Batavia and St. Charles North Aim for DuKane Conference Glory

The final week of the regular season in the DuKane Conference promises high-stakes excitement as three teams vie for the championship. Batavia and St. Charles North are set for crucial matchups that could determine the conference title, underscoring the competitive nature that has characterized the league since its inception seven years ago.

Batavia, a perennial powerhouse, will face Wheaton Warrenville South in a winner-take-all clash. The Bulldogs have dominated the conference, securing the championship in five of the six full seasons of play and claiming the title in the last two years. With a record of 5-1 against the Tigers since the conference’s formation, Batavia is looking to continue its winning legacy. Wheaton Warrenville South, meanwhile, has not claimed a conference championship since 2011 when it was part of the DuPage Valley Conference, making this match pivotal for both teams.

St. Charles North also has a shot at the title, needing a win against Lake Park to capture its third conference championship in four years. The North Stars have shown resilience throughout the season, and a victory would mark a shared title in the DuKane Conference for the third time in seven years. Last season, Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles North shared the honors, while Batavia and Glenbard North shared the title in 2019.

In addition to these key matchups, other teams in Kane County are also looking to make their mark. St. Francis, currently at 1-1 in league play, can clinch a share of the CCL/ESCC – Green Division title with a win against Nazareth. This rivalry has intensified over the years, with St. Francis winning the last two regular-season encounters, while Nazareth has triumphed in the playoffs.

Burlington Central, sitting at 7-1 in the Fox Valley Conference, requires a victory over Dundee-Crown and a loss by Prairie Ridge to secure a tie for first place. If successful, it would be the Rockets’ first conference title since 2006. Similarly, Marmion, with a 1-1 record in the CCL/ESCC Red Division, needs to defeat Leo and hope for an upset by De La Salle against Marian Catholic to clinch a share of the division title.

As teams prepare for these decisive games, two Kane County teams have already secured their playoff spots in dramatic fashion. Aurora Christian clinched its place with a thrilling 28-27 victory over Wheaton Academy, sealing its eighth consecutive playoff appearance. Coach Dan Beebe expressed his elation, stating, “It’s a huge win for us… to get to that six-win mark is unbelievable.”

Kaneland also made headlines with a nail-biting finish against La Salle-Peru. After trailing 21-20 in the final moments, senior Noah McKittrick kicked a game-winning 32-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Knights a 23-21 victory and their eighth straight trip to the playoffs. McKittrick noted the excitement, stating, “We have a big run coming up ahead, I can feel it.”

Meanwhile, Aurora Central Catholic faced an unfortunate situation in Week 8, having to forfeit their matchup against Big Foot from Wisconsin due to player illness. The team acknowledged the circumstances in a statement, emphasizing their focus on recovery as they approach the final week of the regular season. This marks the first forfeit for the Chargers since 2021, and the implications for playoff positioning are significant. Following a recent victory over Living Word Christian, Aurora Central Catholic had reached six wins, securing a playoff berth, but a win against Fisher in Week 9 is crucial for hosting a first-round playoff game.

As the dust settles on the regular season, the anticipation for the playoffs builds. The upcoming games will not only determine conference champions but also set the stage for thrilling postseason action in high school football.