Both coaches agree rivalry is mostly fun and games

By Kari Hartman Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted on October 13, 2000

Joe Bunge and Larry McKeon don't deny there's a rivalry between Naperville Central and Naperville North high schools.

They know both football teams want to win tonight and keep their undefeated records intact. They can vouch that players have been itching to take the field all week.

But as important as tonight's game is, the coaches say, the contest remains a healthy, even friendly, rivalry.

One key, they say, is that the players - whether on the No. 1-ranked Redhawks or the No. 4-ranked Huskies - often have been pals since childhood. Many of the friendships date back to the players' days in the Naperville Youth Football League or junior high school.

And even with all the hype, this one game won't end those friendships, the coaches say.

But don't take that to suggest both teams don't want to win when they meet at 7:30 p.m. at North Central College's Cardinal Stadium. They do - badly.

McKeon, the North coach, and Bunge, the Central coach, spoke at a luncheon Thursday sponsored by the Naperville Rotary Club.

Both men talked about how tonight's showdown actually will help bring the community together. They emphasized how great both schools are and complimented each other on their coaching abilities.

But, as always, the cross-town classic brought out some good-natured ribbing.

"You're very brave to put Joe and I at the same table right before the big game, but I think we've behaved so far," McKeon told the Rotarians.

He also helped quantify just how much hype is surrounding tonight's game. He says he's talked to more than 20 reporters this week alone.

He said Bunge asked if reporters have been asking McKeon the same question the Central coach has been getting: "Do you really feel the pressure?"

"I said, 'Joe, nobody asked me that. They only asked you that.' The pressure's on him," McKeon said, referring to Bunge.

"Heck, we haven't even practiced yet this week. We thought we might go out in shorts (Thursday)," McKeon joked.

Even if they might try to play down tonight's competition, both coaches expect a packed stadium - and thousands of Naperville residents - at North Central.

"The rivalry means a lot to us. The people of Naperville come together, even if they're not a Central fan or a North fan," Bunge said.

"It's a good rivalry," McKeon said. "It's evolved a little bit. We compliment each other. We tell each other how good the teams are."

Bunge referred to McKeon as "the best football coach in the state of Illinois."

As Rotary Club members pointed out, both coaches have impressive records.

During his coaching career, Bunge's record is 191-54. McKeon's record is 181-65.

Whatever tonight's outcome, both coaches say they hope the cross-town classic tradition continues and spectators continue to look forward to the annual game.

"It's too bad there has to be a loser," McKeon said.