Junior defensive end, Billy Douds, burst onto the scene a few weeks ago with a breakout performance in a big 35-25 North Central victory over Wheaton College that helped the Cardinals remain undefeated. Douds’ effort earned him a selection to the D3football.com Team of the Week.
“It was a big game for me personally, but I could not have done it without Tyrone Suggs, Emonte Logan, and the rest of the group,” said Douds.
Douds leads the North Central defense, a unit which ranks in the top two in every major defensive category in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). In four home games this year at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, the Cardinals have scored 177 points while holding their opponents to just 66.
In the past four games, Douds has amassed 7.5 sacks, six QB hits, and two forced fumbles. He attributed his recent success to working with Coach Tim Janacek, who taught him techniques such as getting his hands-on and head in the gap; Coach Janacek’s assistance has helped the entire defensive line produce at a high level.
In their three losses last season, the Cardinals defense allowed 34 points per game. This year, they have yet to allow more than 25 points.
On the crucial defensive improvement, Douds said: “There is a whole different mentality this year. We are not afraid to make mistakes and two lines have worked to change the line of scrimmage.”
The Cardinals (9-0) have one game remaining and will look to lock up an undefeated regular season, a feat achieved recently in 2013. North Central will host their Senior Day against Elmhurst College (5-4) on Saturday, Nov. 12 with kickoff at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium set for 1 p.m. If Douds and his defensive unit play as they have all season, it seems the Cardinals can be confident in the win.
