Football previews: Week 9 in Cook. Co.

MID-SUBURBAN EAST

Prospect (4-4, 2-2) at Buffalo Grove (4-4, 3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last week: Prospect d. Elk Grove 28-0; BG d. Meadows 12-10

Outlook: Prospect-BG games have usually had big stakes this decade. This one is no exception with the winner likely headed to the playoffs and the loser headed home for the season. Plus BG has a shot to win at least a share of the MSL East title for the first time since 2002 and make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. "These (seniors) as freshmen didn't have an overabundant amount of success," said retiring BG coach Rich Roberts. "To see these kids be in the position we're in right now with an opportunity, I give them a lot of credit." Particularly for the way QB John Bakun, RB Josh Hampton (138 yards), OL Marc Damisch, DE Alan Baxter, CB Fred Cornely and Sean McCourt and crew played in upsetting Meadows last week. "They played very well … much more aggressive than I've seen them," said Prospect coach Brent Pearlman. "They made huge plays and (Hampton) was hitting seams hard. And their quarterback has just gotten better and better." Prospect got Pat Mack back into the offensive attack last week as he rushed for 137 yards and 2 TDs and also did his part defensively as the Knights allowed only 145 yards. "They run as good on defense as they ever have," Roberts said. Prospect is trying to make the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years and its 42-10 win last year gave it an 11-10 series lead.

Elk Grove (1-7, 1-3) at Wheeling (5-3, 3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last week: Elk Grove lost to Prospect 28-0; Wheeling d. Hersey 35-5

Outlook: Wheeling could take two huge steps in its four-year progression -- clinch its first playoff berth since 1996 and a share of its first MSL division title since 1994. But the Wildcats can't look past an Elk Grove team that has played tougher than its record indicates and had success running the ball much of the year with QB Bryan Bathauer, RBs Kory Laga and Kevin McDonald and OL Eric Bergman. "We have to keep the same focus we've been on all year because they are good," said Wheeling coach Dave Dunbar. "They'll come in with two tight ends and say, 'Here we come,' and we have to be prepared to stop that game. They play aggressively and they play hard." And that's why Elk Grove coach Tom Whalen would like to see his seniors who have persevered get rewarded with a nice sendoff against his alma mater. "Our guys haven't backed down from any challenge and we've got another one this week," Whalen said. Particularly with the Wildcats' duo of QB Matt Holmes and WR James Kurtz, who hooked up for 4 TDs last week, and RBs Abel Rangel and Pat Splon. "They run the ball very well and they've got some big-play threats," Whalen said. "Defensively they get 11 men to the football and play well and play with emotion." Which figures to be at a high level as the Wildcats try to win their fourth straight. "We have to think about Elk Grove and not think about anything else," Dunbar said. Wheeling's 31-12 win last year gave it a 14-9 series lead.

Hersey (0-8, 0-4) at Rolling Meadows (7-1, 3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Robert A. Hoese Athletic Field

Last week: Hersey lost to Wheeling 35-5; Meadows lost to BG 12-10

Outlook: Rolling Meadows saw its seven-week ride atop the Class 7A state poll come to a crashing halt with its upset loss to BG. The Mustangs, who were outgained 276-136, will try to bounce back and clinch at least a share of its first MSL East title since it won back-to-back crowns in 1999 and 2000. Mikal Johnson's two-game athletic code suspension is over as the Mustangs, who committed 3 turnovers last week, now look to gear up for the playoffs. Hersey will try to avoid its first winless finish in an injury-filled season that took even crazier turns last week as top two QBs Steve Nelson (collarbone) and Scott Kinsel (neck) were knocked out and third-stringer Kevin Siwik came in and passed for 73 yards. Meadows won last year's meeting 14-13 in a series Hersey leads 15-7.

MID-SUBURBAN WEST

Barrington (4-4, 1-3) at Schaumburg (4-4, 2-2)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Gary Scholz Stadium

Last week: Barrington d. Conant 28-6; Schaumburg lost to Palatine 49-20

Outlook: With a win Schaumburg is in the postseason for the second straight year. With a win Barrington has to hope for some outside help to make the postseason for the sixth straight year. "What we control right now is trying to get this win and put ourselves in position and hopefully everything falls into place for us," said Barrington coach Joe Sanchez. The Broncos rebounded from consecutive losses as Sam Ojuri rushed for 170 yards and 3 TDs and QB Cody Seeger had 166 total yards. "Their speed is just ridiculous," said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling. "They've got speed to burn." Stilling hopes the Saxons can start the way they did against Fremd en route to a 14-12 halftime lead two weeks ago rather than last week when they were down 14-0 in the first quarter. "That's a mentality," Stilling said. "Physically I was pleased with our effort but mentally it just wasn't sufficient." Stilling said he expected Wednesday returns to practice by QB Cody Logsdon from a fourth-quarter achilles injury and WR Josh Spandiary from a sprained foot against Palatine. Senior RB Mick Trimarco and junior WR Anthony Ianotti are other threats the Broncos, who lost LB Cam Good (stress fracture in foot), must contend with. "They stretch you horizontally and vertically," Sanchez said. "That's where you have to be disciplined and sound and limit the number of big plays the get." Barrington's 28-27 win last year was its fifth straight in a series it leads 13-7.

Fremd (8-0, 4-0) at Conant (2-6, 1-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Charles O. Feutz Field

Last week: Fremd d. Hoffman 37-7; Conant lost to Barrington 28-6

Outlook: Fremd can join Palatine (1995-97) and Hoffman Estates (1992-94) as the only schools to win three straight outright MSL titles. The Vikings can also get their fifth straight outright or shared West title and finish the regular season 9-0 for the second time in three years and third time in their history. "It'll be the first time we're playing in slop and it's going to present a new challenge," said Fremd coach Mike Donatucci. "The kids have practiced pretty well (early this week) and I don't think they're taking anybody lightly. They also understand the difference between potential (first-round) games at 8-1 and 9-0." Donatucci actually didn't say much at halftime last week when Fremd led only 3-0. "We said, 'Here's what we have to do, change this, this and this,'" Donatucci said. "'We all know what we have to do and just go do it.'" Donatucci said the game will dictate how much DE Ben Perna, DB Jordan Koeppen and WR Andrew Corso play this week while DT John LaPointe is out (foot). Conant may be without C Craig Davies because of injury. "It's been one of those years for us … and that will hurt us a little bit," said Conant coach Bill Modelski. Fremd's 20-0 win last year was its third straight in a series Conant leads 13-10.

Hoffman Estates (2-6, 1-3) at Palatine (5-3, 3-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at Chic Anderson Stadium

Last week: Hoffman lost to Fremd 37-7; Palatine d. Schaumburg 49-20

Outlook: Palatine still has plenty to play for even though it has wrapped up its first playoff berth in 10 years. A win would put the Pirates at least second in the MSL West for their best finish since their last division title in 1997. And they're shooting for a better seed and more favorable first-round matchup. "I'd be surprised if there's any sort of letdown," said Palatine coach Tyler Donnelly. "They understand the importance of going to the playoffs with momentum." Palatine senior C Conor Hanley is out this week and had an MRI on his left knee Wednesday for a possible ACL tear but he could return. But the Pirates stormed to their second straight 400-yard game as Casey McCabe moved to C and Kevin Dann came in at T. "That's two weeks in a row they've been pretty much on and they're having fun right now," Donnelly said. But he knows the Hawks have been tough defensively led by junior LB Greg Carroll as they held Fremd to 3 first-half points. "We outplayed Fremd in the first half and it speaks volumes for where we've come," said Hoffman coach Bill Helzer. And Helzer hopes the Pirates' breakthrough after a 2-7 season is a barometer for his junior-laden team. "It's a good example for us because Palatine has really done a nice job," Helzer said. "Hopefully we've learned some valuable lessons this year so we don't do it again next year." Hoffman junior Justin Price has been cleared to play after he was stabilized on the field as an injury precaution last week. The Hawks won 35-21 last year but Palatine leads the series 10-9.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLD

Downers Grove South (8-0, 5-0) at Leyden (5-3, 4-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. today at West Campus, Northlake

Last week: Downers South d. Morton 58-20; Leyden d. Addison Trail 28-20

Outlook: Playing for a share of the West Suburban Gold title in the final game of the regular season wasn't something Leyden expected as it gears up for its first playoff trip since 1998. "If you told me we were going to play for the conference title at the beginning of the season, I don't know if I would have believed you or not," said Leyden coach Tom Cerasani. The Eagles shared the Gold title in 1998 with Downers South, which has clinched a share of its first division title since 2003. The Mustangs raced to a 42-6 lead last week with standouts Tyler West and Scottie Williams out with mild injuries and the first-team defense led by LBs Jared Culver, Sean Fancher and Dan Panozzo didn't allow any points. Sophomore QB Chandler Whitmer threw for 4 TDs. "They're pretty good at every aspect of the game," Cerasani said. He hopes the Eagles and standouts Josh Serrano, Tim O'Connell, Sam Cochiaro, Mike Uychoco and crew care rise up to it in what will be a preview of what they'll see in the playoffs. Ball-control will be crucial. "We're facing one of the best teams in the state, no doubt about it," Cerasani said. "It's a big challenge and a chance to get some respect around the area."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

St. Viator (4-4, 2-4) at Nazareth (5-3, 4-2)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Last week: St. Viator lost to Carmel 35-11; Nazareth d. St. Patrick 28-19

Outlook: Making a school-record fourth straight playoff appearance will probably require some things to happen out of Viator's control. What the Lions can control is sealing at least a fourth straight winning season -- but that won't be easy against a much-improved Nazareth team shooting for its first playoff appearance since 2001. Third-year coach Tim Racki, who won the first four of six straight titles at Driscoll, has turned the Roadrunners around and they could clinch at least a tie for third in the ESCC with Notre Dame with a victory. Curtis Cannon has scored 6 TDs the last two weeks and rushed for 63 yards and caught 5 passes for 43 yards against St. Patrick. Running-mate La Steven McKinney rushed for 99 yards against the Shamrocks and Phil Kaiser threw for 116 yards and 3 TDs. Injuries in the wrong places continued to hit the Lions QBs Dan Faerber (shoulder) and Eric Huber (concussion) went out last week and junior Julian Sipiora came in and ran for their only TD and threw a conversion pass to Richard McLoughlin. St. Viator's 49-19 win last year was its sixth in as many meetings against Nazareth.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

Deerfield (4-4, 2-2) at Maine West (1-7, 1-3)

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last week: Deerfield lost to Glenbrook North 41-6; Maine West lost to Highland Park 55-0

Outlook: Maine West is looking to end Chris Hare's first season as head coach on a high note and bounce back from last week's road loss in a season where it has had to battle adversity and injuries from this year's opening kickoff. Deerfield has lost two straight to CSL North champion Glenbrook North and Highland Park and needs a win and possibly some help to make the postseason. Junior QB Jason Hendel scored Deerfield's only TD last week and threw and rushed for 85 yards in a 33-14 loss the previous week. Deerfield's 42-7 win last year was its sixth in the last seventh meetings.