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Week 7, DuPage Valley: Neuqua Valley battles Wheaton North

Neuqua Valley (5-1, 4-1) at Wheaton North (3-3, 3-2)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last week: Neuqua Valley 34, Naperville North 7; Glenbard North 14, Wheaton North 0.

Last year: Did not play.

Outlook: Aiming to keep pace with Naperville Central atop the DVC, Neuqua Valley brings the conference's top offense (26 point average) and one of its toughest defenses (63 allowed). Helping that cause last week were DeVaughn Welch, Griffen Philgren and Greg McClellan all running for at least 31 yards, freeing workhorse Nick Osikowicz to concentrate more at linebacker. Two-way stars Isaiah Robertson and Owen Piche head the secondary; Piche has been thrown at just twice this season. Wheaton North needs to find two wins against three teams with a combined 14-4 record. Injuries have thinned the roster, with defensive back Danny Walker ruled out for the season. The Falcons have responded by promoting three sophomores to varsity, including running back Sam Singleton, who last week paced the ground game. The Falcons must do a better job protecting Luke Anthony from quarterback pressure. This week's return of Dan Webber to both sides of the line will help.

Next week: Lake Park at Neuqua Valley; Wheaton North at Naperville Central.

Glenbard North (4-2, 3-2) at Lake Park (3-3, 3-2)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last week: Glenbard North 14, Wheaton North 0; Lake Park 21, Metea Valley 12.

Last year: Lake Park 20, Glenbard North 17.

Outlook: Glenbard North boasts the stingiest defense in the DVC, only 56 points allowed. From linemen Chris Noeun and Cam Malkin to defensive backs Greg Newsome and Tyrik Henderson there are no weak links. As well, few teams offer the 1-2 tailback punch of Vittorio Tricase, Devion Hodges and their more than 1,200 yards rushing. Against Lake Park's defensive front, however, offensive linemen such as Jon Czernek, Joe Vazquez, Juan Jadue and tight end Mikkohl Holt have a job to do. The Lancers know it won't be easy running on the Panthers, but they'll definitely give it a shot with Nathan Faruzzi, who last week surprised with 11 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown, Melvin Smiley, Jackson Nie and Jarkeyse Brackett. The backfield's finally healthy and deep, and it also includes the athleticism of quarterback Jaron Fields, who can hurt defenses with the pass. The Panthers won't see a better defensive line than Lake Park's, a physical crew led by Mike and Jacub Panasiuk.

Next week: Metea Valley at Glenbard North; Lake Park at Neuqua Valley.

Metea Valley (2-4, 2-4) at WW South (1-5, 1-5)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Needing to win out for a playoff shot, Metea leans on back Maurice Burkley. He's run for 198 yards the last two weeks. Eliminated from playoff contention, the Tigers will play for pride. They hope running back J.J. Johnson will be closer to full health.

Naperville North (0-6, 0-5) vs. Naperville Central (5-1, 4-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Central College in Naperville.

The quick hit: The Redhawks are favored, but the Huskies know what they need to do. Jalen Lockhart and the ground game must convert long drives and eat clock. The Redhawks' Emmanuel Rugamba had perhaps his best game of the season last week.

Waubonsie Valley (4-2) at East Aurora (1-5)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Diverse personnel aid Waubonsie's cause. Receiver Mikey France's kickout block paved Max Ihry's 95-yard touchdown run. Safety Connor Yukna was coach Paul Murphy's defensive player of the week. Rodney Gee looks to get offensive reps at East.

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