Thornton coach Bill Mosel hopes that his offense can play as consistently as his defense has this season when the Wildcats take on Bradley-Bourbonnais on Saturday in their Southwest Suburban Red opener.
The Wildcats returned nine defensive starters from last year’s 7-3 team, and that experience shines through. Thornton allowed 20 points in its first two games, 14 against Naperville North.
Brandon Harris, Malcolm Major, Tyshon Waller and Jerome Jenkins anchor the defensive line, and Dominic Bryant has been steadfast at linebacker for the Wildcats.
“As of today, yes, defense is our strength,” Mosel said. “We are still getting a feel for the rest of it.”
In Week 1, Thornton put up 49 points against Hillcrest, but last week scored 10 points against Naperville North. The Huskies pinned the Wildcats inside their own 10 seven times on punts.
Thornton’s offense rests on the shoulders of twin brothers Jason and Jamal Towns. The junior quarterback and running back, respectively, have generated much of the Wildcats’ offense.
Both were relegated to the secondary as sophomores because Thornton had two senior quarterbacks and All-State running back Damien Bell.
“We like to mix the pass in with the run about the same,” Mosel said. “We needed the twins playing defense last year, and they are needed on offense more this year.”
Bradley-Bourbonnais downed Thornton last year in a high-scoring game. The Boilermakers scored 65 points in their first two games this season.
“We’ve watched Bradley on film, and they do multiple things on offense,” Mosel said. “They are very explosive, and they run a lot of different formations.”
Bradley-Bourbonnais at Thornton
When:
1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where:
15001 Broadway Ave., Harvey.
Last meeting:
Bradley won 35-28 in 2010.
Records:
Thornton 1-1, Bradley 1-1.
Players to watch:
Thornton — Jason Towns, Jr., QB, 5-5, 165 (22-for-33, 310 yards, 2 TDs); Jamal Towns, Jr., RB, 5-5, 165 (31 carries, 254 yards, 3 TDs). Bradley — Charlie Dicola, Sr., OT, 6-1, 245.
X and O factor:
Thornton’s defense has lived up to form, giving up only 20 points. Can its offense give enough help for this conference win?
