Game Preview: Downers Grove North vs. York

    After losing to Lyons Township two weeks ago, the Downers Grove North Trojans were able to return home and defeat their cross-town rival, Downers Grove South. With this victory, the Trojans are now 4-1 on the season, and they are ready to take on any challenge that may come their way.

    One of these challenges for the Trojans will come this week, as they travel to Elmhurst to take on the York Dukes. The Dukes have not won a single game this season, and were shut down last week against Proviso West, 14-0. The Dukes want to win a game badly, and they will come out strong against the Trojans this week, as they look for their first win, in front of their home crowd.

    Last season, the Trojans went into the game against York with a 1-4 record, while the Dukes held a 4-1 record. The Dukes had a strong offense, and the Trojans defense was just a little bit too weak to stop them. The Dukes had a lot of momentum going into that game as well, after winning their previous two games. The Dukes were able to shut down the Trojans, and win that game by a score of 41-0.

    This season is very different for both sides. The Trojans are having one of their best seasons, while the Dukes are falling further apart in every game they play. It is very unusual to see the Dukes playing as bad as they are, since they are normally a strong team in the West Suburban Silver Conference. The Dukes do not want to have a winless season, and will fight very hard this week against the Trojans, especially at home. If the Trojans want to get to 5-1, they have to work hard and be careful.

Keys to the Game:

    The Trojans come into this game after winning against their sister school, and rival, Downers Grove South. That game was very big for the Trojans, and it could have been the bump in the road that the Trojans needed to get over to claim a spot in the playoffs. However, the Trojans need to finish their season in order to do that. The Trojans are playing a team that is normally good, but is having an off year. In order to win this game, the Trojans need to remain strong. They cannot make the small and simple errors that we saw last week. In the game against Downers South, the Trojans dropped balls, made bad handoffs and had fumbles close to the end zone. They cannot make these mistakes.

    Another thing the Trojans need to focus on is knowing the field. Last week, it rained all day before the game, which caused the field to be wet. The Trojans were slipping and sliding all over the field, and because of that, were unable to play to their fullest. Being on a field that is different than their own will be an adjustment that the Trojans will need to make. Even if it doesn’t rain, the Trojans will be on a different field, and will need to make sure they know how it feels and how the ball plays on it.

    Lastly, as was mentioned since the beginning of the season, the Trojans need to protect quarterback David Edwards. Edwards is one of the best players in the game, and the Dukes will be trying to pressure him and trying to make him mess up. The Trojans have been doing a very good job protecting Edwards, and if they can continue to do that, they will succeed this week.

Time for Predictions:

    Looking at this game on paper, the Trojans are favored to win. The Trojans come in ranked as #134 in the state, while the Dukes are ranked #293. As mentioned above, the Trojans will have to fight hard to win, and this game will not come easy by any means, but the Trojans do have the advantage, and could come away with a victory.

Game Time:   

    This game will take place on Friday, Sept. 28 at York High School in Elmhurst Ill. Game time is 7:30 pm.