advertisement

Week 3: Scouting the DuPage Valley

Lake Park (2-0) at DeKalb (2-0)

Nonconference

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

Last week: Lake Park 21, Wheaton Warrenville South 14; DeKalb 27, Carmel 7.

Last year: Lake Park 28, DeKalb 21.

Outlook: After no winning season since 1989, the Barbs are riding a wave of four straight playoff appearances. Despite graduating a pair off players now competing at college - quarterback Derek Kyler (Dartmouth) and receiver Cole Tucker (Northern Illinois) - DeKalb's picked up where it left off from last year's Class 6A semifinal run. Junior Jaylen Hobson leads the option ground game, although Tyrese Dyson and quarterback Noah Valin also contribute. Lake Park still has talent on its defensive line with Isaac Moore, Perrion Winfrey and Zach Schleimer, but injuries struck both sides of the ball. Four starters missed last week's come-from-behind win, but running back David Kirkpatrick-Hardwick was one of the players stepping up. Defenses have a tough time matching Lake Park's passing game with quarterback Jackson Behles and big receivers Diamante Smith and Keonta Nixon. The Barbs' defense, led by lineman Nick Diaz, last week notched 4 sacks.

Next week: Lake Park at Naperville North; DeKalb vs. Sycamore.

Waubonsie Valley (1-1, 1-1) at Neuqua Valley (1-1, 1-1)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last week: Waubonsie Valley 21, Glenbard North 7; Naperville Central 24, Neuqua Valley 14.

Last year: Neuqua Valley 24, Waubonsie Valley 17.

Outlook: Neuqua holds a 14-6 lead in the "War of 204." Before a few second-half miscues, Waubonsie came out hot last week, leading 21-0 at halftime on Bryce Logan and Tanner Westwood runs, and from Harper Cole off Westwood's fourth touchdown pass. Interestingly, none of those strikes has been to Northern Illinois commit Charles Robinson, and sound Neuqua defensive backs Trevor Tesmond, Ryan Wheeler and Josh Earl will be further distracted by the return of veteran Warriors receiver Eric Esch from injury. The key for Warriors coach Paul Murphy was how well his line counters Neuqua's 3-5 defense after facing two four-man fronts. Wildcats defensive linemen Matt Quinn, Josh Krajacic and Kyle Borske are indeed a handful. A silver lining to Neuqua's loss last week was the 136 yards rushing by Cameron Raupach, who scored last year's go-ahead touchdown. More of that, and big plays by quarterback Jake Eskoff and receiver Noah Herdman are on coach Bill Ellinghaus' agenda.

Next week: Naperville Central at Waubonsie Valley; Neuqua Valley at Wheaton Warrenville South.

Wheaton North (2-0, 1-0) at Naperville North (2-0, 1-0)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last week: Wheaton North 27, Joliet Catholic 7; Naperville North 56, Metea Valley 37.

Last year: Naperville North 33, Wheaton North 7.

Outlook: The contrasting styles will be interesting to watch. Wheaton North has developed into a physical running team with an offensive line led by Sam Odell. Running back Sam Singleton boasts a pair of 100-yard games. The Huskies also need to watch out for quarterback Rhett Netzer and running back Antowon Tolbert. Naperville North's inexperienced defense has allowed 86 points in two games, both played without all-DVC linebacker Ryan Marrano due to injury. Fellow linebacker Bo Richter has come up with some key plays. Naperville North's offense has been stunning - 109 points and 1,000 yards. Quarterback Drake Davis has been as good as advertised, throwing for 667 yards and rushing for 129. Receivers Nick Calcagno and Ryan Laurenzo are as good a tandem as you'll find. Wheaton North's defensive strength is in the secondary with safeties Jackson Gray and Trenton Hegranes. The Falcons also have one of the DVC's best linebackers in Bo Neidballa.

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

Metea Valley (0-2, 0-2) at Naperville Central (2-0, 2-0)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Metea junior Gio Martinez filled in nicely last week for injured tailback Nolan Falk, who is expected back from injury. The Redhawks hope all-DVC running back A.J. Deinhart can play. Jayden Reed had a monster game last week with 11 catches.

WW South (0-2, 0-2) at Glenbard North (0-2, 0-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: WW South cornerback Jake Healy has 3 interceptions, but the Tigers must tune up their run defense against the Panthers. Glenbard North running back Jayleen Fitzpatrick, linebackers Anthony Cusumano and Anthony Marre come in hot.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.