Scouting Week 5 in the Fox Valley area

Hampshire (3-1) at North Boone (1-3)

When: 7 p.m. today at Pine Tree Field

Last week: Hampshire 47, Rockford Lutheran 14; Genoa-Kingston 42, North Boone 7

Last year: Hampshire 42, North Boone 6

Outlook: Hampshire was not challenged in its final Big Northern Conference crossover game last week. The Whips decimated Rockford Lutheran in taking a 47-0 lead at halftime. Hampshire quarterback Trace Teboda enjoyed a big game. The senior rushed for 2 touchdowns, threw a 45-yard pass to tight end T.J. Burzak for another score and returned an interception 35 yards for a defensive touchdown. Among area pass catchers Burzak ranks sixth in yardage (261) seventh in receptions (13) and is tied for second in touchdown catches (5). Like Rockford Lutheran last week, North Boone runs a spread offense and likes to throw the ball around. "Their quarterback (Josh Doetsch) is back and he was a good runner last year," Hampshire coach Dan Cavanaugh said. And their running game can cause you some problems. They'll spread you out and try to get their running back out in the open field. They're similar to Rockford Lutheran, but they have a few more weapons." This is the first game of East Division play within the Big Northern Conference, a division in which the Whip-Purs need to demonstrate physicality to win. "We got a little more physical last week and we have to be," Cavanaugh said. "We knew coming in we'd have lots of juniors playing, especially on the lines. Then we lost our starting center (Luke Meyer) and it has been a real challenge for our guys to step up. They did a real nice job last week and I'm happy with the progress, but we still have a long way to go, fundamentally." A Hampshire defensive goal for this game is to eliminate the big play. A key figure could be Hampshire defensive back James Goebbert, who already has 3 interceptions this season.

Prairie Ridge (4-0) at Crystal Lake Central (3-1)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Owen Metcalf Field

Last week: Prairie Ridge 56, Dundee-Crown 10; Woodstock 42, Crystal Lake Central 21

Last year: Prairie Ridge 28, Crystal Lake Central 25

Outlook: To stop CL Central fullback Anthony DeGani, a junior with 569 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, the Prairie Ridge defense must honor its assignments. "We just have to make sure he doesn't get some really big plays," Wolves coach Chris Schremp said. "He'll try to stick it up the middle then suddenly bounce it outside. We have to keep him from doing that. The fullback trap up the middle is his favorite play, so it's a matter of keeping him under wraps with several defenders running to the football. We have to gang tackle and get our guys to play their gaps. Our guys can't be guessing where the ball is." The Wolves also can't overlook Central running back Anthony Niemo, who has rushed for 488 yards and 4 touchdowns. Prairie Ridge running back Sam Campbell continues to enjoy a productive senior season. The leading scorer in the area has 9 rushing touchdowns and 2 receiving. A 2-point conversion gives him 70 points through four games. Campbell has rushed for 423 yards in 56 attempts for an average of 7.5 yards per carry. Junior quarterback Bryan Bradshaw has completed 35-of-60 passes (58.3 percent) for 601 yards and 2 touchdowns. Both teams went 4-1 to finish atop the Fox Division last season and each made the playoffs. Prairie Ridge is No. 7 in Class 6A, according to the Associated Press. The Wolves have outscored their opponents 145-57 this season. The Tigers have scored 118 points and allowed 112. CL Central's game last week against Woodstock could have easily gone the other way had the Tigers connected with open receivers in the first half, Schremp said. The Wolves are still without wingback Cam Elkins, but junior Todd Budy "is in there doing phenomenal," Schremp said.

Huntley (1-3) at Grayslake North (0-4)

When: 7:45 p.m. today

Last week: Cary-Grove 37, Huntley 7; Crystal Lake South 46, Grayslake North 0

Last year: Huntley 38, Grayslake North 7

Outlook: A record of 1-3 heading into Fox Division play was not what the Red Raiders envisioned prior to the season. "It's been tough, no question," said Huntley coach Steve Graves. "Our expectations were very high and we didn't expect to be where we're at at this point. But we have kids with very good character. I think they're resilient enough and understand what it means to be persistent, so I'd be surprised if they don't respond." Huntley expected to be able to throw the ball better than it has, but has been forced to rely on the running game with an assortment of backs spreading the workload, including senior Austin Drougas (32 carries, 248 yards, 2 TDs), Jordan Neukirch (35-187, 2 TDs) and quarterback Casey Popenfoose (52-187, 3 TDs). The Knights are still looking for the first win in school history in their second season as a varsity program. Grayslake North mustered just 6 first downs, 9 yards rushing and 82 yards last week against Crystal Lake South. The Knights will likely try to get running back Xeryus Ivory more touches this week. Quarterback Nick Harrington could see more action as well. He completed 5-of-6 passes a week ago, though he was sacked three times. The Red Raiders can't afford a slip tonight against the Knights if they expect to make the playoffs. "It's a must win on their schedule also," Graves said. "I'm sure they have us circled on their schedule because they can't afford to lose again either. They have very, very good skill position kids and they run a two-platoon for the most part, so we probably won't wear them down. That could be a factor with the heat that's predicted." Temperatures should be in the low 80s by game time Friday, according to the National Weather Service, down from an expected high of 90 degrees.

Cary-Grove (3-1) at Jacobs (2-2)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Jacobs Athletic Field

Last week: Jacobs 35, Grayslake Central 0; Cary-Grove 37, Huntley 7

Last year: Cary-Grove 36, Jacobs 0

Outlook: Divisional play within the Fox Valley Conference gets started this week with a key Valley Division game between three-time defending champion Cary-Grove and the Golden Eagles. Cary-Grove has won five straight in this series, including a 36-0 win last year. Cary-Grove has a ball-hawking, speed-oriented defense led by middle linebacker Paul Rands, which last week held Huntley to 7 points. Sophomore strong safety Alex Hembrey has blazing speed, which makes him a player to watch both on special teams returns and his strong safety spot. Offensively, the Cary-Grove triple option offense is directed by senior A.J. Hoger, who has rushed 48 times for 260 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has also thrown 6 passes for scores, including touchdown strikes last week to Matt Nelsen and Dan McCall. "A.J. played outstanding and everything went right for us in that game that's for sure," said Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay. We're happy with our progression and we want to continue to improve." The anchor of Cary-Grove's offensive line, Division-I prospect Mike Yocius, is expected to be back in action after sitting out last week with an injury. However, rough-and-tumble fullback Nick Parfitt will sit this one out after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last Wednesday. Parfitt is likely to miss at least the next three weeks, according to Kay. Cary-Grove's defense has given up just 46 points all season. It will be tested by a Jacobs offense that scored 48 points in one half against Larkin in Week 2. Jacobs is led by the area's leading rusher, senior Darius Bowers, who has benefited all season long from solid blocking one of the area's biggest offensive lines. In four games Bowers has rushed for 665 yards and 10 touchdowns on 62 carries, an average of 10.7 yards per attempt for the Golden Eagles' featured back. "We haven't seen a runner make as many big plays as he has," Kay said. "I think he's certainly dangerous once he gets a crack of daylight." The Trojans can't focus solely on Bowers because running backs Bobby Molinaro, Jon Szalonek and Mike Pergola can also do damage. That trio has combined for 484 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns. Not to be overlooked is senior quarterback Kyle Magnuson. He has 222 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 36 carries. The Trojans get healthier on defense this week with the return of nose guard Noah Claridy (5-7, 173), who started at the nose last season as a sophomore. He missed the first four games with a cracked rib. "He makes a difference with the defense," Kay said.

Dundee-Crown (1-3) at McHenry (3-1)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at McCracken Field

Last week: Prairie Ridge 56, Dundee-Crown 10; McHenry 35, Johnsburg 14

Last year: McHenry 41, Dundee-Crown 20

Outlook: Another week, another game vs. a playoff team from a year ago. This season the Chargers play seven playoff teams from 2006, including McHenry, which has made the playoffs 19 seasons in a row. "It's a horrible schedule, but we have to be ready to go every week," D-C coach Mike Davis said. "As long as we keep playing hard, things will start bouncing our way. We have to eliminate our mistakes." Dundee-Crown traded punches with Prairie Ridge for a half last week before the No. 7-ranked team in Class 6A pulled away. D-C's 3 fumbles on kickoff returns didn't help. The Chargers can't afford those miscues against the Warriors, who are always on the playoff track. McHenry, however, has shown some vulnerability on the defensive side of the ball this season. The Warriors allowed 29 points in Week 1 against the spread passing attack of Larkin and 38 points in Week 3 against the balanced offense of Prairie Ridge. To win, Dundee-Crown must hold on to the ball and play mistake-free football. "I was disappointed with the way we collapsed with fumbles," Davis said in reference to the second half of the Prairie Ridge game. "I think we have the talent to win. We have to eliminate penalties and stupid turnovers. If we can do that, it will be OK. McHenry has a lot of speed on offense. Their quarterback (Tyler Marunde) plays pretty good ball and their defense is very aggressive. We've stressed this week that we have to be more physical against McHenry than we were last year. We're definitely more physical than we were then. I don't think anyone's really pushed us around like happened a couple times last year." Marunde has thrown for 520 yards and 8 touchdowns against 3 interceptions for McHenry while running back Mark Iglesia has carried the ball 53 times for 347 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Woodstock (3-1) at Crystal Lake South (4-0)

When: 7:45 p.m. today at Ken Bruhn Field

Last week: Crystal Lake South 46, Grayslake North 0; Woodstock 42, Crystal Lake Central 21

Last year: Crystal Lake South 27, Woodstock 0

Outlook: The Gators weren't tested by either of the Grayslakes the last two weeks; CL South beat Central and North by a combined score of 94-6. The road gets harder this week against a rejuvenated Woodstock team that is 3-1 for the first time since the Blue Streaks opened 4-1 in 2004. "They're a very solid football team," said Gators coach Jim Stuglis, who this week was named Chicago Bears high school coach of the week. "They are very balanced. Their offense, defense and special teams can all cause some problems. Our starters haven't played a full game in two weeks, but we definitely have to prepare for a good football team this week." The Gators get a lift from the return of sophomore running back Colin Masterson, who missed the last two games due to a code-of-conduct violation. Despite missing those two games Masterson still ranks seventh among area rushers with 366 yards. Woodstock has bounced back from a 1-8 season, in part, because it has better talent. With a year of experience under his belt, junior quarterback Derek Brown is 46 of 84 (55 percent) for 718 yards and 4 touchdowns. Running back Cole Freund is healthy this year after missing much of last season. The hard-working senior running back has 432 yards on over 100 carries. "He's a workhorse," Stuglis said of Freund. "And he gets better as the games go on, so we'll definitely have our work cut out for us." The Blue Streaks will have their work cut out for them against CL South's massive linemen. "When you look at their personnel, the first thing you notice is that their lightest offensive lineman is 205 pounds," said Woodstock coach Steve Beard. "There's not a weak spot in there. Flip to the defensive line and they can go 265, 255, 245 and 215. I just think that our quickness and team speed will keep us in the ballgame."

St. Edward (0-4, 0-2) at Marian Central (4-0, 2-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at George Harding Field

Last week: Immaculate Conception 21, St. Edward 20; Marian Central 35, Marmion 0

Last year: Marian Central 61, St. Edward 0

Outlook: It will be a monumental upset if St. Edward snaps its 24-game losing streak against the Hurricanes, the No. 1 team in Class 5A, but these hard-working players from St. Edwrd aren't as easy to knock off as they were a year ago. The Green Wave is winless, but three of those losses have come by 8 combined points. It would be very easy for Marian Central to look past this game based on last year's result alone. "I hope they look at last year's score and think this is last year's team," St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. "Our kids have confidence they can play with teams. The last couple of years it was more a deer-in-the-headlights thing, but now they know they're a good team. Our kids feel they can play with them. They still feel they haven't shown how good they are and they're smart enough to know we're better than our record shows. We've been one play away from beating three teams. We have to wear their big boys down and use our size and speed to our advantage." Wear Marian's big boys down? Consider this: Marian dressed 22 players last weekend at Marmion. St. Edward's roster consists of 26 players. However, none of those players is of the caliber of Marian offensive tackle Sean Cwynar (6-4, 284), who is verbally committed to Notre Dame. He paves the way for Marian running back T.J. Pappas, who has 272 yards and 4 touchdowns. Hurricanes quarterback Jon Budmayr will miss this game with an injury. His understudy is junior Andy Stochl, who presents his own problems. "In my opinion (Stochl) is a better runner than Budmayr," Rolando said. "And he can throw the ball 60 yards in the air."

Waubonsie Valley (2-2, 1-1) at Elgin (2-2, 0-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Memorial Field

Last week: South Elgin 49, Elgin 7; Waubonsie Valley 10, Neuqua Valley 6.

Last year: Waubonsie Valley 14, Elgin 7

Outlook: The Maroons have much to prove after missing out on their opportunity to go 3-1 last week. All things being equal there was still no guarantee Elgin could have beaten surging South Elgin last Friday, but suspension to four players, including quarterback Tom Roth and running back Kenny Williams, led to a deflating loss. On Monday the captains spoke at practice and the air was cleared. "We've moved past everything and everything is good," Elgin coach Tom Kim said on Tuesday. "We're focused on getting ready for Waubonsie Valley." Beating one of the Upstate Eight's upper-echelon teams won't be easy, but a win would go a long way toward the overall goal of playing football in Week 10. Waubonsie Valley presents a huge challenge. The Warriors' two losses are to Wheaton Warrenville South (ranked No. 4 in Class 8A) and St. Charles East (No. 10 in Class 7A). Last week Waubonsie knocked off district rival Neuqua Valley in a defensive battle, ending Neuqua's 26-game winning streak within the Upstate Eight. The Warriors won the turnover battle last week and the offensive line led tailback Kenny Harrington to 81 yards. The defensive line is headed by tackle Sherrod Stancil, who last week registered 7 tackles, a sack, 3 quarterback hurries and forced a fumble. "They're good, bit and more athletic than they were last year," Kim said. "We're going to see some good defenses the next few weeks in our conference, but Waubonsie Valley is No. 1 on our plate right now. I don't think their record is very indicative of how good they can be."

Bartlett (2-2, 1-1) at St. Charles North (2-2, 1-0)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at St. Charles North Athletic Stadium

Last week: Bartlett 35, Lake Park 0; St. Charles North 21, T.F. North 13

Last year: First meeting

Outlook: If ever the Hawks needed a win to preserve coach Tom Meaney's sanity, this is the week. The Meaney family lives within the St. Charles North school district and the coach's twin daughters attend St. Charles North, where they are cheerleaders. "It's their homecoming," Coach Meaney said. "The girls have been going around downtown St. Charles this week painting 'Kill the Hawks' on all the windows. When I come home they're yelling - beat the Hawks! I've got to shut them down a little bit." Bartlett shut down Lake Park last week for its first shutout of the season. They'll be tested by the North Stars, who have successfully run the ball for two consecutive weeks. Kyle Harmon has rushed for more than 100 yards in consecutive games and now has 32 rushes for 257 yards. Colton Hinrichs (26 rushes, 130 yards) and Nic Higgins (20 carries, 82 yards) have been also been strong recently for North, which will also look for big plays from receivers Jonathan DeMoss and Tim Ohlrich. In their first two losses, quarterback Nick Neari, Harmon, Higgins and Hinrichs combined for 52 rushes and only 103 yards, an average of less than 2 yards per carry. "It's picked up the last couple of games and we're happy about that," North Stars coach Mark Gould said. "We know it's not going to be easy down the road, but we thought we could do it and they've gotten more confidence which is good." Both teams use the double-wing offense and neither is afraid to throw the ball. Bartlett quarterback Josh Hasenberg has thrown for 871 yards and 5 touchdowns on 49-of-90 passing (54 percent). Last week he riddled Lake Park for 176 yards, including a 30-yard scoring strike to junior Cory Brown. Though the Hawks have been members of the Upstate Eight since 1998 and the North Stars since 2001, this is the first time the schools have ever played each other in football due to the 11-member UEC's rotating schedule.

Larkin (2-2, 2-0) at Neuqua Valley (1-3, 1-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Neuqua Valley High School

Last week: Larkin 46, East Aurora 14; Waubonsie Valley 10, Neuqua Valley 6

Last year: Neuqua Valley 41, Larkin 29

Outlook: Larkin has risen from the ashes. Few thought the Royals would be in playoff contention following an 0-2 start during which they surrendered 141 points. But wholesale defensive changes, which included a different scheme and personnel moves, stabilized the defense just enough to beat Bartlett and trounce East Aurora. Last week Larkin running back Dillon Smith got into the act, rushing for 217 yards and 4 touchdowns. But this team still revolves around its passing game with quarterback Cam Kinley (1,189 yards, 16 TDs) and receivers Nick Bee, Ryan Shriver and Jake Kane. The no-huddle Royals are matched this week by the no-huddle Wildcats, who saw their 26-game Upstate Eight Conference winning streak snapped last week by rival Waubonsie Valley. Neuqua Valley is 1-3 for the first time since 2001. Ill-timed penalties and 3 turnovers overshadowed a defensive effort, led by T.J. Jordan's 13 tackles, that held Waubonsie Valley to 148 yards. Tailback Anton Wilkins is running for 121 yards a game, but Neuqua's 12-point average is well shy of Larkin's 43.3. Still Larkin's defense is wary. "(Wilkins) is something," coach Dave Bierman said. "They run the inside-outside zone very well and, obviously, they have size. Their quarterback has very good mobility. We're going to have our hands full just because of the people they have. So, it's very important that everyone knows what they're doing and does they're assignment... Defensively, we have to keep improving." The Royals expect to see the blitz. "We've seen it before and the kids are used to it," Bierman said, "but it always concerns you when they bring pressure. But it will put pressure on their secondary. The whole mentality is that we want them to blitz us. Out of the gun (Kinley) has such good vision."

Streamwood (0-4, 0-2) at East Aurora (0-4, 0-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Roy E. Davis Field

Last week: Larkin 46, East Aurora 14; Streamwood 46, St. Charles East 0

Last year: Streamwood 57, East Aurora 6

Outlook: Two teams trying to stay out of the Upstate Eight Conference's cellar will meet tonight in what should be a competitive game. The Sabres and Tomcats have both been manhandled by their opponents this season. Streamwood has given up 163 points in four games (40.8 per game) and has not held any opponent below 34 points. Only East Aurora's defense has been easier to score against. The Tomcats have allowed 191 points for an average of 47.8 points per game.

Thornton Fractional South (3-1) at South Elgin (2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. at Millennium Field

Last week: South Elgin 49, Elgin 7; T.F. South 22, Rich South 8

Last year: First meeting

Outlook: Funny how football seasons evolve. Two weeks ago South Elgin was a varsity football program still seeking its first victory. Two weeks and 2 wins later, South Elgin is thinking playoffs. Winning this game could be precisely the springboard the Storm needs to make a serious run at postseason play. "We discussed that with the kids this week," said Storm coach Dale Schabert. "There's a lot at stake and they know it. We think we'll have enough playoff points if it's close, now we have to take care of our business." The Storm has taken care of business the past two weeks on both sides of the ball. The South Elgin defense has shown steady improvement in four weeks and has allowed just 7 points in the last two games against East Aurora and Elgin. The offense has also been sharp behind red-hot quarterback Pete Scaffidi, who has thrown for 8 touchdowns the last two weeks while rushing for 3 more. T.F. South has the best record of the five teams in the SICA's Eastern Division. Last week a 30-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Derek Dinino helped the Rebels upend Rich South. "We've seen them on film and they're big and athletic," Schabert said. "They have some nice size. But we're really focusing on what we need to do. We're trying to cut down on our mistakes."

Marengo (0-4) at Burlington Central (2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Hill, Burlington

Last week: Byron 33, Marengo 7; Oregon 14, Central 6

Last year: Central 27, Marengo 0

Outlook: The Rockets will look to rebound from last week's Big Northern crossover loss to Oregon. "Overall, we played pretty well, but we'd have a breakdown or one or two guys would miss an assignment, and that hurt us overall," said Central coach Aaron Wichman. "It was just little things. I thought we did a real good job stopping Oregon on first and second downs, and then when it was time for third down they would get 8 yards it seemed. We need to improve on third down and long distance situations. We've talked about turning up the intensity in those types of situations." Wichman applauded the play of Greg Dickson out of the backfield against Marengo. Wichman feels the start of East Division play comes at the right time. "The Big Northern has garnered a good reputation throughout the state," said Wichman. "We're the defending champions. We're looking forward to getting back on the field and proving we're a good football team." Wichman has been impressed with Marengo's progress. "They've got a new coach and a lot of enthusiasm," said Wichman. "We've seen a couple of different looks from them, so we'll be prepared." Marengo is under the direction of new coach Matt Lynch, a former Dundee-Crown standout who later played at Eastern Illinois. Lynch said his team must be ready for more than just a heavy dose of the run from Central. "We have to stop their whole running game," said Lynch. "And when they have you and lull you to sleep, they can pass the football too. They have a well-organized offense." Marengo has lost its last 23 games dating back to the end of the 2004 season. The Indians have been outscored 169-27 in the first four games this year. "We're building a program here," said Lynch. "We've got kids working hard who keep coming back to learn more. They want to get better and that's all you can ask for." Central finishes its home schedule next Friday against Richmond and then hits the road for the final 3 regular season games against North Boone, Hampshire and Harvard. Dickson, Dan Hagberg and Jason Wagner each have scored 4 touchdowns for the Rockets this season.