Scouting Week 6 Fox football games
South Elgin (5-0, 5-0) at Glenbard South (5-0, 5-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous matchup: South Elgin 35, Glenbard South 7 (2021 at South Elgin)
About the Storm: The winner of this game takes control of first place in the Upstate Eight and earns an automatic playoff bid. Kyle Steinhofer caught 6 passes for 114 yards and 2 scores in South Elgin's Week 5 win, chipped in an interception on defense and kicked a field goal. South Elgin coach Dragan Teonic noted the Storm averaged more than 20 yards per reception last week. Mason Montgomery is averaging 11.5 yards per carry and 21.4 yards per catch. South Elgin also benefits from a strong running attack with Jordan Green (195 yards, 4 TDs), Brandon Belk (94 yards) and Ari Kravis (127 yards, 3 TDs). "We have been a three-headed monster at running back," Teonic noted. Teonic has been impressed with how well his team has responded to adversity, "from summer camp through Week 5," he noted. "We have been challenged and always have risen to the occasion." Senior defensive back Denver Davis has allowed 1 reception in coverage this season while being targeted 18 times. He has 1 interception. Davis also averages 28 yards on kickoff returns. Junior wide receiver Lucas Noworol has thrived with his blocking skills "and is a threat with the ball," Teonic noted. Junior offensive lineman Hyun Jin Ko "has been playing really well for us the last two weeks," Teonic added.
About the Raiders: The Raiders feature senior tailback Jalen Brown who rushed for a school-record 286 yards on 21 carries and scored 4 touchdowns to lead the Raiders to a 47-6 win over Bartlett last week. Junior receiver and Notre Dame commit Cam Williams added 6 catches for 98 yards. "Glenbard South is highly talented and playing at a high level," Teonic said. "They are undefeated for a reason. They rarely turn the ball over and create explosives almost at will. We will have to create explosives and protect the football to be successful."
Aurora Christian (3-2, 1-1) at St. Francis (5-0, 2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous matchup: St. Francis 49, Aurora Christian 27 (2021 at Aurora Christian)
About the Eagles: St. Francis coach Bob McMillen knows his team will have to be on its toes against Aurora Christian. "Aurora Christian is a well-coached, championship team," he said. "Coach (David) Beebe and his staff will have these kids ready to play. We have to match the intensity and not make mistakes. They have a big offensive line that can move people. We need to be able to disrupt the quarterback and make some plays behind the line of scrimmage. On offense, we need to be efficient and not turn the ball over."
About the Spartans: Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic went 8-for-9 last week for 170 yards and threw 5 touchdowns against no interceptions. Jack Reilly, the backup quarterback, was 3-for-3 for 79 yards and threw 3 TDs in the 69-14 win over Champaign Central. Amari Head ran 4 times for 118 yards and a touchdown. Milivojevic has thrown for 732 yards with 11 touchdowns and no picks while completing 75 percent of his passes. Head has run for 381 yards (8.5 yards per carry) and 5 touchdowns, while Cooper Winslow is 24-for-25 on point-after attempts (his only miss was a block). "I am pleasantly surprised by the play of our younger kids," McMillen said. "We have five kids who are either freshmen or sophomores starting on our varsity. I love the way they come to practice and prepare each week. It's been showing since the start of the season and they are getting better. I am looking forward to seeing their development the next few weeks." Junior two-way lineman Dan Theiss continues to impress. "Since his move to guard, he has been playing at a much higher level," McMillen said. "On defense, we are able to plug him in anywhere on the line and we don't skip a beat." Sophomore wide receiver-safety Liam Kolinski has been starting at strong safety all year. "He's one of the kids who punches in every day to get better," McMillen noted. "The last few weeks he has started for us at split end due to injuries and has started to build a good relationship with our quarterbacks." Junior center Jack Donovan also has responded. "Jack is a kid who had some big shoes to fill because we moved TJ (McMillen) to left tackle. Jack has been a solid anchor in the middle of the offensive line, making checks and moving people around. He's a huge part of why we have a good amount of success on offense. And McMillen added this fun fact: "Jack is probably the best dancer on the team," he said.
Glenbard East (4-1, 4-1) at Elgin (3-2, 3-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous matchup: Glenbard East 37, Elgin 6
About the Rams: "Elgin is on a two-game winning streak and is at home," Glenbard East coach John Walters said. "We will need a balanced attack to be able to have success on offense." Walters liked what he saw on offense a week ago with a balanced attack. Walters also had high praise for the Rams' defense. "I think defensively, you hope you are as good as you think you are going into the season. Our guys have been stout through five weeks. They have been very impressive as a unit. Through five weeks, we are really not giving up a ton. We have been able to limit points and yardage. Winning the turnover battle each game has been huge for us." Matt Larson leads the Rams' running attack, while Eric McClain and Dailen Zolicoffer are neck and neck in the receiving category. "Matt Larson has given us a shot in the arm in the running game with his speed and ability to make people miss. Dillon Williams continues to put up strong numbers at quarterback," Walters said. Gus Winkler has been another standout on defense. "Gus is quietly developing into a very solid varsity linebacker," Walters said.
About the Maroons: The Maroons hold wins the last two weeks against Bartlett and West Chicago. "Glenbard East is good," Elgin coach Anthony Mason said. "They don't let up many points on defense and they play fast and hard on offense. We have to play a great game for four quarters to be successful. They have established themselves as one of the top teams in our conference and we have to bring our A-game for four quarters." Nate Aquino returned an interception 102 yards for a score last week against West Chicago, helping continue Elgin's nice recent momentum swing. "Our second half play has been good," Mason said. "We are not starting strong and that has to change if we plan to be successful these next four weeks. In the second half, we have scored more than 100 points in five games. Defensively, we have given up only 37. If we can be that second-half team, we would be 5-0 right now and prepping for the playoffs. We are not, so we are not at the level of hoping to get into the playoffs because we did not start games well." Junior running back and defensive back Matt Lawson has been a plus of late. "Matt is bouncing back after injury and having to sit out a few games," Mason noted. "This is a big year for him and he is starting to get healthier and explosive." Senior quarterback James Syrek and senior lineman Adam Lambaz also drew praise for recent strong play. "When James is relaxed in the backfield and knows his reads, he can be really good," Mason said. "Adam has shown signs of dominance and is able to fill in at any spot within the trenches. He's extremely valuable to our team."
Larkin (2-3, 2-3) at East Aurora (1-4, 1-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous matchup: Larkin 47, East Aurora 0
About the Royals: Larkin coach Grant Dietz said the team's ability to run the ball has been a key improvement lately. "We have been able to establish the run, which will help us open up the passing game," he said. "Anytime you can make a defense try to defend everything, something will open up for us to exploit." And overall, Dietz likes where his team is headed. "I am pleased with how we are progressing as a contending team. We still have a long way to go, but we are starting to do the things that matter in games. Overall, we are stronger this year, which shows our hard work in the weight room or the 'W' room as I like to call it. Our grades in the classroom have improved, showing our hard work there. I like the development of our players on the frosh-soph level. The coaches are doing a great job and the players are responding. We are making strides each day and every week to get better. Sometimes, we have setbacks, but we persevere and grind through." Jalen Mille, Chevelle Clements and Hector Flores were cited for high-quality effort and play. "The three captains are workhorses for us," Dietz said.
About the Tomcats: "East Aurora will be a tough opponent this week," Dietz said. "They are well-coached and play hard, plus we have to travel to their place and they play tough at home. We have to execute our offense, play swarming, stingy defense and give ourselves a chance. Blocking, ball security and tackling are basic fundamentals that have to be done well in order to have a chance to win the game. We will get back to basics to correct and redirect our focus on the little things so the bigger things take care of themselves."
Bartlett (3-2, 3-2) at Fenton (1-4, 1-4)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Previous matchup: Bartlett 43, Fenton 0 (2021 at Bartlett)
About the Hawks: Coach Milan Vuckovich liked the way his offense performed in last week's loss to Glenbard South. "Our run game was pretty solid and it was probably the best all-around game our offensive line has had this season," he said. "We controlled the clock and converted first downs. We were also able to use our play-action passing game to gain good chunks of yards." Bartlett is looking to snap a two-game losing streak. "I like our resiliency as a team," Vuckovich said. "So far this season we have experienced the highs and the lows that the game of football can provide. We started out hot out of the gate, going 3-0, and now we have hit a rough patch. One thing that hasn't changed is the heart of this team. They have rallied together and have continued to push themselves and each other in practice. There is no quit in this team, and our seniors want to make their mark on this program as well. They want to leave legacy for the future to build upon." Junior quarterback Gio Nguyen was called upon after the East Aurora game when starting quarterback Matthew Teruel was injured. "Gio has exceeded our expectations and has put this offensive unit on his shoulders," Vuckovich said. "He has become one of the leaders in the group and commands the huddle like a seasoned vet. It's like having a coach out on the field." Sophomore offensive lineman Donald Hubbard also continues to gain momentum. "Donald is another one of our young guys who has really exceeded our preseason expectations," Vuckovich said. "We thought he could play as the sixth man off the bench as a rotational guy, but he has worked his tail off all season and solidified himself as a bona fide varsity starter on our offensive line. He has speed and quickness along with a nasty side to him that you need to have to be successful in the trenches." Senior defensive lineman Nico Gawlak also is thriving, Vuckovich noted. "Nico has found a home on our D-line as an interior lineman. He has a motor that does not stop and his work ethic in the weight room has spilled over onto the field. He was one of those guys with perfect attendance during our spring lifting and has done a great job transforming himself into a darned good football player. He made some plays last week that really jumped on film."
About the Bison: "I have known coach (Matt Lynch) now for a little over five years ever since he took over the Fenton program while I was an assistant coach at Buffalo Grove," Vuckovich said. "One thing I know is that he is a phenomenal coach that surrounds himself with awesome coaches, and his players always play their hearts out. This year is no different. You can see it on film. His guys play through the whistle, they play tough, hard-nosed football and have a never-say-die mentality. They are going to be ready for a football game Friday and we need to be ready as well. To be successful, we need to control both sides of the line of scrimmage and play mistake-free football."
St. Edward (1-4, 0-2) at Chicago Christian (1-4, 0-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous matchup: St. Edward 34, Chicago Christian 14 (2021 at St. Edward)
About the Green Wave: St. Edward coach Mike Rolando likes how freshman linebacker Zach Sauceda has played throughout the season. He led the Green Wave in tackles last week with 13. "Zack continues to improve every week," he said. "He'll need to have another big game for us." Rolando pointed out the Green Wave were missing emotional and statistical leaders Luciano Rolando and junior offensive tackle-linebacker Nolan Pomeroy. Rolando (knee) has run for 347 yards and 5 TDs and passed for 349 yards and 3 TDs, while being tied for the team lead with Jason Garcia in quarterback sacks with five. Pomeroy (hand) is the team's leading tackler with 47, has 3 sacks and a pick. "Nolan never comes off the field," Rolando said. Rolando added both players' returns are "questionable at this point." Rolando has been beyond pleased with how his team has stared down adversity. "I like their ability to find solutions," he said. "They all give 100% effort and step up when called on. Losing our starting running back-linebacker for the season over the summer in Jack Wright, our Week 1 leading tackler Chris Andrews (linebacker), a couple other two-way starters for various reasons and now with Nolan and Luciano out, the boys continue to step up and find solutions and play hard for their teammates. With 24 kids in the entire program, every one of them has to contribute and now freshmen are being asked to start varsity football games, and they are responding with great attitudes and getting it done." Rolando noted Garcia, a senior offensive and defensive tackle, has battled through injuries, has improved "a great deal," and had 4 sacks in one game. Also playing well is offensive guard and linebacker Jack Cozzi. "After not playing his sophomore year, he is our second-leading tackler and has embraced the physicality of playing his position on both sides of the ball," Rolando said.
About the Knights: Chicago Christian won its opener 19-0 against Chicago Sullivan but has lost four in a row and has scored only 1 touchdown in those losses. "We are very familiar with each other and have similar programs," Rolando said. "They are much better than their record reflects and their program has been on the rise. We'll need to be very disciplined and execute a very sound game to be competitive with them. They will have a significant size advantage and numbers advantage that we will need to overcome with discipline and heart."
Yorkville (4-1, 0-1) at West Aurora (1-4, 0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Previous matchup: Yorkville 14, West Aurora 13 (at Yorkville)
About the Foxes: Both teams are looking for their first Southwest Prairie West win. Yorkville can become playoff eligible with a victory. "Yorkville has the best defensive line in the state and is very well coached," West Aurora coach Nate Eimer said. "They also have some great linebackers. We have to find a way to shorten the game, win the turnover battle and make big plays on special teams."
About the Blackhawks: West Aurora's defense caused three turnovers last week, while DJ Douglas logged his fifth interception of the season. "DJ is becoming a cornerback you do not throw at," Eimer said. Gino Martino is now the program's all-time leader in pass completions. "Gino is throwing the ball well even though our run game isn't going yet," Eimer said. "We keep competing. Being 1-4 is tough, especially when you are in every game. We have great kids here." Another standout for West has been Trevor Zielke, a senior linebacker. "Trevor is a linebacker who keeps playing every week," Eimer said.
Wheaton Warrenville South (2-3, 1-2) at Batavia (3-2, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Batavia 41 WW South 20 (2021)
About the Tigers: WW South picked up a much-needed 27-0 win over St. Charles East last week. Colin Moore was huge in all three phases with a 26-yard interception return for a TD, a 69-yard punt return that set up a field goal and three catches for 51 yards that led to another TD. The Tigers picked up four passes as a team with a stellar defensive effort, momentum they'll need against a Batavia offense that appears to be picking up steam. Jake Vozza ran for 75 yards and a TD in the St. Charles East win for a WW South offense that has shared the wealth in the running game this season. A tough two Fridays await for the Tigers, back-to-back games at Batavia and Wheaton North.
About the Bulldogs: Batavia, after consecutive losses to Lincoln-Way East and Wheaton North in Weeks 2 and 3, sure seems to have its mojo back. The Bulldogs have outscored their last two opponents by a combined 77-6, blasting Glenbard North 35-6 last week. WR Drew Gerke, limited to mostly defense in the early season with a broken hand, caught three TD passes at Glenbard North. Defensive end JP Chaney had five tackles for loss and three sacks. QB Ryan Boe has thrown for 769 yards and seven TDs with just one interception on the season and Ryan Whitwell is Batavia's leading rusher with 529 yards. Tyler Jansey, a Wisconsin recruit, anchors the Batavia defense with a team-high 46 tackles and three sacks.
Geneva (4-1, 2-1) at St. Charles East (2-3, 0-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: SCE 28, Geneva 20 (2021)
About the Vikings: Geneva hit its first speed bump of the season in the Vikings' loss against St. Charles North last week. A slowly developing run game in the first half was also compounded by Nate Stempowski not finding much time dropping back. After perhaps a humbling loss at home, the Vikings likely want to start fast and often this week.
About the Saints: It's been tough sledding for St. Charles East in conference play, the Saints still searching for their first win. Last week, the Saints struggled mightily in Wheaton, but now return home in hopes of keeping postseason dreams more realistic.
Lake Park (1-4, 1-2) at St. Charles North (4-1, 3-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: St. Charles North 42, Lake Park 0 (2021)
About the North Stars: St. Charles North has a chance to become eligible for the postseason for the first time since 2018 with a win. Of course, the North Stars have a top five player in the conference, in Drew Surges, who ran for 200 yards and made a plethora of defensive stops last week against Geneva. Ethan Plumb has stabilized the quarterback position for the second consecutive week and is playing perhaps his best football to date.
About the Lancers: Lake Park hasn't generated many points in the last two weeks, just seven. Though, it did play Wheaton North and Batavia. It doesn't get any easier against a North Stars defense that features playmakers at all levels.
Marmion (2-3, 0-1) at Fenwick (2-3, 1-0)
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Fenwick 31, Marmion 26 (2021)
About the Cadets: Marmion is enduring the tough stretch of its schedule. Marist blanked the Cadets 42-0 last week. The Cadets have talent in Ryan Prell, Jack Lesher and others capable of turning their offense around, which has scored three combined points over the last two weeks.
About the Friars: Fenwick is coming off a 41-7 loss to Loyola, leaving the Friars little margin for error if the defending Class 5A champs are to return to the postseason. It is anything but an easy road with games remaining against Marmion, St. Patrick and St. Ignatius. Senior QB E.J. Hosty guides a Fenwick offense that has had its share of ups and downs through the course of the season.
Sycamore (5-0, 2-0) at Kaneland (3-2, 2-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Sycamore 56, Kaneland 28 (2021)
About the Spartans: The Spartans knocked off an unbeaten team for the second week in a row, toppling Rochelle 34-0 on the road for the team's second shutout. Eli Meier led the team in rushing last week with 69 yards on five carries plus threw for 147 - 139 going to Burke Gautcher on seven catches.
About the Knights: Kaneland picked up its second straight win last week, 41-14 against Ottawa after a 49-7 win against Woodstock. The Knights have scored at least 41 points in all three wins and 24 or less in their losses. Tyler Bradshaw rushed for four touchdowns in the win.
Huntley (4-1, 4-1) at Cary-Grove (3-2, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: C-G beat Huntley 44-13 in Week 6 last season.
About the Red Raiders: Huntley beat Jacobs 37-20 last week, tying its high point total for the season. ... RB Haiden Janke has 687 rushing yards. ... The Raiders had their best offensive game with almost 393 total yards last week. ... WR Jacob Witt leads Huntley with 13 receptions and two touchdowns.
About the Trojans: C-G lost to Prairie Ridge 27-16 last week. ... The Trojans led Prairie Ridge 16-14 at halftime, but were unable to score in the second half. ... FB Colin Desmet has 485 yards to lead the team, RB Andrew Prio had a big game with 116 yards last week and has 441 yards. ... C-G is still receiving votes in the Class 6A poll, but fell from the top 10.
Jacobs (4-1, 4-1) at Burlington Central (2-3, 2-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Jacobs beat Central 54-14 in Week 6 last season.
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs lost to Huntley 37-20 last week. ... RB Antonio Brown has 840 yards and 12 touchdowns. He scored all three of the Eagles' touchdowns in last week's game. ... RB Joey Scrivani has 476 yards rushing and FB Paulie Rudolph has 251. ... Jacobs is No. 9 in The Associated Press Class 7A poll.
About the Rockets: Central defeated Crystal Lake South 24-20 last week. ... The Rockets came up with a big defensive stop at the end of the game as South's pass was incomplete in the end zone as time expired. ... RB Michael Ganziano leads the team with 375 yards rushing. ... WRs Michael Person (17 receptions), LJ Kerr and Caden West (12 each) are the top receivers for QB Jackson Alcorn.
Crystal Lake Central (2-3, 2-3) at Crystal Lake South (3-2, 3-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Central beat South 42-37 in Week 6 last season.
About the Tigers: Central won its second in a row last week with a 37-24 victory over Dundee-Crown. ... QB George Dimopoulos had his best game, throwing for 235 yards and a touchdown last week.
About the Gators: South lost to Burlington Central 24-20 last week. ... QB Caden Casimino has 1,411 passing yards and 10 touchdowns with two interceptions. WR Michael Prokos has 34 receptions for 599 yards. ... RB Nate Van Witzenburg has 672 yards and 12 touchdowns and also has 14 receptions for four TDs.
McHenry (1-4, 1-4) at Dundee-Crown (2-3, 2-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: McHenry beat D-C 49-13 in Week 6 last season.
About the Warriors: McHenry beat Hampshire 12-8 last week for its first win. ... The Warriors' defense came through last week as the offense gained 147 total yards. McHenry had more than 300 yards of offense in all of its first four games.
About the Chargers: D-C had a two-game winning streak snapped by Crystal Lake Central in a 37-24 loss last week. ... WR Anthony Aguilar had a big game last week with eight receptions and has 28 for the season. ... QB Zach Randl has been one of the area's most accurate passers (68.8%) and has thrown for 985 yards. ... WRs Kali Freeman and Dashaan Bell each have 16 receptions and have combined for seven TD catches.
Prairie Ridge (4-1, 4-1) at Hampshire (0-5, 0-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Hampshire beat Prairie Ridge 43-42 in Week 6 last season.
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge defeated Cary-Grove 27-16 last week. ... The Wolves defense shut out C-G in the second half, while the offense scored on two series, then ran the clock out on the third series of the half. ... QB Tyler Vasey has 1,169 yards rushing and has 12 touchdowns. FB Nathan Greetham has 597 yards rushing. ... The Wolves are No. 4 in the Class 6A poll.
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire lost to McHenry 12-8 last week. ... The Whip-Purs have not lost by more than 13 points in a game. Their five losses were by a combined total of 31 points.
Other Fox Friday Games
Bishop McNamara (2-3, 2-1) at Aurora Central Catholic (1-4, 1-2), 7:15 p.m.
West Chicago (0-5, 0-5) at Streamwood (1-4, 1-4), 7 p.m.