Dupage Policy Journal

A strong defense is nothing new at the College of DuPage football field.

Last year, the Chaparrals ranked second in the National Junior College Athletic Association in defense in the regular season, DuPage head coach Matthew Foster told the DuPage Policy Journal. The season before, the program was sixth.

| College of Dupage

This season, DuPage is bringing the defense as usual. The Chaparrals, who were 3-1 going into the weekend of Oct. 1, had recently posted two consecutive shutouts and were allowing just 9.3 points per game overall, which ranked No. 6 nationally, njcaa.org reported.

 “Each year brings new changes and challenges, but I think this group has the ability to equal or better last year's performance,” Foster said.

As of Sept. 29, DuPage was fourth nationally with 4.3 points allowed per game. The Chaparrals also were 25th in total yards allowed per game (282), 31st in passing yards allowed per contest (169.5) and 25th in average rushing yards allowed (112.5).

“The defense players have grown each game, in their maturity, skill application and understanding of our schemes and each others' abilities,” Foster said. “This process will continue throughout the season, and we still have a long way to go to reach our potential.”

Individually, sophomore linebacker Shane Ratkovich led the team with 27 tackles, while sophomore defensive lineman Tyler LaBarbera was second with 24.

Sophomore defensive lineman Jamal Williams was 44th nationally with 3½ sacks, while LaBarbera was 88th with 2½. Freshman defensive lineman Darrin McDaniel led the squad with eight tackles for loss. Sophomore defensive back Malik Johnson and freshman defensive back Myles Plummer each has two pass breakups.

“In order for the defense to be outstanding, all three levels of operation must be strong — the defensive line, linebacker corps and secondary," Foster said. "At this point, all three units have been strong consistently."

The Chaparrals' offense also is getting the job done this season. DuPage was 26th in passing yards per game (213.5) and 23rd in rushing yards per contest (175) while averaging 29.3 points per game, which was 33rd-best.

At quarterback, sophomore Tavion Pauldo completed 82.1 percent of his passes for 482 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions in three games. Meanwhile, in four appearances, fellow sophomore Evan Scales had a 65.8 completion percentage with 336 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

In the rushing attack, sophomore Marcus Jester had a team-high 209 yards, while Jordan Brown had four touchdowns on the ground.

Sophomore wide receiver Darian Pollion had 246 receiving yards, which was 45th nationally, and averaged 20.5 yards per catch, which ranked seventh. Sophomore wideout Arturo Romero had 14 receptions and 178 receiving yards. Through the first four games, eight players had caught at least one touchdown pass.

It all led to the Chaparrals to outscore their opponents 105-13 over the season's first three weeks.

“I really like where we are as team at this point in the season,” Foster said after the third game. “We still have a long way to go in reaching our goals, but I like the progress both on the field and off. Great group of young men with great team chemistry.”