Downers Grove North Trojans lines up tough defense

Downers Grove North returns its entire offensive line and a starting running back from a year ago.

That makes it pretty easy to see where this football season's headed.

Like every other year the Trojans are prepping to pound their ground game at defenses. But with so much returning to the sweet spots of the offense, the focus on the run will be even more clear.

"This will be a Downers North team," coach John Wander said. "Hard-nosed for 48 minutes.

"We pride ourselves on long drives, but last year we stopped ourselves more than other teams stopped us," he said. "We've got to stop beating ourselves."

Key injuries made last season a struggle, and staying healthy is again important. The James Arentsen-led line and Connor Olson's return to the backfield, though, is a great start.

With the Trojans settling on a starting quarterback among Brandon Bancoro, Quinn McAnally and Nick Taviani, the run game may have to carry the offense early in the season.

"Our team strength is our offensive line, so I think that'll help us running and passing the ball," Wander said.

Jamil Smith returns to the defensive line and Francis Kowara is shifting from linebacker to the line. Dalton Baran and Tyler Wicks are back at linebacker, while Spencer Carr, one of the team's leading rushers last year, is moving to cornerback.

If the Trojans can eliminate the big plays they allowed last season, they'll push for a return to the playoffs despite dealing with another tough West Suburban Silver field.

"I like the demeanor and I like the camaraderie," Wander said. "We sputtered immensely last year, but I think we can overcome that this season."

The breakdown

Coach: John Wander (14th year, 76-64).

2014 record: 3-6, 2-4, fifth in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Connor Olson (RB, 5-7, 162, sr.); James Arentsen (OL, 6-2, 230, sr.); Jamil Smith (DL, 5-10, 225, sr.); Spencer Carr (DB, 5-11, 180, sr.); Francis Kowara (DL, 6-0, 200, sr.); Dalton Baran (LB, 5-11, 195, sr.); Tyler Wicks (LB, 5-10, 185, jr.); Brennan Harmon (OL, 6-2, 215, sr.); Liam Ninneman (OL, 5-11, 210, sr.); Luke Goergen (OL, 6-1, 210, sr.); Ryan Martin (OL, 6-0, 220, jr.); Joe Ward (DL, 6-0, 214, jr.); Zackery Figura (DB, 5-11, 161, jr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Downers Grove North

Fri, 8/28 Downers Grove North at Lockport, 7 pm

Fri. 9/4 Proviso East at Downers Grove North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Downers North at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Glenbard West at Downers Grove North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Downers North at OPRF, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Lyons Township at Downers North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Downers North at Downers South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 York at Downers Grove North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Downers Grove North at Proviso West, 7:30 pm