Week 2: Scouting the DuPage Valley
Glenbard North (0-1, 0-1) at Waubonsie Valley (0-1, 0-1)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Naperville Central 37, Glenbard North 7; Lake Park 36, Waubonsie Valley 34.
Last year: Waubonsie Valley 29, Glenbard North 28.
Outlook: Despite the DVC's across-the-board quality, an 0-2 start seriously hampers conference title prospects. Last year this was the game that boosted Waubonsie Valley tight end Charles Robinson's profile with a game-winning 2-point conversion catch from Tanner Westwood. They're back, of course, plus tailback Nate Ashford, with new pitchback Bryce Logan. On the whole Warriors coach Paul Murphy liked the execution of an opening-day offense that gained 356 yards. Allowing 363 yards and big plays was another story. Likewise, Glenbard North coach Ryan Wilkens looks to tighten the defense after Naperville Central's long passing success. Solid up front again, Panthers defensive linemen Prince Goodlow and Jake Wilson brought it, and Augie Gamez and Jose Vazquez helped senior Quintin Terry ignite the ground game. But like last year's opener Glenbard North committed a bunch of penalties, chipping at favorable down-and-distance scenarios for quarterback Lee Rady.
Next week: Wheaton Warrenville South at Glenbard North; Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley.
Neuqua Valley (1-0, 1-0) at Naperville Central (1-0, 1-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Neuqua Valley 35, Metea Valley 7; Naperville Central 37, Glenbard North 7.
Last year: Neuqua Valley 24, Naperville Central 10.
Outlook: Defending DVC co-champ Neuqua Valley held Metea to 3 yards rushing and forced 4 turnovers, with Matt Quinn, Josh Krajacic, Mike Baumgardner, Zach Wenz and Trevor Tesmond just the tip of the iceberg. Meanwhile, quarterback Jake Eskoff made all the right moves in a 17-of-23 night, and Will Chevalier scampered for 93 yards and 2 scores on 5 carries. A key on Friday, Wildcats coach Bill Ellinghaus said, is the continued jelling of center Ken Shultz and the all-new offensive line. The Redhawks sparkled on offense with quarterback Payton Thorne leading the charge, but running back A.J. Deinhart provided just enough balance with tough yardage. As good as they were offensively, coach Mike Stine was more impressed with the defensive effort holding up against Glenbard North's power run game. Linemen Lavar Archibald and Tommy Trepanier were particularly strong. Naperville Central forced 3 turnovers. Takeaways would come in handy against the Wildcats.
Next week: Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley; Metea Valley at Naperville Central.
Wheaton North (1-0) at Joliet Catholic (1-0)
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last week: Wheaton North 19, WW South 14; Joliet Catholic 34, Geneva 27.
Last year: Wheaton North 37, Joliet Catholic 7.
Outlook: After coming down from the high of last week's cross-town win, the Falcons focus on an improved Joliet Catholic team. Wheaton North's defense was impressive, especially in the experienced secondary with safeties Trenton Hegranes, who had 2 interceptions, including a 90-yarder for a touchdown, and Jackson Gray. The Falcons stay fresh up front - something that could be key in this one - by rotating more than a half-dozen defensive linemen. Joliet Catholic threw the ball only five times, meaning the Falcons must be prepared for plenty of running back Ke'Von Johnson, a third-year starter who last week rushed for more than 200 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Falcons and Sam Singleton, who had 92 rushing yards and 2 scores, also plan on being run-heavy. Quarterback Rhett Netzer showed confidence late by completing key passes to Alex Adams and sophomore Christian Halstead. Dealing with Joliet Catholic's big interior linemen, though, won't be easy.
Next week: Wheaton North at Naperville North; St. Patrick at Joliet Catholic.
Naperville North (1-0, 0-0) at Metea Valley (0-1, 0-1)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: Naperville North hopes to welcome back linebacker Ryan Marrano and running back Ameir Wilbourne from injury. Metea opened with sound defense. Now to get running back Nolan Falk going. Guard Joe Freedlund's return from the flu will help.
WW South (0-1, 0-1) at Lake Park (1-0, 1-0)
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The quick hit: A tough loss for the Tigers overshadowed 7 catches for 108 yards by Chase Stebbins and a strong defensive game by linebacker Brian Haw. Lake Park's deep defensive line paid dividends, as did a deep backfield with David Kirkpatrick-Hardwick.