Naperville Central’s varsity football team defeated Hinsdale Central 24-13 in the season opener on Aug. 30.

Hinsdale scored their first points with a touchdown just 6:25 into the game. However, the extra point was no good, as Central’s defense blocked the attempted conversion.

Central then went on consecutive scoring drives, with two touchdowns by two running backs—the first by captain Aiden Clark and the second by Gavin Wade, both seniors.

After bringing the score up to 14-6, tension filled the third quarter, with Central’s defensive line stepping up to stop Hinsdale on two consecutive drives. At the end of the dry third, kicker Gavin Ellison made a 36-yard field goal, bringing Central even further ahead.

“I thought our defense played outstanding and our offensive line was awesome,” head coach Mike Ulreich said.

Eight minutes into the fourth quarter, Clark ran 56 yards for a touchdown. Another extra point by Ellison sealed the Redhawks’ victory with 24 points.

“[The] offensive line did a great job and our scout team did a great job preparing us all week,” Clark said. “A big run is just me doing my job and a lot of people doing theirs.”

With seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Hinsdale scored a touchdown, bringing the final score to 24-13.

Central is looking to “clean up” and “correct mistakes,” according to Ulreich.

The home game doubled as Senior Night, where the seniors of football, marching band, cheerleading and the dance team were honored before the game.

The Redhawks are set to play against Naperville North in the crosstown matchup at North Central College on Sept. 6.

“This is what happens,” Clark said, “Naperville Central, we win football games.”