Chaparral Football Preps for 2016-2017 Season, Special Recognition Games

After a successful 8-1 season for 2015-2016, the College of DuPage Chaparrals are preparing for their season opener against Iowa Central Community College.

The COD gridders take on ICCC at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Bjarne Ullsvik Football Stadium on the College's Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

Click here for the season schedule.

The team, which was very strong on the road and at home last season, averaged 37 points per game and accrued 2,232 passing and 1,522 rushing yards. Coming into this year, Head Coach Matt Foster said he plans to retain much of his offensive line but is building his defense with several new players.

For Foster, now in his third year as head coach at COD, the players this year bring a new energy and rhythm to the team.

"I've got a really good group of kids," he said. "They're young, but I really like what I see. From the beginning, it will be a tough season, but our players are performing well at practice and will continue to grow into a tight team as we start playing."

While performance on the field is important to the program, Foster also stresses to his players the idea of community service and serving as role models. To that end, Chaparral players will once again partner with the West Suburban Special Recreation District, hosting weight training session for members each week.

"It's an opportunity for us to serve as role models and it's great to get our athletes out in the community to not only build their character, but to offer assistance where we can," he said.

The Chaparrals will once again host Homecoming festivities on Oct. 1, and Foster has also added several special games throughout the season, including a recognition of military members (Sept. 24), WSDRA athletes (Oct. 8) and first responders (Oct. 24). COD players and members of opposing team will also complete community service projects in conjunction with the College's inaugural Red Grange Bowl on Dec. 3.

For more information on COD Chaparral Football, click here.

College of DuPage is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV and North Central Community College Conference (N4C). The College's Athletics program offers eight men's and seven women's sports teams each year, including track and field, cross country, football, volleyball, golf, basketball, tennis, baseball, softball and soccer. All home games are played on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., and are free and open to the public.