O-line paving way for Barbs during undefeated start and into Naperville Central game

DeKALB - Nothing helps the confidence of an offensive line like blocking for a stable of playmakers.

With players in the backfield for DeKalb capable of breaking a big play at any time - players like power back Tucker Ikens, quarterback Trenton Kyler and slot receiver Toriano Tate - it makes the job that much better, said senior lineman Owen Brown.

“Those boys, they are so athletic that if you even give them even an inch they are going to bust the thing for 60 or 70 yards,” Brown said. “You just know if you make that block, they are going to find that gap and make a run.”

Head coach Keith Snyder has heaped praise on the line all year as the main cog of a Barbs offense averaging almost 45 points per game in starting the season 2-0.

Snyder said that’s what happens when the line features guys like Brown, Cole Giradot, and other veteran leaders.

“What you see is four seniors coming together and playing,” Snyder said. “Anytime you get four seniors on an offensive line that’s a good thing. We’re seven deep, we can rotate and get guys in there doing a good job for us. I think you see kids that work hard and care about their teammates, that’s the biggest thing.”

In its two wins so far this year, DeKalb has had just one back reach 100 yards - Ikens hit 139 yards in 18 carries last week in a win over Waubonsie Valley.

But the Barbs are also averaging almost 300 yards on the ground as a team. Kyler has 67 yards per game, while Tate is averaging almost 63.

In Week 1 the Barbs (2-0) beat Metea Valley, 58-21, then had a Week 2 game against Naperville North canceled.

Now they play the next two games against teams that beat them in their 2019 debut season in the DuPage Valley Conference - Naperville Central this week, Neuqua Valley in Week 5.

“It’s a big motivation point,” Giradot said. “It’s good to have those games at home this year.”

Naperville Central beat the Barbs 49-16 last year.

“We’re just trying to show we can play in the DVC and win the conference,” Brown said.

Giradot said the team is glad to be at home and is hopeful there may even be a student section in the stadium this week - in Week 1 the students set up outside the stadium fence on the south side to watch the game.

Snyder said the team is ready.

“We can tell the kids are treating this like a bigger game,” Snyder said. “It’s one of the bigger games we’ve had in a long time around here. So we’re excited about that opportunity.”

Naperville Central’s defense has one of the best front 7s Snyder said he has ever seen.

“It’s a heck of a challenge,” Snyder said. “We’re going to go out there and see what’s been a real strong point, and we’re really excited about this season and our offensive line going against one of the best boxes I’ve seen.”

Snyder said if the players on the line remember the basics, they’ll do well.

“I think it’s just relying on the talent we have and doing our job,” Snyder said. “Don’t try to go outside yourself. I think our talent speaks for itself and when we’re all here and all healthy we’re going to be alright.”