks David Thrasher and the multidimensional Nate Lopez.
Hinsdale South (2-3, 2-1) at Leyden (1-4, 1-1)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Hinsdale South’s rebound from a rough start boils down to shoring up the fundamentals by cutting down turnovers and penalties with quarterback Robert Regan behind center. The defense must be ready for Leyden’s punishing ground game.
IC Catholic Prep (3-2, 2-1) at Montini (5-0, 3-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.*
The quick hit: After playing Marian and before Aurora Christian this is a brutal stretch for IC quarterback Jack Copher and friends. A goal will be to stay healthy against Montini players like linebacker Nile Sykes, who forced a fumble and made 2 sacks at Marmion.
Lisle (3-2, 2-1) at Wilmington (5-0, 3-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Lisle quarterback Griffin Huba lived large in a romp over Dwight, 2 touchdowns passing, 2 rushing. The Lions need that plus great defensive line play from Jared Arellano and Co. to hand real-deal Wilmington its first Interstate Eight Small loss since 2007.
Lyons Twp. (2-3, 1-1) at Hinsdale Central (3-2, 2-1)
Game time: Noon Saturday.
The quick hit: Hinsdale Central’s list of injuries grew during last week’s loss to Glenbard West, forcing the move of starting running back Ben Stefani to quarterback. Look for the Red Devils to find ways to get the ball to Michigan-bound receiver Ian Bunting.
Morton (1-4, 1-2) at Addison Trail (0-5, 0-3)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: With the offensive line still developing, Addison Trail is leaning on its pass game with quarterback Mike Rybarczyk and receiver Jaavion Bradley, who had double-digit catches last week. Third-down conversions are key to the Blazers’ hopes for a win.
Proviso East (0-5, 0-2) at Willowbrook (4-1, 2-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: The Warriors remain on pace for a West Suburban Gold title. While quarterback Brian Johnson puts up amazing numbers, running back Jeremy Barnes is a great complement. Last week he rushed for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Ridgewood (1-4, 1-0) at Fenton (3-2, 0-0)
Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: After allowing 54 points in a loss to Leo, Fenton aims for better defensive play with the start of its MSC slate. The Bison have leaned on running back Alex Cowan, but against Leo quarterback Willie Wassmann threw 3 touchdown passes.
St. Francis (3-2, 1-2) at Marian Central (4-1, 2-1)
Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Aurora Christian somehow held Spartans back James Butler to 45 yards on 14 carries. Fixing that will be priority No. 1. St. Francis standouts Justin Flood and John Vargyas attempt to reign in Marian quarterback Billy Bahl, who hit IC with 329 yards.
Waubonsie Valley (4-1, 2-0) at South Elgin (1-4, 1-2)
Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
The quick hit: Despite the record Waubonsie coach Paul Murphy respects South Elgin. Quarterback Rob Cuda led the Storm out of a 21-0 hole against Metea Valley. Matching Waubonsie’s pace will pressure Cuda — as will linemen Kurtis Chione and Ryan Strick.
West Aurora (1-4, 0-3) at Glenbard North (4-1, 3-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: While Justin Jackson rushed for 170 yards in just a half of play last week, receiver Kendall Holbert also got into the act with a touchdown reception from Brett Gasiorowski. Keep an eye on Brad Metoyer on defense. He already has 4 sacks on the year.
York (2-3, 0-2) at Proviso West (2-3, 0-2)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: York’s physical play didn’t mesh well with Oak Park’s speed during last week’s loss. The Dukes will try to avoid the same mistake this week by performing up front with offensive lineman Liam Gaughan and defensive lineman Ed Maciejewski.
*-Live video streaming: @football.dailyherald.com, followed by postgame highlights.