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Scouting Week 6 football in DuPage County

St. Francis (5-0, 5-0) at Bishop McNamara (3-1, 3-1) When: Friday, 7 p.m.

2019 result: St. Francis 46, Bishop McNamara 43.

Outlook: The Spartans are on a mission to finish the six-game season with an undefeated record and leave a lasting legacy. With no state championship game, the Spartans have yet to be challenged in their first five games. The Spartans are averaging 49.2 points per game, while allowing just 7.8 points. The Irish opened the season with a 49-23 loss to Wheaton Academy, but won their next three games to rise to the No. 8 spot in this week's Class 4A AP poll. The Spartans, at No. 3, would love to finish with an undefeated overall record and win the Metro Suburban Blue. The Irish welcomed back running back Manny Harris last week since he suffered an injury in the opener. Freshman Tony Philips has been a big-play producer for the Irish all season. The Spartans have their own big-time player in senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who has thrown for 866 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. "Bishop McNamara is a tough opponent and has a coach who has won multiple state championship, so we have to be prepared," St. Francis coach Bob McMillen said. "We're excited to finish the season strong. We've done a great job going 5-0 and handling business but we have a very tough opponent this week."

Maine South (5-0) at Naperville Central (5-0) When: Friday 7 p.m.

2019 result: Did not play

Outlook: What a game way to close out a strange and shortened season. The matchup of undefeated traditional state powers and veteran coaches is must-see Friday night football. Naperville Central plays its third nonconference game this season, so playing an unfamiliar opponent is not an issue. The Redhawks' defense is one of the best in the state, allowing just 6.2 points per game. Maine South, coached by Dave Inserra, is used to playing for state championships. Maine South junior quarterback Rowan Keefe made his first varsity start in last week's 14-9 win over New Trier. He threw for 248 yards, but look for the Redhawks to stack the box and apply pressure in an attempt to rattle Keefe.

Downers Grove South (3-1, 3-1) at Downers Grove North (1-2, 1-2)When: Friday 7 p.m.

2019 result: Downers Grove North 14, Downers Grove South 7.

Outlook: Downers Grove North's five-game series winning streak is on the line in the annual neighborhood bragging rights game. Downers Grove North, which had two games canceled this season, is coming off a 22-3 loss to Lyons. Downers Grove South is led by a prolific offense, with junior wide receiver Eli Reed leading the way. Both teams feature sophomore starting quarterbacks, so turnovers and execution are key areas to watch.

Wheaton North (4-1, 4-1) vs. Batavia (4-1, 4-1)When: Saturday at Huskie Stadium at NIU, 4 p.m.

2019 result: Batavia 28, Wheaton North 3.

Outlook: The DuKane Conference tilt is one of the last - and possibly best - games of the season. Both teams have excellent defenses, thus a possibility of a grind-it-out, low-scoring game might be determined by turnovers and which team can limit big plays. The Bulldogs have a history of playing well at Huskie Stadium. Wheaton North junior quarterback Mark Forcucci passed for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns in last week's rout over Geneva. Forcucci, a two-year starter, is battle-tested by this point of his career. But the Bulldogs, led by Arizona-bound linebacker Matthew Weerts, cornerback Evan Kopf, free safety Anthony Bradley, strong safety Jalen Buckley and cornerback Anthony Roberts is adapt at forcing turnovers and making plays.

Wheaton Warrenville South (3-1, 3-1) vs. St. Charles North (3-1, 3-1)When: Saturday at Huskie Stadium at NIU, noon.

2019 result: Wheaton Warrenville South 28, St. Charles North 7.

Outlook: The North Stars would like a measure of revenge and to build momentum for next season. They can accomplish both by beating the Tigers on Saturday. In 2019, the North Stars lost their final four games, including 28-7 to Wheaton Warrenville South. Wheaton Warrenville South, St. Charles North, Batavia and Wheaton North are in the hunt for a share of the conference title. They also are playing for momentum for offseason workouts, the North Stars and Tigers represent an interesting battle in the first game of the DuKane Conference doubleheader.

Other gamesStreamwood at Fenton, 7:30 p.m.

Geneva at Glenbard North, 5:30 p.m.

St. Charles East at Lake Park, ccd.

Addison Trail at Morton, 7 p.m.

Aurora Central Catholic at Westmont, 7 p.m.

Bishop McNamara at St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.

Downers Grove South at Downers Grove North, 7 p.m.

East Aurora at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Glenbard East at Glenbard South 7:30 p.m.

Hinsdale Central at Lyons, 7:30 p.m.

IC Catholic Prep at Riverside-Brookfield, 7:15 p.m.

Leyden at Hinsdale South, 7 p.m.

Maine South at Naperville Central, 7 p.m.

Metea Valley at Neuqua Valley, 7 p.m.

DeKalb at Naperville North, 7 p.m.

Montini at Providence Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

Proviso West at York, ccd.

Romeoville at York, 6 p.m.

Wheaton Academy at Elmwood Park, 7:15 p.m.


Willowbrook at Proviso East, ccd.

Willowbrook at Rich Central, 6 p.m.

Neuqua Valley receiver Grant Larkin stretches for a pass just out of his reach last week against DeKalb. The Wildcats close their season Friday against Metea Valley. Mark Busch/mbusch@shawmedia.com
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