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Scouting this weekend's DuPage County football games

By Dave Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit

doberhelman@dailyherald.com

kschmit@dailyherald.com

Addison Trail (7-0) at Glenbard West (7-0)

Nonconference

Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Last week: Addison Trail 42, Proviso East 7; Glenbard West 49, Proviso West 10.

Last year: Glenbard West 55, Addison Trail 0.

Outlook: At 7-0 the Blazers are off to their best start in program history. With a playoff berth and the West Suburban Gold title already sealed, a win over rival Glenbard West would be a huge feather in the cap. In preparation for the grass surface at Duchon Field, the team practiced at Driscoll's old stadium field. With leading rusher Malik Pierre-Louis hobbling, Addison Trail has confidence in backups Mike Hundley and Darrion Conrad. Quarterback Mike Rybarczyk leans on receiver Jake Atiyeh, but Glenbard West linebackers Ben Marcus and Nico Gagliano and safety Michael Darnell will be wary of the big-play potential of Jaavion Bradley. With each week Hilltoppers running back Sam Brodner digs deeper into beast mode. As much as they like to throw different backs at defenses, he's carrying the bulk of the load. That being said, fullback Donahvon Vaughn's expected to return from injury. Defensive lineman Bobby Rinaldi and linebacker Eric Gilliam lead the Blazers' defense.

Next week: Glenbard West at York; Willowbrook at Addison Trail.

Benet (5-2, 3-2) at Joliet Catholic (5-2, 4-1)

East Suburban Catholic Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Benet 24, Carmel 21; Nazareth 24, Joliet Catholic 21.

Last year: Joliet Catholic 36, Benet 0.

Outlook: Benet's brutal stretch of games - starting with Marist, Nazareth and Carmel - continues with a Joliet Catholic team that gave juggernaut Nazareth its toughest game of the season. Redwings running back Brad Sznajder, who earlier this season became the program's all-time leader in rushing yardage, broke the record for rushing yards in a season last week. While Benet doesn't want to lean on Sznajder too much, it's tough to shy away from a back who last week rushed for 200 yards for the second time this season. It won't be easy, though, matching that effort against Joliet Catholic's stingy defense. As for the Hilltoppers' offense, their vaunted ground game reloaded this season behind running back Nick Borgra. This is the second straight week the Redwings' defense has faced a power rushing game. They struggled at times against Carmel, but linebacker Pat McCarthy and defensive backs Coleman Crouch and Mac Cooney stepped up when necessary.

Next week: Marian Catholic at Benet; Marist at Joliet Catholic.

Glenbard North (3-4, 1-2) at Wheaton Warrenville South (3-4, 2-1)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Lake Park 20, Glenbard North 17; WW South 41, Naperville North 0.

Last year: Glenbard North 37, WW South 21.

Outlook: Both teams sit on the verge of playoff elimination. While the Panthers regroup from a tough loss, WW South's riding high after a huge win. Without injured starting quarterback Josh Prueter and running back Mike Campos, backup quarterback Mike Stebbins and running back Jonathon Johnson stepped up. Western Michigan-bound receiver Keishawn Watson had his best game of the season with a rushing touchdown on a reverse, a passing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. Glenbard North's been tough on defense all season, especially with linebackers Luke Greenberg, Jimique Davis and Phil Partipilo. The Panthers are eager to get back on the field after missing out on several red-zone opportunities on offense. Running back Devion Hodges remains the go-to guy and a big-play threat each time he touches the ball. With Anthony Melton up front and Tommy Vitale at linebacker, the Tigers have shown the mettle to slow the DVC's top offenses.

Next week: Naperville North at Glenbard North; WW South at Naperville Central.

Naperville Central (6-1, 3-0) at Lake Park (5-2, 2-1)

DuPage Valley Conference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Naperville Central 14, Wheaton North 3; Lake Park 20, Glenbard North 17.

Last year: Naperville Central 36, Lake Park 0.

Outlook: Naperville Central's defense didn't force a turnover last week, but it still nearly notched a shutout. With Jack Walsh and Joe Schweikart on the line and Bobby McMillen and Dan DelGrosso at linebacker, it'll be tough for Lake Park to get its offense going. The Lancers continue to rotate quarterbacks with Mike Perry and Jaron Fields and also rotate running backs Kenny Jones, Melvin Smiley and Nico Mirandola. Receiver Tommie Jackson, who last week caught 2 touchdown passes, has developed into a consistent contributor. Naperville Central's offense, like every other in the DVC, will have its hands full with Lake Park defensive linemen Mike and Jacub Panasiuk and Chomba Chilufya. The Redhawks have leaned heavily on running back Kevin Clifford, who's carried the ball 70 times the last two weeks for more than 400 yards. While Naperville Central's embraced a commitment to the run, it'd love to see quarterback Conor Joyce continue to connect with receiver Michael Kolzow.

Next week: WW South at Naperville Central; Lake Park at Wheaton North.

Waubonsie Valley (6-1, 4-1) vs. Neuqua Valley (5-2, 5-0)

Upstate Eight Valley

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Central College.

Last week: West Aurora 27, Waubonsie Valley 24 OT; Neuqua Valley 54, Bartlett 29.

Last year: Neuqua Valley 40, Waubonsie Valley 25.

Outlook: It's for the UEC Valley title. Neuqua leads the Indian Prairie Classic series 12-4 with two games going to double-overtime. Double-overtime was unkind last week to Waubonsie Valley, struggling through what Warriors coach Paul Murphy called "terrible" tackling the last three games, in which Waubonsie's scored 90 points and allowed 91. The speed of Warriors defensive linemen such as Kurtis Chione and Nick Horn will help determine the crucial control of the line of scrimmage. Quinton Zielke returns to Waubonsie's offensive line, the better to block the option of quarterback Zach Bennema and tailback Tony Durns, who've combined for 1,548 yards, 21 touchdowns. For Neuqua coach Bill Ellinghaus - whose Wildcats have averaged 55 points the last four games - the key is stopping Bennema. He'll have seniors like lineman Patrick Cadogan and linebackers Liam Bunge and Derrek Warkenthien, who've combined for 18 tackles for loss and 6 sacks, working at it.

Next week: South Elgin at Waubonsie Valley; Neuqua Valley at Metea Valley.

Coal City (5-2) at Lisle (1-6)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Coal City lost 24-23 to unbeaten Manteno and 26-7 to unbeaten Wilmington. Lisle has played with most everyone until fatigue takes hold. Regardless, the Lions can expect Jared Arellano and Co. up front to provide pass protection for Alec Van Volkenburg.

Downers Grove South (5-2, 3-1) at Proviso East (1-6, 0-4)Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The quick hit: Four straight wins has Downers South playoff eligible and on the verge of locking up a postseason spot for the 17th time in 18 years. The Mustangs had their best offensive week in a 50-38 win over Willowbrook. The ground game continues to lead the way.

Fenton (4-3, 0-3) at Wheaton Academy (4-3, 0-3)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Wheaton Academy quarterback David Thrasher, with 6-3, 210-pound tight end Marino Costello, is fully capable of taking advantage of Fenton's struggling secondary. Hurting for playoff points, the Bison likely need to win their final two games to qualify.

Fenwick (5-2, 2-0) at Montini (4-3, 1-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Playoff points abundant, Montini needs no more than 5 wins to make the postseason. With Marmion in Week 9, nothing's a lock. Here the Broncos meet the Chicago Catholic White leader, and return defensive end Pat Howard to help pressure Jack Beneventi.

Hinsdale South (5-2, 3-1) at Morton (2-5, 2-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Despite last week's 42-14 loss to Hinsdale Central, the Hornets remain playoff eligible with a chance to clinch a spot with a victory. Standout defensive lineman Josh King missed the bulk of the game with an injury, as did running back Marcus Curry.

IC Catholic Prep (3-4, 2-1) at Glenbard South (5-2, 3-0)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: The Knights aim to stay playoff eligible behind running back Jordan Rowell and the passing combination of Luke Ricobene and Sean Packer. Quarterback Kyle Carli played well in the Raiders' fifth straight win despite too many penalties and dropped passes.

Leyden (1-6, 1-3) at Willowbrook (1-6, 1-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: A week after Willowbrook got its first win, last week Leyden won for the first time. After surrendering 50 points to Downers South, the Warriors face an Eagles offense that put 52 points on Morton - more than they scored in their first six games combined.

Manteno (7-0) at Westmont (4-3)Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Winless Sandwich in Week 9 can't lower Westmont's focus here, seeking its first playoff berth since 2006. If the Sentinels can get in a track meet all the better. Last week Quintin Brown ran for 285 yards, 4 touchdowns, quarterback Kyle Domin 205 and 3.

Metea Valley (4-3, 3-2) at Glenbard East (3-4, 1-4)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Dynamite clash in the Upstate Eight Valley. Metea quarterback Kyle Mooney has come on to lend balance to shifty 1,000-yard rusher Bryson Oliver. Glenbard East, losing its last 3 by 10 points, counters with QB Phil Abruzino and Dominic Wilberton.

Naperville North (2-5, 0-3) at Wheaton North (2-5, 1-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: With playoff-denying losses last week, both sides are playing for pride these final two games. Not much went right for the Huskies in last week's loss. Wheaton North's ground woes continue, but sophomore quarterback Luke Anthony continues to shine.

Oak Park (6-1, 4-1) at Hinsdale Central (5-2, 3-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Two of the West Suburban Silver's highest-powered offenses hook up. Hinsdale Central had its best game since Bolingbrook as quarterback Matt Rafferty shredded Hinsdale South's defense with a 13-of-17 effort for 282 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Proviso West (2-5, 0-4) at Downers Grove North (2-5, 1-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: With Kenny Yeo taking over for injured quarterback David Edwards, the Trojans rolled to victory over York. True to tradition, Yeo and running back Jared Whitacre combined for nearly 300 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in a 33-14 victory.

St. Francis (5-2, 1-1) at De La Salle (1-6, 0-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: The Spartans last week snapped an 0-6 skid against Montini. Quarterback Clint Bobowski had a great day, accounting for 413 yards; linebackers Nate Zito and John Vargyas each made 8 tackles. Now their target is Meteors quarterback Tom Duddleston.

West Chicago (3-4, 2-3) at Streamwood (2-5, 2-3)Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The quick hit: With 3-4 St. Charles East in Week 9 West Chicago (30 playoff points) is vying for its first playoff spot since 2002. Helpful would be a ball-control offense by Danny Lazzerini and Peyton Seidler, and Alex Maltese & Co. pressuring pass-happy Streamwood.

York (4-3, 1-3) at Lyons Twp. (3-4, 1-3)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: While Lyons Twp. tries to slow the Dukes' multi-headed running monster with Lucas and Morgan Alexander, Kyle Coughlin and quarterback Bobby Dunn, York needs an answer for Miami of Ohio-bound Lyons Twp. running back Leonard Ross.

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