As Downers Grove North came out for its first offensive possession, the Downers Grove South student section starting yelling “overrated.”
That chant didn’t last long.
Continuing their recent dominance in the cross-town rivalry, the Trojans captured their 10th consecutive win over the Mustangs with a 42-0 victory Friday night.
Caden Chiarelli made his rushing attempts count, scoring a personal-high four touchdowns on just five carries. That included a 41-yard scamper to the end zone late in the second quarter to up the score to 35-0 at halftime. His 5-yard TD early in the third brought on the running clock.
“Our student section was loud,” Chiarelli said, “our coaches prepared us well. We had a good week of practice and we took care of business.
“It’s really cool to have teammates who all work really hard. We’ve got talent at every position, we are a dangerous team.”
The Downers North defense held the Mustangs to only four first downs and started off the scoring with an 8-yard fumble recovery return by Charlie Cruse with 6:47 remaining in the opening quarter. Shawn Toth contributed a late interception.
“Our defense is very hungry,” said Downers North coach Joe Horeni, whose team improved to 2-0 before a matchup with Glenbard West next week. “Our D-coordinator (Keith Lichtenberg) and his staff do a great job. And anytime you shut out a team, that’s good stuff.
“It’s fun to get a win against DGS and it means a lot to the kids. Caden had a great game, he’s a hard-nosed player and he plays on defense too.”
Owen Lansu was 9 of 14 through the air for 157 yards, connecting with Oliver Thulin for a 73-yard strike across the middle for a score. Thulin caught four passes for 101 yards.
Kayden Smith led Downers South (1-1) with 48 rushing yards on 13 carries.
“We were hoping we could run the ball,” Downers South coach Mark Molinari said, “and we failed to run the ball in the first half. And anytime you give up a defensive TD, your chances of winning go down by like 90%.
“Their defense flies to the ball and Lansu is obviously very good. Give them credit, they are good. Our kids worked hard and I believe in them. We will get where we need to be.”
Downers Grove North’s Charlie Cruse runs the fumble in for a touchdown against Downers Grove South on Friday Sept. 6,2024 in Downers Grove.
Downers Grove North’s Max Troha battles for position against Downers Grove South on Friday Sept. 6,2024 in Downers Grove.
Downers Grove South’s Keegan Garland carries the ball against Downers Grove North on Friday Sept. 6,2024 in Downers Grove.
Downers Grove North students cheer on Downers Grove North as they play against Downers Grove South on Friday Sept. 6,2024 in Downers Grove.
Downers Grove South’s Dominic West hands the ball off to Kayden Smith against Downers Grove North on Friday Sept. 6,2024 in Downers Grove.
Downers Grove North’s Charlie Cruse looks to carry the ball for a gain against Downers Grove South on Friday Sept. 6,2024 in Downers Grove.
Downers Grove North’s Owen Lansu hands the ball off to Downers Grove North’s Jake Gregorio against Downers Grove South on Friday Sept. 6,2024 in Downers Grove.