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Scouting: Fox Valley's Week 4 football games

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

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

Last year: Glenbard East 35, South Elgin 7.

Last week: South Elgin 63, Streamwood 0; Glenbard East 21, Fenton 12.

Outlook: In 2018 Glenbard East broke through against the Storm after four prior losses in this entertaining and typically high-scoring series. That helped the Rams earn their first conference title since 1965 in the long-gone Des Plaines Valley Conference. South Elgin has outscored teams 232-0, the second-highest scoring 11-man football team in the state (Peoria, 264) and one of two (Fairfield) yet to be scored upon. Explosive backs Corve King, Marquis Gillespie and Davion Cherwin each average no less than 11.7 yards a carry. The ground game may start inside, as Storm coach Dragan Teonic said, but they've also thrived hitting seams to outside the hash marks. Dual-threat quarterback Ben Karpowicz has thrown 5 touchdown passes on 11 completions, not yet needing to unfurl the full passing attack. Shiking Marshall is a beast in pass coverage with a team-high 68 tackles, 3 interceptions and 6 pass knockdowns; linebacker Vince Clinite brings the physicality Teonic seeks against the Rams. Turnovers have been Glenbard East's bugaboo. Otherwise they're hard to pin down. Backs Chris Whitehead, Jamylenn Miles, Benny Miller and Mike Smith have taken turns as leading rushers. Armoni Gilford's program record-tying 87-yard touchdown grab last week and Deon Cook's 11 catches for 252 yards show the Rams' big-play ability. Finishing drives to keep South Elgin's offense off the field is Glenbard East's goal. “By far the best team we've faced so far this year,” Teonic said of the Rams.

Next week: South Elgin at Larkin; East Aurora at Glenbard East.

Jacobs (3-1, 3-1) at Burlington Central (1-3, 1-3)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last week: McHenry 20, Jacobs 10; Crystal Lake Central 34, Burlington Central 14

Outlook: Real men wear pink, at least they do at Burlington Central, where the Rockets this week will don pink jerseys to support breast cancer awareness. Central's offense is capable of making opposing defenses blush, thanks to the one-two punch of senior receiver/quarterback Jake Lenschow and sophomore running back Gavin Sarvis. The versatile Lenschow, who returned from injury last week, has 7 receptions for 62 yards and 13 carries for 104 yards. He also plays linebacker. Sarvis, the team's leading rusher, has carried 63 times for 394 yards and 5 touchdowns and has made 9 catches for 73 yards. One of seven Rockets who play both ways, the linebacker is the defense's second-leading tackler with 21 (14 solo). Senior end Matt Muetterties leads Central with 23 tackles (21 solo), 3 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures. Jacobs coach Bill Mitz said Muetterties is in the same category as McHenry end Kevin Sandoval and Huntley linemen Matt Burba and Brad Walker. “I'd put him right there,” Mitz said. “He's a very good player.” The Golden Eagles aim to shake off the sting of last week's homecoming loss to McHenry with a more-focused performance. They enter this Fox Valley Conference tilt in a five-way tie for first place. Senior Jacob Mobeck and sophomore Nasir Canty have combined to rush for 516 yards and 9 touchdowns. Canty caught a 29-yard scoring pass last week from Cole Bhardwaj, who was intercepted three times. Receiver Max Stec has 13 catches for 479 yards and 4 touchdowns. Central is bracing for a motivated Jacobs squad that handed Huntley its only loss in Week 2. “I feel like we're in the SEC and Auburn is coming to town,” coach Brian Melvin said. “We clearly have to stop Canty, Mobeck and their running game. They're tough. We have 30 guys and our kids are giving it their all. They'll do it again on Friday.”

Next week: Jacobs at Prairie Ridge; Hampshire at Burlington Central

Mt. Carmel (4-0) at Marmion Academy (4-0)

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

Last year: Mt. Carmel 28, Marmion Academy 7

Last week: Mt. Carmel 17, Loyola Academy 14; Marmion Academy 38, St. Ignatius 14

Outlook: This CCL/ESCC crossover between unbeatens will be the stiffest challenge of the season for the Cadets. Both teams are 4-0, but Mt. Carmel's 4-0 carries more weight considering the teams the Caravan defeated. While the Cadets were beating Maine East (0-4), Von Steuben (2-2), De La Salle (2-2) and St. Ignatius (2-2), Mt. Carmel — the top-ranked team in Class 7A — was winning against a who's who of Illinois football royalty: Maine South, Montini and Loyola Academy. The Cadets, who drew 5 votes in this week's Class 5A poll, have been using a rotation of running backs and fullbacks behind quarterback Padraig Fitzgerald to lessen wear and tear ahead of the meat of their schedule, which begins this week and ends in Week 9 against Joliet Catholic. Ball carriers include Major Haas, Garrett Durian, Gibson Marshall and Anthony Saltijeral, among others. Mt. Carmel is coming off an electrifying 3-point victory over Loyola. Junior Julian Patino nailed a 37-yard field goal to win it. Junior quarterback Justin Lynch, the younger brother of head coach Jordan Lynch, threw for 125 yards a touchdown and an interception in that game, according to the Sun-Times. The Cadets must find a way to slow running back Kenenna Odeluga, who gained 152 yards on 14 carries.

Next week: Mt. Carmel at Marist; Marmion Academy at Fenwick

St. Charles North (3-1, 2-0) at Lake Park (2-2, 1-1)

Game time: 1 p.m. Saturday.

Last year: St. Charles North 28 Lake Park 8

Last week: St. Charles North 31, Geneva 6; Lake Park 22, Wheaton North 21, OT

Outlook: Originally scheduled to be played under Friday night lights, this DuKane Conference game was preemptively pushed back to Saturday afternoon due to a storm-filled Friday forecast. The St. Charles North defense has been bringing the thunder for four weeks. North's defense, led by senior outside linebacker Ben Furtney (25 solo tackles, 6 tfl), senior strong safety Ryan Thiesse (26 tackles), senior defensive lineman DJ Oshin (24 tackles, 3 tfl) and junior middle linebacker Zach McClure (26 tackles), has limited opponents to a 14.5 points per game. That unit averages one take-away per game; Senior free safety Jack Cunningham has the only interception. “Defensively, the boys have been fairly consistent through all four games,” St. Charles North coach Rob Pomazak said. “They've done a nice job of keeping us in games and giving our offense opportunities to take the lead.” Pomazak would like to see the defense shift to a higher gear. “Good defenses sustain,” he added. “Great defenses take advantage of opportunities and score points, so we're looking to score some points from the defensive side.” Lake Park last week lost running back Jordan Colon for the season with a broken and dislocated ankle, according to the Daily Herald's Kevin Schmit. The Lancers rallied to beat Wheaton North for the first time in 22 seasons behind quarterback Nathanael Merchant. He rushed for a 6-yard touchdown and threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to junior Alex Fitzpatrick. In overtime he connected with junior Jackson Kent for a touchdown and found 6-foot-3 tight end Bryce Koch for the game-winning 2-point conversion. “They've got some size and some athletes on the perimeter,” Pomazak said. “They do some good things on offense and they make you cover 52 yards. They spread the defense around and they're fairly physical.”

Next week: St. Charles North at St. Charles East; Lake Park at Glenbard North

Crystal Lake South (2-2, 2-2) at Huntley (3-1, 3-1)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

Last year: Crystal Lake South 48, Huntley 7

Last week: Crystal Lake South 21, Hampshire 13; Huntley 21, Cary-Grove 14

Outlook: Huntley looks for payback after last year's throttling in Crystal Lake. The Red Raiders followed up a 14-7 setback at Jacobs in Week 2 with back-to-back wins over Prairie Ridge and Cary-Grove to forge a five-way tie for first-place in the Fox Valley Conference. Huntley went 3-1 against the other four league leaders but the players have a “bigger agenda” than just getting off to a good start, coach Matt Zimolzak said. “It's not just beating Cary and PR, it's also winning a conference championship and even a state championship,” he said. Huntley's coach said junior running back Ryder Havens will play this week. He sat out last week's game in Cary to rest a sore knee. Havens has rushed for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns on 58 carries (4.6 avg.). Last week quarterback Bruno Bosman ran for 3 touchdowns behind a powerful offensive line that averages 270 pounds. The Huntley defense is capable of taking over games. That group, led by linemen Brad Walker and Matt Burba, held Prairie Ridge and Cary-Grove to 24 points combined. “They are an unbelievably fast and aggressive defense,” CL South coach Rob Fontana said. “We'll have to be able to execute and that's something we've lacked for four quarters in every game we've played so far. We have to play a near-perfect game.” Huntley's defense will pay attention to senior Ian Gorken. He has played receiver most of this season and has 27 receptions for 333 yards and 4 touchdowns. Last week Gorken jumped in at quarterback to spark a sluggish offense. He finished off Hampshire with a 28-yard touchdown run with 4:30 left in the game. Overall, he carried 17 times for 96 yards and 2 scores. “He just asks how he can help the team the most,” Fontana said. “That's what I really enjoy about him. He hates to lose and it makes us a better team.”

Next week: Dundee-Crown at Crystal Lake South; Huntley at Crystal Lake Central

Fenton (2-2, 2-2) at Bartlett (3-1, 3-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Streamwood's Millennium Field.

The quick hit: Fenton quarterback Nick Benn's passing is a concern, but Andre Hess joins Bartlett's Tyler Rivelli among the Upstate Eight's best backs. Coach Matt Erlenbaugh has been seeking take-aways. Last week the Hawks complied, turning Elgin over 4 times including Liam Gallagher's pick-6 and another interception from Nick Bucaro.

Larkin (1-3, 1-3) at Glenbard South (1-3, 1-3)

Game time: 5 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: If Larkin quarterbacks Marc Narvaez and Dontrell Maxie can lead the offense to 5.6 yards a play like last week the Royals will be in good shape. Physical defense by the likes of Trevor Matison and Christian Medina is required against an improving Raiders line.

Streamwood (2-2, 2-2) at East Aurora (1-3, 1-3)

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

The quick hit: No one saw the Sabres' 63-0 loss to South Elgin coming. To return to their ball-controlling ways and keep chins up, coach Don Guindon met with senior leaders Sirrion Dixon, Josh Leathers, Teavion Martin, Buddy Martinez, Jorge Medrano and Luis Torres. The outcome? “That one's over, on to the next one,” Guindon said.

West Aurora (2-2, 0-0) at Yorkville (4-0, 0-0)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: The Blackhawks would love to repeat last week's 491 yards rushing, 199 by Isaac Medina. Right guard Chris Kimmons' return from injury helped that. Savion Little picked off 2 passes and he'll be on the alert for Yorkville's all-everything senior, Cale Reeder.

Riverside-Brookfield (3-1, 1-1) at Aurora Central Catholic (1-3, 0-1)

Game time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: ACC tries to make it two straight wins in this Metro Suburban Blue tilt. Last week's hero was junior Ryan Lee, who rushed for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns and returned a kickoff 93 yards for another score in a blowout of Chicago Christian. The Chargers defeated R-B 12-6 last season.

Aurora Christian (3-1, 1-1) at IC Catholic Prep (4-0, 2-0)

Game time: 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Aurora Christian faces the ultimate test against a program that has won 45 of 46 games since 2016 and three straight state titles. The Eagles are coming off a 25-23 loss against Riverside-Brookfield. ICCP won this Metro Suburban Blue matchup 44-0 last season.

Batavia (3-1, 2-0) at Wheaton Warrenville South (3-1, 1-1)

Game time: 6 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Batavia visits Red Grange Field for the first time in program history. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 5 in Class 7A, have won three straight. Junior Trey Urwiler leads Batavia in receiving with 14 catches for 285 yards and 2 touchdowns. Junior cornerback Evan Kopf and senior linebacker Quinn Urwiler each have 2 interceptions.

St. Charles East (3-1, 1-1) at Geneva (0-4, 0-2)

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

The quick hit: Saints sophomore quarterback Nathan Hayes threw for 196 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushed for another in last week's 28-20 win over Wheaton Warrenville South. The Saints defeated Geneva 56-20 last season. The Vikings allow 42 points per game.

Guerin Prep (1-3, 0-2) at St. Edward (2-2, 2-0)

Game time: 6 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: It should be a happy homecoming for St. Edward following last week's 35-34 victory at Elmwood Park. Junior running back Joe Sacco rushed for 164 yards, added 66 receiving yards and scored 4 touchdowns for the defending Metro Suburban Red champs.

Kaneland (3-1, 1-1) at Rochelle (1-3, 0-2)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Kaneland quarterback Joe Smith has completed 42 of 76 passes for 667 yards and 4 touchdowns. Max Gagne has caught 19 of those completions for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Hubs handed Kaneland a 31-13 loss in the 2018 regular-season finale.

Crystal Lake Central (2-2, 2-2) at Hampshire (0-4, 0-4)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Hampshire gave Crystal Lake South all it could handle last week before dropping a 21-14 decision. Next up? The spread offense directed by dual-threat quarterback Aidan Ellinger. “He's a phenomenal athlete who makes great decisions,” Hampshire coach Jake Brosman said. “We have to stop their playmakers.”

Cary-Grove (3-1, 3-1) at Dundee-Crown (0-4, 0-4)

Game time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Cary-Grove quarterback Luke Eleftheriou, injured in last Friday's loss to Huntley, practiced this week but is considered “questionable,” according to Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg. Dundee-Crown allowed 56 points last week against Prairie Ridge, which employs a triple option offense similar to that of Cary-Grove.

North Fulton Coop (0-4) at Westminster Christian (1-3)

Game time: 7 p.m. Saturday.

The quick hit: The Warriors play their only home night game of the season. Westminster Christian looks to bounce back from a 56-0 loss to Polo, one of the top 8-man football teams in the 16-team association. North Fulton has been outscored 210-106.

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