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Scouting Week 5 in the Northwest suburbs

Buffalo Grove (2-2) at Rolling Meadows (4-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Last week: Buffalo Grove def. Niles North, 51-29; Rolling Meadows def. Niles West 52-0.

Outlook: Rolling Meadows is trying to keep its regular season dominance going. The Mustangs have won 13 straight regular season games, dating back to last year's undefeated 9-0 regular season. Interestingly, the last time Rolling Meadows lost a regular season game was on Oct. 20, 2017, a week 9 loss to Buffalo Grove, 22-16. Rolling Meadows is one of three teams in the Mid-Suburban League East that is undefeated, joining Hersey and Prospect. The Mustangs boast the stingiest defense in the league, allowing just 11.3 points per game. They are also coming off a big shutout victory over Niles West. The defense had a hand in three scores, including a blocked punt that Nicholas Greazel tipped and then landed on for a touchdown, a safety by Heyden Draper and an interception returned 31 yards for a touchdown by safety David Zieba. Rolling Meadows limited Niles West to just 79 yards of offense, 27 on the ground. Meanwhile, the Rolling Meadows offense struck early and often against Niles West, scoring all 52 points before halftime. Senior quarterback Carson Schiller went 9-for-12 for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. Two of those touchdown throws went to senior running back Chris Divito, for 69 and 37 yards. After a decisive 42-0 shutout loss to Barrington in week 2, Buffalo Grove has righted the ship and averaged 43 points per game in wins over Highland Park and Niles North. Quarterback Mark Antonetti had a big day against Niles North, throwing for 4 touchdowns and 326 yards. Meanwhile, running back Max Oberman scored 4 touchdowns, including a 70-yard kickoff return. Wide receiver Ayden Anderson also had a big day, catching 8 passes for 184 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown. Overall, Buffalo Grove rolled up 472 yards of offense. The Buffalo Grove defense had a strong showing in a 35-7 week 3 win over Highland Park. But otherwise, the Bison are allowing 35.3 points per game.

Hersey (4-0, 0-0) at Wheeling (0-4, 0-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: Hersey beat Glenbrook North 42-24;, Wheeling lost to Maine West 59-35

Last year: Hersey 41, Wheeling 16

Outlook: Hersey quarterback Jordan Hansen continues to be unstoppable and with him at the controls, so has Hersey. Hansen is coming off a 6-TD performance last week (3 passing, 3 rushing) as the Huskies showed they can come from behind. Hansen now has an eye-popping 21 touchdowns (11 passing, 10 rushing) this season. He and his Huskies will face a Wheeling defense that has struggled this season, allowing an average of 59 points per game. However, the Wildcats can also put points on the board thanks to the play of quarterback Austin Hembd.

Prospect (4-0, 0-0) at Elk Grove (1-3, 0-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: Prospect beat Highland Park 40-12; Elk Grove beat Maine East 42-0

Last year: Prospect 28, Elk Grove 21

Outlook: Prospect is 4-0 for the first time since 2009 and the Knights appear not ready to slow their march. Luke Zardsin has been very effective running the ball for Prospect, gaining 603 yards. What has really aided Prospect is how well Gary Moeller has stepped into the quarterback role this season, throwing for 801 yards and 14 touchdowns. Elk Grove is hoping last week's win has the Grenadiers turning the corner. It was Elk Grove's first shutout since Week 8 in 2013. Elk Grove boasts a strong running attack of its own with Ian Ridge, who had 254 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns last week.

Barrington (3-1, 0-0) at Palatine (1-3, 0-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Barrington beat Glenbrook South 41-15; Palatine lost to Maine South 35-27

Last year: Barington 42, Palatine 21

Outlook: Barrington has been dominant after its season-opening loss to Warren. The Broncos' defense went 11 consecutive quarters without giving up a point until Glenbrook South scored last week. Meanwhile the offense has averaged 39 points per game the last three weeks. Despite its 1-3 record, Palatine is playing some of its best football of the season right now thanks to the play of quarterback Joe Ayala, who has been maturing at the position quite nicely. The Pirates put in a huge effort against Maine South last week and blew out Evanston the week before.

Conant (4-0, 0-0) at Hoffman Estates (3-1, 0-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Conant beat New Trier 31-6;, Hoffman Estates beat Vernon Hills 34-12

Last year: Hoffman Estates 29, Conant 27

Outlook: It will be a land vs. air battle as these two teams square off for the Hoffman Estates Mayor's Cup. Conant has proved that a team doesn't have to throw to win as the Cougars are 4-0 and quarterback Giuseppe Dugo is only 2-of-13 for the season for 77 yards. But the Cougar ground game has been impressive and is led by the Northwest suburbs' leading rushing Malik Fredrick, who has gained 720 yards. Hoffman quarterback JJ Lovelace is the area's leading passer, throwing for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Hawks can also run with Mehki Williams gaining 560 yards so far this year.

Fremd (2-2, 0-0) at Schaumburg (2-2, 0-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Fremd beat Evanston 19-16; Schaumburg lost to Deerfield 16-13

Last year: Fremd 48, Schaumburg 13

Outlook: Fremd broke even on one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the area. That should give the Vikings some momentum heading into MSL West conference play. Fremd will also get a boost with the return of OL/DL Jack Walsh, who should help kick-start the rushing attack and shore up the middle of the Viking defensive line. Schaumburg will need to overcome the sting of last week's loss to Deerfield that saw the Saxons give up a 99-yard touchdown with just over two minutes to play. Schaumburg has run the ball well this season with Mike DiGioia, Shamaree Brown and Luke Jessie.

St. Viator (3-1) at Montini (3-1)

When: Friday, 6 p.m.

Last week: St. Viator beat Marian Central 28-21; Montini beat St. Rita 45-35

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: St. Viator is coming off an impressive win last week over previously unbeaten and unscored upon Marian Central. Viator has pulled things together quite nicely after losing its opener to Prospect, winning its last three and now getting into playoff contention. Quarterback Jack Mahoney and running back Lucas Barissa combined for 224 yards last week on the ground as the Lions have averaged 33 points per game. Viator will have its hands full this week, facing a Montini team that is coming off a huge win over St. Rita.

Deerfield (3-1, 0-0) at Maine West (3-1, 0-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: Deerfield beat Schaumburg 13-10; Maine West beat Wheeling 59-35

Last year: Maine West 32, Deerfield 0

Outlook: Although it is just the first week of conference play, the winner of this game most likely will lay claim to the CSL North title. Maine West's offense, which struggled in a Week 3 loss to Hoffman Estates roared back to life last week. Danny Kentgen, who threw 7 touchdown passes to five different receivers, guided an offense that piled up 539 yards of total offense. The Warriors will look to shore up their defense, which allowed a season-high 35 points after giving up 39 points in the first three games combined. Deerfield comes in on a huge high after stunning Schaumburg last week on a 99-yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes to play.

Highland Park (1-3, 0-0) at Maine East (0-4, 0-0)

When: Friday, 5 p.m.

Last week: Highland Park lost to Prospect 40-12; Maine East lost to Elk Grove 42-0

Last year: Highland Park 32, Maine East 8

Outlook: Maine East is still chasing that elusive first win of the season. It hasn't been for lack of effort for Maine East, which has come close a couple times this season. The Demons have struggled defensively allowing an average of over 40 points per game. They have an opportunity to change that this week against a Highland Park team that has scored just 19 points in its last three games.

Maine South (2-2, 0-0) at Niles West (0-4, 0-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: Maine South beat Palatine 35-27; Niles West lost to Rolling Meadows 52-0

Last year: Maine South 48, Niles West 6

Outlook: The Hawks are flying high again and that is bad news for the rest of the Central Suburban South. After opening the season with a pair of losses, Maine South has returned to its perch and is again the team to beat in the CSL South. The Hawks also have Luke Leongas back at quarterback, which opens up the offense even more. Leongas threw for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns last week and could explode this week. Niles West has surrendered nearly 50 points per game this season.

Leyden (1-3, 1-1) at Proviso East (2-2, 1-1)

When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Last week: Leyden lost to Willowbrook 42-7; Proviso East lost to Downers Grove South 39-23

Last year: Leyden 27, Proviso East 6

Outlook: Leyden moves into the heart of its West Suburban Gold schedule after losing to favorite Willowbrook last week. The Eagles hope to get their ground game back to full throttle after gaining just 94 yards last week. Leyden's three losses have come to teams with a combined mark of 11-1. Despite that, Leyden's playoff hopes are still in sight. In the Eagles' final five games, their opponents have a combined mark of 7-13 and three of those games are at home.

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