Naperville Central loses its QB 

By Kevin Schmit Daily Herald Sports Writer
Posted on September 14, 2000 

One of the biggest weeks in Owen Daniels' life has taken a tough turn.

Naperville Central football coach Joe Bunge said Wednesday that an MRI on
the senior quarterback's left knee revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Although Daniels has a follow-up appointment with his doctor next week, Bunge
said Daniels is likely out for the season.

It's a disappointing twist of fate for Daniels, who only last weekend verbally
committed to the University of Wisconsin after a visit to the Madison campus.

"He had a great career here, it's a shame it happened," Bunge said. "He's a great
kid."

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound standout was in the midst of a stellar season for the
unbeaten, top-ranked Redhawks. Daniels had completed 31 of 36 passes for
566 yards, 7 touchdowns and no interceptions for the defending Class 6A state
champions.

After completing 100 of 168 passes for 1,756 yards and 16 touchdowns as a
junior, Daniels earned all-DuPage Valley honors and was ranked as the
18th-best high-school quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com.

The injury occurred in the first quarter of Friday's 43-0 victory over West
Chicago. Daniels was hit awkwardly on a play and was immediately removed
from the game by Bunge. 

Daniels was evaluated on the sideline and allowed to go back into the game. He
wound up completing 11 of 13 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown.

Daniels went to the doctor on Monday and practiced Tuesday. He was told of
the MRI results Wednesday morning, and then met with Bunge at school.

"He came to see me, and it was tough," Bunge said. "Then the news spread like
wildfire. Our guys seem pretty positive, though. The ship sails on."

The Redhawks will no doubt miss Daniels' talent and leadership heading into
Friday's DVC game against unbeaten Wheaton Warrenville South, ranked
eighth in the Associated Press 6A poll.

Ironically, the Tigers suffered a similar setback in Week Two when senior Brett
Bell, regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the nation, was lost for the
season with a torn ACL. 

Junior Phil Horvath (6-1, 175) will now take over at quarterback for Naperville
Central.

He has played in all three games this year, completing 1 of 2 passes for 13
yards. He'll be helped by a talented receiving corps led by senior Division I
recruit Kevin Noel (6-3, 185) and junior Tyke Spencer (5-11, 150).

The running game, led by 5-10, 165-pound junior Kyle Griffith (27 carries, 258
yards, 5 touchdowns) and senior fullback Matt Yellin (6-0, 220) will now carry
the brunt of the offensive load.

The main reason Naperville Central remains a championship-caliber team,
though, is its defense. The Redhawks have yet to allow a point this season, and
have allowed only 113 yards per game.

"The strength of our team is still the defense," Bunge said. "We won't be as
effective offensively, but we'll still be tough to shut down.

"It's just too bad Owen can't be a part of it on the field."