Scouting the Downers North Trojans
This season isn't just about increasing the number of wins at Downers Grove North, it's also about rebuilding the pride.
A rare down season for the Trojans' football program resulted in only one win in 2009, but that number should get a boost with a more experienced group intent on mass improvement.
"We're hoping they've stepped up in the last year," said Trojans coach John Wander. "We don't want to live in the past, but we definitely want to improve."
If there's one area of focus this season, it's on defense. Last season the Trojans allowed an average of 375 yards per game and at least 35 points in seven games.
With seven returning defensive starters the Trojans are primed for a comeback. Conner Edwards is a third-year starter on the defensive line, joining fellow returners Anthony Grippando and Kyle Freres.
Three starters also return to the secondary while Connor Cummings, the team's second-leading tackler last season, is a returning linebacker.
"We've always played strong defense in the past, and that's what we have to get back to," Wander said. "We have to play better defense."
More good news resides on offense where eight returning starters bolster the ground game that averaged nearly 300 rushing yards last year. Running back Freddy Palma brings back 601 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns in front of an offensive line featuring returners Alec and Kyle Dorner.
Junior quarterback Riley McGinnis gives Downers North something it hasn't had in a few years - a major throwing threat. Tight end Tyler Mason and receivers Jalen Grace and Ryan Henry each present a quality target.
"He's about as good as we've had throwing the ball in a long time," Wander said of McGinnis.
A more-balanced offense should produce plenty of points. It's up to the defense to get back to its stingy roots.
"It comes down to execution," Wander said. "Defensively, we've just got to become a unit."
The breakdown
Coach: John Wander (ninth year, 55-34).
2009 record: 1-8, 0-6, seventh in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Alec Dorner (LG, 6-2, 221, sr.); Kyle Dorner (LT, 6-1, 250, sr.); Freddy Palma (RB, 5-10, 160, sr.); Max Wasserman (RG, 5-8, 220, sr.); Conner Edwards (DL, 5-11, 210, sr.); Riley McGinnis (QB, 6-1, 179, jr.); Anthony Grippando (DL, 6-2, 202, sr.); Tyler Mason (TE, 6-5, 180, sr.); Kyle Freres (DL, 6-1, 253, sr.); Connor Cummings (LB, 5-9, 197, sr.); Jalen Grace (WR-DB, 5-6, 150, sr.); Ryan Henry (WR, 5-11, 161, jr.); Anthony Rada (RB, 5-9, 213, jr.); Cody Pooler (DB, 5-9, 165, sr.); Matt Underdown (LB, 5-11, 157, jr.); Robert Sheppard (DB, 5-10, 153, jr.).