Football: Week 5 scouting, Lake County

By Joe Aguilar and Patricia Babcock McGraw

jaguilar@dailyherald.com and pbabcock@dailyherald.com

NORTH SUBURBAN CROSSOVER

Stevenson (4-0) at Lakes (4-0)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Stevenson def. Lake Forest, 34-17; Lakes def. Wauconda, 56-13.

Last year's result: Teams did not play each other.

Skinny: This might be the biggest NSC crossover for Lakes in its young history considering its recent dominance in the Prairie Division (17 straight wins) and chance tonight to play the top-ranked team in Class 8A. "There are very few times in any sport on any level that you have the opportunity to play the No. 1 team," Lakes coach Luke Mertens said. "However, this will not make or break our season. We have program goals and winning one particular game is not of them. We need to be ready to show up and compete at our highest level on Friday. Then on Saturday, it's on to the next one, which will be another tough test vs. Vernon Hills (next Thursday)." Lakes, which is ranked 10th in Class 6A, features a dynamic offense (NSC-best 175 points). The Eagles are led offensively by WR Jake Balliu (9 TDs, 310 rushing yards, 27 receptions), RB Devyn Cedzidlo (399 rushing yards, 8 TDs in three games) and QB Jordan Mercure (555 passing yards, 10 TDs), and features a Division I-bound lineman in Ryan Mullen (Miami Ohio). "Lakes is a very solid football team in all phases of the game," Stevenson coach Bill McNamara said. "Very well-coached. Players know their assignments and understand their game plans. They have some very gifted talent, as well. Offensively, they present challenges in the running game with Cedzidlo as their main threat, and their QB Mercure runs well also. They spread you out and look to take advantage of all areas on the field. Defensively, they are big upfront. Teams have trouble running consistently at them. They have athletic DBs as well. We will have to stay balanced and distribute the ball to several players to try to keep them off balance." Stevenson has plenty of offensive firepower as well, including three-year varsity QB Willie Bourbon (7 rushing TDs, 842 passing yards), Northwestern-bound WR Cameron Green (18 receptions), RB Jack Joseph (304 rushing yards, 3 TDs), Tyler Vincent (19 receptions) and Jack Sorenson (16 receptions). Bourbon threw for 309 yards against Lake Forest last Friday night, while Green caught 9 passes for 119 yards and 2 TDs. Nischay Vallabhaneni and Jeremy Webb had interceptions against Lake Forest. Stevenson has not faced a weak opponent this season. "Overall, they are a deep (Class) 6A playoff team," McNamara said of the Eagles. "They are used to big games and will be prepared to play great. We must rise to the challenge of playing on the road in a playofflike atmosphere against a playoff-caliber football team. Should be a fun Friday Night Lights for the fans."

- Joe Aguilar

FOX VALLEY FOX

Prairie Ridge (3-1, 2-0) at Grayslake North (2-2, 1-0)

When: 7:15 p.m., today

Last week: Prairie Ridge def. Dundee-Crown, 41-7; Grayslake North def. Normal Community West 50-43.

Last year's result: Prairie Ridge won, 56-27.

Skinny: Prairie Ridge pounded Grayslake North in an FVC crossover last year, but since the Wolves have rejoined the Fox Division, tonight's game takes on extra importance, especially since PR knocked off defending champ Crystal Lake Central 31-21 in Week 3. PR allowed an early TD to Dundee-Crown last Friday night, before its triple-option attack scored 41 unanswered points. Wolves FB Dean Brown rushed for 162 yards and a score. "Obviously it is going to be a really tough game," Grayslake North coach Steve Wood said. "They put up a lot of points last year on us, and we have not played great defensively this year. We have really challenged our kids this week and are looking forward to how they respond. It should be a good measuring stick for us. They are currently the team to beat in the conference." Grayslake North RB Titus Booker is coming a career-best game of 329 rushing yards and 5 TDs (35 carries) against Normal Community West. For the season, the Indiana-bound Booker has rushed for 628 yards and 7 TDs. After missing the Knights' Week-3 loss to Cary-Grove due to an injury, QB Merrick Gentile returned last week and completed 14 of 19 passes for 121 yards and a TD.

- Joe Aguilar

Grayslake Central (0-4, 0-2) at Woodstock (0-4, 0-2)

When: 7:15 p.m, today

Last week: Grayslake Central lost to Jacobs, 42-6; Woodstock lost to McHenry, 56-43.

Skinny: The good news here is that one of these struggling teams is going to get into the win column. Grayslake Central is coming off a lopsided loss to Jacobs in which turnovers were a problem. The Rams had few offensive opportunities and managed to net only 109 yards of total offense and 8 first downs. Grayslake Central threw an interception and fumbled the ball away twice. All three turnovers happened in the first quarter. "We were down 21-0 right away. It was 14-0 five minutes into the game," Grayslake Central coach Jason Schaal said. "We really need to improve our starts and limit our turnovers. We can't afford to keep giving other teams such short fields."…When the Rams have hung onto the ball, Schaal has seen some real bright spots. "We've got some really good runners and we've run the ball hard," Schaal said. "Mike Andrews is a good power runner for us, and Cam Schwartz is that elusive speed guy. If we can get people going, we can control the clock a little bit and we can also set up our passes."…Woodstock will do almost nothing but pass out of its spread offense. "They'll come at you with a lot of quick, short passes," Schaal said. "They want to get the ball outside."…Last year, Woodstock knocked Grayslake Central out of the playoffs. "They put one on us," Schaal said. "We've got to remember that."

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

Libertyville (3-1, 1-1) at Lake Forest (3-1, 0-1)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Libertyville lost to Warren, 43-26; Lake Forest lost to Stevenson, 34-17.

Last year's result: Lake Forest won, 38-7.

Skinny: Both teams will look to get back on the winning track after suffering their first loss of the season last Friday night. Liberyville QB Riley Lees continued to pile up the touchdowns against Warren, as he scored all 4 of the Wildcats' TDs. The previous week against Lake Zurich, he tallied all 3 of the Wildcats' touchdowns and for the season has rushed for 12 TDs. Lake Forest features a more balanced attack that includes QB Daniel Carollo and RB Wes Janeck. The Scouts scored 129 points in their first three games before being held to 1 offensive TD against top-ranked Stevenson. "Lake Forest has an explosive offense, and we need to contain their big-play ability," Libertyville coach Mike Jones said. "We have to do a better job against the run than last week. Defensively, they like to pressure opposing offenses and are very well-coached. We must be consistent in the run game and protect the quarterback."

- Joe Aguilar

Warren (2-2, 1-1) at Mundelein (0-4, 0-2)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Warren def. Libertyville, 43-26; Mundelein lost to Lake Zurich, 35-8.

Skinny: Warren is coming off a huge win over previously undefeated Libertyville. "We knew that we wanted to come out and just be us," Warren coach Bryan McNulty said. "Worry about us, don't worry about their record. We felt that we were battle-tested after having played Stevenson (a 33-20 loss in Week 3)." Running back Darrius Crump got the Blue Devils back on the winning track. He was nearly unstoppable, rushing for 222 yards on 21 carries. He also scored 2 touchdowns. "We worked a lot on our reads (prior to the game) and Darrius made a jump cut that I haven't seen college guys make. It was unbelievable," Warren coach Bryan McNulty said. "We also tried to balance it with (running back) Vashaun Wright to get him carries and keep Darrius fresh. It worked out really well for us."…Warren also got a solid showing out of quarterback Jay Nickell, who completed 8-of-16 passes for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns, both to Caleb Reams…Mundelein is still looking for its first win. The Mustangs had only 158 yards of total offense last week in a loss to Lake Zurich. Quarterback Colten Fisher completed 2 passes for 43 yards and was the Mustangs' leading rusher with 45 yards.

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

Lake Zurich (2-2, 1-1) at Zion-Benton (3-1, 1-0)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Lake Zurich def. Mundelein, 35-8; Zion-Benton def. Round Lake, 56-7.

Skinny: Like most coaches, Lake Zurich coach Dave Proffitt tries to keep a narrow focus for himself and his players. "Right now, Zion-Benton is on our mind," Proffitt said earlier in the week. But not far from the Bears' consciousness is the playoff picture. With only five games left and three of the toughest teams in the North Suburban Lake Division coming up in Stevenson, Lake Forest and Warren, the Zion-Benton game almost becomes a must-win for Lake Zurich. "When you lose two of your first four games, each week is now a must-win," Proffitt said. "But that's not a bad thing. That's part of life. You're going to have challenges, and we relish that. We need to play smart football and control the ball."…The Bears' rushing game was in total control last week. Ben Klett ran for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns while Zane Lodico rolled up 91 yards and 2 touchdowns and Zach Hilt finished with 71 yards and a touchdown. "We need to be able to run the football to have success this year," Proffitt said. "We did that well last week and that gave us a lot of confidence. We needed that after two straight losses (to Cary-Grove and Libertyville)."…Zion-Benton is coming off of three-straight wins, although none of those wins are against teams with winning records. "Zion-Benton can score points quickly and they've won a couple of games late on big plays," Proffitt said. "They are very athletic, as usual."

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

Grant (1-3, 1-1) at Antioch (3-1, 2-0)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Grant def. North Chicago, 63-24; Antioch def. Vernon Hills, 42-40.

Skinny: Before playing North Chicago last week, the Grant defense was allowing an average of 50 points per game. The fact that North Chicago didn't score half of that felt like a big breakthrough to first-year Grant head coach Vito Andriola. "That North Chicago game was the first time we really started to incorporate our full defense," Andriola said. "In the first three games, we were just so basic because we were still learning so much, and as coaches we were learning what kids could do and what they couldn't do. We were much better defensively."…The Grant offense was also much more effective. The Bulldogs were averaging only 12.3 points per game over their first three games. "North Chicago did a really good job of defending the pass, but we were able to run for 445 yards," Andriola said. "I think we've been able to run the ball pretty well all season, but we were really good (against North Chicago)." Sophomore Julius Moran rushed for 3 touchdowns and 169 yards while Jeremy Bredwood added 140 yards and 4 touchdowns…Antioch's rushing game has been potent all season. Last week in a win over Vernon Hills, the Sequoits rushed for 324 yards and 5 touchdowns. Griffin Hill and Alan Taylor ran for 139 and 132 yards respectively. Hill had 3 touchdowns and Taylor had 2 touchdowns. "They've got some great running backs there," Andriola said of Antioch. "And they've got good schemes. It will be interesting for us to go up against each other because the running game is a strength for both teams."

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

Round Lake (1-3, 0-1) at Vernon Hills (2-2, 1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Round Lake lost to Zion-Benton, 56-7; Vernon Hills lost to Antioch, 42-40.

Last year's result: Vernon Hills won, 35-21.

Skinny: Vernon Hills QB Connor McNamara followed up his 5-rushing TD performance against North Chicago by throwing 6 TD passes against Antioch last Friday night. So what will the junior do this week? "We've game-planned really well the last 2-3 weeks, the whole season really," McNamara said. "Understanding how things come together has been the real difference for me." Round Lake will have to defend a plethora of weapons, including WRs Kiwanne Durant (28 receptions, 3 TDs) and Robby Nardini (15 receptions). Durant and Kyle Hull each caught 2 TD passes against Antioch. Round Lake has dropped three in a row since opening the season by beating DePaul Prep. The Panthers have lost to Antioch and Zion-Benton by scores of 58-0 and 56-7 the last two weeks, respectively.

- Joe Aguilar

North Chicago (0-4, 0-2) at Wauconda (2-2, 0-1)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Last week: North Chicago lost to Grant, 63-24; Wauconda lost to Lakes, 56-13.

Last year's result: North Chicago won, 10-3.

Skinny: Last year's battle between the two teams was an offensive struggle, but the 2014 versions of these squads can put up points. "I am really unsure of how the game is going to go," said Wauconda coach Dave Mills, whose Bulldogs have lost two in a row. "North Chicago has scored some points (60), but they have giving up a lot of points (174) to teams also. On film, they have some good athletes who have good speed. We are hoping to get a great effort from our defense to eliminate their big-play ability. On the flip side, we are trying to finish our drives." Mills noted that last week against Lakes, the Bulldogs had 18 first downs but only 13 points. QB Kevin Malisheski has thrown for 623 yards and 7 TDs, including 3 to WR Joey Schaer (team-high 15 receptions). Wauconda has scored 108 points and has allowed 114. The Bulldogs were burned by speedy Lake Forest and Lakes teams the last two weeks, surrendering 93 points. In losses to Vernon Hills and Grant the last two weeks, North Chicago allowed 64 and 63 points, respectively.

- Joe Aguilar

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

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

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: St. Patrick lost to Benet, 28-7; Carmel def. Marian Catholic, 41-0.

Skinny: Carmel returns home for its homecoming game after an impressive road victory at Marian Catholic. The Corsairs were strongest in the second half, scoring 27 points after halftime. "Marian wasn't bad, they just couldn't stay with us, partly because they don't have a lot of kids," Carmel coach Andy Bitto said. "They played us hard and forced us to make some adjustments at halftime. But we played really well in the second half. It's nice to be able to make adjustments and then come out and execute and play well." Quarterback Michael Huiras threw 3 touchdown passes for run-oriented Carmel. He found tight end Noah Turner twice when Marian Catholic was too focused on stopping the run…The Carmel defense also stepped up after halftime. "I bet we allowed only two first downs in the second half. And we got 3 turnovers in the second half," Bitto said. The Corsairs will need another solid performance out of their defense this week. St. Patrick is a spread team that likes to throw the ball all over the place with quarterback Zachary Fuller. One of his prime targets is Patrick Devon. Both Fuller and Devon are tall and athletic. "Fuller is like 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and Devon is 6-foot-5," Bitto said. "This team is big and physical and they throw the ball very well." Two weeks ago, St. Patrick rolled up 6 touchdowns passes against Lane Tech.

- Patricia Babcock McGraw