Marching band bringing in the Huskies… and a new season of football at Naperville North. Colin Gillespie invades the Dawg Pound with Benet Academy, Matthew Maschmeier tries to get the blue and orange off to a 1-0 start.
First Quarter
First quarter, first drive… New Huskies quarterback Anthony Gabrione is bootlegging out to the near side, but the big fella, Michael Manning, pursuing from behind. Gets the QB by the ankles… Huskies have to punt.
Next drive for Benet… and Gillespie’s all alone, so they’ve gotta pass right? Nope. The senior takes it up the gut and stretches for the goal line. First points of 2019 for the Redwings.
North defense trying to protect their turf. The Huskies collapse the offensive line and Glenn Ago lands the sack. North fired up.
7-0 Benet exiting the first quarter as Colin Gillespie starts taking it to the air. He’s going deep to Augie Mazza from 31 yards out and the volleyball standout nabs it… Benet now up 14-zip
Second Quarter
Not only can Gillespie sling it… he can tuck and run too. Already with a rushing and passing score under his belt, number 10 darts through the North defense before diving for the pileon… and just like that, BA running away with it, up 21-0 with 9 minutes to go in the first half.
Third Quarter
To the second half and Benet once again dialing up the deep ball. But this time the Huskies undercut it, Michael Miranda picks it off and North has life.
Fourth Quarter
It’s 28-0 entering the fourth quarter as the Huskies attempt to mount a comeback. It may be difficult to see, but Matt Maschmeier grabs the pass from Anthony Gabrione, sheds a tackler and weaves his way to pay dirt. North on the board with 8 minutes to go.
Two minutes later and Benet tries to milk the clock… only to fumble! Miranda pounces and he has a pair of takeaways, igniting the rally.
Now 85 seconds left and Naperville North is still trailing by three scores… and now that’s down to only two on the touchdown to Stephan Williams.
After recovering an onside kick, Gabrione tosses up a rainbow to the back of the endzone. Benet is in position for the interception, but Maschmeier pulls the ball away and scores the touchdown. BUT… time runs out on the comeback… and Benet survives a 28-21 final.
Check out other area football games from this week!
