No. 11 Naperville Central (4-1, 1-0) vs. Naperville North (2-3, 0-1) at North Central, 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last year: Naperville Central 39, Naperville North 17.
Key players: Naperville Central — WR/DB Michael Kolzow, DL Joe Schweikart; Naperville North — QB Evan Kujawski, WR/QB Chris Gajcak.
Outlook: Naperville Central has won four in a row. Naperville North has lost three in a row. The teams are heading in different directions but both will be at North Central for the annual DVC rivalry game. The Redhawks haven’t been dominant the past two weeks, getting a last-second field goal to beat Wheaton Warrenville South and three interceptions for touchdowns to double up Glenbard North. The Panthers had good success running the ball, so that may be something the Huskies can do as well. The Huskies’ offense came to life last week with Kujawski taking over at quarterback and Gajcak moving to receiver in the second half. Perhaps such a change is the boost they need to get back on track.
Metea Valley (3-2, 2-1) at No. 7 Waubonsie Valley (5-0, 3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last year: Waubonsie Valley 55, Metea Valley 10.
Key players: Metea Valley — RB Bryson Oliver, LB Ben Belskis; Waubonsie Valley — QB Zack Bennema, RB Tony Durns.
Outlook: In case you don’t know by now, Metea has never beaten Waubonsie. The teams are only meeting, though, for the fifth time. When things have gone well for the Mustangs, Oliver has run wild. It’s unlikely the Warriors will allow Oliver to do so, although it should be fun to watch the lines work as both squads boast talent on each side. Mustangs quarterback Kyle Moody has thrown 10 TD passes and looks to challenge Waubonsie Valley’s secondary. No area team has a more talented rushing combo than the Warriors’ duo of Bennema and Durns. Belskis and the Mustangs’ defense will have a find a way to slow them down. The Warriors are coming off an overtime win at Glenbard East.
Neuqua Valley (3-2, 3-0) at West Aurora (1-4, 1-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last year: Did not play
Key players: Neuqua Valley — QB Broc Rutter, WR Isaiah Robertson; West Aurora — RB Drake Spears, QB Johnathan Doyle.
Outlook: Neuqua Valley scored a school-record 69 points in last week’s win against East Aurora, and now faces West Aurora team that is allowing an average of 44 points in the Upstate Eight Valley. The Blackhawks are coming off a huge victory as they broke a 12-game losing streak in beating Bartlett last Friday. They now have some confidence. After a sluggish start, the Wildcats are clicking offensively while their defense continues to play well. A victory would be their fourth straight.
No. 10 Nazareth (5-0, 3-0) at Benet (4-1, 2-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last year: Nazareth 28, Benet 18.
Key players: Nazareth — RB/LB Nolan Dean, Decxavier Kelly-Martin; Benet — DL Jack Kelly, RB Brad Sznajder.
Outlook: Benet’s defense has stopped some teams this year, but its biggest challenge looms. It’s fitting that Nazareth’s nickname is the Roadrunners because they’ve run over all five opponents, outscoring them 255-92. They gained nearly 600 yards on offense against Marian Catholic last week. In addition to a huge defensive effort, Benet will need a nice combination of passing from Jack Sznajder, running from Brad Sznajder, as well as to avoid turnovers if it hopes to get back to its winning ways. Long, clock-eating possessions to keep the potent Nazareth offense on the sidelines would certainly help.
