Football previews: Northwest playoffs, Round 1
CLASS 8A
No. 15 Stevenson (5-4) at No. 2 Fremd (9-0)
When: 7 p.m. today at Hale Hildebrandt Field
Last week: Stevenson lost 35-27 to Warren; Fremd d. Conant 35-13
Playoff history: Both teams are on extended runs of appearances -- Stevenson at 19 and Fremd at a Mid-Suburban League record 13. This is their fourth postseason meeting - Fremd won 20-14 in last year's 8A second round and Stevenson won 25-21 in an 8A opener in 2004 and 18-13 in a 6A quarterfinal in 1996.
Outlook: Stevenson has been dreaming of another shot at Fremd after last year's loss when it was an inch away from the end zone and called for a fumble on third-and-goal late in the fourth quarter. "During our film session, there was a lot of talk about that," said Stevenson coach Bill Mitz. "We don't have a ton of kids who played in that game, but a lot of our guys obviously remember it. It's a fun place to play. The atmosphere is great and the fans really get into it." A twist in this year's matchup is Stevenson comes in with more passing yards from junior Zach Wujcik (1,567, 16 TDs, 9 INTs) than team rushing yards, but Fremd coach Mike Donatucci still plans to have his defense led by DE Ben Perna, DT John LaPointe, LBs Kevin Krieter and Nick Hillard and DBs Brian Hipchen and Mike Tauchman geared to stop the run from sophomore Mark Weisman (383 yards, 7 TDs), senior Kevin Moffat (283 yards, 5 TDs) and senior Geoffrey Matthews, who has been plagued by injuries. "With it on the line they went back to the run," Donatucci said of the Patriots' 51 rushing attempts last Friday. "Hopefully we can get them out of their three-back stuff." Stevenson is familiar with Fremd QB Mark Tolzien (1,427 yards, 14 TDs, 7 INTs) and top threats Michael Koeneman (42 catches, 558 yards, 6 TDs), Andrew Corso (24-318, 2 TDs) and Tauchman (24-249, 3 TDs). "We've really got to put a lot of pressure on him and go after him as much as much as we can," Mitz said. "We're going to have to play some solid coverage, too." Donatucci said Stevenson's defense, with standout LB Luc Peilet ready to go after rolling his ankle in last week's game, reminds him of Barrington this year. "They have the same kind of athletes who run pretty well," Donatucci said. Perna, who was in for about a dozen plays last week, is questionable with nagging shoulder trouble.
Advancement: The winner hosts No. 7 Loyola or travels to No. 10 Gurnee in the second round.
No. 9 Palatine (6-3) at No. 8 Lane Tech (7-2)
When: 7 p.m. today at Lane Stadium, Chicago
Last week: Palatine d. Hoffman Estates 52-21; Lane d. Dunbar 15-8
Playoff history: Palatine is making its first trip since 1997 when a 12-year postseason run ended with a 29-28 OT loss to Addison Trail in the 6A quarterfinals. The Pirates have only lost in the first round three times and beat Lane 19-18 in the 6A quarters in 1989. Lane is making its 11th straight trip and beat York in 2004 and Fremd in 2002 in first-round games.
Outlook: The Pirates power their way into Chicago on a 3-game winning streak where they rolled up 467 of their 573 yards on the ground last week. "If we can continue to play like we have we'll be a tough team to beat no matter who we play," said Palatine coach Tyler Donnelly. Dan Sutton (733 yards, 7 TDs), Chris Norman (563 yards, 3 TDs) and Tom Eanes (324 yards, 4 TDs) lead the double-wing attack with QB Matt Rossi (883 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs) and top targets Mookie Williams (24 catches, 381 yards, 7 TDs) and Nick Busch (33-299, 1 TD) providing balance against a Lane defense led by SS Erik Bartell and DL Louis Pasat-Trinca that had 5 shutouts in a 6-0 start but gave up 56 points in losses to Whitney Young and Curie to finish third in the Illini Red Bird division. "They seem to blitz quite a bit with their inside linebackers," Donnelly said. "Their linebackers run really well and we've got to make sure we get a helmet on those guys. But it's nothing we haven't seen in our conference." And as the Pirates have been piling up the yards, they've been stingy on the other side with DE Monroe Brooks and LBs Ryan Cortez and Ryan Hourigan and crew. Lane QB Frank Bougher (747 yards, 8 TDs, 5 INTs) has a variety of targets in Steve Guevara, James Glaesser and Brandon Bush and its top running backs are Rich Blackmon and Thaddeous Scott. Palatine C Conor Hanley is out again this week with torn cartilage -- but not an ACL - in his left knee but could be back next week if the Pirates win. Senior Casey McCabe has moved from T with no trouble. Now Donnelly hopes the Pirates handle a situation they haven't faced in 10 years against a Lane team accustomed to being here. "A big-time factor is we've been playing really well but it is a brand new thing," Donnelly said.
Advancement: If Palatine wins, it hosts No. 1 Mt. Carmel or No. 16 Leyden in the second round.
No. 16 Leyden (5-4) at No. 1 Mt. Carmel (9-0)
When: 4 p.m. today at Gately Stadium, Chicago
Last week: Leyden lost to Downers Grove South 31-7; Mt. Carmel d. Hales Franciscan 56-6
Playoff history: Leyden is making its fifth trip and first since 1998 when it beat Moline 37-7 in the 6A first round. Mt. Carmel has an 82-13 playoff record with 10 state titles and two of its four second-place finishes coming the last two years to Wheaton Warrenville South and Prospect. Its only first-round exit was 33-0 to Glenbard South in 2003.
Outlook: Leyden coach Tom Cerasani's mom suggested he pipe in the theme music from "Rocky" this week in preparation for meeting the 10-time state champions. "Obviously they're excellent in every aspect of the game," Cerasani said. "I think our kids believe in what we're doing and kind of like the role of the underdog." The Caravan, which has finished second the last two years in 8A and 7A, has beaten Joliet Catholic, St. Rita and Loyola in 2 OT behind Notre Dame-bound ILB Steven Filer (6-4, 220), Illinois-bound DE Glenn Foster (6-4, 225) and OLB Kyler Kopach on the defensive end. The Eagles hope to give Josh Serrano (1,307 yards, 12 TDs) as many carries as he can handle -- with a mix of passing from Tim O'Connell (843 yards) to WR Sam Cochiaro (23 catches, 594 yards, 8 TDs) -- to eat up plenty of clock. "To win this game we need to control the football," Cerasani said. "It's going to be a tall order for us." On the other side, Serrano, Adam Schammert, Mie Uychoco, Sergio Villaba and crew will have to be disciplined against Mt. Carmel's famed option attack with dangerous backs in Tim Brown, Edwin Williams, Denzell Thompson and Byron Standford . Junior QB Jordan Lynch is also a passing threat. "We have to play fundamental football and be able to change our fronts defensively to give them some surprises," Cerasani said.
Advancement: The winner hosts No. 8 Lane Tech or travels to No. 9 Palatine in the second round.
CLASS 7A
No. 12 Notre Dame (6-3) at No. 5 Rolling Meadows (8-1)
When: 7 p.m. Saturday at Robert A. Hoese Athletic Field
Last week: Notre Dame lost to Benet 3-0; Meadows d. Hersey 38-0
Playoff history: Notre Dame is making its ninth trip and finished second in 5A in 1989 under coach Mike Hennessey. The Dons lost 31-13 to Libertyville in the first round last year and their last first-round win was 14-3 over Champaign Centennial in 1997. Meadows is making its fifth straight trip and ninth overall and beat Libertyville in the second round last year en route to the 7A quarterfinals.
Outlook: Strength vs. strength as Notre Dame QB Zach Abraham, who has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards and 15 TDs, and WRs Ryan Irwin and Joe Gutierrez challenge Meadows' secondary of Stan Pheteau (5 INTs), Ty Kirk, Mick Viken and Kevin Serna. "Their quarterback is really accurate," said Meadows coach Doug Millsaps. "Their receivers run disciplined routes and catch about everything." But the Mustangs also figure to be a little quicker on defense with LB Joe Okon, Kirk, DT Paul Hames and versatile Trevor Fritz closer to 100 percent. LB Kelly Jauch, LB Mikal Johnson and DT Rick Brown will also be crucial to slowing the Dons, who trailed Joliet Catholic 20-13 in the third quarter of a 42-13 loss. "We can get to the quarterback, too," Millsaps said. "This is the best overall team speed we've had when we're healthy and playing hard." Notre Dame's defense is led by repeat all-East Suburban Catholic Conference picks DB Brendan Murray, who was one of three defensive players of the year, LB Bo Cisek and ESCC defensive lineman of the year Rick Szukala. "They put some pressure on you," Millsaps said. "They don't blitz a lot but when they do, they seem to get to the quarterback." Millsaps is hoping QB Ben Sabal (1,019 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INTs) is in better hands this week with his receiving crew led by Kirk (29 catches, 454 yards, 4 TDs) with Johnson (466 yards, 8 TDs) providing the balance. Hames' return also allows T.J. Kropp to play solely on offense up front. And Millsaps likes the renewed energy he's seen with the start of the postseason. "I'm excited," he said. "I really am."
Advancement: Rolling Meadows would travel to No. 13 Wheeling or No. 4 Lake Zurich; Notre Dame would host the winner in the second round.
No. 13 Wheeling (6-3) at No. 4 Lake Zurich (8-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. today at Mel Eide Field
Last week: Wheeling d. Elk Grove 38-20; Lake Zurich d. Mundelein 32-0
Playoff history: Wheeling is making its fifth appearance and first since 1996, when it lost 27-6 to Conant in the 6A first round. Its only playoff win was 36-20 over Hersey in 1994. Lake Zurich is making its sixth straight trip and 11th overall and finished second in 7A last year.
Outlook: Speed is a big reason Wheeling is making its first playoff trip since 1996. And the Wildcats will need it against a Lake Zurich team that sped all the way to Champaign a year ago and has allowed only 28 points since losing 27-20 to Fremd in the season opener. "They're very good," said Wheeling coach Dave Dunbar. "They've got a fast team and they're well-coached. It looks like they've kind of left off from where they were last year." But Wheeling has some dangerous threats to contend with in RBs Abel Rangel (639 yards, 7 TDs) and Pat Splon (297 yards), who had punt and kick return TDs last week, QB Matt Holmes (971 yards, 12 TDs, 3 INTs) and WR James Kurtz (49 catches, 768 yards, 11 TDs) to test the Bears' 3-5-3 anchored by LBs Jon Janus, Tyler LaFontaine and Brent Marks, NG John Brewer and Mike Dietrich and Kevin Johnson in the secondary. "I think that some people are underrating them -- not giving them as much credit as they deserve," said LZ coach Bryan Stortz. "They play in a tough league. If you look at their offense, they do some things we haven't seen very much, specifically their running game." The Wildcats also run a 3-5-3 with LBs Danny Vargas and Justin Arvidson and will get a boost with junior S Michael Zimmer's return this week. LZ's option offense is led by Janus (719 yards, 9 TDs), Dan Kalcsics (494 yards, 6 TDs) and Adam Simpson (491 yards, 9 TDs) with QB Bobby DeLeo (965 yards passing, 7 TDs, 1 INT) keeping defenses honest. "We have to make sure we get people to the ball," Dunbar said. "Janus is a good running back and they've got some other people helping him." A key for the Wildcats will be handling a tough atmosphere against a playoff-tested team. "We think it's a good matchup," Dunbar said. "Our kids are excited about playing and we have to do what we do and be disciplined in what we do to take away their speed."
Advancement: The winner hosts No. 5 Rolling Meadows or travels to No. 12 Notre Dame in the second round.
No. 16 Prospect (5-4) at No. 1 Rockford Boylan (9-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. today
Last week: Prospect d. Buffalo Grove 14-0; Boylan d. Machesney Park Harlem 48-6
Playoff history: Prospect has won three state titles en route to its seventh playoff trip in eight years. It lost to Lake Zurich in last year's 7A semis and its last first-round exit was in triple overtime at Bloomington in 5A in 2000. Boylan is making its third straight trip and 16th in the last 17 years and lost 24-20 to the quarterfinals last year to Lake Zurich.
Outlook: Usually the top seed has little reason to fear the 16th seed, but Boylan coach Dan Appino knows better about a Prospect team whose losses are by a total of 20 points to four playoff qualifiers. And the Knights' defense led by LB Pat Mack, DE Tim Scanlan, Mike Maratea and DB Patrick Ziegenfuss has been solid much of the year. "They're exceptional at bogging things own in the middle," Appino said, "and forcing teams to go to the edges. They really pursue well and hit you hard when they get hard." The question for the Knights will be who to hit in an equal-opportunity offense where no one has big numbers -- partly because most of the Titans' games have been over by halftime. They've alternated QBs Zach Lane (308 yards rushing, 7 TDs; 258 passing, 2 TDs) and Jacob Simonovich (490 passing, 3 TDs) on almost every play with RBs Mike Rush (535 yards, 4 TDs), Dan Dansdill (479 yards, 6 TDs) and Will Sahlstrom (441 yards, 5 TDs) doing the bulk of the damage on the ground. Five of Shane Zackery's 6 catches have gone for TDs. "Their personality is to run the football and when they need to, they'll look for a big play off the passing game," said Prospect coach Brent Pearlman. "It's not the biggest line, not like at Palatine, but they come off the ball and have kids run you off the field." Prospect's offense has gotten a big boost the last two weeks with Mack (521 yards, 5 TDs) making QB Miles Osei (352 yards, 7 TDs) a more dangerous running threat against Boylan's defense led by MLB Patrick Appino, DT Colin McGuire and Dandsill and SS Nate Hilby in the secondary. "They run the ball so well out of the spread, which we just don't see around here," Dan Appino said. "Our kids have to do a real good job of being physical up front and being in the right spot and tackling in the open field." Pearlman hopes the Knights can hang on to the ball and avoid penalties to put Boylan in a relatively unfamiliar position of a close game. "We're very confident in our defense," Pearlman said, "but offensively we have to play."
Advancement: The winner hosts No. 8 Rockton Hononegah or travels to No. 9 Rockford Guilford in the second round.