As the defending Class 6A state champions, it's the only way to enter the playoffs.

"We feel like we're still the team to beat," said senior defensive back Mitch Nowicki. "We need to come out and make a big statement for this first game."

The top-seeded Redhawks (9-0) come into tonight's first-round game against No. 32 Fremd (6-3) riding a 23-game winning streak as the 12th-ranked team in the nation by USA Today.

You'd never know it by looking at their injury report.

It began in Week Three when senior quarterback Owen Daniels went down with a torn ACL.

Then in last week's game against Glenbard East, starting linebacker Luke Summers was lost for the season with a pinched nerve.

All in all, it has been a tough go for the Redhawks. But they just keep winning.

"We're ready for the playoffs," said senior center Josh Gaeth. "We all feel confident with the people we have in there. We know they can do the job."

Junior quarterback Phil Horvath (6-foot-2, 172 pounds) has filled in nicely for Daniels, while junior Mike Lucas (6-1, 225) and a trio of other players will help fill the hole at linebacker.

As long as they're doing the job, you don't have to worry about the rest of the lineup.

Junior tailback Kyle Griffith (5-10, 165) and senior fullback Matt Yellin (6-0, 220) form a potent all-DuPage Valley backfield. Griffith has 816 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Then there's senior all-DVC wide receiver Kevin Noel (6-3, 185), who has 31 catches for 556 yards and is being sought by several Division I programs.

Perhaps the most underrated part of the offense is the line that was completely rebuilt this season.

But even with the injuries, the strength of the team still rests on defense.

Senior lineman Joe Alvarez (6-3, 240) is hobbled by a bad ankle, but the defensive player of the year in the DVC is still effective. Senior linebackers Drew Kocsis (6-2, 225) and Pat Spaeth (6-3, 21) are now being looked upon to provide additional leadership to the unit.

"Since we don't have those guys, it'll be more difficult to win," said Redhawks coach Joe Bunge. "But I think we're still in the hunt."

The Redhawks face a Fremd team led offensively by running back Brian Duncan (602 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns), a game-breaker who scored on an 87-yard kickoff return and a 50-yard reception last week.

Even though Fremd made it into the playoffs on a coin flip, don't expect the Redhawks to take them lightly. Not after last year's opening-round struggles against Sandburg.

Injured or not, the Redhawks aren't ready to see their title defense come to a quick end.

"You have to be well-prepared for that first game," Gaeth said. "You don't get any second chances."