Scouting the Naperville Central Redhawks
For three years Naperville Central's football team has met nearly every challenge offered by the DuPage Valley Conference and the postseason.
This season the challenges might be the toughest yet.
Inexperienced and untested, especially on offense, the Redhawks stand as a dangerous unknown.
"We could be ready to win right now," said Redhawks coach Mike Stine. "We might surprise some people."
With the offense gutted of graduated talent, Naperville Central needs its more experienced defense to step up early in the season. Luke Turner, approaching double-digit scholarship offers, could impact the secondary or the linebacker corps. Stine believes Laddie Skarecky, the leader on last year's team with 104 tackles, will be one of the DVC's top linebackers.
Troy Hudetz, who also might play linebacker, and Joe Gannon, who had 4.5 sacks, return to the defensive line. Cornerback Kyle Bennington snared 2 interceptions. Lineman Lavar Archibald and linebacker Tom Trepanier are two of the many juniors coming up from an unbeaten sophomore team.
"This could be a very good defense," Stine said. "It's a versatile group. Turner could play any level of the defense."
Six-foot-five, 280-pound offensive lineman Trevor Campbell, committed to Western Michigan, is the lone returning offensive starter. Christian Nussbaum, a defensive starter last year, is shifting to offense to bolster a line also featuring sophomore Luke Hallstrom and converted fullback Darian Borner.
Replacing graduated Conor Joyce at quarterback is Pat Ryan, who won a three-player competition. Josh Ruiz and juniors Tommy Coyne, Tommy Carlsen and Drake Piper help form a deep group of receivers. The big potential with the offense lies with junior running back A.J. Deinhart.
If the junior class steps up as hoped, Naperville Central will be tough to dethrone as defending DVC champions.
"We've got to challenge these guys with competition and see how they handle the pressure," Stine said. "That'll be a big key for us."
One to watch: Week 1
The DVC slate starts with a bang when the Redhawks face fellow favorite Glenbard North.
The breakdown
Coach: Mike Stine (11th year, 75-37).
2015 record: 10-2, 7-1, first in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Trevor Campbell (OL, 6-5, 285, sr.), Luke Turner (DB-RB, 6-1, 200, sr.), Joe Gannon (DL, 6-3, 235, sr.), Christian Nussbaum (OL, 5-10, 235, sr.), A.J. Deinhart (RB, 5-9, 175, jr.), Laddie Skarecky (LB, 6-0, 205, sr.), Troy Hudetz (LB-DL, 6-2, 215, sr.), Pat Ryan (QB, 6-3, 175, sr.), Tommy Coyne (WR, 6-1, 175, jr.), Tommy Carlsen (WR, 5-11, 180, jr.), Kyle Bennington (DB, 5-9, 170, sr.), Luke Hallstrom (OL, 6-2, 275, so.), Lavar Archibald (DL, 5-11, 275, jr.), Tommy Trepanier (LB, 6-0, 205, jr.), Drake Piper (WR, 6-3, 190, jr.), Josh Ruiz (WR, 6-4, 165, sr.), Darian Borner (OL, 5-8, 235, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Naperville Central
Fri, 8/26, Glenbard North at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Naperville Central at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/9, Naperville Central at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, Waubonsie Valley at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, Naperville Central at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 10/1, Naperville Central at St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio), noon
Fri, 10/7, Naperville Central at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/14, Naperville Central at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/21, Lake Park at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.