Game Preview: Downers Grove North vs. Hinsdale Central

    After losing their homecoming game last week to Proviso West, 41-27, the Downers Grove North Trojans are getting ready for one of their biggest challenges this week, as they welcome in the Hinsdale Central Red Devils for the home game of the regular season.

    The Trojans welcome the Red Devils to Carsten’s Field, where the energy is going to be electric, and the crowd is going to be very loud. This game, however, is going to be a huge challenge for the Trojans, and the fans are going to have to provide a lot of support as the Trojans start this game.

    The Red Devils are coming off of a loss last week, when the Oak Park River Forest Huskies were able to top the Red Devils by one point, 42-41. The Trojans, on the other hand, were unable to win, despite being home on homecoming night, by a score of 41-27. The Trojans want to get back on the winning tack as their regular season begins to end.

    Last year, the Trojans went into the game against the Red Devils with a 2-5 record, while Hinsdale Central came into play with a 5-2 record, which is the record both teams have going into this week. Last year, the Red Devils were able to come out on top of the Trojans, defeating them 23-13.

    This season is different for the Trojans, who have clinched a spot in the playoffs, but this game could be one of their biggest tests. The Trojans season gets very tough from here, playing Hinsdale Central, and Glenbard West next week.

Keys to the Game:

    If the Trojans want to come away with the victory this week, they need to focus on shutting down the Red Devil passing game. Looking at the statistics, the Red Devils, on average, pass for 220.7 yards per game. The Trojans want to try and get that football to stay on the ground, and if they cannot do that, they should try to place their defenders where they think the ball is going to be. They need to read the quarterback early, and realize, Hinsdale Central will pass the ball.

    The Trojans should also realize that quarterback David Edwards is going to have a lot of time in the pocket, and he can use that time to work well, and think. The Red Devils have an average of .4 sacs per game, which is not a big number. Edwards has time, and he should take full advantage of it.

    Lastly, the Trojans should watch Andrew Pyle from the Red Devils. Pyle has compiled the most tackles for the Red Devils last week, and both the offense and defense need to watch for him. If Pyle gets close to a Trojan, you can expect a tackle. The Trojans need to watch for Pyle, and make sure he cannot get anywhere close to their players.

Time for Predictions:

    Looking at this game on paper, the Hinsdale Central Red Devils should come away with this victory. They are ranked #31 in the state, while the Trojans are ranked #143 in the state. The Red Devils do, however, have the same record as the Trojans, which kind of evens out the playing field. I personally feel as though the Trojans can win, but the chances and statistics are leading toward Hinsdale Central.

Game Time:

This game is scheduled to take place at Downers Grove North High School in Downers Grove, Ill. The game time is scheduled for 7:30 pm. Live coverage of this game can be heard on Downers Grove North radio, WDGC 88.3 FM, or online at wdgc.csd99.org.