Scouting Week 6 in the Fox Valley

Burlington Central (3-2, 3-0) at Marengo (4-1, 2-1)

When/where: today at 7 p.m. at Rod Poppe Athletic Fields

Last year: Burlington Central 27, Marengo 0

Last week: Burlington Central 32, Genoa-Kinston 12; Marengo 41, Harvard 6

Outlook: The Rockets have won 3 straight since an 0-2 start. They enter Week 6 tied for first place in the Big Northern East with Johnsburg. Both are 3-0, a game ahead of Marengo and Genoa-Kingston. Central shut out the Indians last season, but Marengo has made major offensive changes since. "Totally different. They've gone to the spread," Central coach Rich Crabel said. "They've beefed up their (coaching) staff and have some nice assistant coaches helping them. We'll have to take care of a lot of different things defensively. Their quarterback throws a nice ball and their running back is really fast." Marengo junior Jarrell Jackson took third in the 100-meter dash at the Class 2A state track and field meet last spring (10.92 seconds). He has rushed for almost 400 yards and 5 touchdowns. Marengo quarterback Ethan Walsweer has thrown 9 touchdowns. Central counters with a strong running back of its own in Jason Berango. The 5-foot-8, 175-pound junior last week rushed 19 times for 209 yards, highlighted by a 71-yard touchdown run. For the season, he has rushed for 547 yards and 8 touchdowns in 79 attempts (6.9 avg). Two-way player Trevor Davison has carried 53 times for 323 yards and 5 scores. "(Berango) was injured a bit early in the season but he came through that well," Crabel said. "We knew he would have to get some time because Trevor has been playing both ways. Berango has good speed to go with good field vision. (Offensive coordinator Brett) Porto has a nice rotation with those kids and with Brad Sorensen seeing the field as well." Sorensen scored last week on a 20-yard run. He also intercepted a pass on defense and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown.

Next week: Richmond-Burton (3-2) at Burlington Central; Marengo at Johnsburg (4-1)

Woodstock North (2-3, 2-0) at Hampshire (3-2, 1-1)

When/where: today at 7:15 p.m. at Hampshire athletic field

Last year: Hampshire 42, Woodstock North 12

Last week: Woodstock North 48, Crystal Lake Central 27; Hampshire 22, Urbana 20

Outlook: Woodstock North looks to make it 3 wins in 4 outings and retain its grip on first place in the Fox Valley Conference's Fox Division. The Knights are tied for the top spot alongside Grayslake North. The question for the Whip-Purs is the status of quarterback Nick Mohlman. The senior was forced to exit last week's win at Urbana with his team leading 13-7 in the second quarter after he absorbed a low hit. Hampshire coach Mike Brasile on Thursday termed his quarterback's status as day to day. "He's been walking gingerly," Brasile said. "We'll see if he's ready to go. If he can't, we have guys who have experience after playing against Huntley. When Mohlman missed the Huntley game in Week 4, Matt Bridges stepped in and completed 14 of 30 attempts for 202 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted 3 times. Junior Jared Lund has also seen snaps in Mohlman's place this season. The Whip-Purs enjoyed a huge game last week from senior running back Devontae Johnson. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound running back rushed for 236 yards on 21 carries. Senior Mason Fleury carried 9 times for 9 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Woodstock North's 3 losses came against winning teams. The Thunder dropped a 28-21 decision in the season opener against Wauconda (3-2), a 30-17 Week 2 loss at Lakes (4-1) and took a pounding in Week 4 at Cary-Grove (47-7). Last week's 21-point victory against traditional FVC Fox power Crystal Lake Central reinvigorated the Woodstock North playoff push. "They're a team that's pretty excited about what they have going on right now," said Brasile, who grew up in Woodstock. "Central has been a top team so now they feel like a top team as well. Their senior class is a good one."

Next week: Grayslake Central (0-5) at Woodstock North; Prairie Ridge (3-2) at Hampshire

Huntley (4-1, 0-1) at Jacobs (4-1, 1-0)

When/where: today at 7:15 p.m. at Jacobs athletic field

Last year: Jacobs 27, Huntley 20

Last week: Cary-Grove 42, Huntley 12; Jacobs 56, Dundee-Crown 16

Outlook: Huntley aims to bounce back from its first loss, while Jacobs looks for a momentum-building fourth straight win in its fifth consecutive home game. These teams have similar track records: each suffered its only loss at the hands of an undefeated, ranked team. Jacobs lost to Class 8A No. 10 Barrington in the season opener, 37-0. Huntley lost 42-12 last week against Class 7A's former No. 1 team, Cary-Grove. Otherwise, both teams have performed as they should have against lesser competition. The combined record of the four teams Jacobs defeated is 4-16. Huntley's 4 wins came against teams with a combined 5-16 mark. Jacobs senior lineman Carson Shoemaker missed last week's game after being involved in a car accident. He had not practiced through Wednesday. Asked if Shoemaker would be available for the Huntley game, Mitz said "Our rule is if you don't practice, you don't play." Offensively, Jacobs attacks with senior running back Josh Walker and an ever-improving passing game, directed by sophomore quarterback Chris Katrenick. He has completed 46 of 78 attempts for 785 yards and 7 touchdowns, including a 3-touchdown performance last week. Top receiver Camden McLain has 14 receptions for 315 yards and 2 touchdowns. Walker has 14 touchdowns in 5 games. He has 796 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 82 carries (9.7 avg.). Walker also has hauled in 11 passes for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 964 combined rushing and receiving yards account for 45.5 percent of Jacobs' 2,121 total yards. "He's the best skilled football player that maybe we've went against in three years," Huntley coach John Hart said. "He's done a great job of developing as an athlete and they do a nice job with him. He can play numerous positions and he's in a different place all the time. That's a challenge, plus they do all the other things well enough that you can't just defend him." Huntley's defense is led by linemen Chase Burkart (17 tackles, 4 TFL, Jeremy Behnke (22 tackles, 3.5 sacks), Zach Herbert and Tim Larson (13 tackles, 2 sacks). Huntley's offense averages 356 yards and 43 points. The multi-formational attack is directed by junior quarterback Anthony Binetti, who has completed 57 of 105 pass attempts for 904 yards. The junior has thrown 11 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His trio of top receivers? Seniors Brandon Altergott (18 rec., 409 yards, 3 TD), Josh Esikiel (17 rec., 237 yards, 4 TD) and Kyle Kesul (12 rec., 143 yards, 3 TD). "Their quarterback plays very well and (Esikiel), (Kesul) and (Altergott) are very good receivers that go to the ball well and do the job," Mitz said. "Altergott is the guy who makes the big plays for them. It should be interesting. We can't make any turnovers and I'm sure they're thinking the same thing. It'll be a good game. We're fired up." Huntley kicker Donnie Young could be a factor in a close game. He is 21 for 21 on extra points and 2 for 2 on field goals, including a 37-yarder.

Next week: Huntley at Crystal Lake South (2-3); Cary-Grove (5-0) at Jacobs

Crystal Lake South (2-3, 1-0) at Dundee-Crown (2-3, 0-1)

When/where: today at 7:15 p.m. at the D-C Bowl

Last year: Dundee-Crown 14, Crystal Lake South 13

Last week: Crystal Lake South 41, McHenry 28; Jacobs 56, Dundee-Crown 16

Outlook: The Chargers are hungry for a victory after consecutive losses to Morris, Prairie Ridge and Jacobs in which they were outscored 124-23. "This is a big game and we need to win it," Dundee-Crown coach Mike Steinhaus said. "We've got to get back on the positive side and get this one." Injury plagued Dundee-Crown got a lift last week from the return of standout Malik Dunner, who played despite a still-healing ankle sprain. He rushed for 104 yards on 16 carries but did not play safety, the signature position he was recruited to play next year at Ball State. Dunner was limited again in practice this week, according to his coach. The Chargers experienced a physical practice week with tackling drills the focus. Too many tackles have been missed, Steinhaus said. The Gators got back in the win column last week by reverting to the kind of smash-mouth football the program has been known for through the years. The Power-I and twin-back sets resulted in 393 rushing yards against a somewhat banged-up McHenry defense. Junior running back Corey Sheehan led the way with 221 yards on 25 carries, including touchdown runs of 22, 34 and 19 yards. For the season, Sheehan has rushed for 629 yards and 4 touchdowns in 108 attempts (5.8 avg.). Switching from shotgun zone reads to power formations allowed fullback Kyle Bartusch to unleash. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior carried the ball 15 times for 160 yards and 2 touchdowns, one a 53-yarder. Prior to last week he had carried the ball only 7 times for 54 yards without a touchdown. "This lets us line up and go right at people which is what we're good at," CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said of the adjustment. Special teams could play an important role on what could be a sloppy night from a weather standpoint. Last year the Gators missed an extra point and a field goal in a 1-point defeat. "That was a painful loss because it kept us out of the playoffs," Ahsmann said. "You can't take things for granted in high school football. You have to have a good snap, a good hold and the kick."

Next week: Huntley (4-1) Crystal Lake South; McHenry (2-3) at Dundee-Crown

Streamwood (1-4, 1-2) at Elgin (0-5, 0-3)

When/where: today at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Field

Last year: Streamwood 41, Elgin 30

Last week: St. Charles East 24, Streamwood 6; Geneva 56, Elgin 6

Outlook: Streamwood can even its record in the Upstate Eight River with a victory against an Elgin squad eager to snap the program's 17-game losing streak on homecoming. The Sabres have played well in spurts, but inconsistent play has undermined them at times. "The big thing for us is we have to play four quarters and have our offense and defense excel all four quarters," Streamwood coach Mark Orszula said. "Offensively, we haven't scored a meaningful touchdown in six quarters. We have to get things going. Defensively, we've been put in some tough situations the last couple of weeks and the defense has responded. On that side of the ball, we've improved dramatically from our first couple of games." Key players on defense include senior middle linebacker Jake Painter, senior safety Garrett Brown, senior linebacker Tim Crom and sophomore linebacker Kivari Allen. Painter is the team's leading tackler. Elgin has shown improvement of late, too, coach Kyle Rohde says, particularly along the offensive line. That unit has been the focus of practice scrutiny the last few weeks and the work is paying off. "Our offense ran for the most yardage of any game last week against the best team we've played," Rohde said of a 121-yard effort against state-ranked Geneva. "To be successful this week I think we need to create a couple of turnovers and we have to control the line of scrimmage. I think our offensive line matches up pretty well with their defensive front. Our defensive line needs to be active against their offensive line. They've shown flashes but need to be more consistent." Senior linebacker Mike Behning leads the Elgin defense with 35 tackles and 2 sacks. Senior free safety Jordan Smith is second with 28 tackles, 25 solo. The Streamwood offense is directed by senior quarterback Max Draper, who has completed 110 of 208 attempts for 1,267 yards. He has thrown 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Draper's top target is senior Noah Polich. He leads the Fox Valley area in receptions (56) and receiving yards (767).

Next week: St. Charles North (3-2) at Streamwood; Batavia (4-1) at Elgin

Larkin (0-5, 0-3) at St. Charles North (3-2, 1-2)

When/where: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last year: St. Charles North 48, Larkin 20

Last week: Batavia 21, St. Charles North 7; West Chicago 28, Larkin 22

Outlook: The Royals have been a second-half team each of the last two weeks. Against Streamwood they fell behind 27-0 after a half and rallied only to lose 27-21. Against West Chicago, Larkin spotted the Wildcats 20 points before rallying to tie the game. However, a few crucial mistakes (like a miscommunication between players that led to an interception) cost the team a chance to earn its first win. "We did a nice job fighting back once again," Larkin coach Dragan Teonic said after last week's game. "The guys could have easily thrown in the towel and they won't do that. They are fighters and I'm looking for us to continue to grow." The growth process continues this week against a St. Charles North squad that won its first 3 games against Elk Grove, Plainfield Central and West Chicago, but has dropped its last 2 outings against state-ranked UEC River rivals Geneva and Batavia. The North Stars can play defense. They held their first 3 opponents to 17 combined points. Defending Class 6A champion Batavia was averaging 37.5 points but was held to 21 by St. Charles North.

Next week: St. Charles North at Streamwood (1-4); Larkin at St. Charles East (2-3)

Glenbard East (3-2, 1-2) at Bartlett (2-3, 1-2)

When/where: today at 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Field

Last week: Waubonsie Valley 28, Glenbard East 27, OT; West Aurora 34, Bartlett 28

Outlook: Last week's setback at West Aurora makes the stretch-run mission clear for the Hawks: to qualify for a playoff berth they must win 3 of their last 4 games against Glenbard East, Neuqua Valley (3-2), South Elgin (2-3) and East Aurora (0-5). First up are the Rams, a team Bartlett has never faced. They gave undefeated UEC Valley leader Waubonsie Valley all it could handle last week. Glenbard East rallied for 18 fourth-quarter points to force overtime only to lose when an extra point kick was blocked. The Rams rushed for only 63 yards against Waubonsie, but they threw for 261 yards. Quarterback Phillip Abruzino completed 14 of 28 attempts, including 2 touchdowns, without an interception. "They are a heck of a pretty good team," Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. "I hear it might be one of the better teams they've had. They have a lot of speed and some of those receivers are tall. (Abruzino) is good and the running back is a quick one." The Hawks broke through offensively last week with their most productive game of the season. That unit's 28 points were more than it scored in its first 4 games combined (24). The team platooned senior quarterback Jordan Flint and Brenner Wallace. A 6-foot-2 junior, Wallace completed 9 of 16 attempts for 136 yards and a touchdown to Bryce Petty. Flint this season has completed 41 of 77 attempts for 479 yards with no touchdowns. He has been intercepted 3 times. Petty (Fordham) leads the team with 15 receptions for 207 yards and 1 touchdown. Bartlett's offense is paced by running back Nolan Bernat. The junior has carried 122 times for 578 yards and 3 scores. Meaney said the offense will simplify its attack this week, focusing on a few plays that can be successful against a 4-4 defense that doesn't have many holes. "Their linebackers are very active and you never see their defensive linemen backing up," the coach said. "Their free safety likes to come up and he's a heck of a hitter. They play a lot of man on the outside. We have to get off man coverage and make some plays. In the running game we're stressing holding our blocks for four to five seconds. To be successful we have to get man on man, big on big and take care of business. Football is a man's game and you have to come out and play like a man."

Next week: Glenbard East at South Elgin (2-3); Bartlett at Neuqua Valley (3-2)

South Elgin (2-3, 1-2) at East Aurora (0-5, 0-3)

When/where: today at 7:30 p.m.

Last year: South Elgin 48, East Aurora 20

Last week: Metea Valley 44, South Elgin 27; Neuqua Valley 69, East Aurora 21

Outlook: Change has come to the South Elgin defense in the wake of lopsided losses to Neuqua Valley and Metea Valley in which the unit surrendered 94 combined points. Select offensive linemen will see playing time on the defensive line, and power running back Kyle Ware has been installed at linebacker. "We've decided to make some personnel changes with some different packages roiling in on defense," Storm coach Pat Pistorio said. "We hope to beef up our defensive line. We're trying to get our best 11 guys on the field so we can hold these high-powered offenses down while maintaining our consistency on offense." The Storm also focused practice time on containing East Aurora's special teams. "They have lots of talented return guys who can hurt you," Pistorio added. "You don't want the momentum to swing on a return touchdown, so we've spent a lot of time on kickoffs and punts. The third phase has to be solid."

Next week: Glenbard East (3-2) at South Elgin; East Aurora at Metea Valley (3-2)

Westminster Christian (2-3, 2-3) at Rockford Christian Life (5-0, 5-0)

When/where: today at 7 p.m.

Last year: Rockford Christian Life 67, Westminster Christian 0

Last week: Alden-Hebron 15, Westminster Christian 13; Rockford Christian Life won 1-0 by forfeit against North Shore Country Day

Outlook: A sense of urgency seeped into practices this week in the wake of last week's narrow defeat. To nab a Class 1A playoff berth for the first time, Westminster Christian must defeat three of its final four opponents: Rockford Christian Life, Chicago Hope Academy (4-1), Christian Liberty Academy (0-5) and North Shore Country Day (1-4). "We're hungry," Westminster coach John Davis said. "We know we have to upset a team with a better record, and we have two shots to do it. I think if we play a perfect game against Rockford Christian Life and they play a marginal game, there's a chance we can win. They are a good team." The Warriors have added an offensive package in which sophomore Scott Graziano plays quarterback and runs the speed option. There's nothing wrong with senior quarterback Max Tucker, who has completed 65.3 percent of his pass attempts (64 of 98) for 616 yards. However, running the ball with Graziano runs more clock and gives the Westminster Christian defense time to rest and regroup. Graziano thus far has rushed 23 times for 57 yards and a touchdown. "Max has a great passing percentage, but we need to shorten the game and we have to run it more to shorten it," Davis said. "We hope this will keep defenses on their toes. We'll see." Xavier Brown remains the top rushing threat for the Warriors. The sophomore has carried 61 times for 461 yards and 5 touchdowns. Tucker has spread the ball around this season between Brown (16 rec., 212 yards, 2 TD), Graziano (15 rec., 127 yards, TD), Connor Albrecht (14 rec., 148 yards, TD), Noah Anderson (12 rec., 69 yards) and Markus Grasemann (10 rec., 74 yards, 2 TD).

Next week: Chicago Hope Academy (4-1) at Westminster Christian; Rockford Christian Life at Christian Liberty Academy (0-5)

McHenry (2-3, 0-1) at Cary-Grove (5-0, 1-0)

When/where: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Al Bohrer Field

Last year: Cary-Grove 48, McHenry 14

Last week: Cary-Grove 42, Huntley 12, Crystal Lake South 41, McHenry 28

Outlook: Cary-Grove dropped from the No. 1 spot in the Class 7A poll this week to No. 2, an apparent nod to Providence's strength of schedule. "I think we understand why," Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg said. "Providence is on a roll and has beaten some really good teams." The opponent for this week's homecoming matinee has played a few tough teams, too. McHenry lost to 5A-ranked Marian Central 14-7 in Week 2 and dropped a 42-21 decision in Week 3 to 6A-ranked DeKalb. Last week, the Warriors could not stop the straight-ahead power running game of Crystal Lake South. The Gators gained 393 of their 409 total yards on the ground. That doesn't bode well for the Warriors this week considering the Trojans have rushed for nearly 1,700 yards, including 371 last Friday against previously undefeated Huntley. Offensively, McHenry rotates quarterbacks. Junior Brandon Briscoe is the throwing quarterback. Last week he tossed 3 touchdown passes to 6-foot-3 senior receiver Mike Borst. The Trojans have a healthy respect for the Warriors based on what they've seen on film. "They have speed and historically have played us physically tough," Seaburg said. "McHenry has tough kids."

Next week: McHenry at Dundee-Crown (2-3); Cary-Grove at Jacobs (4-1)

St. Edward (5-0, 1-0) at Walther Christian (0-5, 0-1)

When/where: Saturday at 1 p.m.

Last meeting (2011): St. Edward 49, Walther Christian 21

Last week: St. Edward 38, Guerin 20; Chicago Christian 33, Walther Christian 20

Outlook: St. Edward is on the verge of making history. Research this week by the Daily Herald's John Radtke in conjunction with St. Edward athletic director P.J. White determined the St. Edward football program has never opened a season 6-0 in its 71-year history. Three teams came close. The 1947 Green Wave opened the season 5-0 before losing to Immaculate Conception in Week 6. In 1978, St. Edward finished 8-1, but that team lost a Week 5 game, also to IC. The 1960 team went 6-0-1 according to the IHSA website, but White thinks that record may have been reported incorrectly since the yearbook in the St. Edward library lists the 1960 football record differently. Point is, the Wave have a chance to achieve something that hasn't been done before. To do so they'll have to start this road game more aggressively than last week, when they found themselves trailing 13-0 in the first quarter at Guerin (1-4). That showing cost St. Edward its fleeting ranking by The Associated Press. They dropped out of the Class 4A poll this week after being tied for 10th a week ago. "I think they have us about right," coach Mike Rolando said of being just out of the top 10 with 15 votes, 3 shy of No. 10 Herrin. "We were down 13 points to Guerin so we get what we deserve." Junior running Dwayne Allen back had another strong outing, gaining 144 yards and scoring 3 times in 17 totes. Quarterback Joe Mullen completed 11 of 21 attempts for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns, including 2 scoring strikes to Santos Gomez, who was later named player of the game by the team. Senior Nick Duffy caught the other touchdown. Of Duffy's 10 receptions this season, 4 have gone for touchdowns. Senior Danny Favella is questionable to return in this game. He is dealing with an ankle sprain on the heels of appendicitis, Rolando said.

Next week: Ridgewood (2-3) at St. Edward; Guerin (1-4) at Walther Christian