Scouting Naperville North at Neuqua Valley

By David Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit

doberhelman@dailyherald.com

kschmit@dailyherald.com

Naperville North at Neuqua Valley

Nonconference

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Last year: Naperville North 29, Neuqua Valley 28

Outlook: Two things were a sure bet for the Huskies last season. Matt LaCosse would be the quarterback and linebacker Nick Lifka would be leading the defense. This year much has changed. Tyler Gehr, Bryan Sleik and Johnny Brown have been battling for the quarterback spot. Linebacker Nick Krejci and lineman Sean Connor have shifted from offense to shore up the defense. Another unknown is the impact recent athletic code violations will have on the team. Neuqua defensive end Michael Ippolito and linebacker Sam Norgaard undoubtedly recall Naperville North’s 475 yards rushing against the Wildcats last season. Now, players like defensive end Jake Spinell and linebacker J.D. Blaydes join them. Offensively, Joey Rhattigan and quarterback Nate Boudreau assume control behind a line that returns three starters. On either side of the ball, coach Bryan Wells says, the object is to dictate the action.

Next week: Thornton at Naperville North; Neuqua Valley at Naperville Central.