Naperville Central's success tied to arm of QB Linne

It's been eight years since Naperville Central's football team last won the DuPage Valley Conference title.

With quarterback Nick Linne, however, anything's possible this season.

Offensive success - and, in turn, team success - will depend on Linne's effectiveness. The Redhawks are in good hands.

"Nick is what makes everything go," said Redhawks coach Mike Stine. "The question is whether we have enough of a supporting cast around him."

Five starters return on each side of the ball, but all eyes will be on the one behind center. Linne, who recently made a verbal commitment to play baseball at Northwestern, threw for 1,711 yards and rushed for 307 while accounting for 20 touchdowns.

Derek Jancik, Nate Delisle and Ben Murphy bring depth to the ground game, but expect Linne to be the most-effective runner much of the time. Nick Smetana is the lone returning starter to the offensive line.

With tight end Cam Brate, who had 18 catches and 3 touchdowns last year, and receiver Brent Zelinski back, Linne will have options in the passing game.

"Right now we're running back by committee," Stine said. "But our plan is to spread it and let Nick run the show. We won't be afraid to let him carry it 15 times in a game."

Defensive lineman Alex Schaefer, who had 80 tackles and 6 sacks last year, heads the front seven along with linebacker Matt Soria. The secondary should be solid with Paul Wirtz, Alex Grask and Jeremy Pomeroy all returning.

While Linne represents the main voice of experience on offense, familiar faces await at all levels of the Redhawks' defense.

It could be enough to return the Redhawks to the top of the DVC standings.

"If we contend for the conference title, that'll be a good sign for us," Stine said. "If that happens we should do well in the playoffs."