Naperville North going to air on offense
Every defense facing Naperville North knows it must contend with quarterback Matt LaCosse and his running ability.
Now there's something else to worry about.
In addition to rushing for 175 yards and 4 touchdowns last week, LaCosse completed 13 of 18 passes for 154 yards in a 27-24 DuPage Valley Conference win over Naperville Central. It was the Huskies' best passing performance since LaCosse threw for nearly 200 yards in a Week 2 win over St. Charles East.
Coming on the heels of a loss to Wheaton Warrenville South where LaCosse attempted only 2 passes, the breakthrough against Naperville Central was a sight for sore eyes.
“I truly think we can pass the ball, we just have to have the confidence to do it, said Naperville North coach Sean Drendel. “The opportunity was there and we took advantage.
A big piece of the passing puzzle was receiver Henry Cheatham, who had 4 catches for 39 yards. Cheatham broke his collarbone in the summer and Drendel believes the senior is starting to hit midseason form.
Another key piece was Antonio Owens, who had 6 catches for 70 yards. On Naperville North's critical drive to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, Owens made a huge grab on third-and-long to keep the sticks moving for the Huskies (4-2, 2-2).
The importance of that catch could extend beyond the cross-town game.
“That's the kind of catch that could change our season, Drendel said. “It's the kind of play you expect your seniors to make.
Injury update: The news was not good on the injury front following last week's grueling action.Wheaton Warrenville South (6-0, 4-0) linebacker Jack Eshleman suffered a broken arm in the Tigers' win over Wheaton North, an injury that will keep him out a minimum of six weeks, according to coach Ron Muhitch. That's added to the broken leg suffered by defensive lineman-kicker Brian Welker the week before that will keep him out for a similar amount of time.#8220;It's been pretty bad for us these last couple of weeks, Muhitch said. #8220;It's really a shame for those two guys. They were both having great seasons.Glenbard West (6-0, 4-0) endured similar tough luck in Saturday's West Suburban Conference crossover win over Addison Trail. Quarterback Mike Matthew is out indefinitely with a collapsed lung, and running back Trace Sorey reinjured a knee. Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet said he has a couple of options in filling Matthew's spot. Daver Glawe threw a touchdown pass last week and Justice Odom has lower-level experience at quarterback. Glenbard West faces a WSC Silver showdown at fellow unbeaten York this week not exactly the best time to be plugging in a new quarterback. #8220;It's not ideal, but every team has to deal with injuries, Hetlet said. #8220;We have confidence in either one of those guys. I'm sure they'll do a good job for us.Debut digs: After a long wait, Hinsdale South finally plays its home opener this weekend on a field with brand new artificial turf and in a stadium with a brand new scoreboard. The Hornets (2-4, 1-2) face rival Downers Grove South (4-2, 3-0) on Friday as the Mustangs close in on another West Suburban Gold title. #8220;It's a big weekend for us, said Hornets coach Alex Bitto. #8220;We're opening up the stadium and we've got our toughest team for homecoming. My kids are going to play hard and we'll be prepared.Enduring numerous delays, Hinsdale South was forced to play its three prior home games at Hinsdale Central, which had the same type of artificial surface installed on its field. That familiarity should help ease the transition for the Hornets. #8220;It's beautiful, and our guys get to play a couple of games on it, Bitto said. #8220;Everything is nice and new. It was well worth the wait.Thanks, Pops: In Montini's 35-6 win over Marian Central, junior receiver Jordan Westerkamp caught 12 passes for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns. The 12 receptions tied him for the single-game program record with his father, Bob, a 1983 graduate. Bob Westerkamp caught 12 passes for 252 yards, another program record, against St. Edward in 1982.Montini (4-2, 3-0) has Bob Westerkamp on its staff as a receivers coach. Jordan saw most of his action in the first three quarters against Marian, prompting head coach Chris Andriano to say, #8220;We were kidding that his dad asked to take him out of the game.Also, Jordan's cousin Matt Westerkamp completed 25 of 31 passes. Those 25 completions rank fourth on Montini's all-time list.Ready for their close-up: It's Wheaton Academy's homecoming Saturday when the Warriors (5-1, 3-0) host Immaculate Conception in an important Suburban Christian Gold game at Wheaton College at 2 p.m.Making it a little more special is it's a Comcast #8220;Game of the Week, double-billed with Providence-St. Rita. Shown on CN 100, the Knights-Warriors game is scheduled to start broadcasting at 4 p.m., a tricky time since the game starts at 2 p.m. though IC (4-2, 2-1) does run the ball nearly exclusively. A repeat showing is slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday.