Redhawks stymie Tigers in 4th shutout
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By Kevin Schmit Daily Herald Sports Writer
Posted on September 16, 2000

It’s now four, and counting.

That’s what Naperville Central stretched its
winning — and shutout — streak to Friday night with
a 35-0 DuPage Valley victory over Wheaton
Warrenville South.

It was the host Redhawks’ most impressive outing of
the season, which is saying quite a bit. Naperville
Central (4-0, 2-0 DVC) went up against a
previously unbeaten Tigers team, and did so without senior
quarterback Owen Daniels, who is out for the year with a torn ACL.

Junior quarterback Phil Horvath completed 10 of 16 passes for 147 yards, a
45-yard touchdown pass to Dan Prazak and an interception. He also ran in a
16-yard touchdown.

The defense was once again spectacular. They handed the Tigers (3-1, 1-1) a
rare shutout, fending off several fourth-quarter attempts to get on the
scoreboard.

WW South tried a fake punt, a halfback option pass and a 43-yard field goal,
but to no avail. The Redhawks have now outscored opponents 160-0.

“I think when more pressure’s put on, we play better,” said Redhawks
defensive back Brian Uhlir. “We know that when Owen or someone else goes
down, we all have to step it up as a team.” The Redhawks also lost junior
tailback Kyle Griffith for the game to a concussion late in the first half. Up to that
point, he had 17 carries for 98 yards and a 3-yard touchdown run.

Fullback Matt Yellin (9 carries, 31 yards, 2 touchdowns) and John Sladek
(7-45) picked up the slack.

“They didn’t lose a step,” said WW South defensive back Vince Heaton.
“They’ve got so many good athletes, and they work together as a team. We
know we can play with them, but we just made way too many mistakes.”

The Tigers managed 194 yards of offense, including 140 in the air. Junior Dan
Brauer completed 8 of 16 passes for 91 yards. Nathan Munson had 2 catches
for 61 yards, while Will Stogsdill had 12 carries for 34 yards.

Horvath looked comfortable running the team. His touchdown pass to Prazak
gave the Redhawks a 14-0 lead with 9:56 left in the second quarter.

Naperville Central took a 21-0 lead at the break, building the advantage to
28-0 heading to the fourth quarter. Yellin had 5 catches for 42 yards, and Kevin
Noel added 3 catches for 51 yards. “I worked with these guys all summer, so
I’m used to everyone,” Horvath said. “Owen’s a great player, and I love him to
death. I feel real bad that he went down, but I just went as hard as I could to
step up.”

Naperville Central goes for its fifth straight shutout at home next week against
West Aurora. “The defense was outstanding,” Redhawks coach Joe Bunge
said. “They’ve gone four games without giving up a point, what more can you
ask?”