Scouting the Downers Grove North Trojans
Downers Grove North football coach John Wander shows no hesitation rating quarterback David Edwards and defensive lineman E.J. Phillips among the state's elite players.
Piecing together the rest of the team, however, won't be so easy.
"Two marquee players don't make a team," Wander said. "We lost a ton of big names, and some are hard to replace."
Edwards, who battled through injuries all last season, is committed to Wisconsin, while Phillips is a massive run-stopping nose man at 6-0, 305 pounds. With a proven leader on both sides of the ball, up to 16 junior starters must develop into major varsity contributors.
"David's leadership is there, we need to keep him healthy, and I believe E.J. will be the best defensive lineman in DuPage County," Wander said. "I'm pretty happy with our younger players, but I just don't know if they're ready for West Suburban Conference football."
Statistically the Trojans return very little beyond Edwards' 285 rushing and 468 passing yards in limited action. Running backs Spencer Carr, Jared Whitacre and Aurora Christian transfer Trevor Hills will be counted on to keep the chains moving in a run-heavy offense that also has potential in the passing game with returning receiver Sean Economou.
Inexperience extends to a new offensive line that may start four juniors.
Defensively, it'll take quite an effort to replace last season's talented group.
"That's where we really took a hit," Wander said. "We had a front seven that was as good as we've had in a long time."
Phillips, who will see time at tight end on offense, safety Mike Prochazka and linebacker Kendrick Schultz - moving up from the secondary - are the voices of experience. Expect to see Edwards on the defensive line at times.
Hills also brings experience at linebacker. While that varsity time may not be with Downers North, Wander will gladly take it.
"I'm craving leadership," Wander said. "When we go against Lockport and Hinsdale South, it's really going to show where we're at."
The breakdown
Coach: John Wander (13th year, 73-58).
2013 record: 7-5, 2-4, fifth in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: David Edwards (QB-DL, 6-7, 240, sr.); E.J. Phillips (DL-TE, 6-0, 315, sr.); Michael Prochazka (DB, 5-11, 170, sr.); Kendrick Schultz (LB, 6-2, 190, sr.); Sean Economou (WR, 6-1, 175, sr.); Spencer Carr (RB-DB, 5-11, 175, jr.); Trevor Hills (LB-RB, 5-11, 170, sr.); Jared Whitacre (DB-RB, 6-0, 158, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/29 Lockport at Downers Grove North 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/5 Downers North at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/13 Downers North at Glenbard West 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/19 Oak Park at Downers North 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/27 Downers North at Lyons Township 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/3 Downers South at Downers North 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/10 Downers Grove North at York 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/17 Proviso West at Downers North 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/24 Hinsdale Central at Downers North 7:30 p.m.