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Scouting Week 7 Fox football games

Wheaton Academy (5-1) at St. Edward (1-5)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Previous matchup: Wheaton Academy 49, St. Edward 6 (2021 at Wheaton Academy)

About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy coach Jim Johanik isn't paying attention to St. Edward's 1-5 mark. "We are up against a St. Ed's program that is facing some challenges in program size at the moment," he said. "I have deep respect for coach (Mike) Rolando and what he has done with the Green Wave over the years and know that this is just a blip that he will overcome." Quarterback Belay Brummel threw for more than 300 yards and 2 touchdowns in last week's game against IC Catholic Prep. Wide receiver Breck Peacock caught 120 of those passing yards. Senior running back Gavin Pedone, Johanik noted, came off a nasty ankle injury in time to play against IC. "When our starting running back and safety Stephen Fellowes (a sophomore) went out on the second play of the game on offense with his own ankle injury, Gavin stepped right in," Johanik said. "We also found another running back in sophomore Geno Spinelli, who showed some speed both at running back and in his starting role at corner. We now have 2 sophomores at the running back position who are the future of the program after this year." Wheaton Academy also has been boosted by senior wide receiver-defensive lineman Evan Eckert, an all-area soccer player for Wheaton Academy's state-championship team last year and decided to play football this fall. He had 3 catches for 28 yards and a score, plus had a 2-point conversion. "On defense, he made a few tackles and one for a loss. He acted as our backup punter when Stephen Fellowes went down and nailed a 50-yarder. He has an opportunity to play at a high level in soccer in college, but could easily be an asset to a Division III program in football as well. He's a great athlete."

About the Green Wave: This will be Rolando's final season at the helm after 18 years. He led St. Edward to seven playoff appearances and three conference titles. "Wheaton Academy has established themselves as one of the top programs in the state," Rolando said. "We'll need to be very sound on offense and tackle much better on defense to have success against them." It will also be Rolando's final game at Greg True Field on the St. Edward campus. "This will be our seniors and many of our coaches, including mine, last game at Greg True Field," he said. "Our boys want to come out and play St. Edward football against a very good Wheaton Academy team and make their football community proud."

Fenton (1-5, 1-5) at Glenbard East (5-1, 5-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Previous matchup: Glenbard East 48, Fenton 8 (2021 at Glenbard East)

About the Bison: "Fenton is playing good football," Glenbard East coach John Walters said. "A couple of breaks for them and their record is much different. We will need a three-phase effort to win. We need to play a complete game and be dialed in from the first snap to the last."

About the Rams: A win gets Glenbard East an automatic playoff berth. Looking back to last week, Walters likes where the Rams are with their passing game. "Our passing game really helped us last week," he said. "Dillon Williams, Yassin Nabil, Dailen Zollicoffer and Eric McClain really stepped up to help us. Dillon is really growing into the passing game."

Larkin (3-3, 3-3) at Bartlett (4-2, 4-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Previous matchup: Larkin 28, Bartlett 21 (2021 at Larkin)

About the Royals: Critical contest for the Royals when it comes to their playoff pursuit - a pair of wins over the last three weeks are needed to become playoff eligible. "We have to do a better job on the little things of the game and keep up the intensity for four quarters," Larkin coach Grant Dietz said. "We have to do a better job blocking and tackling." Dietz said Michael Bresnen is becoming a leader on defense, while Tim Scott "keeps playing hard and is on the verge of a big game," he said. Also grading out well has been Damani Cannon, "understanding the offense and he is on the verge of a big game," Dietz noted.

About the Hawks: Bartlett, which with a win here becomes playoff eligible, broke a 2-game losing streak with a win over Fenton last week. "Bartlett plays hard," Dietz said. "They are improving each week and they are at home. They run the ball well and play well on defense. We must have stronger attention to our details. We must execute our offense, play hard and fast on defense and special teams. We must play through adversity regardless of the situation."

South Elgin (6-0, 6-0) at Elgin (3-3)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Previous matchup: South Elgin 29, Elgin 0 (2021 at South Elgin)

About the Storm: South Elgin sits atop the Upstate Eight as the league's lone remaining unbeaten. "Elgin has a big win already this year, crushing our rival (Bartlett) in Week 4," South Elgin coach Dragan Teonic noted. "They also have one of the best running backs in the conference. We have played Elgin every year since I have been here and they always pose similar issues, athleticism and unpredictability. We will have to tackle well in space and control the line of scrimmage." Junior kicker Bryan Cortez is 9-for-18 on onside kicks this year, "and is exceptional at placing the ball where we need it on all kickoffs," Teonic noted. Teonic also had high praise for the Storm's offensive line of Nathan Dinse, Tommy Roath, Eddie Ramirez, Hyun Jin Ko and Hernan Cortez. "Our offensive line is the reason we are still undefeated," he said. To that point, South Elgin has run the ball 240 times for 1,731 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and has 27 rushing touchdowns spread out across 10 players. The Storm also has lost only 3 fumbles in those 240 chances, while attempting only 81 passes. South Elgin won the toxic ratio (explosives minus turnovers) 11-6 over Glenbard South last week, committing just 1 turnover. An explosive is defined as a pass completion of 25 or more yards and a run of 15 or more.

About the Maroons: "South Elgin is good at what they do and they have depth throughout their team," Elgin coach Anthony Mason said. "They fly to the ball and they are good. We can compete with anyone, we just have to take advantage of our opportunities when given, work hard and execute, and that will allow us to play good football." Mason did note Elgin had a pair of red zone appearances last week against Glenbard East and generated no points. Punter Donovan Vences, a senior, has been playing well. "He had an amazing performance against Glenbard East after struggling against West Chicago in Week 5," Mason said. Vences had 223 punting yards with a long of 42 yards and put 2 punts inside the 20-yard line. Mason also lauded the play of Matt Lawson. "Matt is everywhere on the field now," Mason said. "He's getting healthier and making plays on special teams, offense and defense."

East Aurora (1-5, 1-5) at Streamwood (1-5, 1-5)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Previous matchup: East Aurora 24, Streamwood 17 (2021 at East Aurora)

About the Tomcats: East Aurora holds a 20-14 win over Elgin and lost close conference games this year to Bartlett (21-14) and Larkin (29-21). "Aurora East wants to spread out the defense, but run the ball," Streamwood coach Keith McMaster said. "Our team has to cut out the mental mistakes. It cost us many times in the last game, whether penalties or blown assignments. Three of our losses came from beating ourselves mentally."

About the Sabres: McMaster continued on the subject of blown assignments. "Blown assignments cost us big-time in the last game, he said, referencing last week's 46-24 loss to West Chicago. "This was the most passing yards given up all season." Streamwood sits at minus-14 in the turnover category. "You can't win ballgames without controlling the football or taking it form your opponent," McMaster noted. The coach has been impressed with the play of the sophomores on the varsity, particularly on defense. Juniors Chris Marquez, AJ Trimino and Oscar Villapondo lead the team in tackles. "We are taking some lumps this season, but this team is young and can hopefully grow from this season," McMaster said. Streamwood did run for 241 yards last week. Jaiden Thomas had 110 yards on 23 carries and scored a touchdown, while John Ray scored 2 rushing touchdowns. Thomas also ran in a pair of 2-point conversions, while Juan Cortes enjoyed a 2-point run as well. Cortes ran for 80 yards on 18 carries.

Aurora Christian (3-3) at Elmwood Park (1-5)

When: Friday, 6 p.m.

Previous matchup: Aurora Christian 51, Elmwood Park 0 (2021 at Aurora Christian)

About the Eagles: As Aurora Christian coach David Beebe succinctly laid it out, the Eagles sit at 3-3 and need at least two more wins to become playoff eligible. It's as simple as that. Beebe thought his squad was ready to play last week against Metro Suburban Red leader St. Francis, "but we could not sustain what was needed into the second half," he noted. "I feel like we grew through it though, which is critical this time of year." A nice surprise on special teams this year, Beebe said, has been freshman kicker Zach Zappia. "Zach has only missed 1 extra point this year and has been a great addition to the team," he said.

About the Tigers: Elmwood Park, out of the Metro Suburban Blue, has 1 win, 41-0 over winless Walther Christian. "We played Elmwood Park for the first time last year and travel there for the first time this year," Beebe pointed out.

West Aurora (1-5, 0-2) at Oswego (2-4, 0-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Previous matchup: Oswego 26, West Aurora 6 (2021 at West Aurora)

About the Blackhawks: Both teams are looking for their first Southwest Prairie West win. Out of its 5 losses, West Aurora has lost by totals of 12, 5 and 10 points in three of them - certainly not insurmountable deficits. "I think our kids won't quit," West Aurora coach Nate Eimer said when asked about lessons learned from last week's 10-0 loss to 5-1 Yorkville. However, Eimer added the Blackhawks committed 3 turnovers. "You can't do that and win games," he said. Sophomore Carter Velez has answered the call on special teams lately. "Carter has stepped up and punted well since our starter is hurt," Eimer said. Junior Malcolm Smith started on both lines last week "and did an amazing job," Eimer said. Michael Williams, another sophomore, had more than 90 yards receiving against what Eimer labeled one of the best defenses in the state.

About the Panthers: "Oswego is a very good football team," Eimer said. "Their tight end/wide receiver is a University of Michigan recruit and can really play. They ae a very well-coached defense that tackles well."

Cary-Grove (3-3, 3-3) at Jacobs (5-1, 5-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: Cary-Grove defeated Jacobs 36-22 in Week 7 last season, which was its closest game until the Class 6A state championship.

About the Trojans: C-G lost to Huntley 17-14 last week. … The Trojans' defense has allowed 128 points, third-lowest in the FVC. … FB Colin Desmet leads C-G with 573 rushing yards and RB Andrew Prio has 508. … With three losses, the Trojans are not ranked in The Associated Press Class 6A poll, which is a rarity.

About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs defeated Burlington Central 35-30 last week. … RB Antonio Brown has 1,138 rushing yards after his 298-yard, four-touchdown performance against Central. … RB Joey Scrivani has 626 rushing yards. … Jacobs' 201 points scored is third in the FVC. … The Golden Eagles are No. 8 in the Class 7A poll.

Crystal Lake South (4-2, 4-2) at McHenry (2-4, 2-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: South defeated McHenry, 33-11, in Week 7 last season.

About the Gators: South defeated Crystal Lake Central 50-22 last week. … The Gators have scored 210 points, second-most in the FVC. … QB Caden Casimino has 1,669 yards passing and had 13 touchdowns with only two interceptions. … WR Michael Prokos has 40 catches. WRs Brady Schroeder (19) and Colton Hess (17) and RB Nate Van Witzenburg (17) are his other top targets. Van Witzenburg has 848 yards rushing. … South needs one more win to become playoff eligible and finishes with two 5-1 teams, Prairie Ridge and Huntley.

About the Warriors: McHenry defeated Dundee-Crown 31-12 last week. … The Warriors have won two consecutive games and are still within reach of five wins to become playoff-eligible. … QB Dom Caruso has thrown for 1,276 yards,

Dundee-Crown (2-4, 2-4) at Prairie Ridge (5-1, 5-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: Prairie Ridge defeated Dundee-Crown 49-7 in Week 7 last season.

About the Chargers: D-C lost to McHenry 31-12 last week. … The Chargers have lost two in a row after winning two straight. … QB Zach Randl is completing 67.1% of his passes and has thrown for 1,176 yards with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. … WRs Anthony Aguilar (34 receptions), Kali Freeman (20) and Terrion Bell (18) are the top receivers. Freeman has five touchdown catches.

About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge defeated Hampshire 62-34 last week. … QB Tyler Vasey had his biggest game yet with 317 rushing yards to up his total to 1,486 yards. … FB Nathan Greetham has rushed for 761 yards and nine touchdowns. … Prairie Ridge is No. 4 in the Class 6A poll.

Burlington Central (2-4, 2-4) at Crystal Lake Central (2-4, 2-4)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: Crystal Lake Central defeated Burlington Central 28-16 in Week 7 last season.

About the Rockets: Burlington Central lost to Jacobs 35-30 last week. … The Rockets have only been out of one game, a 63-28 loss to Prairie Ridge. … QB Jackson Alcorn left last week with an injury and was replaced by Ryder Bergemann, who ran and passed for one touchdown each. … WR Michael Person leads the Rockets with 19 receptions, Caden West has 14 and LJ Kerr has 13.

About the Tigers: Crystal Lake Central lost to Crystal Lake South 50-22 last week. That ended the Tigers' two-game winning streak. … RB Vince Honer leads Crystal Lake Central with 507 yards rushing.

Hampshire (0-6, 0-6) at Huntley (5-1, 5-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: Hampshire defeated Huntley 15-7 in Week 7 last season.

About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire lost to Prairie Ridge 62-34 last week. … RB Cole Klawikowski has 1,114 yards. … QB Luke Lacke completed 17-of-29 passes last week for 228 yards, which doubled his passing total for the season. He is now at 452. TD Gage Homola caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

About the Red Raiders: Huntley defeated Cary-Grove 17-14 last week. … The Red Raiders have allowed 111 points, the least in the FVC. They have given up a combined 41 in their last three games. … RB Haiden Janke has rushed for 766 yards.

Geneva (5-1, 3-1) at Batavia (4-2, 3-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: Batavia 35, Geneva 0 (2021)

About the Bulldogs: Batavia's train is full steam ahead. The defense has given up a combined six points over the last three weeks. This is a rivalry that's been one-sided for the last decade. Geneva has gone scoreless in the last five meetings and the Bulldogs have not lost to Geneva under coach Dennis Piron. Tyler Jansey (12 tackles last week), Ryan Whitwell (192 rushing yards last week) and others are seemingly playing some of their best football.

About the Vikings: One can cite 'any given Friday' but this matchup is one Geneva hasn't been overly competitive in the last five years or so. This year's Vikings, however, are quite potent offensively and put on another strong performance against St. Charles East last week. Expect wideout Talyn Taylor to be double covered wherever he lines up, so this should open up for others to make spark plays. Geneva should make this a competitive contest.

St. Charles East (2-4, 0-4) at St. Charles North (5-1, 4-0)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: St. Charles North 37, St. Charles East 0 (2021)

About the Saints: St. Charles East has to win out to have a chance at the postseason. Uncertain is the status of starting quarterback Lane Robinson, who suffered a separated shoulder two weeks ago, but handled kick return and other areas last week. Mac Paul battled in his starting debut, but the Saints struggled a lot on both sides of the ball in a lopsided loss to Geneva last week.

About the North Stars: Across town, the North Stars, with a win, will clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2018. St. Charles North is playing its best football to date and that credit spreads across each unit. Drew Surges earns his headlines as arguably one of the top players in Northern Illinois and will have opportunities for more against the Saints' front seven.

Marmion (2-4, 0-2) at Carmel (4-2, 1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: Marmion 49, Carmel 14 (2021)

About the Cadets: Marmion has struggled in a number of areas in recent weeks. Last week, it mustered 14 rushing yards in a loss to Fenwick. Third down (1 of 10) and losing the turnover battle (1-0) are other aspects contributing to a tough stretch.

About the Corsairs: Carmel has dropped its last two games after beginning the season 4-0. St. Patrick's Trevor Wozny ran wild for 203 yards and two rushing scores last week. However, the Corsairs had some sparks of their own in the near comeback: Jonathon Weber (236 passing yards) and wideout Torey French (six receptions, 123 yards).

Kaneland (3-3, 2-2) at Marengo (3-3)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Last matchup: Kaneland 32, Marengo 20 (2001)

About the Knights: The Knights hung with Sycamore for a half before falling 28-7. And despite falling to 3-3. coach Pat Ryan said he's very optimistic about a season that includes losses to Sycamore, Morris and Geneva.

"It was a tough loss this past Friday, and there are things we need to work on to get better," Ryan said. "But I still feel like we're a good football team. Our three losses are to teams that have a combined 16-2 record. We're playing a good team in Marengo on Friday night and I feel like we need to get a win."

Ryan said he's happy with the continued development of the ground attack, featuring backs Tyler Bradshaw, Chris Ruchaj and Josh Mauthe. And the passing game remains capable of a big strike, with Troyer Carlson finding Johnny Spalasso early for a big score against Sycamore.

About the Indians: Marengo lost to Rochelle 48-27 last week. The Indians played with Rochelle for the first half, but could not keep pace in the second. QB Josh Holst has thrown for 1,227 yards with 15 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Other Friday Fox Valley Games

Aurora Central Catholic (1-5) at Chicago Christian (2-4), 7:15 p.m.

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