Scouting the Naperville North Huskies
Naperville North reclaimed its mojo last football season, and the Huskies aren't about to give it back.
En route to a share of the DuPage Valley Conference title, Naperville North needed only five weeks last year to top its win total from the previous two years combined.
Infused by the energy of quarterback Drake Davis, a transfer from Bureau Valley who has a scholarship offer from Eastern Illinois, the Huskies hope to sustain the success.
If, that is, they overcome massive graduation losses.
"We had a great senior group that did some nice things," coach Sean Drendel said. "Now we've got to build on that."
Last season the Huskies rushed for nearly twice as many yards as they gained through the air, but that'll change with Davis behind center. He's got two standout receivers in Nick Calcagno, who led last year's team with 36 catches for 456 yards, and Ryan Laurenzo.
"You put those two out there, you'd better be ready," Drendel said. "There could be a scenario where we have four really good receivers out there."
The run game graduated nearly 2,300 yards, but four backs will try to balance the pass game in front of a line that returns one starter, Nick Vogel.
The entire defense is thin on experience, although Ryan Marrano returns as an all-DVC linebacker. Lineman Ryan Robinson is also back.
The secondary - a stronghold last year - must reload.
Defending the conference title depends on it.
"It's a work in progress but I think it could be a strength again," Drendel said. "We have some leadership there and throughout the team. It's how you retool instead of having to rebuild."
One to watch: A Week 1 trip to Edwardsville will let the Huskies know where they're at real quick.
The breakdown
Coach: Sean Drendel (eighth year, 35-35).
2016 record: 8-2, 7-1, tied for first in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Nick Calcagno (WR, 6-3, 215, sr.), Ryan Marrano (LB, 6-1, 190, sr.), Drake Davis (QB, 6-0, 190, sr.), Ryan Robinson (DL, 6-1, 270, sr.), Ryan Laurenzo (WR, 6-4, 190, sr.), Nick Vogel (OL, 5-11, 255, sr.), Brett Zdrubecky (RB, 5-10, 170, sr.), Jack Hinkle (RB, 5-9, 170, sr.), Ameir Wilbourn (RB, 5-9, 175, jr.), Keith MacGregor (LB, 6-2, 205, sr.), Ian Joyce (LB, 6-0, 185, sr.), Jared Saad (DB, 6-1, 180, sr.), Hunter Kopperud (DL, 6-2, 200, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Sat, 8/26, Naperville North at Edwardsville, 3 p.m.
Fri, 9/1, Naperville North at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/8, Wheaton North at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/15, Lake Park at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/22, Naperville North at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/29, Naperville North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/6, Naperville North at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/13, Waubonsie Valley at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/20, Naperville North at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.