Scouting the Naperville North Huskies
Any questions about Naperville North’s offensive plans will be answered by five players.
Four starters return to the offensive line as a clear strength of the team as a whole. Iowa-bound tackle Colin Goebel, center Dan Patton, left tackle Mike Langman and right guard Ben Obriecht will dictate the Huskies’ success.
“We have a really good offensive line, which makes everything easier,” said Naperville North coach Sean Drendel. “You can control the tempo of the game. You can slow it down and let your defense mature. They’ll be carrying us early in the season while our defense gains experience.”
Drendel estimates he’ll take advantage of Goebel & Co. by running about 70 percent of the time with 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback Johnny Brown and running backs DeSean Brown — the son of former Huskies standout Levelle Brown — Kendall Veluvolu and Sharad Crosby.
Although collectively the Huskies don’t return much in terms of statistics, Drendel envisions the touches being divided among several players. While DeSean Brown is a slasher, Veluvolu is more of a power runner.
Like the offense, Naperville North’s defensive strength rests on its line. Not only do Ryan Wilson and Pat Mollo return, but Zac Martin is shifting from tight end to defense.
About 15 defensive players return with some degree of varsity playing experience, including returning starting linebacker James DiGiovanni and returning defensive backs Kevin Nalefski and Matt Weber.
After allowing an average of 35 points in three straight losses that closed last season, Drendel knows the defense needs to improve. A deeper group, thanks to help from the junior class, should accomplish that goal as the Huskies aim for a run at the DuPage Valley Conference title.
“We’ve definitely got to grow up in certain spots,” Drendel said. “We have a lot of good football players, but they’re young.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Sean Drendel (third year, 13-9).
2011 record: 5-5, 4-3, tied for fourth in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Colin Goebel (OL, 6-4, 280, sr.); Ben Obriecht (OL, 6-0, 220, sr.); Johnny Brown (QB, 6-2, 210, sr.); DeSean Brown (RB, 6-0, 190, jr.); Kendall Veluvolu (RB, 5-8, 200, sr.); Ryan Wilson (DL, 6-0, 230, sr.); Pat Mollo (DL, 6-1, 225, sr.); James DiGiovanni (LB, 5-11, 195, sr.); Kevin Nalefski (DB, 5-9, 165, sr.); Matt Weber (DB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Dan Patton (OL, 6-5, 250, sr.); Mike Langman (OL, 6-5, 270, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Neuqua Valley at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Naperville North at Thornton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Wheaton North at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Naperville North at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Naperville North at West Chicago , 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Glenbard East at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, West Aurora at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Naperville North at Naperville Central (North Central), 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Glenbard North at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.