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Football: Scouting Week 8, Lake County

By Patricia Babcock McGraw

pbabcock@dailyherald.com

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIELakes (6-1, 4-0) at Antioch (6-1, 4-0)When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Lakes def. Round Lake, 52-0; Antioch def. North Chicago, 71-7.

Skinny: This is always a big rivalry game. But this year, the stakes are even bigger between the two District 117 schools. Lakes and Antioch will decide the North Suburban Conference Prairie Division championship tonight as both teams are undefeated (4-0) in division play. "We're trying not to make too much of this, but it's pretty exciting," Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said. "The records of both teams help. It should be a really good game." … Lakes and Antioch have been the two most dominant programs in the Prairie Division in recent years. In the seven seasons since 2007, one of the two teams has won the title five times. They each have 2 titles heading into this game. "It's not a coincidence," Glashagel said. "We have the most stable coaching staffs in the division, and we're two of the most tenured staffs in the entire North Suburban Conference." Only Lake Forest coach Chuck Spagnoli has been around the NSC longer than Glashagel or Lakes coach Luke Mertens. "When kids come to Antioch, they know who I am, they know our coaches, they know what we do and the things we run. We've been consistent. The same thing is happening at Lakes. That is so important when you're trying to build a successful program."…As usual, Antioch has had success this season running the ball. Last week, the Sequoits rolled up 392 rushing yards, 145 of which went to Jake Lanahan, one of three dangerous options in the option attack that includes running backs Griffin Hill and Alan Taylor…Lakes has rebounded from its 3-point output in a loss two weeks ago against Stevenson and has scored 125 points over its last two games. The Eagles' passing game was on fire last week in a win over Round Lake. Receiver Jake Balliu and quarterback Jordan Mercure hooked up for 4 touchdowns, and Mercure threw for a fifth to Colton Jewell. Overall, Lakes rolled up 274 passing yards…Besides being the highest-scoring offenses in the Prairie Division, both Lakes (43.3 ppg) and Antioch (39.9 ppg) are the stingiest teams as well. Lakes allows 12 points per game while Antioch is at 14.4 points allowed per game.

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

Vernon Hills (4-3, 3-2) at Grant (2-5, 2-2)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Last week: Vernon Hills def. Wauconda, 30-28; Grant lost to Warren, 44-0

Skinny: Grant can play spoiler as Vernon Hills desperately tries to stay alive in the playoff picture. Vernon Hills needs to win out to guarantee a playoff spot. The Cougars could qualify with five wins, but only if they have enough playoffs points, which won't be known until the last day of the season. "One thing that we've been mentioning to the kids, ever since the Lakes game (a 60-point loss in Week 6), is that every game is a playoff game for us from now on. It's do or die," Vernon Hills coach Bill Bellecomo said. "We've got to keep winning if we want to make the playoffs. You never know how kids are going to respond to that, but so far, it's been good." Last week, Vernon Hills showed some grit by squeaking out a 30-28 come-from-behind win over Wauconda in the final seconds of the game. Andres Salazar kicked a 22-yard field goal with 0.4 seconds left to lift the Cougars. Salazar had a spectacular all-around game. He also had 11 tackles and 9 catches for 211 yards. "That's one of the best high school football games I've ever seen out of a kid," Bellecomo said of Salazar. "He was everywhere."…Vernon Hills also got an amazing effort out of quarterback Connor McNamara, who completed 23 of 50 passes for 403 yards. Robby Nardini was also a big target, catching 4 passes for 123 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter that put Vernon Hills in position to win on a field goal…Grant had an exciting finish two weeks ago in a win over Wauconda, but last week's game against Warren was decided early. "They pounded us," Grant coach Vito Andriola said of Warren. "They're really good and we didn't play well at all, and a lot of that was because of them. But the one good thing for us is that we played much better in the second half. We played much more like a team and we kept working. We stayed together."…Although Grant struggled offensively against Warren (139 total yards, 7 first downs), its running game has been fairly effectively throughout the season. Seniors Jeremy Bredwood and Tim Hollins get the bulk of the carries for the Bulldogs.

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

Wauconda (3-4, 1-3) at Round Lake (2-5, 1-3)

When: 1 p.m., Saturday

Last week: Wauconda lost to Vernon Hills, 30-28; Round Lake lost to Lakes, 52-0.

Skinny: Wauconda is coming off two heart-breaking losses, falling in the final seconds against Grant and Vernon Hills. The Bulldogs are now in a precarious position. They need to win out to get to five wins in order to have a chance to qualify for the playoffs on points. "The way they've lost the last two weeks, they're going to be ready to go this week," Round Lake coach Jordan Eder said of Wauconda. "I'm expecting their very best effort. They want to get back to the playoffs. They have nice size, their quarterback looks good and they pass the ball a lot. We have to stop their passing game." Last week in a heartbreaking loss to Vernon Hills, Wauconda quarterback Kevin Malisheski completed 19-of-33 passes for 212 yards. He also rushed for 86 yards and tallied 4 touchdowns on the night. Malisheski's favorite targets were Josh Anderson (5 catches for 85 yards) and Jake Grobelny (6 catches, 74 yards)…Round Lake, meanwhile, has had trouble scoring this season. The Panthers have put up only 38 points over the last five weeks. "Except for the North Chicago game (a 31-26 Week 6 win), we've really sputtered on offense," Eder said. "We have to pick it up. We have got to get our offense going." Round Lake had to pick up the slack when starting quarterback Cole Steger went down with an injury midway through the season. Ron Steadman filled in for him and had some success against North Chicago. He moved back to linebacker last week when Steger returned to action. "Last week, we were totally healthy for the first time since Week 1," Eder said. "And we came out fine last week. We're hoping that will help us this week."

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKELake Zurich (4-3, 3-2) at Warren (5-2, 3-1)When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Lake Zurich def. Lake Forest, 35-24; Warren def. Grant, 44-0.

Skinny: Both Lake Zurich and Warren are fighting to solidify their playoff destiny. Lake Zurich needs to win out to guarantee a spot while Warren needs to win out to guarantee a home game and top seed. "The playoffs started for us last week," Lake Zurich coach David Proffitt said regarding the Bears' must-win game against Lake Forest. "We played pretty well and we're going to need an even better effort this week to keep it going. We gained a lot of confidence last week. We had a tough game (two weeks ago in a 21-0 loss to Stevenson) and we just kept it positive. We held the kids accountable and just kept working to get better. It was a nice (turnaround). Our quarterback played well, our offensive line did well, our running backs and receivers did well. It was a very good all-around effort by our offense after they really struggled (against Stevenson)." Against Lake Forest, Lake Zurich rolled up 408 yards of offense, 308 on the ground and 100 through the air. Zane Lodico (26 carries, 120 yards) and Ben Klett (16 carries, 84 yards) accounted for many of the rushing yards while quarterback Joey Lindstrom completed 3-of-3 passes for 100 yards. "When you run the ball as much as we do, and you have a quarterback with a good arm and people who can catch, the play-action pass can be a big weapon," Proffitt said…Warren has its own threats in the passing game. Illinois bound receiver Caleb Reams caught 4 passes for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns against Grant last week. Quarterback Jay Nickell completed 6-of-10 passes for 126 yards. Running back Darrius Crump also had a big night, rolling up 160 yards on 7 carries. "Warren runs the ball very effectively with an extremely talented running back (Crump) and a very productive offensive line," Proffitt said. "(Crump) sees openings that normal running backs miss. He can turn a 2-yard loss into a 20-yard gain in the blink of an eye. And then Warren can go to Reams any time for a big play."

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

Mundelein (0-7, 0-4) at Stevenson (7-0, 4-0)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Mundelein lost to Libertyville, 55-0; Stevenson def. Zion-Benton, 41-0.

Skinny: It's Homecoming week at Stevenson, just another distraction for the Patriots, who have dealt all season with the hype of being ranked among the top teams in the state. "There are plenty of distractions, and we are focusing on the importance of the football game," Stevenson coach Bill McNamara said. "The battle for greatness is not only against Mundelein but also against ourselves to overcome distractions and play to our potential. We must maintain our focus." Stevenson has been extremely focused on defense lately, pitching shutouts in its last two games. The Patriots are allowing just 9.1 points per game, fewest in the North Suburban Conference. Offensively, Stevenson boasts a healthy mix of passing and running. Last week, it was running back Jack Joseph who lit up the scoreboard. He had 4 rushing touchdowns against Zion-Benton. Meanwhile, quarterback Willie Bourbon connects most often with receivers Cameron Green and Jack Sorenson. "Our players are very mature and understand that they have talent, but know that talent alone doesn't win championships," McNamara said. "They go about their football business like professionals."…Mundelein has struggled to gain any traction this season. The Mustangs are still looking for their first win and haven't put many points on the board. They average a North Suburban Conference Lake Division low 11.9 points per game. Defensively, Mundelein is giving up 37 points per game, most in the division. "Mundelein is well-coached and will come ready to play," McNamara said. "Offensively, they like to run the veer, jet and vertical passing routes. They also run the quarterback multiple ways. Our defense must be physical and disciplined to avoid the big play." Senior Robert Hamilton is Mundelein's biggest big-play threat. He can break big runs, catch long passes and has returned multiple kickoffs for touchdowns this season. Young quarterback Colten Fisher was Mundelein's top gainer last week with 70 rushing yards.

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

NORTH SUBURBAN CROSSOVERLibertyville (5-2, 3-2) at North Chicago (0-7, 0-5)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Libertyville def. Mundelein, 55-0; North Chicago lost to Antioch, 71-7.

Skinny: After two straight losses to Warren and Lake Forest respectively, Libertyville has bounced back with two straight wins, over Zion-Benton and Mundelein. "We've talked a lot about gaining momentum at the end of the season," Libertyville coach Mike Jones said. "Since slipping up against Warren and Lake Forest, we've talked about fixing some little things that really make a difference, little things on special teams, things you can't get away with against really good teams, and it's really made a difference." Quarterback Riley Lees has been a major difference-maker for Libertyville all season. He was a force both on the ground and through the air for the Wildcats last week against Mundelein. He rushed for 275 yards on 12 carries and completed 7-of-11 passes for 116 yards. He also scored 4 touchdowns. "Riley has been playing great," Jones said. Receiver Nick Rosetti caught 3 passes from Lees last week for a team-high 74 receiving yards…North Chicago also has big-play potential in its quarterback, Jamero Shelton. However, the Warhawks struggled last week against Antioch. They gained just 9 first downs and 159 total yards. "They have playmakers," Jones said of North Chicago. It's a matter of keeping them contained. If a play breaks down, guys like their quarterback can still be dangerous."

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICMarian Central Catholic (4-3, 2-3) at Carmel (4-3, 3-2)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Marian Central lost to St. Viator, 49-32; Carmel lost to Benet, 24-21.

Skinny: Carmel couldn't keep the momentum going from its St. Viator win in Week 6, a win that head coach Andy Bitto called his team's best showing in three years. Carmel was hamstrung by 4 turnovers against Benet. Against St. Viator, the Corsairs didn't turn the ball over at all…Carmel, which is anxious to get to the playoffs after two years of missing the postseason, is approaching this game as a must-win. The Corsairs' strength of schedule will help in the event that playoff points come into play. But Carmel wants to avoid any doubt and qualify for the playoffs with six wins. That means winning out against two teams that have been solid this season, Marian Central and Notre Dame…Marian Central opened the season with three straight wins but has lost three of its last four games (against Nazareth, Joliet Catholic and St. Viator). The Hurricanes can put points on the board, and average 30.1 points per game, but they also give up a lot of points as well, 22.4 points per game…Carmel's option offense is led by speedy running back Rondel Jamison, a sophomore who often finishes with more than 100 rushing yards each game. He and quarterback Mike Huiras play nicely off each other. Huiras had one of his most productive passing games last week, completing 7-of-16 passes for 124 yards.

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

FOX VALLEY FOXGrayslake North (4-3, 3-1) at Grayslake Central (0-7, 0-4)

When: 7:30 p.m., today

Last week: Grayslake North def. Woodstock, 42-0; Grayslake Central lost to Woodstock North, 57-9.

Skinny: It's the battle of Grayslake, which means that even Grayslake Central's winless mark becomes somewhat of a moot point. This game always seems to bring out the best in both sides. Last year's game between the two sister schools was decided by just a field goal, 24-21 in favor of Grayslake North. This time, Grayslake North is fighting for a playoff spot and needs to win out to guarantee a berth…Grayslake Central, which went 4-5 last season, has struggled to gain any traction this season, thanks to injuries and low numbers. The Rams can't play sophomore games this season because the numbers aren't there program-wide. And the fact that starting quarterback Luke Shepherd has missed much of the season with an injury hasn't helped. Anthony Fitzgerald has been filling in at quarterback for Shepherd…Grayslake North has been scoring a ton of points since being held to just a touchdown in a Week 3 loss to Cary-Grove. The Knights are averaging 33.7 points per game, second-best in the Fox Valley Fox Division. Last week against Woodstock, Grayslake North rolled up 578 total yards, 391 on the ground and 187 through the air. Senior running back and Indiana recruit Titus Booker, one of the top rushers in the state, had 250 yards on 24 carries while quarterback Merrick Gentile added 91 yards on 9 carries. Gentile also completed 9-of-14 passes for 170 yards. His favorite target was Eli Atwater (5 catches for 127 yards).

- Patricia Babcock McGraw

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