Bartlett could use a win against West Aurora

West Aurora (1-1. 0-0) at Bartlett (0-2, 0-0)

Upstate Eight (Valley)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Millennium Field in Streamwood

Last week: West Aurora 35, Plainfield East 14; St. Charles North 35, Bartlett 13

Last year: West Aurora 34, Bartlett 28

Outlook: Bartlett isn't in a must-win situation, but it's close. A third loss would force the Hawks to win 5 of their final 6 games just to gain consideration for a playoff berth. They look for a better outcome in the Upstate Eight Valley Division opener against West Aurora.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks aim to maintain momentum after an impressive win a week ago, which followed a competitive showing against Geneva (2-0) in a 28-14 season-opening loss.

A Bartlett defense that had trouble stopping St. Charles North's passing attack regains a linebacker with Zach Hayes back in the lineup, but third-year middle linebacker Mike Bucaro is unlikely to suit up once again due to illness, pending a late-week medical re-evaluation, coach Tom Meaney said.

Bartlett takes the field without defensive lineman Rashad Hayes, who broke his elbow in last week's game.

"They've struggled in weeks one and two, but we also know it's a pretty dang good defense," West Aurora coach Nate Eimer said. "They might not have the defensive linemen they had last year, but they might have more parts overall. The offense was our weak link last week. We have to get better and put more points on the board with the field position our defense and special teams gave us."

The Blackhawks have gained 379 of their 538 total yards via the rush, led by junior running back DaQuon Cross (20 carries, 224 yards, 3 TD). West Aurora senior quarterback Johnathan Doyle has completed 16 of 21 passes for 159 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Bartlett quarterback Brenner Wallace has completed 48 of 79 attempts for 560 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the North Stars limited him to 50-percent passing last week (20 of 40).

"We have to be a little more efficient on offense," Meaney said. "We have to shore that up."

Turnovers could play a role.

West Aurora owns a plus-2 turnover differential; Bartlett is minus-3.

Next week: West Aurora at Elgin; Bartlett at South Elgin (Sat., 9/19)