Naperville Central trying to gather itself after losing to Neuqua last week. The Redhawks traveling to face Ethan Nelson and Waubonsie Valley, who have lost 4 straight. The game a de-facto playoff game with both teams desperate for a win.
Second Quarter
Scoreless game in the second quarter, Sam Jackson fitting the ball in a tight window to Bo Turner, and the receiver puts the clamps on it for the early lead.
Still in the second, Waubonsie punting against its own goal line but the snap is juuuust a bit outside. Central there to smother the recovery attempt, taking over in prime position to score.
Redhawks attempting the field goal moments later, but the Warriors special teams unit stepping up, blocking the 3-point try.
Waning moments of the first half and Naperville Central on the drive. Jackson zips it to Keon Green, and the receiver does the rest. He jukes the defender out of his shoes on his way to a first down.
First and goal now, Jackson surveying right, rolls out that way and that sends a laser to Jaden Thompson for the score. Central taking a 14-0 lead into the half at Dick Kerner Stadium.
Second Half
Second half, Central again marching. Trevor Simpson on the carry but he’s met by a Warrior defender and… FUMBLE! Ball pops out and Waubonsie recovers needing that spark.
Unfortunately for WV, this won’t be it. Nelson is staring down the near sideline and so is Jake Lynch. The Redhawks defensive back has himself a pick six and Central now leads 21-0.
Waubonsie suddenly in do or die mode and Nelson looking over the middle – and he connects with Sean Clinton for the first down. The QB would cap the drive with a 2 yard TD runs.
Ensuing kickoff and Waubonsie goes for the onside kick! And they recover! Warriors are still alive!
So can WV use that momentum on the offensive end? Nelson again targeting Clinton over the middle, but instead, it’s Lynch committing thievery again!
Redhawks near the endzone and Jackson turns and pitches to Simpson. The running back makes a cut and pierces the goal line. NC up 28-7 in the fourth quarter.
Waubonsie with precious little time – Nelson dumps down to Bryce Logan in the flat and just watch the powerful running back in the opening field. And he tops it off with the truck stick.
That sets up a Josh Stevens touchdown as Waubonsie draws closer, 28-14… but that… is the final. Central comes away with a huge win, staying alive in the post-season hunt.
Check out how the other area teams did in our Boys Sports Highlights!
