By Brad Engel
STAFF WRITER

  If only Naperville Central could fastforward this season, or at least get a split-second glimpse of the 48 hours after its Thanksgiving meal.

  Will Nov. 24 be just another Saturday off at home, or will it be at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium, celebrating the Redhawks' second state final appearance? After a 41-3 stomping of Schaumburg on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Naperville, it's hard not to think that way. After all, the last time the two teams met in the playoffs — and the only time the two programs have every played — Central walked away with a state trophy and a 14-0 perfect season in 1999.

  Schaumburg might be the symbolism the Redhawks need to rattle off four more victories in this year's state playoff series and record another 14-0 season. But the Redhawks will need to pace themselves, focusing next on their Round 2 game against New Trier at 1 p.m. Saturday in Naperville.

  Senior linebacker Mike Lucas said its about taking one game at a time.

  "As a team, in general, it's harder during the regular season," he said. "Now in the playoffs, I just keep stressing to our seniors that this could be our last game."

  Lucas, quarterback Phil Horvath, defensive lineman Andy Crowder and tailback Jason Paquette met at midfield for the coin toss, won it and deferred to Schaumburg, which chose to receive the ball first. That's about the only thing the Saxons had going for them Saturday.

  Just four plays into the game, Schaumburg quarterback Brad Christoff met senior defensive back Bob Siciliano, losing 7 yards on a quarterback sack. Schaumburg punted and so did Central before senior defensive back Dave Atkinson recorded the first of three Redhawks interceptions, returning it 31 yards for the score.

  "We're real comfortable that we can adjust to any offense," Siciliano said.

  Schaumburg countered on its ensuing possession, moving 62 yards on 19 plays in 8:24. Senior place-kicker Andy Schaefer and the Saxons settled for a 38-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 6-3 with 9:54 left in the half.

  Central formed its own lengthy drive on its second possession, heading 75 yards for the score when Paquette carried for a 3-yard touchdown run. Paquette rushed the ball 20 times for 95 yards and scored two touchdowns. Horvath had 225 yards on 12-of-14 passing.

  "We had the ball three times in the first half, and it was like pulling teeth the first couple of drives," Central coach Joe Bunge said.

  Central's defense led the rest of the way. Senior linebacker Nick Ehrlich and Crowder each sacked Christoff, combining for three total on the day. Siciliano intercepted Christoff and senior defensive back Dan Koziol saved a touchdown with an interception in the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Ehrlich and Lucas both hurried Christoff on the first two interceptions. Senior linebacker Ryan Senica recovered a fumble, and junior linebacker Brady Hester registered a pass block. Central allowed only 155 yards of total offense.

  "That's the biggest thing," Lucas said. "We feel like we're improving each week."

Individual statistics

RUSHING: Naperville Central -- Paquette 20-95, Barenbrugge 7-34, Horvath 5-29, Nardi 4-16, Small 3-11, Jewell 3-9, Schueler 1-5, Jeffers 2-(-4). Schaumburg -- Bradley 11-71, T. Knudson 18-67, Christoff 6-(-20).

PASSING: Naperville Central -- Horvath 12-14-0 225. Schaumburg -- Christoff 4-14-3 37.

RECEIVING: Naperville Central -- Spencer 8-142, Passarelli 4-83. Schaumburg -- Skahan 1-17, Brownley 2-11, M. Knudson 1-9.