Downers Grove North Stuns West Chicago to Reach Class 7A Quarterfinals

Downers Grove North defeated West Chicago 49-14 in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs Friday night. The victory secures the Trojans a spot in the second round, where they will face St. Rita. This win extends the team’s streak of advancing to the quarterfinals for a fourth straight season.

The Trojans, who finished the regular season with a 9-1 record, dominated the Wildcats, who fell to 5-6. Downers Grove North scored on every offensive drive during the first half. They held West Chicago scoreless until midway through the third quarter. The rushing attack served as the primary engine for the offense, with Zachary Surowiec and Kevin Jay combining for three first-half rushing touchdowns. Those scores propelled the Trojans to a 28-0 lead.

Surowiec opened the scoring with a 46-yard rushing touchdown on the team’s first drive. He added a second score with 49 seconds remaining in the first quarter, rushing 17 yards for the touchdown. In the second quarter, quarterback Joey Goodwin connected with Jacob Vroman for a 29-yard pass. Jay then rushed 27 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead. An interception by Connor Crowley set up the next score, as Goodwin threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to Ray Johnson. That score put the Trojans ahead 35-0 before backups entered the game.

Second-string quarterback Jacob Pourier contributed two touchdown passes in the third quarter. A 19-yard pass to Kyle Jacobs put the Trojans up 49-0 with four minutes left in the third quarter. West Chicago’s offense struggled to find rhythm, giving up touchdowns on nearly every opponent drive. The Wildcats did not score until midway through the fourth quarter. Running back Iann Lemus rushed for a 10-yard touchdown with eight minutes remaining to cut the deficit to 49-7. Lemus added a second touchdown with one minute left to make the final score 49-14.

Head coach Joe Horeni praised the team’s physical play and preparation against West Chicago’s triple-option scheme. He noted that the Wildcats are difficult to prepare for because they do not face many opponents who run that style. Horeni specifically commended Jay for his versatility, noting that Jay carries the ball well, can play quarterback when needed, and is a tough blocker. Jay rushed for two touchdowns and over 50 yards in the game.

Jay said the team felt good about taking care of business. He noted that the team ran the ball well throughout the year, and his coaches know the team’s capabilities. Goodwin said the focus was on ironing out vices and fixing alignment and assignments after the bye week. He stated that knowing the schemes and standing as a unit sets the team up for success in every play.

West Chicago enters this loss coming off its first playoff victory in 52 years. The Trojans now prepare for their matchup against St. Rita in the quarterfinals.