Deep Dish Football Playoff OT Game Of The Week Player Spotlight: St. Charles North OL/DL Joe Duhowni
So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for Illinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know , but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams
Joe Duhownik Class of 2019 SCN OL/DL 6'3 220
Joe Duhownik how does it feel being in the Quartefinals?
It’s truly unreal. One of the best feelings there is. I’ve had two older brothers go through this program before me, Billy and Nick, and both of them were great athletes that I’ve learned so much from. Going to the quarterfinals means Ive gone the farthest of any of the Duhownik brothers, so there will definitely be some bragging rights for that, but I also want to keep winning for them, because they deserved this shot and never got it.
What is your favorite memory so far this season?
This may sound like a weird answer, but my favorite memory so far is actually hitting the sled every Wednesday night with Coach Polly and the offensive line. We’ve truly built a brotherhood, ever since we started in March, with open gyms of Sunday nights. The time and effort that we put in as a unit is unmatched, and our bond is unmatched because of it. And that’s what I think will continue to drive this team forward.
What do you see in this Wheaton Warrenville Soth team for Saturday?
They’re a phenomenal team, but so are we. They have great athletes, but we do too. Number 91 is a great defensive end, and I expect the two of us to have a great battle again. But don’t get me wrong, there’s not a doubt in my mind we have what it takes to win this game. We have improved exponentially over the last two weeks and this Saturday we are gonna show the state of Illinois that we mean business.
What do you like about playing on the offensive line?
The best part about playing O-Line is the sense of pride that comes with it. You don’t get the ball, you don’t get in the endzone, but you know that you’ve got your quarterbacks back all day long, and it’s up to you to open wholes for your running back. And you know that at the end of the day, nobody works harder than a lineman.
Funniest teammate?
Gio Medina. He is nicknamed “Juice” because he always brings energy and excitement to games and practices. He’s got a great attitude and is always fun to be around.
Who is a player on St.Charles North that media should be talking about but hasn't?
Nick Smith is our left guard, and he works his tail off, day in and day out. He doesn’t complain, and he fights through adversity like a champion. I know that he’s always got my back, and when I get beat late on pass pro, he’s always there to clean up the mess. We’ve developed a strong bond playing next to each other all year, and he deserves just as much credit as any other player for the success of this team.
When I say Senior season what does that mean to you?
This senior season is everything to me. This is what I’ve been working towards since I stared playing football in the 5th grade back at St. Pats. I’ve worked and worked for 8 years now to get to this spot, and I’m just where I want to be. All the lifting sessions and the 6am conditionings and summer two-a-days in the 100 degree heat are all coming to fruition. I’ve known these guys for 4 years, some of them 8, and I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else. Freshman year, our coach put our team picture on the wall of the locker room, and wrote “future state champs” under it. Ever since then, I’ve truly believed it. We have what it takes, and more importantly, we have the belief.
Remember Deep Dish Football Is Just Not About Recruiting But About The Love Of The Game Of Football In The IHSA
RESPECT THE GAME
