Scouting the Downers Grove North Trojans
New Downers Grove North coach Joe Horeni won't be reinventing the wheel, but change is coming.
"Throwing the football is not going to be out of the ordinary," said Horeni, a Downers Grove South grad who spent the last three seasons as Highland Park's coach. "For a program that hasn't thrown a ton, our quarterback and receivers have really taken to it."
Last season the Trojans ran the ball four times as much as they threw it and piled up more than twice as many yards on the ground. Horeni stresses the run will still set up the pass, but the pass will be featured much more.
Junior Drew Cassens was a varsity defensive back last season, but he'll shift to his natural position at quarterback. He's a physical presence behind center and a threat to run behind returning linemen Tommy Ward and Nolen Bowerman.
With little rushing or receiving yardage returning, the offense is a work in progress - especially with a scheme shift from veer option to spread. As many as four backs will run the ball in addition to Cassens.
"We'll do as much as our quarterback can do," Horeni said. "If he maximizes his potential, we'll be dangerous."
As the offense acclimates, the defense should thrive with five returning starters. They're led by three returning linemen, including end Joe Passarelli, who last season had 42 tackles and a team-high 4 sacks, Zach Bouma and Donovan Bryant.
"If we're going to be experienced at one spot, I want it to be up front," Horeni said.
Linebackers Ryan Schindler, up last year as a sophomore, and Owen Geraghty, hurt most of last season, will be critical in the heart of the unit. Cassens may see time in the secondary, but only in spot situations.
Horeni knows Cassens will have his hands full leading the revamped offense.
"We're asking a lot of him and our juniors, but they've earned that opportunity," Horeni said.
One to watch: Hinsdale Central in Week 4 begins a brutal stretch of WSC Silver games for the Trojans.
The breakdown
Coach: Joe Horeni (first year; fourth year overall, 15-14).
2017 record: 5-5, 3-3, fourth in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Drew Cassens (QB-DB, 6-3, 198, jr.), Joe Passarelli (DL, 6-0, 215, sr.), Zach Bouma (DL, 6-3, 265, sr.), Tommy Ward (OL, 6-2, 260, sr.), Nolen Bowerman (OL, 6-4, 245, sr.), Donovan Bryant (DL, 6-0, 255, sr.), Ryan Schindler (LB, 6-1, 190, jr.), Owen Geraghty (LB, 5-8, 180, sr.), Marty Kline (DL, 6-2, 210, sr.), Henry Gates (DB-WR, 6-0, 155, jr.), Antwaun Scott (RB, 5-8, 175, jr.), Josh Lumpkin (RB-DB, 5-6, 155, jr.), Mark Dennison (DB, 5-11, 165, jr.), Hunter Campbell (OL, 6-3, 240, jr.), Seth Peterson (OL, 6-2, 215, jr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Downers Grove North
Fri, 8/24, Buffalo Grove at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Downers Grove North at Leyden, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Proviso West at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Hinsdale Central at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/22, Downers Grove North at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Oak Park-River Forest at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Downers Grove North at Lyons, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Downers Grove South at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Downers Grove North at York, 7:30 p.m.