The Sideline: Wheaton North

THE SIDELINE

Wheaton North

Coach: Matt Foster (52-45, 10th season)

2006 record: 4-3

Conference: DuPage Valley

Nickname: Falcons

Enrollment: 2,198

AT STAKE

With two games to play in the regular season, Wheaton North still needs two wins to ensure a spot in the playoffs. Splitting with Naperville North and West Chicago may also get the job done. Last year, the Falcons fell into Class 7A. As for the Huskies, they've already sealed their spot in the Class 8A playoffs. Their immediate focus is trying to win their first DuPage Valley Conference title since 2004. Fellow unbeaten Wheaton Warrenville South has won it the last two seasons with a 7-0 league record.

POWER STEERING

Wheaton North is led by Mike Trumpy, a 6-foot, 195-pound running back. Trumpy's coming off of a 158-yard, two-touchdown game against unbeaten Wheaton Warrenville South. The Falcons lost the game, but Trumpy tied the game at 7 on a 30-yard touchdown run and later cut the Tigers' lead to 19-14 with a 9-yard run.

MAGIC NUMBER

Today will mark the 10th meeting between North coach Larry McKeon and Wheaton North coach Matt Foster. The Huskies have won eight of the first nine but lost to the Falcons in 2002. The Falcons beat the Huskies 30-19 in Week 3 that year and went on to win the DVC. The Falcons reached the state semifinals and finished 12-1.

2007 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Result Aug. 25 Addison Trail W, 25-0

Aug. 31 Plainfield North W, 42-28

Sept. 7 Glenbard North L, 36-13

Sept. 14 Naperville Central L, 28-14 Sept. 21 West Aurora W, 28-15

Sept. 28 Glenbard East W, 42-0

Oct. 5 WW South L, 32-20

Tonight Naperville North

Oct. 19 West Chicago

HOW WE PICK 'EM

Brad Engel Naperville North 31, Wheaton North 14

Dustin Michael Harris Naperville North 35, Wheaton North 21

Paul LaTour Naperville North 34, Wheaton North 6

Patrick Mooney Naperville North 35, Wheaton North 7

Dan Stark Naperville North 38, Wheaton North 14

Brad Nolan Naperville North 28, Wheaton North 14

Chris Sosa Naperville North 41, Wheaton North 14

D.J. Wanberg Naperville North 28, Wheaton North 21