It’s been a very successful few years for Downers Grove North’s football and basketball programs. Both teams have done just about everything except win a state title. And that’s still very possible for the football team this season.
The Thulin family has been at the center of it all. First it was Owen and Ethan, and now it is Oliver. He’s the third brother to play football for the Trojans. His clutch interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on Saturday in Glen Ellyn clinched Downers Grove North’s 19-7 win against Glenbard West in the Class 7A second round.
“If they threw that route, I was going for it,” Thulin said. “They threw it and I went to my spot and I got it. I’m grateful for it.”
Thulin, a defensive back and receiver, caught the interception at the 29-yard line of Glenbard West and returned it for a score.
“Honestly, [catches] feel better on defense,” Thulin said.
Glenbard West (9-2) trailed 13-7 and had 3:10 left to get down the field and win the game when Thulin grabbed the interception.
“That is a tremendous football family,” Downers Grove North coach Joe Horeni said. “They have done a lot of great things for our program.”
Campbell Thulin, Oliver’s sister, is a standout basketball player for the Trojans.
“It is the best thing you can have, family success,” Oliver Thulin said. “Not just seeing me succeed but all my siblings. My past siblings, looking up to them. And my little sister being the star athlete in the family. It’s awesome.”
Downers Grove North (9-2) managed only 49 total yards of offense in the first half but led 6-0 after a Glenbard West interception led to a short field. Caden Chiarelli scored on a four-yard run midway through the first quarter to open the scoring.
It was Chiarelli again in the third quarter with a darting 17-yard TD run to put the Trojans ahead 13-0.
Glenbard West scored on an eight-yard run by Amari Harris with 11:51 to play. Harris plowed through the pile with a big second effort and limped into the end zone.
“You certainly can’t turn it over in your red zone,” Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet said. “Our defense played really well. We had an unfortunate turnover and penalties on offense that set us back. Downers Grove North played outstanding defense. They beat our offensive line up front.”
Trojans quarterback Owen Lansu, a Minnesota recruit, was 15-for-20 for 112 yards. Thulin had eight catches for 59 yards.
“I’m very proud of our kids for the perseverance they’ve shown through injuries to very key players,” Horeni said. “They’ve stood the test. We executed offensively in certain moments, and it was an unbelievable job by our defense.”
Illinois recruit Will Vala leads the Trojans’ defensive line and also plays tight end. He’s part of a core group of seniors who have taken Downers Grove North on deep playoff runs the past three seasons.
“We have so many guys that have been under pressure before and know how to win those type of games,” Chiarelli said. “That makes a huge difference.”
Jamarcus Kelly had 21 carries for 75 yards for Glenbard West. Hilltoppers quarterback AJ Rayford was 17-for-28 for 133 yards with two interceptions.
“Our seniors don’t have superstar talent,” Hetlet said. “But their leadership was unbelievable. The way they committed themselves in the offseason was second to none. It was the best offseason we’ve ever had. We went from 4-5 to 9-2. I couldn’t be more proud of those guys.”
Downers Grove North will host Lincoln-Way West in the quarterfinals next weekend.
Downers Grove North only gained 49 yards in the first half, so this play is huge.
Caden Chiarelli with a tough 17-yard TD.
Trojans lead Glenbard West 13-0 with 6:06 left in the 3Q. pic.twitter.com/4o2XH8jl13
— Michael O’Brien (@michaelsobrien) November 8, 2025