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Scouting the Naperville North Huskies

By Kevin Schmit

kschmit@dailyherald.com

With the graduation of two players now competing for Division I college football programs, some folks may think the cupboard’s bare at Naperville North.

That kind of thinking would be a mistake.

The Huskies may have graduated a pair of three-year starters in quarterback Matt LaCosse, now at Illinois, and linebacker Nick Lifka, now at Boston College, but plenty remains for a team eyeing a return to the playoffs and a run at the DuPage Valley Conference title.

The personnel, unknown as it may be compared to last year, is still strong.

“Any time you lose two really good football players, your team is going to change a little bit,” said Huskies coach Sean Drendel. “Our identity is a little different this year, but I like this group.”

The defense returns six starters. Two key players — linebacker Nick Krejci and lineman Sean Connor — are moving from the offensive side of the ball. Another boost comes from baseball standout Mariano Long, who’s returning to the program after a year away to play strong safety.

A physical front line is headed by Brett Jones, an Ivy League recruit who is joined by another experienced lineman in Matt Jennings.

“This is a very physical group,” Drendel said. “On both sides of the ball we’re very physical.”

Returning left guard David Meyerhoff leads a inexperienced but deep offensive line. They’ll be charged with protecting a new quarterback, a group that includes Tyler Gehr, Bryan Sleik and junior Johnny Brown. Drendel said all three might play depending on the situation.

Dan Puknaitis, who rushed for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns last season, and Matt Stacho return at running back. The Huskies also welcome a talented sophomore in DeSean Brown, the son of former Huskies standout Levelle Brown.

The backfield depth epitomizes the team-wide talent at Naperville North, which Drendel believes will improve as the season progresses.

“We have some talented players,” Drendel said. “There might be 25 guys contributing on both sides of the ball.”

— Kevin Schmit

The breakdown

Coach: Sean Drendel (second year, 8-4).

2010 record: 8-4, 4-3, fourth in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: David Meyerhoff (OL, 6-4, 290, sr.); Nick Krejci (LB, 6-0, 225, sr.); Brett Jones (6-0, 265, sr.); Danny Puknaitis (RB-WR, 5-9, 185, sr.); Matt Stacho (RB-WR, 6-0, 165, sr.); Tyler Gehr (QB, 5-11, 175, sr.); Bryan Sleik (QB, 6-2, 180, sr.); Johnny Brown (QB, 6-1, 200, jr.); Sean Connor (DL, 6-0, 200, sr.); Ron Coluzzi (K-P, 5-10, 185, sr.); Matt Jennings (DL, 6-3, 195, sr.); Tim Davis (LB, 6-0, 195, sr.); Sean Murphy (LB, 6-0, 195, sr.); DeSean Brown (RB, 5-11, 180, so.); Mariano Long (DB, 6-0, 190, sr.).

Schedule

Fri, Aug 26 @ Neuqua Valley 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 2 Thornton 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 9 @ Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 16 W W South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 23 West Chicago 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 30 @ Glenbard East 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Oct 7 @ West Aurora 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Oct 14 Naperville Central 7:30 p.m.

Frim, Oct 21 @ Glenbard North 7:30 p.m.