Downers Grove North’s Zach Bouma preferred a different type of commitment since the end of the football season.

After the Trojans posted a 5-5 record last season, Bouma decided to forgo playing any other sports to focus on becoming a key cog on the defensive line for his senior season.

“I committed myself 110 percent to the weight room this offseason and being a leader to my class and the other young players in the program,” Bouma said.

With the hiring of former Highland Park coach Joe Horeni in the offseason, the Trojans have a renewed optimism for the 2018 season. The Trojans open the season with a tough test against Buffalo Grove at home. The Bison finished 9-2 last season.

“The kids are hungry and ready to work,” Horeni said. “The defense is staying the same, the offense is doing some stuff they haven’t done a lot of in the past. The offensive and defensive lines have done a really good job, really competing and moving each other off the ball well.”

The Trojans’ 3-3-5 defense is a potential strength, especially due to the experience on the line. Bouma and senior Joseph Passarelli are the main returnees on the line.

“Zach played some [defensive] end last year,” Horeni said. “Since the day I got the job, he’s 100 percent bought in. He’s a hard worker, a vocal leader, though he picks his spots and leads by example more. He’s really coachable. Joe Passarelli is another end. He’s a good kid and also works hard. He has more speed than people give him credit for.”

Bouma said Horeni’s energy and experience have been a positive for the program, in particular for the defensive line. Horeni, a starting center on the Downers Grove South 2001 Class 8A state title team, has coached at St. Francis, Morris and Highland Park.

“Since coach has come in, I feel as if more players have bought into our programs,” Bouma said. “The defensive line has a great group of returning seniors that have put in effort to get those reps on the first and second team defense in summer camp and our juniors have continued to put in effort working hard getting reps.

“In my eyes, our defensive line is a force to be reckoned with this year.”

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Bouma played primarily nose tackle last season, but is slated to alternate between end and nose tackle. He focused on his technique in the weight room to gain quality size and strength. Bouma said he’s hoping to extend his career and play in college.

“I have visited a couple of colleges to check out their programs and have been invited to see other programs,” he said. “I have kept my options open to see where my best fit for football and education will be.”

Horeni said the offense will be more balanced this season. The Trojans return some quality players at the skill positions to be more versatile. The offensive line, led by Thomas Ward and Nolen Bowerman, form the key to offense.

“Tommy is a smart kid who will make a lot of our adjustments,” Horeni said. “He does a nice job and can be intense or a goofball. He has an interesting personality. Nolen is super smart and very consistent. We’re doing some different things on offense. We are planning to throw the ball more. The coaching staff has bought in the right way and we have great experience. It’s been nice to come home for me and we’re excited about the future.”