DeKalb-Yorkville match up with big implications

Updated: October 13, 2011 7:45PM

The spotlight finds Yorkville Friday as the Foxes host the DeKalb Barbs in The Beacon-News Game of the Week. Both teams are fighting for playoff eligibility, as the Foxes have lost three straight after a 4-0 start while the Barbs are 3-4 and must win out — just as they did last year — to have a shot at the postseason. Yorkville has not had a winning season or made the playoffs since 2002.

Neil O’Brien vs. DeKalb Front 9

One of the best individual stories of the 2011 season, O’Brien has remained healthy for Yorkville is one of the area’s top rushers with 860 yards and seven TDs while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Without a doubt, the Barbs will be doing everything they can to load the box with as many defenders as possible to stop O’Brien. The senior tailback will have to continue to fight for positive gains while holding on to the ball — and if he can break a few long runs it may break the will of a Barbs defense that is allowing 33.4 points per game.

Edge:

Nick Gillette vs. DeKalb Front 9

One of the reasons the Barbs will stack the line of scrimmage is that once again, the Foxes are having a tough time moving the ball through the air. Gillette is completing just 41 percent of his passes for 563 yards and is coming off a 2-for-13 performance for just 23 yards and two interceptions against Kaneland. The thing is, if Gillette can connect with Cory Knudson (18.0 yards per catch) and Ilir Emini (17.0 yards per catch), the Foxes can pick up yards in chunks. The Barbs haven’t done a great job stopping opponents, even in their three wins, so there may be opportunities for plays in the passing game.

Edge:

DeKalb Running Backs vs. Yorkville Front 7

It’s impossible to highlight one current Barbs runner because the team has lost three to injury, including another last week in a loss to Morris. And Devonte Ragsdale, who played well last week, had missed time due to knee and ankle injuries, and it is unknown how healthy he came out of the Morris game. Despite all off those injuries, the Barbs would like to run the ball behind an offensive line that has proven it is adept at opening holes — but with so many injuries the Foxes have to win this matchup and force DeKalb QB Brad Sisler to throw to win the game.

Edge:

Yorkville vs. Momentum

The Foxes have to overcome some negative momentum after having lost three straight against playoff teams, so the coaching staff has to fight against the possible “Here we go again” thought of the players who have been through these types of losing streaks the last few years and convince them they can win at least one more game. It will be interesting to see if the Foxes can establish some positive offensive momentum early against a Barbs team that is barely hanging on. True, DeKalb was 3-4 last year and won out to make the playoffs, but this group has been decimated by injury and if the Foxes jump out early, the Barbs could crumble. Conversely, if the Foxes make mistakes and get the Barbs rolling, they will feel they can make another playoff push.

Edge: [Yorkville logo button]

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