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Scouting Week 3 in the Northwest suburbs

Maine West (2-0) at Hoffman Estates (1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday

Last week: Maine West def. Glenbrook South, 37-13; Hoffman Estates lost to Prospect, 35-27

Outlook: Maine West is picking up where it left off in 2018, one of its best seasons in school history. The Warriors lost only one regular-season game last year (to Hersey in Week 4, 51-28) and also won their first-ever playoff game en route to advancing to the second round ... Like last year, when Maine West was the stingiest team in the Central Suburban North, the Warriors are again getting the job done with defense. Maine West has allowed 13 points in each of its first two games, down from last year's conference-best average of 14.4 points per game allowed. Against Glenbrook South last week, the Warriors got tougher as the game moved along, giving up just 74 yards in the second half while forcing 2 interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown) and causing 2 fumbles (one of which they recovered). Against Mundelein in the season opener, Maine West allowed just 11 first downs and also recovered a fumble. Isaiah Siem-Davis also recovered a blocked Mundelein punt in the end zone for the Warriors ... Offensively, quarterback Denny Kentgen passed for 3 touchdowns and 267 yards against Mundelein and last week, he rolled up 318 passing yards and 2 touchdown passes. Semaj Johnson is one of Kentgen's top targets, as is Jaden Dolphin. Last week, Kentgen accumulated 113 receiving yards and also hauled in a touchdown catch. In the Week 1 win over Mundelein, Dolphin had 111 receiving yards and a touchdown ... Hoffman Estates, also a playoff team last year, got out to a strong start in its season opener with a decisive 40-16 win against Elk Grove but now the Hawks are looking to rebound after a near-miss last week against Prospect. That game was a back-and-forth shootout between two high-scoring offenses, but Hoffman Estates was ultimately hurt by penalties. The Hawks had 14 penalties for 106.5 yards. “We had a lot of big plays and lot of big mistakes,” Hoffman Estates coach Tim Heyse said of the penalties in the Prospect game. “We did some things we weren't supposed to do and it hurt us in the long run. But I was happy about a bunch of things. We didn't quit. We battled back, gave up the lead and battled back again.” Heyse had to like the connection he saw between quarterback Jojo Lovelace and receiver Jashawn Johnson. They teamed up on touchdown passes of 65 and 40 yards against Prospect. Meanwhile, running back Mekhi Williams rolled up 89 yards and a touchdown. In the Hawks' Week 1 win against Elk Grove, Lovelace and Johnson also hooked up for 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Williams tallied 154 rushing yards and a touchdowns as Hoffman Estates finished with a total of 480 yards of offense.

New Trier (1-1) at Barrington (1-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: New Trier lost to Loyola 34-3; Barrington beat Buffalo Grove 42-0

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Barrington is coming of its 500th win in school history. It was a Bronco offense that fired on all cylinders last week, led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who threw for 184 yards and rushed for 53 yards. The Barrington defense was also superb. Led by Dayven Shinhoster and Lukas Van Ness, the Broncos allowed just 4 rushing yards. They have allowed only 16 points this season. New Trier looks to get its offense back on track. The Trevians have scored just 23 points in their two games.

Glenbrook South (0-2) at Conant (2-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Glenbrook South lost to Maine West 37-13; Conant beat Elk Grove 21-6

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Conant is picking up where it left off last season. The Cougars' rushing game has been fierce this season and is coming off a 251-yard performance last week. While most eyes have been on fullback Malik Frederick, quarterback Giuseppe Dugo has done a great job of running the offense. The Cougars have also been stout defensively, allowing only 13 points this season. Glenbrook South looks to strengthen its defense after allowing 68 points in its first two games.

Maine South (2-0) at Fremd (1-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Maine South lost to Mt. Carmel 21-7; Fremd lost to Hersey 35-14

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: It's early in the season, but injuries could be a huge factor. Maine South has converted wide receiver Dan Lazic to quarterback. The Hawks had some difficulties getting their offense going last week. But a second week under offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Charlie Bliss and head coach David Inserra will make a huge difference. Fremd looks to get off its back after a disappointing loss last week. The Vikings, who also are bit banged up, look to get their offense back on track behind Ryan Saxe, who has rushed for 154 yards and thrown for 307 yards.

Evanston (1-1) at Palatine (0-2)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Lincoln-Way West beat Evanston 38-24; Palatine lost to Rolling Meadows 24-7

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Despite being 0-2, Palatine has played well this season. But it has been only in spots. In Week 1, it was a solid first half before faltering in the second half. Last Friday, Palatine allowed touchdowns on its first three defensive series. The Pirates then tightened up their game and played even from there. Palatine will need a full effort against a very athletic Evanston team. The Pirates will also need to slow down Quadre Nicholson, who is in his fourth year at running back for the Wildkits.

Niles North (2-0) at Schaumburg (1-1)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Niles North beat Niles West 49-14; Schaumburg beat Wheeling 55-28

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Schaumburg got its offensive machine fired up last week. The Saxons used their senior-dominated offensive line to pile up 415 rushing yards and 556 yards of total offense. Junior running back Mike DiGioia continues his fine play, rushing for 219 yards last week and 2 touchdowns while quarterback Luke Jessie steadily improves each week. Niles North, which moved over to the CSL North this season, has been a surprise so far this year. The Vikings are 2-0 for the first time since 2014.

Maine East (0-2) at Hersey (2-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: Maine East lost to Round Lake 16-13; Hersey beat Fremd 35-14

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: After a pair of tough opponents Hersey will look to keep the train going. The Huskies have been impressive in both of their victories thanks to the play of quarterback Jordan Hansen, who has thrown or run for a combined 10 touchdowns this season. The Huskie defense, led by Ben Erharbor, Blake von der Lippe, Conrad Twardowski and Hunter Luke, has been equally impressive, holding down both Lincoln-Way West and Fremd. Maine East just missed out on a win last week. The Demons have now lost 19 in a row.

Highland Park (1-1) at Buffalo Grove (0-2)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Lakes beat Highland Park 28-0; Buffalo Grove lost to Barrington 42-0

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Both teams never found the end zone last week. Buffalo Grove ran into a buzz saw when the Bison were stopped cold. Buffalo Grove had difficulty with its running game and hopes to turn things around with Jeremy Katsogianos, Chris Huber and Cole Nixon. Mark Antonetti, who has thrown for 268 yards, has sparked the offense through the air. The Bison will also look to shore up their defense, which has allowed 77 points. Highland Park has shown it can score, putting up 69 points in its win over Wheeling.

Vernon Hills (2-0) at Elk Grove (0-2)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Vernon Hills beat Waukegan 44-0; Elk Grove lost to Conant 21-6

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Elk Grove is coming off a disappointing loss from a week ago. But with each week the Grenadiers are making progress and they need a win this week to keep their playoff hopes alive. Ian Ridge continues to shine for Elk Grove. The junior has gained 226 yards this season and is averaging 9.8 yards per carry. Vernon Hills is off to a great start. The Cougars have yet to allow a point this season and have outscored their opponents 87-0.

Niles West (0-2) at Prospect (2-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Niles West lost to Niles North 49-14; Prospect beat Hoffman Estates 35-27

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Prospect's offense is flying at full throttle with the Knights scoring 81 points in their first two games. Gary Moeller has settled in quite nicely at quarterback for Prospect and has completed 21-of-42 passes for 413 yards and 6 touchdowns. Meanwhile Lue Zardzin leads the Northwest suburbs with 408 rushing yards while averaging 6.9 yards per carry. Niles West has allowed 92 points this far this season and has lost 12 in a row and 23 of its last 24 games.

Deerfield (2-0) at Rolling Meadows (2-0)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Deerfield beat Grayslake North 28-6; Rolling Meadows beat Palatine 24-7

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: The Mustangs are on a roll. After beginning its season with a new backfield, Rolling Meadows is back in full tilt. The Mustangs were impressive offensively last week, scoring on their first three possessions. Carson Schiller has stepped in at quarterback and the Mustangs haven't missed a beat. Schiller has thrown for 491 yards and 5 touchdowns thus far while completing 70 percent (35-of-70) of his passes. Chris DiVito has also looked good at the running back spot, gaining 80 yards and scoring a touchdown last week. Deerfield has had a pair of impressive wins to start its season under coach Steve Winiecki, who is in his 20th season as head coach.

Glenbrook North (2-0) at Wheeling (0-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: Glenbrook North beat St. Patrick 27-13; Wheeling lost to Schaumburg 55-28

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: Wheeling has had a Jekyll and Hyde season so far. At times, the Wildcats have looked terrific. Their offense has been potent, scoring 41 points this far. But they have also looked completely flat. Wheeling has allowed 3 kickoff returns for touchdowns, all after touchdowns. and the defense has allowed another 103 points in its first two games. Glenbrook North, which moved the Central Suburban South this season, is off to a fast start with wins over pair of Northwest side Chicago teams in Taft and St. Patrick.

St. Joseph (1-1) vs. St. Viator (1-1) at Robert Morris

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Last week: St. Joseph beat Guerin 47-18; St. Viator 35 beat Clark 12

Last year: Did not play

Outlook: St. Viator got moving quite well last week to earn its first win of the season. The Lions balanced their offense with Lucas Barisas rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown. Jack Mahoney rushed for a touchdown and threw another to Owen Hickey. The Lion defense also came up large, allowing just 34 passing yards. With state powers Montini and Mt. Carmel on the horizon, this is a game the Lions need to win if they'd like a shot at the playoffs. This is the first trip to Arlington Heights for St. Joseph since 2009.

Leyden (0-2) at Morton (0-2)

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Morton lost to Hinsdale Central 48-10; Leyden lost to Glenbard West 55-8

Last year: Leyden 42, Morton 7

Outlook: After playing Shepard in week 1, Leyden jumped right into the fire with Glenbard West. It was tough outing for Leyden last week. The Eagles managed just 5 first downs in their loss. The Eagles will look to get healthy against a Morton team that has not had a winning season since 1985 and has not won 4 games in a season since 2010. Leyden running back Vince Fredrickson and Nick Motyka look to run wild on the Mustangs, who have allowed 88 points this season.

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