A natural defensive back, St. Charles North senior Alex Valenzuela is big and physical. He can play inside the box like a safety but runs in coverage like a cornerback.
In new defensive coordinator Keith Snyder’s scheme, however, Valenzuela is listed as an outside linebacker. You don’t need a penny to get his thoughts on that.
“I don’t like to call myself a linebacker,” Valenzuela said. “It’s more of a nickel.”
Whatever the label, one thing has been for certain this season. No matter where Valenzuela lines up on the field, he continues to make big plays for the North Stars.
He also helped fourth-seeded St. Charles North (10-1) advance to a 1 p.m. Saturday game at home in the Class 7A state quarterfinals against 12th-seeded St. Rita (9-2).
Valenzuela delivered his third interception of the season in Saturday’s 25-9 second-round win over Hoffman Estates. Heading into the playoffs, he was tied for second on the team in tackles for loss with eight.
“We’re putting him in a position to make plays,” St. Charles North coach Rob Pomazak said. “A lot of his tackles for loss are perimeter plays. He does a good job of seeing the field, and he’s an excellent open-field tackler.
“He’s an extremely intelligent football player. He has the physicality of a linebacker. He’s often a mismatch. You have to game plan for him.”
Pomazak mentioned Valenzuela’s interception as one of the biggest keys to Saturday’s win.
The North Stars held an 18-3 going into the second half, but Hoffman Estates had a strong wind at its back for the third quarter. Still, Pomazak wanted to steal a touchdown.
At halftime, Valenzuela was told to sit on the curl route. When that played out, he picked off the pass and raced 45 yards. With a short field, the North Stars quickly scored.
“We talked about making the adjustment,” Valenzuela said. “They were right about it, so it was my play to make. After that, you could tell that some tension was relieved.
“It was a good overall moment for the team. At the time, you don’t notice how big it is until the game plays out.”
Putting athletes like Valenzuela in position to make plays like that has been a big part of St. Charles North’s 10-game winning streak.
It’s also what Snyder, a former head coach at DeKalb, has brought to the program.
“It’s a leap of faith to make a change like that, but we were looking for somebody that would be the head coach of the defense,” Pomazak said. “He brings a professional attitude.
“He’s unbelievably prepared, is great with the kids and is an excellent teacher. I couldn’t be happier with the fit.”
Valenzuela confirmed it was an adjustment at first.
“We did have some problems going in, a little bit of doubt, but we stuck by what our coaches told us and it’s been great,” Valenzuela said. “It’s unbelievable how far we’ve come from game one.”
The North Stars do it in waves at all three levels of the defense.
Angelo Bradley and Soren Erickson anchor the line. Ryan Daley, Valenzuela and Aidan Zocher occupy the middle. Drew Surges and John Vendl help lock down the back end.
“I feel like we’re as physical and athletic as anybody,” Pomazak said. “Everybody is a strong link. That’s why we’ve been such a good defense. The defense we’ve played this year is second to none.”
That defense will be tested yet again by St. Rita, which is led by dynamic junior running back DJ Stewart.
“They’re a very similar team to us,” Pomazak said. “This game will be the marquee game in the state. It’s a state championship quality game.”
Valenzuela is up for the challenge.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity,” Valenzuela said. “Our coaches always tell us if we’re not excited about the opportunity than it’s not big enough.
“This is definitely one we’ve all been looking forward to.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.