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Health & Fitness

Game Preview: Downers Grove North vs. Lyons Township

The Downers Grove North Trojans will be taking on the Lyons Township Lions this Friday night. Here is a preview of that game.

    The Downers Grove North Trojans were able to put up a strong fight, and use their special teams unit to pull out a 16-14 victory last week, against the Oak Park River Forest Huskies. Fans filled Carsten’s Field, dressed in black, to show support for their Trojans, who entered the game undefeated after two early season victories against Lockport and Morton. After this win, the Trojans overall record improved to 3-0, and they are now 1-0 in the West Suburban Silver Conference.   

    The Trojans will be on the road this week, as they travel to Lyons Township to do battle with the Lions. Last week, the Lions lost to the Glenbard West Hilltoppers, 49-7 on the road, and they will be looking to put up a strong fight as they return home after that loss.

    Last year, the Trojans went into the game at home against the Lions with a 1-2 record. The Trojans came up short to the Lions 28-16, and many fans hope history does not repeat itself, especially with the Trojans impeccable record so far this season.

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    The Lions currently have a 1-2 record, with their only win of the season coming against the Downers Grove South Mustangs in week one. The Lions were able to defeat the Mustangs 38-7 in that game, but have been unable to pick up a win since.

Keys to the Game:

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    The Trojans are coming into this game after defeating the Oak Park River Forest Huskies by two points. The Trojans relied heavily on their special teams unit, which is unusual for the Trojans. In the past, the Trojans never put much emphasis on their kicking game, but it helped them out a lot last week against the Huskies. The Lions will be watching for the Trojans special teams unit in this week’s matchup, just in case Coach Wander tries to pull the special teams card once again.

    The Lions will also be watching quarterback David Edwards very closely this week, and will try to attack him as much as possible. Edwards is a strong, young quarterback, who is stepping up this season and performing exactly how the Trojans want him to. The Lions are going to try to rush him to shake him up and try to get him out of the pocket. The Lions want to force errors from the young quarterback. The Trojans offensive line needs to be on the lookout for a blitz or sneak attack from the Lions, in order to give Edwards more time in the pocket, and continue to make good decisions.

    The Lions are going to be coming out strong this week at home. They lost their previous two games and they want to prove to their home fans that they have what it takes to compete this season. Fans have come to know Lyons Township as a strong program and a strong team, and they want to live up to this expectation. The Trojans need to try to slow down the game and keep the momentum on their side as much as possible.

Time for Predictions:

    Looking at this game on paper, the Trojans have the disadvantage. The Lyons Township Lions come into this game ranked as #35 in the state, while the Trojans have a ranking of #126 in the state. The Trojans will be on the road this week, in front of a loud and energized Lions crowd. The Trojans will struggle, and will have to fight hard to compete against the Lions. However, the Trojans do appear to be optimistic about this week’s game. Still, Lyons Township has the edge over the Trojans.  

Game Time:

    This game is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 pm at Lyons Township High School, in LaGrange, Illinois.

 

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