Chicago-Area High School Football News and Scores | Season Pass

FRIDAY'S GAMES

AURORA CENTRAL (1-1, 3-1) at ST. EDWARD (0-2, 1-3)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: ACC 59, Chicago Christian 19; Immaculate Conception 49, St. Edward 22.
Outlook: The playoff-hungry Chargers can go a long way toward securing their first postseason berth since 1997 with a win in this one.

BATAVIA (2-0, 4-0) at LAKE PARK (1-1, 2-2)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Batavia 33, Streamwood 0; Waubonsie Valley 49, Lake Park 28.
Outlook: Crossover game should be beneficial for the No. 16 Bulldogs, who have been rolling. The Lancer passing attack will test Dennis Piron’s secondary.

COAL CITY (2-0, 4-0) at SANDWICH (2-0, 3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Coal City 31, Herscher 10; Sandwich 43, Manteno 42, OT.
Outlook: Must-win for either team if it wants to claim the I-8 Large title? You bet. The Coalers return eight defensive starters, three who are three-year starters, notes Sandwich coach Dusty Behringer. “We have to know where (LB) Nate Natyshok and (CB) Michael Czaja are on the field,” the coach said.

EAST AURORA (0-2, 0-4) at NEUQUA VALLEY (1-0, 4-0)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: South Elgin 41, East Aurora 6; Neuqua Valley 34, St. Charles East 0.
Outlook: The Wildcats, ranked 10th in the Sun-Times Super 25, begin a stretch of three straight games with UEC Valley Aurora schools that culminates with a Week 7 date at North Central College against district rival Waubonsie Valley in what could be a battle of unbeatens.

GENEVA (1-1, 1-3) at ST. CHARLES NORTH (1-1, 1-3)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Geneva 56, Larkin 23; St. Charles North 49, Elgin 0.
Outlook: The Vikings lost first three games and starting QB to injury, forcing Rob Wicinski to turn to a freshman caretaker last week. In spite of those factors, Geneva still has a shot at running the table and clinching a playoff berth, considering next five foes are a combined 5-15.

GENOA-KINGSTON (2-2) at BURLINGTON CENTRAL (3-1)
When: 7 p.m.
Last year: Burlington Central 33, Genoa-Kingston 0
Notes: Genoa-Kingston followed its Week 3 upset win against Richmond-Burton with a 37-7 victory against Rockford Christian last week. The Cogs forced two turnovers and scored five touchdowns in the first half of the triumph. QB Adam Price leads the offense for Genoa-Kingston.

GLENBARD NORTH (2-0, 3-1) at WEST AURORA (0-2, 1-3)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Naperville Central 42, West Aurora 7; Glenbard North 53, Glenbard East 14.
Outlook: Junior RB Justin Jackson heads the Panthers’ big-play offense, according to West coach Nate Eimer, who is also wary of North’s QB Brian Murphy — who is headed to Michigan on a wrestling scholarship. “(Murphy) has become a lot better. He’s made some big-time throws on the tape we’ve seen,” Eimer said.

GRAYSLAKE NORTH (3-1) at HAMPSHIRE (2-2)
When: 7:15 p.m.
Last year: Grayslake North 49, Hampshire 22
Notes: Grayslake North is riding a three-game winning streak after knocking off Johnsburg 41-7 last week. Senior QB AJ Fish has thrown for 894 yards and run for 662 yards to pace a high-powered Knights offense that is averaging 43.3 points per game. Grayslake North is seeking its first trip to the playoffs in its seven-year varsity history.

HINSDALE CENTRAL (3-1, 1-1) at LYONS (2-2, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., HighSchoolCube.com.
Outlook: Both teams have lost to No. 3 Glenbard West, but No. 11 Hinsdale Central put up a much tougher fight in last week’s 28-23 defeat. QB Brian Owens and WR Ian Bunting are big-time playmakers for the Red Devils. Getting touches for Northwestern-bound Matt Harris is top priority for Lyons, which rebounded from a 49-7 Week 3 loss to Glenbard West by blanking previously unbeaten Downers Grove North 31-0 last week.

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (3-1, 1-1) at BOLINGBROOK(4-0, 2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Outlook: Defending Class 8A champ and second-ranked Bolingbrook hasn’t been challenged yet this season, thanks to an offense that has multiple options including the running and throwing of QB Aaron Bailey and the running of RB Omar Stover. No. 19 H-F will try to bounce back after falling 35-20 at No. 5 Lincoln-Way East last week. QB Ron Johnson (589 yards, eight passing TDs) and RB Taje Smith (463 yards, four TDs) are go-to players for the Vikings.

JACOBS (3-1) at CARY-GROVE (4-0)
When: 7:15 p.m.
Last year: Jacobs 28, Cary-Grove 20
Notes: Jacobs scored the game-winning points on RB Steven Varela’s fourth touchdown of the night with 1:36 remaining to secure a 49-42 win against McHenry last week. Varela has 412 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns on the season. The Golden Eagles will be without injured senior LT Chuck Bilgrien for a second straight week.

JOLIET CATHOLIC (3-1, 2-0) at MARIST (4-0, 2-0)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Joliet Catholic 34, Nazareth 33 (OT); Marist 42, St. Patrick 21.
The breakdown: Marist won the East Suburban Catholic shootout over Joliet Catholic 56-51 last year, the Hilltoppers won 49-42 in 2010 and more fireworks are brewing. Joliet Catholic counts on the improved health of WB Ty Isaac (272 rushing yards) and the passing of QB Craig Slowik (33-of-63, 554 yards). Marist features QB Ian Woodworth (99-for-166, 960 yards), WR Nic Weishar (33 catches, 421 yards) and RB Peter Andreotti (75 carries, 498 yards).

KANELAND (0-0, 4-0) at ROCHELLE (0-0, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Kaneland 41, Streator 0; Rochelle 47, Sterling 21.
Outlook: The Knights head into conference play with back-to-back shutouts.

LEMONT (4-0, 1-0) at OAK FOREST (4-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Lemont 31, Tinley Park 24; Oak Forest 45, Shepard 21
The breakdown: Oak Forest is 1-6 since 2006 in head-to-head match-ups against Lemont. Can the Bengals turn the tide? To do so, they must put the brakes on the Indians’ running attack, led by Christos Giatras (423 yards, 8 TDs). Oak Forest’s Nick Ciufia (301 yards rushing, 9 TDs) has been dynamite at QB since taking over for the injured Tom Zale at halftime of Week 2. Zale, however, could return here.battle, limit penalties and prevent Tigers QB Ashton McCullough and WR/RBs Korey Rogers and Kameron Hargrove from breaking big plays.carries, 498 yards).

LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL (1-3, 0-2) at LOCKPORT (1-3, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Sandburg 7, Lincoln-Way Central 3; Lockport 22, Joliet Central 14
The breakdown: Central has been playing in tough luck, dropping decisions of 21-17 to Homewood-Flossmoor and 7-3 to Sandburg in the last two SouthWest Suburban Blue battles. The Knights’ Kyle Waytek (476 yards) is among the area rushing leaders. Lockport will attempt to build off the ball-control second half it used last week to beat Joliet Central.

LINCOLN-WAY EAST (4-0, 2-0) at SANDBURG (4-0, 2-0)
When: 7:15 p.m.
Last week: Lincoln-Way East 35, H-F 20; Sandburg 7, Lincoln-Way Central 3
The breakdown: The Griffins’ mode of attack on offense is pretty simple: As QB Tom Fuessel goes, so go the Griffins. But stopping the fleet-footed, elusive Fuessel (326 yards rushing, 9.6 yards per carry) is easier said than done. RB Nick Colangelo (303 yards) and WR Justin Corbett are other options for East. Sandburg has played musical chairs at QB. However, it appears Sean Leland will take the snaps here. RB LeMonte Booker has rushed for 582 yards, averaging more than 11 yards per carry.is among the area rushing leaders. Lockport will attempt to build off the ball-control second half it used last week to beat Joliet Central.

MARMION (1-1, 1-3) at MONTINI (2-0, 3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Marian 34, Marmion 7; Montini 28, St. Francis 7.
Outlook: The road doesn’t get any easier for the Cadets, traveling to Lombard to face the defending 5A state champs, who are ranked ninth in the Sun-Times Super 25.

MOOSEHEART (4-0, 4-0) at OTTAWA MARQUETTE (4-0, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Mooseheart 33, Christian Liberty Academy 22; Ottawa Marquette 41, Hope Academy 0.
Outlook: The Ramblers take a 13-game regular season win streak into what looks to be the conference championship game between the only remaining undefeated teams, who have no common opponents. “Their defense is good and something that we will need to be patient with,” said Mooseheart coach Gary Urwiler. “I am relying on our speed to offset their size. They will try to keep our defense on the field.”

MOUNT CARMEL (4-0, 0-0) at BROTHER RICE (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7:30 p.m., HighSchoolCube.com.
Outlook: No. 4 Mount Carmel’s option attack is running as smoothly as ever with QB Don Butkus (563 total yards, seven TDs) at the controls. RB Matt Domer has rushed for 478 yards (14.1 per carry) and eight TDs, while DL Steven Richardson has been a disruptive force on defense for the Caravan  with seven tackles for loss. No. 22 Brother Rice is coming off a win at St. Rita in which QB Matt Page (1,257 yards, 13 TDs) threw for more than 400 yards.

NEW TRIER (2-2) at MAINE SOUTH (4-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Outlook: Top-ranked Maine South opens Central Suburban South play looking to extend its 55-0 conference record under 12th-year head coach David Inserra. Northwestern-bound quarterback Matt Alviti has had just one real test this year, a 19-13 Week 2 victory at Wheaton Warrenville South. New Trier may be without quarterback Frank Nicholas because of injury; if that’s the case, Nick Hendricks and Michael Welch will likely split time running the show for the Trevians.

OSWEGO (2-0, 3-1) at OSWEGO EAST (1-1, 3-1)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Oswego 41, Romeoville 0; Oswego East 32, Plainfield South 27.
Outlook: The Wolves came close to beating Panthers for first time in seven tries last year and should challenge again with new coach Tyson LeBlanc’s spread offense. Oswego’s defense, though, looks awful tough lately.

PLAINFIELD NORTH (3-1, 2-0) at PLAINFIELD CENTRAL (3-1, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Plainfield North 28, Plainfield East 14; Minooka 45, Plainfield Central 14
The breakdown: Plainfield Central had difficulty handling Minooka’s rushing attack and now the Wildcats will be challenged by Plainfield North’s Jay Roberts, who went for 221 yards in last week’s Southwest Prairie win over Plainfield East. Central RBs Jordan Ellingwood (305 yards) and Gino Giarratano (196) could cause problems for North’s defense. The Tigers won last year’s match-up 35-28.

PLAINFIELD SOUTH (1-3, 0-2) at ROMEOVILLE (0-4, 0-2)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Oswego East 32, Plainfield South 27; Oswego 41, Romeoville 0
The breakdown: Romeoville has scored 10 points all season and has allowed 42 per game, so the only place for the Spartans to go is up. However, Southwest Prairie foe Plainfield South also is in desperate need of a victory after dropping its first two league games. The Cougars won last year’s contest 34-14.

PLANO (1-1, 3-1) at HERSCHER (0-2, 1-3)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Plano 21, Peotone 20 OT; Coal City 31, Herscher 10.
Outlook: Jim Green and the Reapers likely won’t take the Tigers for granted, especially after long road trip. This will be another tough I-8 test.

RICHARDS (3-1, 2-0) at OAK LAWN (1-3, 1-1)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Richards 55, Argo 14; Oak Lawn 35, Reavis 14
The breakdown: Oak Lawn picked up a much-needed win in Week 4 and with it, an uptick in confidence. To make it two wins a row, the Spartans will need to effectively run the ball, stay away from penalties and turnovers, and limit the Bulldogs’ big-play strikes. Richards has the two-headed monster of Tommy Mister and Hasan Muhammed-Rogers.

ST. RITA (2-2, 0-1) at PROVIDENCE (3-1, 0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Me-TV
Last week: Brother Rice 23, St. Rita 21; Loyola 41, Providence 21
The breakdown: Providence, which lost 19-0 to Catholic Blue foe St. Rita last year, has weapons in RBs Chad Weaver (288 yards, 3 TDs) and Brandon Price (262 yards, 4 TDs) along with QB Dominic Lagone (32-of-54, 413 yards; 165 rushing yards) and WR Miles Boykin (5 catches, 118 yards). St. Rita QB John Kelley (41-of-84, 594 yards) and RB Tim Lombard were injured last week and are questionable.

ST. FRANCIS (1-1, 3-1) at AURORA CHRISTIAN (2-0, 4-0)
When: 7 p.m.
Last week: Montini 28, St. Francis 7; Aurora Christian 55, Wheaton Academy 7.
Outlook: The Eagles are outscoring opponents 50.3 to 4.3 but face a much tougher test in the Spartans, who made a long run in last year’s 5A playoffs and should do so again.

STREAMWOOD (1-3) at LARKIN (2-2)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Streamwood 22, Larkin 12
Notes: Streamwood’s losing streak reached three when it was shut out for the second game in a row in last week’s 33-0 loss at Batavia. Junior QB Mason Polich took over as the starter for the Sabres in Week 3, and the Wheaton Warrenville South transfer has thrown for 348 yards and a touchdown to go along with six interceptions. Larkin coach Mike Scianna played football at Streamwood in the 1980s, and among his teammates were the fathers of Polich and current Sabres DB Austin Mugnai.

WAUBONSIE VALLEY (1-0, 4-0) at BARTLETT (2-0, 3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Waubonsie Valley 49, Lake Park 28; Bartlett 47, Metea Valley 27.
Outlook: “We know we’ve got a tough opponent coming up (in defending conference champ) Bartlett,” said Paul Murphy, coach of the No. 15 Warriors. “They kicked our butts last year (27-20) and they’re gonna be physical. It’s at their place and that’s a whole new animal we gotta go against, and it’s gonna be a war.”

YORKVILLE (0-0, 3-1) at MORRIS (0-0, 4-0)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Yorkville 35, LaSalle-Peru 6; Morris 56, Dixon 6.
Outlook: The host Redskins and their three Division I recruits are one of four Northern Illinois Big 12 East teams that have opened the season 4-0.


SATURDAY’S GAMES

JOLIET CENTRAL (0-4, 0-2) at JOLIET WEST (1-3, 0-2)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Last week: Lockport 22, Joliet Central 14; Bolingbrook 44, Joliet West 12
The breakdown: Joliet West prevailed 21-0 in last year’s SouthWest Suburban Blue match-up. For Joliet Central to earn its first victory since the return to separate programs in 2010, the Steelmen must win the turnover battle, limit penalties and prevent Tigers QB Ashton McCullough and WR/RBs Korey Rogers and Kameron Hargrove from breaking big plays.

METEA VALLEY (0-2, 1-3) at SOUTH ELGIN (1-1, 2-2)
When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday
Last week: Bartlett 47, Metea Valley 27; South Elgin 41, East Aurora 6.
Outlook: The Mustangs were hanging with tough Bartlett team last week, trailing 12-10 at half but committed three of their four turnovers in second half, including an interception returned for a TD. The Hawks also returned the third quarter kickoff for a score.

ST. CHARLES EAST (2-2) at ELGIN (0-4)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Last year: St. Charles East 10, Elgin 0
Notes: St. Charles East couldn’t keep pace with state-ranked Neuqua Valley in last week’s 34-0 loss. Junior WR Brannon Barry had 10 receptions in the defeat and has 284 receiving yards for the season. Junior RB Erik Anderson could return from a shoulder injury that sidelined him the past few games, but the Saints will be without OL Sam Malone, who is also dealing with a shoulder injury.