For the final regular season game of the 2023-24 season, the Trojans hosted conference rivals Hinsdale Central in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. The Trojans dominated, beating the Red Devils 35-12 and finishing the regular season 7-2, the best record to date under head coach Joseph Horeni.
Horeni took over the program in 2018, becoming only the fifth head coach in DGN history. Under his leadership, the Trojans achieved their best regular season record since 2005. To him, this season signifies being considered among Trojan legends such as Pete Ventrelli, Dick Carstens, and John Wander.
“It’s a great program, there’s been a lot of great history. I think the big testament is that our team and coaches are fantastic,” Horeni said. “I’m pleased to be a part of it.”
Currently ranked 17th by the Chicago Sun-Times, The Trojans have impressed this season. The team started 5-0 and beat 11th-ranked St. Francis and 18th-ranked Glenbard West. Nearly all of the team’s success came on the road, as they only played three home games this season.
“Our defense and young offense has done a really good job. I’ve been pleased with all the young guys stepping up,” Horeni said. “Our senior leadership has also been really good, they learned from last year and continue to grow.”
The team’s two losses came during weeks six and seven to conference opponents Lyons Township and York. After losing two in a row, the team shifted focus from beating their opponents to working on bettering themselves.
“I think losing those games was good for our team and it made us realize the main things we need to improve on. We worked on improving our flaws and got stronger as a team,” senior cornerback Owen Thulin said.
For the first time since 2005, the Trojans will host a first-round playoff game as they take on 25th-ranked Kenwood Academy Oct. 27.
“It is special to us because we worked hard in the offseason to get to this point. As a team, our progression has been amazing. I’m proud of the group we have and excited for what we can do going forward,” senior running back Noah Battle said.
