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Scouting Week 3, Northwest

Glenbrook North (2-0) at Hersey (0-2)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Hersey has struggled defensively in its first two games, surrendering a total of 75 points. The good news is that the offense has played well both times. Owen Goldsberry has looked good at quarterback with some help from Nick Wiley. Glenbrook North is off to a great start this season with wins over Wheeling and Grant and has scored 87 points so far this season.

Deerfield (2-0) at Buffalo Grove (0-2)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Buffalo Grove's goal was to be a better football team this season. And the Bison have shown that thus far. Unfortunately for BG, it hasn't yet translated into wins yet. The Bison are hoping to get things turned around Friday when they host Deerfield. BG needs to find a way to start more quickly, instead of falling behind by a couple of touchdowns as they did in their first two games. Connor Adams has thrown for 449 and 3 touchdowns for the Bison.

Highland Park (2-0) at Elk Grove (0-2)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Elk Grove opened its season with as rough as schedule as a team could get, with the Grens facing Class 7A runner up Libertyville and Class 8A semifinalist Palatine. Not unexpectedly, it has been a rough start for Elk Grove in their first two games. But the Grens did find a silver lining with running back Genio Hyppolite, who broke loose for 156 yards on 36 carries last week at Palatine. Highland Park could be another tough test for the Grens as the Giants have scored 95 points in wins over Hersey and Lakes.

Niles North (0-2) at Prospect (1-1)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: After a one-sided loss to Barrington last week, Prospect looks to get back on the win side against a Niles North team that has lost close games to De La Salle and Lake Forest. Prospect had trouble defensively last week, allowing 544 yards of offense. But the Knights should be able to regroup against a Niles North squad that is averaging 21 points.

Maine East (1-1) at Rolling Meadows (2-0)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Rolling Meadows is right where it wants to be. And the Mustangs will be looking for even more against a Maine East team that traditionally has been near the bottom of the CSL North. Meadows is coming of a sweet performance against Conant, as the Mustangs offense led by Asher O'Hara put up 444 yards of offense. The defense, led by Kevin Haltman, Nick Delporte and Justin Thompson, has been extremely sound for Meadows. They have allowed just 14 points and a total of 69 yards rushing in two games.

Vernon Hills (2-0) at Wheeling (0-2)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: It is not quite must-win time for Wheeling, but it is getting very close. The Wildcats, who opened last season with five consecutive losses and just missed the playoffs with 4 straight wins, are hoping not let history repeat itself. To do that, they have to play better defense after allowing 80 points in their first two games. Fortunately, the Cats have quarterback Jalen Dennis, who has rushed for 332 yards and thrown for another 330 yards. Vernon Hills, which is in its inaugural season in the CSL, opened with wins over Grayslake Central and Zion Benton.

Maine South (1-1) at Barrington (2-0)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: One of the anticipated marquee matchups when the CSL-MSL crossover games were announced. The two teams last met in the playoffs in 2008 in a game won by Maine South 42-0. Figure to see a ton of points between two teams that are averaging nearly 45 points per game. Barrington quarterback Ray Niro is coming off of 217-yard rushing performance against Prospect. The key will be to shut down Maine South quarterback Nick Leongas, who has been impressive in his starts against Montini and Loyola.

Evanston (2-0) at Conant (0-2)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: The two teams last met in the playoffs in 1982, with Evanston winning 21-7. With its inexperienced roster, Conant has struggled mightily in its first two games this season. The Cougars have had difficulty scoring, with its new offense producing just 2 touchdowns this far. They face an Evanston team that is unbeaten, but has yet to be tested. The Wildkits have wins over a pair of Chicago Public School teams.

Maine West (2-0) at Hoffman Estates (2-0)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: The winner of this game can be seriously using that P-word (playoffs) to describe their season. Maine West hasn't qualified for the postseason in 13 years, while it has been 21 years for Hoffman Estates. Maine West is coming off a huge win over Larkin in which the Warriors piled up 387 rushing yards, behind 227 yards from Anthony Henley and 151 yards from Marteen Robinson. Hoffman Estates has been getting sterling play at quarterback from Austin Miller-Coalson and wide receiver Jayvon Blissett, who hooked up 3 times for TDs last week.

New Trier (2-0) at Fremd (1-1)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Fremd righted the ship last week with a bit of Viking-style power football. With Alec Honickel, Jake Haas and Joe Schneider running behind a powerful offensive line, Fremd was able to pile up 252 rushing yards. The defense, led by Jimmy Walsh and Mike Constantino, also shut down Hersey after allowing an early score. It will be a homecoming for former Fremd and current New Trier athletic director Augie Fontanetta. Also, New Trier coach Brian Doll is very familiar with the Vikings after coaching for three seasons at Elk Grove.

Glenbrook South (0-2) at Palatine (2-0)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Palatine quarterback Zach Oles has rushed for just 67 yards in the Pirates' first two games as opponents have keyed on him. But by doing that, it has opened up the rest of the offense as Oles has thrown for 411 yards and 3 TD, and Josh Turner has gashed opponents for 142 yards and 7.9 yards per carry. Palatine, which rolled last week, should keep the train running against a Glenbrook South team that was blown out by Barrington in Week 1.

Niles West (2-0) at Schaumburg (1-1)

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Schaumburg is home for the third consecutive week. After a season-opening loss, Schaumburg was able to bounce back with a 1-point winner last week. The Saxons needed that, with a pair of tough CSL crossover games and the MSL West remaining on their slate. Quarterback Jordan Salgado sparked the offense with his 3-touchdown performance as the Saxons rolled up 337 rushing yards. The Saxons, who have struggled defensively in the first two games, face a Niles West team that is averaging 41.5 points. Niles West held off Buffalo Grove by 3 points and spanked Lane Tech in their first two games.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Marian Catholic (1-1, 0-0) vs. St. Viator (1-1, 0-0) at Robert Morris

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: It was a coming out party for St. Viator running back Darreontae Jackson last week against St. Francis. A senior, Jackson showed the flash that many have waited to see, rushing for 262 yards. The Lions, who picked up the first career win for head coach Dave Archibald, are hoping to have Cole Kmet back in the lineup. Marian will come into the game with a heavy heart after former head coach and hall-of-famer Dave Mattio passed away earlier this week.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD

Proviso East (0-2, 0-0) at Leyden (1-1, 0-0)

Last year: Leyden 44, Proviso East 12

Outlook: Leyden took a step backward last week in its loss to York but has a great opportunity ahead this week. Proviso East has lost 19 in a row and 37 of its last 38 games. The Eagles hope to get their offense back in gear after scoring just 7 points last week.

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