Game Preview: Lake Forest (2-4, 0-4) vs. Zion-Benton (3-3, 2-2)

The last month has been a struggle for the Lake Forest Scouts varsity football team. They have now faced off against the top four teams in the NSC and have failed to win any of the aforementioned contests, dropping their conference record to (0-4). During the Scouts’ four-game losing streak, they have scored a combined 17 points. Now, with a loss tonight, the Scouts would be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The Zion-Benton Zee-Bees have not been having the most productive season themselves as they currently sit at (2-2) in NSC play and (3-3) overall. Zion-Benton has suffered harsh defeats to Lake Zurich and Stevenson, just like the Scouts have. Lake Forest has a phenomenal chance ahead of them to bounce back tonight, and if they don’t, there will be no playoffs in 2017 for the Scouts.

Just like Lake Forest, Zion-Benton needs a few more wins to have a chance at making it to the IHSA playoffs, which will not be easy considering that they still have to play Warren and Libertyville. Nonetheless, they have nothing to lose in trying to ensure a spot in the playoffs. After a disappointing (3-6) season last year, Zee-Bees Head Coach Bob Moynihan has been hoping for a spark all season long that would get his team to at least .500. So far that hasn’t come fully into fruition yet, but their 31-0 shellacking of Waukegan on the road last weekend just might be the start. Zion-Benton has had some really good games this season, like when they shut out Mundelein 33-0 and blew out Vernon Hills by almost 50 points. On the other hand, they have showed a variety of weaknesses against teams such as Stevenson and Lake Zurich (losing by a combined 64 points), proving their overall inconsistency.

The biggest storyline regarding the Zee-Bees offense coming into the beginning of the season was how to replace their seven offensive seniors from a year ago. In some scenarios, it seemed like the players that stepped up to fill the roles of those who are now freshman in college were comfortable on the playing field, while in other cases it seemed like they were a bundle of nerves, resulting in a 41-0 loss to Hersey to start the season. Quarterback Jerome Crawford is one of those players who seems to be settling in at times. In some instances, Crawford has played so well that he has carried the Zee-Bees to a victory; but in other cases, like his game against Lake Zurich, he threw 4 interceptions, some of which led directly to scores for the Bears. With Scouts defenders like Chris Cavalaris and Alex Moss roaming behind the linebackers, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Scouts pick up more than one interception off of Crawford. One of the junior QB’s favorite targets is Tyler Geiman. The senior captain wideout has great hands and is very quick. He could be an x-factor for this Zee-Bees offense at home on Friday night. Overall, this is an average offense with great speed on the edges and a slow-footed offensive line. It is nothing compared to the likes of Stevenson or Warren’s offense. The Scouts defense should not have a whole lot of trouble tonight, especially with predicted rain in the forecast, which usually hampers the offense. Expect them to keep Zion-Benton’s offense under 21 points at the most.

Just like their offense, the Zion-Benton defense is beatable, but does have some talent in specific areas. Defensive end Deion Smith is their one standout player on that side of the ball. He averages about nine tackles a game, and with a Scouts offensive line that struggled as of late, he could definitely be a threat to quarterback Jack Mislinski. Otherwise, this game could truly be a bounce back game for the Scouts offense as they regain confidence in moving the ball.

The Scouts have waited too long to get a win, and if they fail to get the W tonight, their playoff chances will be gone. Fortunately, this will be, by way of comparison, the easiest NSC foe Lake Forest has faced this season. In order for the Scouts to win tonight, two things need to happen. The first one is obvious: the Lake Forest Scouts offense needs to get rolling. The second must for the Scouts tonight is that their defense needs to tackle well to avoid giving the Zee-Bees early momentum. If the Scouts can do those things, I am confident in a Scouts victory tonight.

For the past four weeks, the story on the Lake Forest Scouts offense has not changed. With only 17 points on their four game skid, the offense has struggled to make any game close in the second half. It is important to note that the Scouts have had to face some of the best defenses in Illinois in their past four games, but tonight they won’t have any valid excuse. The Zion-Benton defense is talented compared to years past, but still doesn’t present the schematic challenge that LZ, Stevenson, and Warren present. This should definitely help the Scouts get some points on the board. I would also not be surprised to see Lake Forest pass the ball more often tonight. In games prior, they have really utilized their running game, including implementing junior Jacob Thomas, which was successful against Libertyville but stalled in their effort against LZ last week. With a weak Zee-Bees defensive backfield, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Jack Mislinski air it out, especially with WR receiver Ryan Cekay returning from a week on the sidelines due to concussion protocol. The biggest key for the Lake Forest offense is to trust themselves and be comfortable running the plays they practice every single day. In the past few games the offense has made some careless mistakes that have led to turnovers and points for the opposition.

The Lake Forest defense has not been their weakest unit. Last week against Lake Zurich, they let the game get away from them in the late stages, but performed well in the first half by only giving up three points to a very talented offense. Tonight they need to give their offense a chance to strike first and regain their moxie. The Scouts are well-prepared for the Zee-Bees offense after playing the four powerhouses of the conference and I am confident that they won’t run into much trouble tonight on the road in what is considered to be one of the lesser venues in the league in terms of volume and hostility.

Based on each team’s record and their similarities in particular areas, it seems like tonight should be a close game. Despite not being involved in a tight affair since before conference play opened, the Scouts are more experienced in games that come down to the wire, while Zion-Benton’s closest game is 30 points. I am going with a Scouts victory over the Bees in the late stages of the game. The inexperience will kill the Zee-Bees tonight and the Scouts playoff hopes will remain alive for another week.

Key Players

Chris Cavalaris/Alex Moss, DB: The Zion-Benton QB has thrown a lot of interceptions this season. Lake Forest’s defensive backfield is phenomenal and it wouldn’t shock me if at least one of these players snag an interception before the night is through.

Spencer Yauch, DE: Yauch, the Scouts’ fastest, most-athletic lineman will have the opportunity to rush the passer tonight based on his match-up with a slow-footed offensive line for Z-B. Look for Yauch to record at least to sacks tonight.

Ryan Cekay, WR: Mislinski’s favorite deep threat is back after a week’s absence. Despite seeing a lot of double coverages, shaded safeties, and enhanced coverage schemes in the early season, Cekay should be able to get it rolling tonight. My prediction is that he finds the paint for 6 for the first time since the Scouts’ early season win at St. Viator.