Week 7: Scouting the Metro Suburban
Ridgewood (4-2, 2-0) at Aurora Central Catholic (6-0, 2-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last week: Ridgewood 48, Chicago Christian 25; Aurora Central Catholic 62, Walther Christian 0
Outlook: This showdown between Metro Suburban Red leaders could determine the eventual conference champion. Ridgewood won the MSC's small-school division last year. ACC finished fifth in the large-school division last season and flip-flopped divisions with St. Edward this year. This is the first time these teams have met since the Chargers joined the league in 2014-15. ACC scored early and often last week at Walther Christian en route to a 62-0 win that clinched the program's fourth playoff bid in five seasons. Senior Griffin Zajac returned a punt for a touchdown while running back Ryan Cerza rushed for a pair of touchdowns. ACC missed the playoffs last season when a junior-laden lineup finished 3-6.
Next week: Guerin (0-6) at Ridgewood; Chicago Christian (2-4) at Aurora Central Catholic
Fenton (3-3, 1-1) at Riverside-Brookfield (4-2, 1-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Having realized the offensive potential of Tyler Santagata, Dylan Butts, D.J. Kelly and quarterback Kyle Cacioppo, Fenton must now also improve in the secondary after St. Edward passed for 488 yards. Dominic Prunotto and Nick Mercado are key.
Glenbard South (4-2, 2-0) at St. Edward (4-2, 0-2)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Vying for a Metro Suburban Blue title, the Raiders got the best news imaginable with Sean Cooke's 198 yards rushing and pain-free recovery after a month out. Defensive backs Justin Goetz, T.J. Springfloat and Co. will be busy. The Green Wave roster is down to 17 due to attrition. The latest player lost to injury is junior Daniel Falco (sports hernia), who was playing two ways in place of injured starter Angel Garcia. Leading receiver Saveon Smith will also miss this game. "I love the kids we have. They were up against it last week (in a 53-50 loss at Fenton) but they fought their tails off. They don't have any quit in them," said St. Edward coach Mike Rolando.
Wheaton Academy (4-2, 0-2) at IC Catholic (6-0, 2-0)Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Warriors linebacker Dimitrie Skakavac made 16 tackles last week. He'll need plenty more against Class 3A's No. 1 team. IC's Jordan Rowell joined the state's top-20 rushers while Luke Ricobene's 76 completion rate set a program record.