In a statement win, Naperville Central emerged victorious in the second round of the IHSA State Series playoffs, defeating William Fremd High School 31-28 on Nov. 8.
The matchup started off with a strong offensive push by the Redhawks, who immediately set the pace with two touchdowns. The first was scored by senior and captain Aiden Clark, and the latter was racked up by senior wide receiver Deshaun Williams. Paired with two successful extra points, the Redhawks established a commanding lead 14-0 start in just the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the team continued their strong momentum. This time, it was the defense’s turn, starting with a picked off Fremd pass in the Redhawks’ own end zone by senior Nick Zbylut.
The score continued to increase following another touchdown by Garrett Nichols, a senior and Brown University commit.
The defense continued with an electric defensive sequence going into halftime: a sack by senior Troy Kashul and fumble recovery by senior Jake Stanish. The drive ended with a field goal from junior kicker Gavin Ellison, continuing a perfect streak that would last the whole game.
The Vikings returned from halftime with renewed energy, scoring a touchdown almost immediately. Combined with a two-point conversion, the score was brought to 24-8.
Senior Gavin Wade looked to respond to the Viking’s offensive awakening, snagging a pass by Fremd quarterback Johnny O’Brien. Wade returned it into the end zone for a pick six.
“He just threw it right to me and I did my job,” Wade said. “It was definitely a changing point in the game and let us win.”
The Vikings powered through for another touchdown, narrowing the lead, though their shot at a two-point conversion missed the mark. The Redhawks struggled to find their footing as the game’s momentum swung in favor of Fremd, as they scored an additional touchdown and nailed an extra point to bring the score to 31-21.
As the time on the clock dwindled down, Central’s defense opened up the fourth quarter with a sack made by senior Jason Figg.
“Our offensive line and full backs and our tight ends getting their pads down, making blocks, and our big drives at the end of the game, well they won us the football game,” head coach Mike Ulreich said.
A final attempt to score proved successful for Fremd, narrowing the score to 31-28 with another touchdown and extra point. An incredible drive highlighted by senior Daniel Nussbaum’s run closed out the game for Central, allowing them to hold on to their round two playoff win.
With this victory, the Redhawks advance to the IHSA 8A quarterfinals, where they will take on Lyons Township.
“It was definitely a statement win, and everyone knows that Naperville Central is here to win,” Wade said.