Game Day: Lake Forest Stages Home Opener With Highland Park

Highland Park (0-1) at Lake Forest (0-1)

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.

Where: , 300 S. Waukegan Road.

Last year: Did not play each other.

Last week: lost to Buffalo Grove, 31-24; Highland Park lost to Elk Grove, 39-12.

Last year's records:  finished 7-4, lost in second round of Class 6A state playoffs to Crystal Lake South; Highland Park finished 5-5 and qualified for the state playoffs for the eighth consecutive year, losing in the first round to St. Rita.

Key Players:  — Jordan Beck, quarterback; Bo Dever, receiver; Owen Williams, running back; John Marwede, lineman; Dominick Keefe, linebacker; Brant Pfeifer, linebacker; Matt Wagener, linebacker, Baylor Broughton, kicker. Highland Park — Max Mordini, quarterback; Nate Echt, running back; Andrew Sledd, receiver; Jason Goldsmith, linebacker; Ariel Small, lineman; Jeremy Sabitt, lineman, Ross Chukerman, receiver, linebacker.

Will Win: If they can avoid some of the mistakes (eight penalties for 100 yards) that proved pivotal in allowing Buffalo Grove to gain the upper hand early. Quarterback Jordan Beck demonstrated his running prowess (10 carries, 75 yards), but to continue to keep defenses off-balance, his passing game needs to continue to improve (12 of 26, 199 yards vs. Buffalo Grove). More Scout receivers need to get into the mix so defenses don't key just on Bo Dever. Owen Williams got off to a slow start, gaining 50 of his 76 yards rushing in the second half. Brandt Pfeifer was credited with nine tackles followed by Phil Sheridan (6).

Highland Park Will Win: If the Giant offense is allowed to prosper under quarterback Max Mordini. Like Richie Zirngibl last week for Buffalo Grove, Mordini is quick, agile and can both run and pass. Ross Chuckerman is a two-way stud, but was limited offensively in the Elk Grove game because the Giants spent more time on defense. Highland Park has just four returning starters, so they continue to learn as they play.

Intangibles:  has to be smarting from letting last week's game at Buffalo Grove get away from them. Coach Chuck Spagnoli took the blame, saying his players were not as prepared as they should have been. That may be true, but a senior-dominated squad needs to step up in game situations. Highland Park played Elk Grove even for a half last week, and then conditioning issues took a toll in the second half. The Giants play several players both ways, which does not. On a night expected to be in the 80s by kickoff, that could be a factor.