Week 8: Scouting the Mid-Suburban East
Hersey (6-1, 3-0) at Rolling Meadows (6-1, 3-0)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year's result: Rolling Meadows 47, Hersey 7
Outlook: Hersey needs to beat the five-time defending MSL East champions to win the conference outright for the first time since 1991. Hersey tied Meadows for the East title in 2014. The Hersey offensive line of Austin Korbs, Jake Mailloux, Will Ebert, Luke Roos, Ryan Derrig and Brendan Watson will need the same kind of stellar effort they produced last week against Buffalo Grove against Rolling Meadows. The Mustangs' front of Andrew Neville, Nate Pedraza and Mick Szylak has been stout all season. Quarterback Owen Goldsberry, who has rushed for 727 yards and thrown for 871 yards, has been masterful guiding the Huskie offense, which is averaging 35 points. Arek Kleniuk, meanwhile, just keeps getting better and better at QB for Meadows. The junior has thrown for 942 yards while the Mustangs offense has averaged 45 points in the last 2 games. A win would guarantee Rolling Meadows a sixth straight conference title.
Elk Grove (0-7, 0-3) at Prospect (2-5, 1-2)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year's result: Prospect 31, Elk Grove 14
Outlook: After coming close to breaking its losing streak earlier in the season, Elk Grove has taken a couple of steps back after playing the elite teams of the MSL East. Coach Miles Osei's group, which has scored just 7 points in its last 3 games, is hoping to turn the tide in their final two games of the season. Prospect broke a 3-game losing streak last week with its 12-7 win over Wheeling. The Knights had to overcome 8 fumbles, 4 of which they lost. Michael Shafis turned in another solid effort and has 466 yards on the season.
Wheeling (1-6, 0-3) at Buffalo Grove (6-1, 2-1)When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year's result: Wheeling 17, Buffalo Grove 0
Outlook: It has been a tough go for Wheeling of late. The Wildcats have had some issues offensively, having scored a total of 20 points over their last 4 games. Wheeling will need to find that offense against a Buffalo Grove defense that looks to regroup after a tough game to Hersey last week. In that game, the Bison were without leading running back Tom Trieb, who has gained 567 yards this year. The Bison hope to have Trieb back on offense and running the ball on Friday. Connor Adams has thrown for 1,056 yards and 10 TDs this season.