St. Charles North’s Quarterback Timeshare Yields Results

St. Charles North’s football team is effectively managing a quarterback timeshare that features sophomore Dashel Von Qualen and senior Landon Conroy. Both players have demonstrated their skills in the first two weeks of the season, contributing to the North Stars’ success.

Von Qualen perceives himself as a big-play threat, complementing Conroy’s abilities. He described their collaboration as a ‘yin-and-yang’ dynamic, where the team sticks with whoever has the ‘hot hand.’ “If we have the hot hand, we keep the hot hand,” Von Qualen remarked. “We’re two great quarterbacks.”

During a 56-21 nonconference victory over South Elgin, Von Qualen showcased his potential. His initial three passes all resulted in touchdowns, and he added 96 rushing yards on six carries. He completed 4 of 4 passes for 153 yards and tallied a 35-yard rushing score for St. Charles North (2-0). Conroy also contributed, completing 4 of 6 passes for 120 yards, running for 45 yards, and scoring an additional touchdown.

The North Stars benefited from standout performances by other players. Jameson Walters returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and caught two 39-yard passes, including one for a score. Tommy Vendl recorded a 1-yard TD run and a 71-yard touchdown reception. On the opposing side, South Elgin (1-1) saw freshman Jeremiah Torres return a kickoff for an 89-yard touchdown, while Carter McDonald managed a 1-yard TD run.

Despite waiting for a starting opportunity, Conroy expressed his willingness to work collaboratively with Von Qualen. “It’s working out pretty well,” he said. “We’re 2-0, we’re both putting up stats, both making the team better. Both of us add our own part to it. It’s definitely fun.” Conroy sees this approach as a competitive advantage. “One of our core values is selflessness,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

North Stars coach Rob Pomazak praised both quarterbacks for their willingness to embrace their roles. “We’re very lucky to have both Landon and Dash in the lineup,” Pomazak stated. “I give them credit for both accepting the roles because it could be like, ‘No, I should start.’ The first two weeks have been great because it gives us that fastball, change-up type of deal.”

Conroy kick-started Friday’s game with a 57-yard pass on the first play, followed by an 18-yard rushing touchdown. He also completed a 10-yard pass to Jackson Weasler for another score. Von Qualen then threw touchdown passes of 39 yards to Walters, 35 yards to Jack Leigl, and 71 yards to Vendl.

Von Qualen acknowledged the challenge this dual-threat presents to opponents. “We understand it gives teams two completely different things to prepare for,” he said. “We’re both starter caliber. When you have that, it makes it really hard for opponents.” Ultimately, both quarterbacks prioritize the team’s success. “We’re here to win,” Von Qualen affirmed.