Week 5: Scouting the Mid-Suburban East
Prospect (1-3, 0-0) at Buffalo Grove (4-0, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year's result: Prospect 24, Buffalo Grove 14
Outlook: This will be a nice battle of the junior backfields that are guiding their teams. Prospect quarterback Jimmy Martin has continually improved in the Knight system, throwing for 217 yards and 2 TDs and rushed for 221 yards. Prospect running back Michael Shafis, who has garnered most of the attention of opposing defenses, has picked up 190 yards. Buffalo Grove has had superb play from running back Tom Trieb, who has gained 380 yards while quarterback Connor Adams has thrown for 612 yards. The BG defense has been the huge difference, allowing just 22 points thus far.
Hersey (3-1, 0-0) at Elk Grove (0-4, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year's result: Hersey 28, Elk Grove 19
Outlook: While many observers think that Hersey has been as good as (Owen) Goldsberry, the Huskie defense should garner some of the credit as well. Last season, Hersey allowed 31 points per game. This year the Huskie defense, led by Caleb Augustyn, Luke Cecala, Nick Wiley and Konstantino Mantas has allowed just 26 points with 16 of that coming against highflying Hoffman Estates. Elk Grove has made huge strides this season. Elk Grove and coach Miles Osei were oh-so close to breaking the Grenediers' 13-game losing streak last week. But the Grens faltered down the stretch and are still looking to play a complete game.
Wheeling (1-3, 0-0) at Rolling Meadows (3-1, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year's result: Rolling Meadows 28, Wheeling 10
Outlook: Wheeling has played much better than the Wildcats' record would dictate, losing a pair of games by a touchdown or less. Ryan Glassberg has stepped up quite nicely to take over the running back chores and has gained 307 yards. Rolling Meadows has unveiled its own version of a three-headed monster when Charlie Svoda posted 50 yards rushing to join running backs Tim Szylak (349 yards) and Jared Axelrad (268 yards). Mustang quarterback Arek Kleniuk has kept defenses honest by throwing for 421 yards and 3 TDs. The Meadows defense, led by Willis Goodwin, Nate Pedraza and Mick Szlak has allowed just 66 points this year.