So when the two crosstown rivals play Saturday on Central's field in the quarterfinals of the 6A playoffs, look for new faces, new strategy and more emotion and intensity than a crowd of 15,000 experienced in the first game. Why? Because a state title is at stake, not a conference crown.

Central has a 16-15 edge in the rivalry that dates to 1975. This is the sixth time they have played in the postseason. Only once has one school won both games. North has a 3-2 edge in playoff matchups, but Central won the last two.

"Seventy percent of football is emotion, and it is more emotional when everything is on the line in the playoffs," North coach Larry McKeon said. "The kids realize what is at stake. It all goes through Naperville Central."

Central is missing inside linebackers Ryan Amberson, who suffered a knee injury in Game 1, and Luke Summers, who was lost a week later. Drew Kocsis and Mike Lucas have filled in admirably, but the Redhawks' depth has been sapped.

"This is the toughest year I have ever had for injuries by far," Central coach Joe Bunge said. "Larry and I have gone through this a lot. There always are a few new wrinkles. But neither team will get away from its strengths."

In Game 1, North played with a gimpy running back in Kevin Hahn and without Bill Jurjovec, who sat out five games with a broken leg. But Hahn is healthy, Jurjovec is back and McKeon is excited.

"Jurjovec's leadership and intensity give us a big boost," McKeon said. "Having Hahn and Jurjovec back in our three-running-back system is very important. Jurjovec was our leading rusher and pass receiver when he got hurt. You can't be effective if you are limping."

Central's offense is healthy. Quarterback Phil Horvath, who replaced injured starter Owen Daniels in Week 4, has passed for 1,244 yards. Tailback Kyle Griffith has rushed for 1,087. Kevin Noel has 38 receptions for 625 yards.

North's offense figures to be tougher to stop with Hahn, Jurjovec and Steve Sarm running and quarterback Jay McCareins, who has passed for 1,262 yards, throwing to Andrew Gordon, who has caught 32 for 636 yards.

"The key is to keep McCareins inside and not let him wheel and deal on the perimeter, where he can pitch or run," Bunge said. "When he feels he has room to roam, he is dangerous."