DGN scores 27 unanswered, improves to 2-0 over Willowbrook

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DESPITE THE RAIN: DGN players are met on the field by a swarm of spectators including the drumline, color guard and student section.

Anthony Marsicano, Sports Editor

Downers Grove North played their second straight non-conference game Friday night as they took on Willowbrook at home. The Warriors began each of the first two quarters with a passing touchdown, but after jumping out to a 14-0 lead would fail to score again. DGN’s offense ignited for 17 points just in the second quarter as they scored 27 total unanswered to complete the comeback win. QB Sam Reichert completed 9 of his 15 passes for 87 yards and also rushed for a touchdown. That touchdown was made possible by a Willowbrook fumble forced by DE Alex Kartsounes, who also recorded a pair of sacks on the night.

Willowbrook received the opening kickoff and immediately came out hot, throwing for a touchdown on the very first play from scrimmage. This along with an interception thrown by Reichert made for an ugly first quarter for the Trojans that left them trailing 0-7.

The Warriors started the second quarter in similar fashion, throwing for another touchdown pass on a third down. This seemed to be the wake-up call the Trojans needed as their offense went on to finish the half with 17 points, beginning with a field goal from kicker Sean Ryniec with 7:03 left. DGN’s defense made their presence known, first by forcing a fumble that would lead to a Reichert rushing touchdown. They then shut down Willowbrook on their next drive, allowing returner Ethan Thulin to run a punt back 78 yards to the house. Trojans lead 17-10 entering halftime.

Things didn’t go any better after halftime for Willowbrook, they would go scoreless through the rest of the game. Running back Joe Chiarelli found the endzone to extend the Trojan lead with a rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Ryniec nailed his second field goal of the game towards the end of the fourth quarter, providing DGN some insurance points before they later ran out the clock to complete the comeback victory.

The team is scheduled for their first away game this week at Downers Grove South against the 0-2 rival Mustangs. The Trojans are looking to extend their current six-game winning streak over DGS; they have not lost to the Mustangs since 2014.