Scouting Week 5 Fox Valley football games

Bartlett (3-1, 3-1) at West Aurora (3-1, 3-1)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m. at Ken Zimmerman Field

Last year: West Aurora 56, Bartlett 14

Last week: Bartlett 28, Elgin 2; Glenbard East 17, West Aurora 13

Outlook: This is a key matchup between Upstate Eight Conference contenders. The Bartlett offense continues to run the ball well while the passing game remains inconsistent. The Hawks have rushed for 975 of their 1,370 total yards. Senior running back Nick Deckard has been money in the bank. The 5-foot-6, 170-pound senior averages 8.5 yards per carry on 90 carries. He has accounted for 770 yards and 6 touchdowns for an attack that averages 342.3 total yards per game. "Nick is arguably the player of the game every week with how hard he runs," Bartlett coach Matt Erlenbaugh said. "I love his style. He makes people miss, but when there's going to be contact he makes sure they feel it." West Aurora counters with a 3-5 defense that features senior linebackers Jerritt Gutierrez and Ian Deisher. They lead the team with 22.5 tackles apiece. The Blackhawks have intercepted 6 passes, 2 each by senior Zach Jacobson and senior cornerback Davaris Cheeks. West Aurora rushed for a respectable 241 yards last week in a loss to Glenbard East, paced by senior Hezekiah Salter's 160 yards on 16 carries. The passing game was limited to 4 receptions by senior Moshe Rogers for 84 yards. Quarterback William Tammaru was intercepted twice, including a pick with 1:28 left in a 4-point game. Overall, the senior has completed 21 of 42 attempts for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has thrown 5 interceptions. The Bartlett defense is led by inside linebackers Jason Schuberth and Spencer Konstanzer. Along with active junior outside linebacker Tony DeRosa, they clean up whatever gets past junior end Jake Weihe (6-2, 195) and nose guard Nate Tomaso (5-10, 250), among others. Tomaso is one of seven sophomore starters for Bartlett. Senior Nick Eckleberry has developed into a dependable stopper at the back of the defense, Erlenbaugh said. "Their defense is another great challenge for us," West Aurora coach Nate Eimer said. "We got challenged last week and left three scores out there. We can't do that against Bartlett or we'll end up like last week. We have to capitalize on drives and not turn it over."

Next week: West Chicago (0-4) at Bartlett; Glenbard South (3-1) at West Aurora

Glenbard South (3-1, 3-1) at Larkin (3-1, 3-1)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Field

Last week: Glenbard South 42, East Aurora 13; Larkin 38, West Chicago 26

Outlook: It's only midseason, yet this game borders on must-win territory for both Upstate Eight Conference teams. Each needs the victory in light of its respective remaining schedule. Each has a winless team left to play - Larkin faces Elgin in Week 8 and Glenbard South visits West Chicago in Week 9. Otherwise, the path to 5 wins gets tough. Each has yet to play UEC co-leaders Glenbard East (4-0) and South Elgin (4-0). The Raiders also must face West Aurora (3-1) while the Royals have yet to play Bartlett (3-1). Thus, Larkin is treating this like a playoff week, acting coach Jason Aubry said Tuesday. Larkin running back Angel Garcia rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown in 12 attempts last week against West Chicago. Quarterback Jaxon Aubry completed 13 of 17 passes for 197 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns on 12 carries. "The way Jaxon has been running the ball has been the unexpected surprise," Jason Aubry said. The Royals like to throw the ball, chiefly to senior Jahari Stubbs, who has 29 receptions for 427 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jaxon Aubry is a 54-percent passer (46 of 85). He has thrown 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Garcia has gained the bulk of his 226 rushing yards in the last two weeks but the midlevel passing game is Larkin's bread and butter. "We like to play fast, get first downs, get up to the line and go," Jason Aubry said. "We'll run if we have to, but we'll chuck the rock as much as we can."

Next week: Glenbard South at West Aurora (3-1); Larkin at South Elgin (4-0)

Wheaton Warrenville South (4-0, 4-0) at Batavia (4-0, 4-0)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium

Last week: Wheaton Warrenville South 27, St. Charles East 14; Batavia 42, Glenbard North 12

Outlook: There's a first for everything. These proud west suburban football programs meet for the first time on homecoming night in Batavia. "It's always unique or fun when you play someone you've never played before," Batavia coach Dennis Piron said. "It's usually memorable." The Tigers played four home games to open the season. Their first road test comes against the reigning Class 7A champs, ranked No. 1 again this week by the Associated Press. Wheaton Warrenville South junior running back Jake Arthurs rushed for 82 yards last week against St. Charles East, including and a 29-yard touchdown. He has rushed for 333 yards and 3 touchdowns on 61 carries (5.5 avg). Jack Olson kicked 2 more field goals, giving him 12 in 4 games. Defensively, the Tigers held St. Charles East 22 points below its scoring average. "They have a good, balanced team, a good kicking game, good quality personnel on offense and a defense that doesn't make a lot of mistakes," Piron said. "They're a very good high school football team. We're going to have to play much better than we've played the last few weeks, especially in terms of turnovers like two weeks ago and some of the penalties that we've had. We need to clean up a few things to make sure this is the type of game it should be." Batavia's coach complimented the play of senior quarterback Jack Meyers. He has not thrown an interception since his first career start in the season opener against Lemont, when he was picked three times. In 3 games since, Meyers has completed 32 of 51 attempts (62.7 percent) for 492 yards and 4 touchdowns. Each team plays its archrival next week.

Next week: Wheaton Warrenville South at Wheaton North (2-2); Geneva (0-4) at Batavia.

Neuqua Valley (2-2) at Jacobs (3-1)Game time: today at 7 p.m.

Last week: Neuqua Valley 36, Normal 35; Jacobs 35, McHenry 7

Outlook: Jacobs enters the meat of its schedule with a nonconference matchup against a DuPage Valley Conference program. The Golden Eagles host Prairie Ridge (3-1) next Friday and visit undefeated Fox Valley Conference leader Cary-Grove in two weeks. The Golden Eagles made some key personnel moves two weeks ago. No longer does anyone play both ways with the exception of defensive back/running back Tommy Subaric. Coach Bill Mitz said the changes made the defense faster. "Guys are now flowing to the ball well," Mitz said. "The last two weeks guys haven't been able to break anything on us." Meanwhile, the Jacobs rushing trio of Subaric, junior Jacob Mobeck and senior Jake Michels combined for 209 yards and 4 touchdowns last week. Mobeck leads the team with 275 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 28 carries. Michels has 51 carries for 240 yards and 4 touchdowns and Subaric has rushed for 201 yards and a score in 38 attempts. Senior quarterback Anthony Wilson has thrown for 482 yards and 5 touchdowns on 29-of-51 passing (57 percent). His top receivers are and seniors Daniel Klein (8 rec., 206 yards, 4 TD) and Joshua Hill (10-175). Neuqua Valley plays its second straight nonconference road game. Last week the Wildcats traveled to Normal and stunned the then-sixth ranked team in Class 7A, 36-35. Neuqua fell behind by 7 points with 37 seconds to play, but Brandt Stare returned the ensuing kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown and senior Will Chevalier converted the 2-point conversion run. "Watching the film, there were a couple of kickoff returns for them that really sealed the deal," Jacobs coach Bill Mitz said. "We just have to play a good, solid football game. We've played good football this year with the exception of one quarter against Huntley. We want to control the tempo of the game early, have good, sustained drives, keep them off the field and get the ball in the end zone."

Next week: Waubonsie Valley (4-0) at Neuqua Valley; Prairie Ridge (3-1) at Jacobs

Glenbard East (4-0, 4-0) at South Elgin (4-0, 4-0)

Game time: Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Last year: South Elgin 35, Glenbard East 22

Last week: Glenbard East 17, West Aurora 13; South Elgin 55, Streamwood 0

Outlook: The title aspirations of these Upstate Eight Conference co-leaders depend on the outcome of this Saturday matinee. There is a marked difference in experience between them. Glenbard East starts 10 seniors who have played varsity football for three seasons. South Elgin lists 18 seniors on the roster. Four play starting roles. "They are by far the best team we've faced all year long," South Elgin coach Dragan Teonic said of the Rams. "They have a lot more experience than we do, but we've been preparing with the right mindset to be ready to give them our best shot." South Elgin has outscored four winless opponents 193-0. Shutting down the Rams won't be so easy. Led by the prolific combination of senior quarterback Bret Bushka and senior wide receiver Jeremy Johnson, Glenbard East averages 38 points per game. Johnson enters with 17 receptions for 293 yards and 6 touchdowns. Likely matchups on Johnson (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) are cornerbacks Azxavier Salinas (5-11, 180) and Shiking Marshall (5-10, 160). The Storm offense has collected 981 of 1,455 total yards via the rush. Travis Tranchitella, originally a slot receiver, has flourished since a move to running back. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior leads South Elgin with 189 rushing yards and has scored 4 touchdowns in 22 attempts. Senior quarterback Jakob Johnson is a 60-percent passer (26 of 43) who has thrown for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns. His top receiver has been 6-foot-1 senior Parker Frey (9 rec., 151 yards, TD). Senior Patrick Noworol has carried 13 times for 149 yards and a touchdown and has made 4 catches for 56 yards. "He's the heart and soul of the team," Teonic said.

Next week: Glenbard East at East Aurora (0-4); Larkin (3-1) at South Elgin

Elgin (0-4, 0-4) at West Chicago (0-4, 0-4)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m.

Quick hit: These hungry Upstate Eight Conference teams yearn to taste victory. Each aims to snap an 8-game losing streak. Elgin's defense is led by defensive lineman Eric Guo. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound senior leads the Maroons with 27 tackles and 4 sacks.

Geneva (0-4, 0-2) at St. Charles East (3-1, 1-1)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m.

Quick hit: The Saints attempt to bounce back from their first loss. Quarterback BJ Crossen has rushed for 378 yards and 7 touchdowns and thrown for 269 yards and 2 scores. Geneva has scored 37 points in four games. The Vikings have dropped 6 straight games dating back to last season. St. Charles East defeated Geneva 23-16 last year.

Lake Park (1-3, 0-2) at St. Charles North (3-1, 2-0)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m.

Quick hit: Senior running back Sam DeMarco has gained 394 of the North Stars' 681 rushing yards on 88 carries. Lake Park scored 30 points in its only victory against winless Metea Valley in Week 2. Otherwise, the Lancers have managed 13 total points against unbeatens DeKalb and Batavia and Wheaton North (2-2).

Dundee-Crown (2-2, 1-2) at Cary-Grove (4-0, 4-0)Game time: Saturday at 1 p.m.

Quick hit: Senior Jordan Hairston amassed 335 receiving yards and 5 touchdown catches in Dundee-Crown's record-setting 70-55 loss to Prairie Ridge last week. The Trojans counter with all-purpose athlete Danny Daigle. The senior has carried 22 times for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also has 17 receptions for 241 yards and 3 scores.

Huntley (3-1, 3-1) at Crystal Lake South (2-2, 2-1)Game time: today at 7 p.m.

Quick hit: Huntley tangles with one of the most dangerous teams in the Fox Valley Conference. The rejuvenated Gators have won two straight in the wake of competitive losses at Cary-Grove (29-22) and DeKalb (20-15). Senior Zach Borgert leads CL South with 555 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns in 82 attempts (6.8 avg).

Hampshire (0-4, 0-4) at Crystal Lake Central (0-4, 0-3)Game time: today at 7 p.m.

Quick hit: This may be the best opportunity for each team to notch a win this season. Hampshire has been limited to 6 points in four games. The Tigers have been outscored 173-83. CL Central won the 2017 meeting 45-7.

Burlington Central (1-3, 1-1) at Woodstock North (1-3, 0-2)Game time: today at 7 p.m.

Quick hit: Central aims for its second straight Kishwaukee River Conference win. Quarterback Jake Lenschow has completed 32 of 60 passes for 383 yards. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound junior has thrown 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Mt. Carmel (3-1, 1-0) at Marmion (2-2, 0-1)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m.

Quick hit: Marmion senior quarterback Declan McDonald has completed 57.4 percent of his passing attempts (35 of 61) for 517 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has been intercepted twice. Leading rusher Peter Ferraro has 24 carries for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns. Road games don't scare Mt. Carmel. The Caravan won at Loyola Academy two weeks ago.

St. Edward (1-3, 1-0) at Guerin (2-2, 0-2)Game time: today at 7:15 p.m.

Quick hit: The Green Wave cleared the first hurdle in pursuit of a Metro Suburban Red Division title with last week's win over previously undefeated Elmwood Park. A victory against the Crusaders in River Grove coupled with a loss by Chicago Christian would leave St. Edward in sole possession of first place.

IC Catholic Prep (4-0, 2-0) at Aurora Christian (4-0, 2-0)Game time: today at 7 p.m.

Quick hit: Former Suburban Christian Conference rivals vie for first place in the Metro Suburban Blue. The Eagles and 6-foot-2 sophomore quarterback Ethan Hampton (15 TDs) average 39.8 points per game. Two-time defending Class 3A champion IC trailed Bishop McNamara 14-0 in the third quarter last week, but the Knights rallied to win 21-20 on a touchdown pass from Khalil Sanders to Jake Lytton with 16.2 seconds left.

Aurora Central Catholic (1-3, 0-1) at Riverside-Brookfield (1-3, 0-2)Game time: today at 7:15 p.m.

Quick hit: ACC quarterback Jimmy Eul has thrown for 782 yards and 6 touchdowns. Multipurpose threat Jeff Albert boasts 343 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns and 378 receiving yards and another score. Riverside-Brookfield has been outscored 119-29. The Bulldogs did not dent the end zone the last two weeks against either Bishop McNamara or Aurora Christian.

DeKalb (4-0, 1-0) at Kaneland (3-1, 0-0)Game time: today at 7:30 p.m.

Quick hit: The Knights open the Northern Illinois Big 12 East portion of their schedule against the fifth-ranked team in Class 6A. Kaneland absorbed its first loss of the season last week at undefeated Sterling (42-24). The Barbs enter fresh off an emotionally charged 17-14 victory over rival Sycamore. Kaneland has converted 6 fourth downs in 11 attempts this year (54.5 percent). Opponents have converted 2 of 13 fourth-down attempts (15.4 percent).