Scouting Week 2 Fox area football games
Glenbard East (1-0, 1-0) at South Elgin (1-0, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous meeting: South Elgin 41, Glenbard East 7 (2021 at Glenbard East)
About the Rams: No time being wasted here with two of the top teams in the Upstate Eight battling it out. "This is always a big game for both teams," Rams coach John Walters said. "They have won the conference the last three years, including sharing with us in 2019. We have won it twice, including the share. It's a big heavyweight matchup for Week 2. For us, we get back-to-back playoff teams to start the season. This will be a real good test for us. To be successful we have to execute on both sides and be efficient. The game will come down to a battle in the trenches on both sides." Walters cited strong Week 1 play from Troy Cooper, Delmario Taylor and Dimitri Hritz.
About the Storm: "Glenbard East is big and strong at almost every position," South Elgin coach Dragan Teonic said. "They return a lot of experienced players and are coming off a big win." Teonic noted the Rams ran for 255 yards against Larkin and had 11 explosive plays. "Limiting that would go a long way toward being successful on Friday," he said. "As always, their defense is solid and disciplined. They pursue and hit well. We have to win the line of scrimmage and secure the football to play well." Teonic gave high marks to the play of senior linebacker Michael Tringali, junior quarterback Jake Sullivan, senior athlete Mason Montgomery and senior athlete Kyle Steinhofer in the Week 1 win against West Chicago.
West Chicago (0-1, 0-1) at Bartlett (1-0, 1-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous meeting: Bartlett 33, West Chicago 6 (2021 at West Chicago)
About the Wildcats: Wildcats coach Adam Chavez said several adjustments must be made coming out of Week 1 against South Elgin (51-0 loss). "We have to cut down on penalties and protect the ball in order to have a chance to put us in a position to win," he said. Individually, Chavez liked how Ean Arizmnedi played on the line. "Ean showed some flashes on the line for being a freshman in his first varsity action," he said.
About the Hawks: Bartlett was a close 14-10 winner over rival Streamwood in its season-opener. "Week 2 against Bartlett will be a physical contest," Chavez said. "They are a very physical team on both sides of the ball." Bartlett coach Milan Vuckovich said film from West Chicago's Week 1 game against South Elgin opened some eyes. "West Chicago showed some good things on film," he said. "They have good size up front and some dudes who can really run. Their kickoff return really stood out and showed how fast and athletic their team is. They have some very good skill position kids who can come downhill and make plays. We need to once again match their toughness up front with both our offensive and defensive lines and then do a good job containing their speed on defense." Vuckovich was impressed with Bartlett's defensive effort in Week 1 against Streamwood. "The stat that doesn't show up on the stat sheet is the lack of missed tackles," he said. "Our defense did a really good job corralling their running backs and slowing down the fast, tough and physical approach to their offense. Also, our quarterback (Matthew Teruel) and offensive line seemed to be on the same page this past week and that showed in Matthew's stat line, as well as our trio of running backs." Senior linebacker Juan Villa didn't start the game, but played nearly every snap on defense for the Hawks, "and proved he's going to be a big-time player for us this season," Vuckovich said. Senior running back/linebacker Malcolm Babers also stood out. "This young man is playing on both sides of the ball and playing extremely effectively," Vuckovich said. "He was one of our leaders on the inside of the defense, and when he got the opportunity to touch the ball, he ran hard and with purpose." Sophomore two-way lineman Sam Mancilla and junior tight end-defensive end Justin Ibegbulem also had good 2022 debuts. "What can I say about Sam?" Vuckovich asked. "Although he doesn't even have his driver's permit yet, he's been a man on the field and another one of our 'iron-man' type players, playing significant time on both the offensive and defensive lines. Justin is in only his second year of organized football. This kid continues to get better each day, as if that football light bulb has just gone off."
St. Edward (0-1) at Taylorville (0-1)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Previous meeting: Taylorville 26, St. Edward 14 (2021 at St. Edward)
About the Green Wave: The Green Wave look to get back on track after a 49-14 loss to Platteville (Wisconsin), a team that was playing its second game of the season already. St. Edward coach Mike Rolando liked the way linebacker Chris Andrews played. He made 10 tackles in Week 1. "That was his first game starting at outside linebacker," Rolando pointed out. Junior Nolan Pomeroy received high marks for his play on both sides of the ball. "Nolan blocking on the line and playing middle linebacker, he played well on both sides," Rolando said. Senior Jason Garcia also had a strong game at defensive tackle and offensive tackle. "Jason played very well on both sides of the ball," Rolando added.
About the Tornadoes: "Taylorville beat us last year, but it was a pretty even game," Rolando said. "We are hoping we can establish a run game to set up our pass game." Taylorville, out of the Apollo Conference and with an enrollment more than double St. Edward, lost to Mt. Vernon 40-0 in Week 1.
Streamwood (0-1, 0-1) at Larkin (0-1, 0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Memorial Field, Elgin
Previous meeting: Streamwood 30, Larkin 19 (2021 at Streamwood)
About the Sabres: In addition to Jaiden Thomas running the ball 16 times for 116 yards against Bartlett, the Sabres received strong play from Christian Clark, Chris Marquez, Jaiden Rumble and Kyle Thompson. Clark had 3 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3 tackles for loss and sack and a safety. Marquez had 2 solos, 8 assisted tackles and 1 tackle for loss, while Rumble had 3 solos, 7 assists and 1 tackle for loss. Thompson finished with 4 solos and 6 assists.
About the Royals: The Royals opened the 2022 season with a 28-0 loss to Glenbard East. "Week 2 we play another opponent that was a playoff contender last season," Streamwood coach Keith McMaster said. "They are talented and have skill all over the field. We'll need to pursue the ball defensively and clean some things up on offense."
East Peoria (0-1) at Aurora Central Catholic (0-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
About the Raiders: ACC had a pair of nonconference teams on the schedule last year in Plano and Richmond-Burton that went 18-5 last season with Richmond making the state semifinals. The slate this year was changed to Wauconda (defending Northern Lake County Conference champions) and East Peoria, out of the Mid-Illini Conference. The Raiders, who won no games last season, lost 52-0 to Streator at home in Week 1. "East Peoria has a strong group of linemen and some very athletic young men in the backfield," Aurora Central coach Christian Rago said. "When they get into space, they are hard to catch. We will have to keep everything in front of us defensively and make open-field tackles."
About the Chargers: Wide receiver Jake Bianchi had 5 catches for 125 yards against Wauconda. "Jake had explosive plays on offense." Zach Dineen played the entire game both ways on the offensive and defensive lines, "and also stepped up to play linebacker," Rago pointed out. "He helped our young offensive linemen when they were forced into action early." Ethan Waters was cited for his leadership. "His leadership on the sideline with the young players even though thing weren't going our way," Rago said.
Tinley Park (0-1) at Aurora Christian (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
About the Titans: This is a new nonconference game for Aurora Christian. Tinley Park plays in the South Suburban Blue Division and has an enrollment more nearly four times as large as Aurora Christian. The Titans, 1-8 a year ago, lost 21-7 to Oak Lawn in their opener. "Tinley Park is a big school with many good players," Aurora Christian coach David Beebe said. "We cannot turn the ball over and be consistent in the red area."
About the Eagles: Individual highlights from the Eagles' 26-20 loss to Ottawa Marquette included Drew Kegebein, Owen Hampton and Rudy Griffing. "Drew ran hard for us," Beebe said. "Owen had some key first downs." Griffing led the team in tackles with 13, had a half a sack and a half tackle for loss. Beebe also was encouraged by the team's offensive line play. "Our entire offensive line was consistent," he said.
Batavia (1-0) at Lincoln-Way East (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Bulldogs: There are a lot of similarities between these teams, most notably of which is an excellent Batavia defense that squelched Phillips at every turn during its runaway win in Week 1. Batavia's offensive attack is also multifaceted and capable of exacting problems against just about any defense and doesn't specifically rely on one player to shoulder a majority of the load. The running attack was paced by RB Ryan Whitwell in the Philips win, but keying on him to slow Batavia's attack would likely have a limited success pattern, as the Bulldogs could simply shift focus to another part of their effective offensive attack.
About the Griffins: It took a little bit of time for Lincoln-Way East to get its bearings in its Week 1 win over Crete-Monee, but the Griffins sometimes have the luxury of easing into things because of the capabilities of their defensive unit. The now experienced core stymied what will likely end up to be a pretty good Warriors offensive unit, allowing the Griffins offense some additional time to catch its groove. James Kwiecinski paced a varied Lincoln-Way East rushing attack with 128 rushing yards, and RB Petey Olaleye will also likely play a heavy role in a bruising offensive attack.
Geneva (1-0) at Kaneland (1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Geneva 31, Kaneland 20 (2021)
About the Vikings: Nate Stempowski established himself as the starting quarterback and didn't disappoint last week, passing for 154 yards, three touchdowns and running for two. Talyn Taylor and Dylan Reyes had three catches apiece. Defensively, the Vikings held Metea Valley to one net rushing yard in the first half and 40 overall.
About the Knights: Kaneland also ripped off an impressive opening performance last week. Troyer Carlson threw for three touchdown passes and the defense forced three fumbles, which led to the scores.
Lake Zurich (1-0) at St. Charles North (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: St. Charles North 24, Lake Zurich 0 (2021)
About the North Stars: The North Stars limped out of Week 1 with a loss to Palatine on the road. Drew Surges had 300 all purpose yards, two touchdowns, 18 tackles and three for-loss, but it wasn't quite enough to rally past the Pirates. Sophomore Ethan Plumb threw for 257 yards and helped the North Stars overcome an early 12-0 deficit. A late defensive mistake led to the game-clinching touchdown last week, so limiting big plays and chunk yardage will be a focus this week.
About the Bears: Senior quarterback Ashton Gondeck opened with a season debut to remember. On his first pass from scrimmage last week, Gondeck hit a 68-yard touchdown. An apparent dual threat, Gondeck had 122 rushing yards and was 7-for-17 passing for 196 yards on the night. Cal Grabowski and Ja Martinez split carries in the backfield. The Bears' defense also was able to put pressure on the quarterback all night last week, so look for that to be an obvious focus to repeat.
St. Charles East (1-0) at Waubonsie Valley (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: St. Charles East 27, Waubonsie Valley 7 (2021)
About the Saints: The big play defined the Saints' opening win last week. Between linebacker Charlie McArdle returning a fumble for a touchdown, Blake Schuette's 100-yard kick return for a score or Trent Matejko ripping off 137 rushing yards, the potential for growth is clearly there for the Saints. Keep an eye out for right guard/defensive lineman James Brennan, who is back after not playing football since freshman year. The Saints are excited about him.
About the Warriors: Oswego East was largely able to cruise last week by riding quarterback Tre Jones. Waubonsie gave up 14 unanswered points in the first quarter and 21 over the course of the game. Linebacker Mason Ringenbach is the leader of a defense for Waubonsie with several new faces. Luke Elsea returns at quarterback and running back Amir Spikener leads the skill positions.
Lake View (0-1) at Marmion (1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Marmion 57, Lake View 0 (2021)
About the Cadets: The Cadets certainly cruised last week to a 42-0 victory over Bishop McNamara. Quarterback Josh Lim impressed with three touchdowns and 204 all purpose yards in just one half of football due to the score. Look for Ryan Prell, Sean Scheck and more to emerge this week.
About the Wildcats: A bit of tough sledding in a 42-0 loss to Niles North to open the season, Lake View now gets a Marmion team that appeared to rest a majority of starters and primary playmakers by the second half.
Prairie Ridge (1-0) at Burlington Central High School (1-0)
When: 7 p.n. Friday
Last matchup: Prairie Ridge 41, Burlington Central 14 (2021)
About the Rockets: Central pulled off an impressive comeback last week against Hampshire in their 15-14 win. Jackson Alcorn threw for two touchdown passes and the Rockets also succeeded in recovering an onside kick. James Muetterties had 8.5 tackles and two sacks while Robbie Gall starred with 20 of his own. Look for Michael Ganziano (93 rushing yards) and wideouts LJ Kerr and Michael Person to emerge after a promising week one.
About the Wolves: As probably expected, Prairie Ridge's offense ran wild in a win over McHenry last week. The Wolves totaled 464 yards of total offense and a healthy dose of Nathan Greetham (28 carries, 208 yards, 2 TD) and quarterback Tyler Vasey (18 rushes, 198 yards, 2 TDs) accounted for much of it.
Crystal Lake South (0-1, 0-1) at Cary-Grove (1-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: C-G beat South, 60-20, last season in Week 2.
About the Gators: South lost to Jacobs, 41-31, in the season opener. ... In his first start for the Gators, transfer Caden Casimino completed 17 of 29 passes for 242 yards with two touchdowns. ... RB Nate Van Witzenburg ran for 177 yards and two scores and caught one of Casimino's TD passes. ... WR Michael Prokos caught five passes for 80 yards.
About the Trojans: C-G defeated Dundee-Crown, 41-21, for its 15th consecutive win. ... The Trojans got a big rushing game from FB Colin Desmet with 142 yards and two touchdowns. ... RB Andrew Prio ran for 102 yards on only five carries, and WR Mykal Kanellakis caught two passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. ... The Trojans are ranked No. 3 in the Class 6A poll.
Dundee-Crown (0-1, 0-1) at Hampshire (0-1, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Hampshire beat D-C, 48-21, in Week 2 last season.
About the Chargers: D-C lost to C-G, 42-21, last week, but held a 7-0 lead after one quarter. ... RB Keegan Otte carried 35 times for 158 yards and a touchdown. ... WR Anthony Aguilar leads the area with 10 receptions and hauled in a touchdown pass from QB Zach Randl.
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire lost to Burlington Central, 15-14, last week in a game it led most of the way. ... RB Cole Klawikowski carried 48 times for 415 yards and two touchdowns in that game. ... The defense was solid until the last 4:08, when Central scored, recovered an onside kick and scored again.
McHenry (0-1, 0-1) at Huntley (1-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Huntley defeated the Warriors, 16-13, last season in Week 2.
About the Warriors: McHenry lost to Prairie Ridge, 36-28, in the opener. ... QB Dom Caruso leads the area with 260 passing yards after completing 17 of 29 with two touchdowns. ... WRs Zack Maness and Jacob Zarek both had 100-yard receiving games against the Wolves and each scored a touchdown. ... RB Dylan Drumheller ran for 85 yards and a touchdown.
About the Red Raiders: Huntley defeated Crystal Lake Central, 37-20, in the opener. ... RB Haiden Janke had a big game with 29 carries for 168 yards and a touchdown. ... WR Bryce Walker, showed his speed with 103 yards rushing on Jet sweeps. ... LB Joey Arvidson recovered two fumbles, one in the end zone and one at Central's 6-yard line, to help take control of the game early in the third quarter. ... First-year coach Mike Naymola picked up his first career win as a varsity head coach.
Crystal Lake Central (0-1, 0-1) at Jacobs (1-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Crystal Lake Central defeated Jacobs, 41-34, in Week 2 last season.
About the Tigers: Central fell to Huntley, 37-20, last week. ... More important than the loss was losing QB Jason Penza for an undetermined amount of time. Penza was hit on the right (throwing) elbow at the end of a scramble and left the game just before halftime. The Tigers had almost 300 yards of offense with him running the show. ... WR George Dimopoulos likely will be at quarterback for Penza. Dimopoulos caught a TD pass and threw one in last week's game. ... RB Vince Honer ran 14 times for 106 yards.
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs beat Crystal Lake South, 41-31, in the opener. ... RB Antonio Brown ran for 165 yards and four touchdowns. ... TE Nick True caught three passes, one for an 80-yard touchdown. ... The Eagles are ranked No. 6 in the Class 7A poll.