11/18/01

  In 1999, when Naperville Central won the Class 6A state championship, several players from the sophomore team were allowed to dress and experience the jubilation from the sidelines. Two of those players, now seniors, have become the respective leaders of the Redhawks offense and defense this season. Quarterback Phil Horvath, who threw for 148 yards and two touchdowns Friday, said there's nothing like contributing to a state finalist.

  "You can't even put words into this," Horvath said. "I can't really explain it. It's great."

  Linebacker Mike Lucas, who also dressed for the state title game in 1999, can hardly wait to play in next Saturday's game.

  "This feels great," Lucas said. "I'm ready to go. In my head, this game's over. I'm already looking toward next week. We have to get in a good week of practice and come out ready to go."

Little big man
 

  Down 14-0 in the middle of the second quarter, Central encountered a pivotal decision, facing a fourth-and-1 from its own 39. The Redhawks never thought about punting, instead opting to give the ball to freshman fullback Eric Small on a dive play. Small picked up 3 yards on the play, and the Redhawks were in business.

  "That was huge," Horvath said. "I ran over to Coach Bunge and said, 'We've got to go for it,' and he said, 'I know.' We knew we could get 1 yard. We're confident in our line that they can get a push. (Small's) a big fullback."

  Two plays later, Horvath hit junior receiver Dan Passarelli down the right sideline for 39 yards, setting up his own 1-yard touchdown run on the next play. The Redhawks proceeded to run off 41 straight points, taking an insurmountable 41-14 lead on a 10-yard Tyke Spencer touchdown catch with 5:19 to play.

True sportsmanship
 

  For the second time this season, Naperville Central players shook hands with Wheaton North senior David Ryan after the game. Ryan, who would have played defensive back for the Falcons this year, was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on his brain stem in August. Ryan, his father, Mike, and his brother, Christopher, stood last in a line of Falcons as every Redhawks player wished them well.

Any which way
 

  For those who haven't seen Naperville Central trail many games, their 14-point comeback and six scoring drives in six straight possessions against Wheaton North may have surprised a few onlookers. After all, Central has not trailed by 14 points or more since it lost to Naperville North in the state quarterfinals last year. Falcons coach Matt Foster, however, realized what he encountered Friday.

  "Naperville Central did a great job," Foster said. "They're a great football team. That's an understatement. They have a tremendous football team. They did a great job tonight. They're going to be a heck of a team to beat."