Illinois High School Football: Week 5 McHenry County Game of the Week

The Fox Valley Conference has produced some high-quality teams in recent years including the two teams playing in this week’s McHenry County Game of the Week as the 3-1 Jacobs Golden Eagles hit the road to face the 4-0 Cary-Grove Trojans.

The Golden Eagles put up 49 points last week against McHenry but it almost wasn’t enough in a 49-42 victory over McHenry. Steven Varela ran for over 170 yards and four touchdowns for Jacobs in keeping pace with McHenry. Jacobs put up over 330 rushing yards in the game and will need the running game to keep up their work because of the way Cary-Grove can also run the football. The efforts of quarterback Bret Mooney will be needed as well as a passing game may be able to get the Trojans out of sync on defense. Jacobs got a 28-20 win against Cary-Grove at home.

The Trojans hit the road and pounded Hampshire 49-13 as Kyle Norberg ran for over 140 yards and two first half touchdowns. Cary scored on their first six possessions in taking control of the game right from the opening whistle. Quinn Baker threw for over 100 yards on just six attempts along with over 85 yards rushing and two touchdowns of his own. C-G’s offense runs most effectively when the run is working with Norberg or Baker from the triple option. The Trojans have allowed just 22 points the last three weeks. If Norberg and Baker run the way they have in recent weeks, it could be a long night for Jacobs.

This is a game where getting to Cary early for kickoff may be important with the running games of these two squads. The Trojans will be looking to avenge last season’s defeat to Jacobs and could come out with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I see the Cary defense stepping up again and getting a win for the home team. I’ll take Cary-Grove 28-14.