Don't look for DVC to be decided early
For two years DuPage Valley Conference football fans were treated to amazing Week 9 showdowns between Wheaton Warrenville South and Naperville North that determined the champion.
The powerhouses play in Week 5 this season, but fret not. Considering the competition level in the league, it's likely the DVC title still won't be decided until the final week.
As WW South and Naperville North reload for another run, Naperville Central looks to challenge with the return of quarterback Nick Linne. Despite key graduation losses, Glenbard North also aims to compete.
Once again, the DVC schedule is like a minefield.
"It's the same usual suspects again," said Naperville North coach Larry McKeon. "You have to be ready every week."
After losing last year's finale 7-6 to Naperville North, WW South is ready to return to the top behind seven returning starters. Offensive linemen Rocco Ammons, Nick Immekus and Chris Cortopassi bolster an offense with a pair of electric athletes in Reilly O'Toole and Mack Tracey. Either player could be at quarterback.
Only two defensive starters return for the Tigers.
"There are several teams that could be up there and I think we've got a shot at it," said Tigers coach Ron Muhitch. "These guys are motivated after the way last year ended."
Naperville North returns six starters from last year's DVC title team. The defense should be strong with three returning linebackers led by junior Nick Lifka. Junior quarterback Matt LaCosse started the first two games last season due to an injury to graduated Matt Manade.
While the Huskies have to rebuild their entire backfield and an offensive line that returns only Dan Easley, they do bring back a talented receiver in James O'Shaughnessy.
"We have a lot of work to do, but there's some talent," McKeon said.
Naperville Central boasts one of the state's most underrated quarterbacks in Linne, who threw for 1,700 yards and rushed for 300 last year. Verbally committed to play baseball at Northwestern, Linne will be counted on in every phase of the offense.
"We've had some great quarterbacks, and he's got a chance to be among the best," said Redhawks coach Mike Stine.
Glenbard North graduated quarterback Evan Watkins, now at Northwestern, and workhorse running back Tyler Doll, but the Panthers return four offensive linemen and talented receiver Mike Carev. All-conference linebacker John Pullia and all-DVC cornerback Brandon Salemi bring experience to the defense.
Wheaton North leans on a healthy Taylor Graham to lead the Falcons. Recovered from last year's broken ankle, the quarterback committed to Ohio State and is rated as the state's No. 3 recruit, according to Rivals.com analyst "Edgy" Tim O'Halloran.
Glenbard East, West Chicago and West Aurora seek improvement. The Rams return quarterback Jack Merrithey for a third season, while West Chicago welcomes its fourth coach in as many years in former Wheaton North assistant Paul Reinke.