Scouting the Naperville North Huskies

It's tough to ignore 4,000 yards of offense lost to graduation.

But now we get to see what Naperville North had waiting in the wings.

Between the departure of all-state quarterback Drake Davis, receivers Ryan Laurenzo and Nick Calcagno, and running back Brett Zdrubecky, last football season's offense was gutted. This year's group might not be as explosive, but the Huskies believe they still can move the chains with authority.

"We lost our two best receivers, a very good running back, our quarterback," said Huskies coach Sean Drendel. "That makes it difficult. But the guys we have now would have played for a lot of teams last year."

Running back Ameir Wilbourn, who last year rushed for 245 yards, missed half the season while receiver Matt Heinz managed 22 catches for 436 yards as part of a senior-laden receiving corps.

Three linemen - Sammy Caldarazzo, John Manzardo and Chase McClure - return to give the Huskies five strong players to build around on offense. Team captain Cliff Vickers and junior Anthony Gabrione look to replace Davis at quarterback.

"We feel good about both of them," Drendel said. "They both give us a chance to win, and that's the main thing."

Andrew Reinhard was second on last year's defense with 57 tackles, and fellow linebacker Bo Richter wasn't far behind. The secondary returns three starters in Matt Maschmeier, who also will play receiver, Grant Pass and Sean Doyle. Nate Hermick is the lone returner up front.

Five times last season the Huskies allowed at least 30 points, but in three of those games the offense outscored its opponent. This year the defense must be more effective.

"They've got an edge to them this season," Drendel said. "Our kids will get after it."

One to watch: The Huskies play Naperville Central twice this season, but all eyes will be on the first, nonconference meeting in Week 3.

The breakdown

Coach: Sean Drendel (ninth year, 41-39).

2017 record: 6-4, 5-3, tied for third in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Sammy Caldarazzo (OL, 6-3, 265, sr.), Ameir Wilbourn (RB, 5-9, 175, sr.), Bo Richter (LB, 6-2, 215, sr.), Matt Maschmeier (WR-DB, 6-0, 168, jr.), Andrew Reinhard (LB, 6-0, 195, sr.), Matt Heinz (WR, 6-0, 165, sr.), Cliff Vickers (QB, 5-10, 170, sr.), Anthony Gabrione (QB, 6-2, 175, jr.), Elijah Jordan (RB, 5-10, 185, so.), John Manzardo (OL, 5-11, 215, sr.), Chase McClure (OL, 6-1, 250, sr.), Grant Pass (DB, 5-7, 145, sr.), Sean Doyle (DB, 5-9, 155, sr.), Nate Hermick (DL, 6-0, 205, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Naperville North

Fri, 8/24, Simeon at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 8/31, Naperville North at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/7, Naperville North at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/14, Metea Valley at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/21, Naperville North at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/28, Naperville Central at Naperville North (North Central College), 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/5, Naperville North at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/12, Huntley at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/19, Naperville North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.