Scouting Week 7 in the Fox Valley

Richmond-Burton (4-2, 2-2) at Burlington Central (4-2, 4-0)

When/where: today at 7 p.m. at Rocket Hill

Last year: Richmond-Burton 14, Burlington Central 13, OT

Last week: Richmond-Burton 61, Rockford Christian 26; Burlington Central 21, Marengo 13

Outlook: Central faces adversity this week in its quest to remain tied with Johnsburg atop the Big Northern East standings. The Rockets will take the field without leading rusher Jason Berango, who left the Marengo game last week with a knee injury. The junior had rushed for 596 yards and 9 touchdowns on 88 carries (6.8 avg.) before exiting early in the second quarter. Brad Sorensen picked up the slack last week, rushing for 117 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown run. He had been rotating in previously. Sorensen will pair with senior running back Trevor Davison (74 carries, 423 yards, 6 TD) and still play defense. In fact, several Central players will be pressed into double duty this week in the wake of suspensions to six players due to code of conduct violations. Three were starters. "The people we'll have out there are enough to make us successful," Central coach Rich Crabel said. "Richmond-Burton snapped a 2-game losing streak last week with a convincing victory against winless Rockford Christian. However, R-B has not defeated a team with a winning record. Richmond should get a lift this week from the return of injured running back Brad Boelkow. The senior missed time due to injury, but he returned to practice on Monday according to his Twitter page. Boelkow has rushed for over 500 yards. "He's been out the last couple of weeks, but I'm sure he'll be back for this game," Crabel said. "They are big up front again. We're going to have to play really solid defense and be more consistent offensively. We have some really great spurts on offense and then we do some things that aren't so good. Consistency is definitely an issue." Central has rushed for 1,399 yards and passed for 797. Junior quarterback Robert Doubek has completed 55 of 112 attempts (49 percent) for 724 yards. He has thrown 4 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions. Central's top receivers are 6-foot-4 senior Brenden Bushy (22 rec., 322 yards, 4 TD), 6-2 senior tight end Ryan Anderson (5 rec., 153 yards) and Davison (11 rec., 130 yards).

Next week: Richmond-Burton at North Boone (4-2); Johnsburg (5-1) at Burlington Central

Prairie Ridge (4-2, 3-1) at Hampshire (3-3, 1-2)

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

Last week: Prairie Ridge 37, Woodstock 26; Woodstock North 21, Hampshire 9

Outlook: This is the first meeting on the gridiron between these Fox Valley Conference Fox Division schools. When Hampshire joined the FVC in 2011, Prairie Ridge switched to the FVC Valley to even the divisions at seven schools apiece. With this year's departure of Johnsburg for the Big Northern Conference, Prairie Ridge moved back to the FVC Fox. Both teams have injury issues. Hampshire will be without starting quarterback Nick Mohlman and running back Devontae Johnson. Prairie Ridge quarterback Brett Covalt carried the load for an injured backfield last week when he rushed 23 times for 145 yards and a touchdown to help the Wolves bounce back from a 20-point loss at Grayslake North in Week 5. "I think we have a good defensive game plan put together," Hampshire coach Mike Brasile said. "The biggest thing is shutting down their offense. They do a nice job with that triple option. If we play sound assignment football, I like our chances." Hampshire's starting five offensive linemen are all healthy and expected to play. It marks the first time this season all five members ­­- Gader Bulow, Nick Wojciechowski, Payton Mull, Matt Kielbasa and Bobby Pearson ­- have been healthy enough to start in the same game.

Next week: Woodstock North (3-3) at Prairie Ridge; Hampshire at Crystal Lake Central (4-2)

Cary-Grove (6-0, 2-0) at Jacobs (4-2, 1-1)

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

Last year: Jacobs 36, Cary-Grove 35

Last week: Cary-Grove 54, McHenry 20; Huntley 37, Jacobs 14

Outlook: The final game of Jacobs' 6-game homestand is its toughest challenge to date: a visit from the No. 1 team in Class 7A, according to The Associated Press. The Trojans returned to the top spot in 7A after a one-week absence, flip-flopping with Providence. They are coming off a decisive homecoming victory over McHenry, a win that clinched the program's 11th straight playoff berth. A key two-way player, Matt Sutherland, left the McHenry game with a foot injury. His status for this week is questionable, according to Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg. "It'll be a game-time decision," Seaburg said. The Trojans have a couple of other players banged up, but so do the Golden Eagles. Most notably, all-conference two-way lineman Carson Shoemaker will not play as he continues to recover from a car accident. Shoemaker has been cleared to resume practicing next Monday, according to Jacobs coach Bill Mitz. Jacobs has beaten Cary-Grove two of the last three times these FVC Valley teams have met with both wins coming in Algonquin. To make it 3 out of 4 on home soil, the Golden Eagles' 3-3-5 defense must play better against the run than it did a week ago. Huntley rushed for 287 yards against Jacobs. Meanwhile, Cary-Grove rushed for 444 yards last week against McHenry and averages 289 rushing yards per game. "We have to play assignment defense and we have to wrap up," Mitz said. "We'll line up and go after them. We worked hard this week. We'll see which team of ours will show up. We're excited to have them coming to our place." The Trojans can match last year's win total with a victory. Cary-Grove is the second-highest scoring team in the FVC Valley with 247 points behind Huntley's 252. The Cary-Grove offense is used to defenses like Jacobs'. "They play multiple fronts on defense, and when you do something different like that it makes the offense have to prepare for it," Seaburg said. "What we've seen this year we feel has really prepared us for what teams will throw at us. Many teams will show a different front and our kids have to adapt, recognize fronts and execute."

Next week: Dundee-Crown (2-4) at Cary-Grove; Jacobs at Crystal Lake South (3-3)

McHenry (2-4, 0-2) at Dundee-Crown (2-4, 0-2)

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

Last year: Dundee-Crown 49, McHenry 21

Last week: Cary-Grove 54, McHenry 20; Crystal Lake South 31, Dundee-Crown 13

Outlook: Two teams desperate to stave off playoff elimination square off in this Fox Valley Conference Valley Division tilt. The young Chargers have lost 4 straight since a 2-0 start. D-C is youngest on the lines: two sophomores and two juniors start on the offensive front alongside a lone senior; the defensive line is comprised of all juniors. That relative lack of experience was exposed in recent weeks when veterans like safety/running back Malik Dunner, linebacker/running back Brandon Brooks and running back Caleb Parson were limited by ankle sprains of varying degrees. Dunner has played in the last 2 games, but he was still somewhat limited in practice this week. First-year coach Mike Steinhaus said the Ball State recruit is "probably the best he's been since the first week of the season." The Chargers continue to show signs of breaking out offensively in the system installed by Steinhaus in the off-season, which favors single-back formations and more passing. Senior quarterback Jeff Atherton has already thrown for 458 yards. He threw for 177 yards in 10 games last season. D-C faces a McHenry defense that has allowed at least 41 points in each of its last 4 outings. Quarterback Michael Briscoe (6-foot-4) was intercepted twice last week by Cary-Grove, but he completed 9 of 19 attempts for 112 yards and a touchdown and he ran for another score. "You always know what you're going to get with McHenry," Steinhaus said. "They're always tough and hard-nosed. It's just instilled in them and that's how it's always been. For us, it's about playing a full game. We have to finish it. We have to come and prove some things to ourselves and to other teams."

Next week: McHenry at Huntley (5-1); Dundee-Crown at Cary-Grove (6-0)

Huntley (5-1, 1-1) at Crystal Lake South (3-3, 2-0)

When/where: today at 7:15 p.m. at Ken Bruhn Field

Last year: Crystal Lake South 27 Huntley 7

Last week: Huntley 37, Jacobs 14; Crystal Lake South 31, Dundee-Crown 13

Outlook: Players have long memories. Huntley remembers needing a win in Week 9 last season at Crystal Lake South to become playoff eligible only to be denied by the Gators. Will the Red Raiders use that loss as motivation? "I hope so. That's what competition is all about," Huntley coach John Hart said. "Being mad at someone else has never been my gig, but understanding what you lost over there last year I know has been a driving factor for me and I think for the kids, too. We were trying to be in the playoffs two straight years, but in that game we were the nail and they were the hammer." It will be a matchup of power on power when CL South's straight-ahead running game goes against Huntley's talented defensive line. The Gators have won 2 straight since switching to the I-formation and a zone blocking scheme. The change has had a positive effect. The Gators scored 48 points combined in their first 4 games. They've scored 72 points in 2 games since the adjustment. Fullback Kyle Bartusch has excelled in the revised attack, rushing 34 times for 407 yards and 5 touchdowns. Junior Corey Sheehan in his last 2 games has rushed for 293 yards and 4 scores, upping his season totals to 714 yards and 5 touchdowns in 128 attempts (5.6 avg.). "A lot of teams have started to key on Corey, so what we've done is counter with Kyle," CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. "He has speed so when he breaks through the line it can be a big play for us." The Red Raiders can clinch a playoff berth with a win. CL South must win 2 of its 3 remaining games against Huntley, Jacobs (4-2) and Cary-Grove (6-0) to become playoff eligible. The Gators are on track to have more than enough playoff points to qualify as a 5-4 team. To earn their fourth win, their defense must contain Huntley's receiving trio of Brandon Altergott, Josh Esikiel and Kyle Kesul, each of whom caught a touchdown pass last week. "Their quarterback (Anthony Binetti) has done a nice job and is one of the top passers in the area," Ahsmann said. "And he has a couple of good receivers. It's not like they have one guy we can match Tyler Baker up with and shut down. I think whichever team doesn't make mistakes and plays a better field-position game will probably win."

Next week: McHenry (2-4) at Huntley; Jacobs (4-2) at Crystal Lake South

Ridgewood (3-3, 2-0) at St. Edward (6-0, 2-0)

When/where: today at 7 p.m. at Greg True Field

Watch: Streaming broadcast via highschoolcube can be seen at football.dailyherald.com

Last week: Ridgewood 24, Chicago Christian 14; St. Edward 61, Walther Christian 0

Outlook: With a playoff berth secured, St. Edward seeks to improve its postseason seed and put a stranglehold on first place in the Metro Suburban Conference's East Division with a homecoming victory. The Green Wave and the Rebels are tied atop the MSC East standings. "I think they're pretty good," St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. "I compare them a lot to Riverside-Brookfield. They're a school twice our size and they have some big, tough kids, especially up front. They have a really good running game and some good athletes on defense. It's a guessing game as to what they'll try to take away defensively. Our job is to figure that out and find a way to be successful." The Rebels may load the box to try to take away St. Edward junior running back Dwayne Allen, who has rushed for 891 yards and 12 touchdowns in 115 attempts (7.7 avg.). If so, it could give quarterback Joe Mullen a chance to add to his totals of 845 yards and 14 touchdowns on 47-of-86 passing. Mullen's top targets have been Trevor Loewen (10 rec., 230 yards, 5 TD), Nick Duffy (11 rec., 157 yards, 5 TD) and Santos Gomez (7 rec., 155 yards, 2 TD). Offensively, the Rebels ran the ball successfully last week with senior Chris Serna and sophomore Alex Rice combining to rush for 212 yards and 3 touchdowns.

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

Batavia (5-1, 4-0) at Elgin (0-6, 0-4)

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

Last year: Batavia 62, Elgin 14

Last week: Batavia 40, West Chicago 0; Streamwood 28, Elgin 18

Outlook: Elgin's rebuilding program can learn from the defending Class 6A champs, namely the importance of dedication to an off-season weight lifting program. The Maroons have been outmuscled in many instances this season by teams able to overpower them in the trenches, negating any speed advantage the athletic Maroons possess. In fact, part of the reason Elgin committed 5 more turnovers last week was its inability to hold on to the ball against strip attempts, coach Kyle Rohde said. Though the Bulldogs present one of the more daunting tests of the season, the Maroons hope to continue making progress a week before their crosstown rivalry game against Larkin. "We have to play with effort," Rohde said. "We ran the ball well against Geneva. Hopefully, we can do the same against Batavia. The big thing will be if our defense can hold them a couple of times. Our defense didn't allow a first down last week in the second half. Of course, Batavia is not Streamwood but if we can do that, we'll see what happens." Elgin quarterback Dontrell Gaddy leads his team in rushing with 241 yards on 66 carries. Senior Trae Sallis leads the Elgin defense with 6 tackles for loss. Batavia has won 5 straight since a 2-point loss to Oswego in the season opener. The Bulldogs average 190 rushing yards per game, led by 421 yards from Zach Garrett. Quarterback Kyle Niemiec has completed 63 of 93 attempts (67.7 percent) for 612 yards 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His top receiver is Canaan Coffey (39 rec., 465 yards, 7 TD). Batavia has fumbled the ball only once this season.

Next week: Geneva (6-0) at Batavia; Elgin at Larkin (0-6)

Larkin (0-6, 0-4) at St. Charles East (2-4, 2-2)

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

Watch: Streaming broadcast via highschoolcube can be seen at football.dailyherald.com

Last year: St. Charles East 55, Larkin 12

Last week: St. Charles North 56, Larkin 7; Geneva 40, St. Charles East 7

Outlook: Last week's one-sided loss aside, the rebuilding Royals have been more competitive in the season's second half as the youth movement gains steam at the varsity level. The Larkin roster of 42 includes 22 sophomores, 10 juniors and 10 seniors, though two seniors are out with injuries. Five sophomores start on defense. Nevertheless, the Royals came within 6 points of beating both Streamwood and West Chicago in Weeks 4 and 5. Might Larkin surprise St. Charles East on its Senior Night? "They are better than their 2-4 record," Larkin coach Dragan Teonic said of the Saints. "They are deep at linebacker and they are really sound, maybe the most sound of any defense we've faced. They are not risk takers. They are just very good at what they do." St. Charles East running back Ramon Lopez ran for 320 yards on 45 carries two weeks ago against Streamwood, but last week he was held to 50 yards on 12 carries by state-ranked Geneva. Junior A.J. Hunter has been a bright spot for the Royals. The team's leading receiver, he has 25 catches for 412 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, he is tied for the area lead with 3 interceptions. Teonic lauded the recent play of Hunter, running back Chevelle Clements and sophomore quarterback David Hibbler. Since Hibbler was installed as the No. 1 signal caller midway through a Week 4 loss to Streamwood, he has thrown 4 touchdown passes (3 of them to Hunter) and has rushed for another. The Larkin defense gets a boost this week from the return from injury of junior linebacker Johnny Avila.

Next week: Elgin (0-6) at Larkin; St. Charles East at St. Charles North (4-2)

St. Charles North (4-2, 2-2) at Streamwood (2-4, 2-2)

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

Last year: St. Charles North 55, Streamwood 6

Last week: St. Charles North 56, Larkin 7; Streamwood 28, Elgin 18

Outlook: Streamwood's back is against the proverbial wall, facing playoff elimination for the second straight week. To upset the North Stars, who can qualify for postseason consideration with a fifth victory, Streamwood must slow a St. Charles North attack directed by quarterback Nathan Didier. Last week Didier completed 10 of 12 passes for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns, while running back Eric Lins rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown. Streamwood has outscored its last three opponents 48-16 in the first half. However, the Sabres were outscored 42-18 in the second halves of those games. "The biggest thing for us is we have to put four quarters together," coach Mark Orszula said. "We keep reiterating to the kids in practice that it's the little things that are putting us in bad positions. We have to clean those up or good football teams will take advantage. We can't afford to make those mistakes against St. Charles North. They might be the No. 1 or No. 2 defense we've seen all year. They fly around to the ball aggressively, they move, stunt and they blitz. They do a lot of things with their front seven. Our kids have to know their responsibilities." Streamwood two-way player Tae Reetz played linebacker instead of safety last week out of necessity and finished with 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, one of which teammate Jonah Exline returned for a touchdown. Orszula did not to tip his hand when asked where Reetz will line up defensively against the North Stars. "We'll see how St. Charles North comes out against us offensively, what their plan of action is," he said. "Then we'll adjust our personnel accordingly."

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

Bartlett (3-3, 2-2) at Neuqua Valley (4-2, 4-0)

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

Watch: Streaming broadcast via highschoolcube can be seen at football.dailyherald.com

Last year: Neuqua Valley 34, Bartlett 20

Last week: Bartlett 23, Glenbard East 20, OT; Neuqua Valley 48, West Aurora 35

Outlook: Bartlett kept itself in the thick of the playoff hunt with last week's overtime victory against Glenbard East. The Hawks stacked the box early on to limit the Rams' running game and made headway, getting into the backfield for 6 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. The defense set a school record with 7 turnovers (4 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries). Junior cornerback Cameron Mays forced 2 fumbles and snared 2 interceptions, one of which he returned 75 yards for a touchdown. "We don't expect that many turnovers, but we do expect our defense to get after it and strip the ball or make an interception when they have the opportunity," Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. "I was really happy with the way the defense came out and got off the ball and pursued to the ball." Neuqua Valley has size along both lines. Offensively, the Wildcats attack with quarterback Broc Rutter, who has thrown for 1,033 yards and 11 touchdowns. He threw for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception in last week's win over West Aurora. Neuqua has also rushed for 17 touchdowns. Dominick Muoghalu ran for 3 scores last week and Charlie Hunter had another. The Hawks made a quarterback switch to 6-foot-2 junior Brenner Wallace, who will try to solve Neuqua's 3-5 defense. Junior running back Nolan Bernat, who along with lineman Kyle Sanft is among Bartlett's few two-way players, has rushed for 680 yards and 2 touchdowns in 145 attempts (4.7 avg.). "We hope to get off the ball and get to their linebackers or it will be a long night," Meaney said. "They're big, but our offensive line is not exactly small either. We have to be focused and play inspired and hope to make it a game." Junior tight end Jason Hasenberg returned to practice this week after missing several games with a chipped vertebrae. Wearing extra padding designed to protect his back, Hasenberg will be eased into action slowly, his coach said.

Next week: South Elgin (3-3) at Bartlett; Waubonsie Valley (6-0) at Neuqua Valley

Glenbard East (3-3, 1-3) at South Elgin (3-3, 2-2)

When/where: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at South Elgin Stadium

Last week: Bartlett 23, Glenbard East 20, OT; South Elgin 71, East Aurora 24

Outlook: The first meeting between these programs is critical to the playoff aspirations of each. South Elgin made some lineup changes last week in an effort to shore up its defense. Offensive linemen Matt Zimmerman, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound junior, and 6-4, 265-pound senior Jarin Davis played double duty on the defensive line and caused havoc on their first 3 plays, causing an interception, a sack and a fumble. They aren't the only offensive regulars likely to see time on defense. Wide receivers Andrew Kamienski and Derek Kumerow are expected to play in the defensive backfield against the Rams. "We tried to avoid that against Neuqua and Waubonsie because it's hard to have multiple guys going both ways against those teams," South Elgin coach Pat Pistorio said, "but at this point we have to find a way into the playoffs." Nothing is wrong with the South Elgin offense, which set a single-game school record last week with 71 points. The Storm average 44.3 points per game. They have scored 55 more points than any team in the Upstate Eight Valley. That prolific offense will be tested by a stingy Glenbard East defense that limits opponents to 16.3 ppg. The Rams nearly upset league-leading Waubonsie Valley two weeks ago before falling by a point in overtime. They lost another overtime game last week at Bartlett. "They had a good game with Waubonsie and another good game against Bartlett, two physical football teams," Pistorio said. " know defensively they are going to be a challenging group, especially with some of the blitz packages they have in place. Their linebacker play is really strong. Overall, we're looking forward to this challenge. I think we can get the job done."

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

Chicago Hope (5-1, 5-1) at Westminster Christian (2-4, 2-4)

When/where: Saturday at 1 p.m. at Warrior Field

Last year: Chicago Hope 31, Westminster Christian 21

Last week: Chicago Hope 82, Christian Liberty Academy 0; Rockford Christian Life 48, Westminster Christian 7

Outlook: Westminster Christian's playoff hopes hinge on an upset in this Northeastern Athletic Conference matchup. The Warriors must find a way to win or suffer playoff elimination ahead of their final 2 contests against Christian Liberty (0-6) and North Shore Country Day (1-5). "Right now there's still a chance to make the playoffs if we play the perfect game I know we're capable of playing," Westminster coach John Davis said. "Every now and then you see a score pop up where an underdog takes a team down by 1 or 2 points. It would be a hug upset, but it's not out of the question." The Warriors get a lift from the return of junior linebacker Nick DeMaira, who has been out since Week 1 with broken wrist. However, sophomore linebacker Isaac Hawn (6-foot-6, 225 pounds) will miss this game and perhaps the remainder of the season due to an emergency appendectomy he underwent this week. Otherwise, the Warriors are the healthiest they have been since the season began. Hope averages 45 points per game, a statistic swelled by last week's 82-point barrage against winless Christian Liberty. The Eagles don't do anything tricky offensively. They just line up and challenge teams to stop them. "They have the most basic offense but with an extreme amount of speed, which is something we don't deal with very well," Davis said.

Next week: Mooseheart (3-3) at Chicago Hope; Westminster Christian at Christian Liberty Academy (0-6)