:PLAYER TO WATCH: Kyle Schueler

  The fullback position at Naperville Central dances in and out of the spotlight, gaining its recognition when he blocks for the star tailback, gets first-down yardage or plunges for a touchdown on first-and-goal from the 5-yard line. Senior Jason Paquette began that way before taking over for the injured Kyle Griffith in Week 6, and now senior Kyle Schueler and freshman Eric Small share the duties. While Small (6-1, 210 pounds) began the year on the sophomore team and has become a future prospect for the Redhawks as the only underclassman on varsity, Schueler will get the start Saturday against Downers Grove South in the state finals. Schueler has amassed less than 200 yards this season but will play a key role in the finals as a short-yardage ball handler, a decoy for Paquette and a pivotal blocker.PShead:

QUOTABLE Quotename: dan passarelli quote naperville central wide receiver after 48-20 semifinal victory against Wheaton North PShead:

BY THE NUMBERS number:3 Senior linebacker Jason Henderson, senior linebacker Tom Arrigo and junior linebacker Bob Lynch all contributed to Central's third sack of Wheaton North junior quarterback Zach Ullrich late in the game.PShead:

POLLING PLACE :

USA Today Regional Rankings — Midwest (National Rank) 1. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (7) 2. St. Xavier, Cincinnati (9) 3. Harrison, Farmington Hills, Mich. (11) 4. Providence Catholic, New Lenox, Ill. (15) 5. Elder, Cincinatti (17) 6. Naperville Central (18) 7. Joliet Catholic, Ill. (21) 8. Colerain, Cincinnati (23) 9. Washington, Massilon, Ohio (unranked) 10.Blaine, Minn. (unranked)

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

OFFENSE Phil HorvathNaperville Central quarterback Horvath exhibited playoff accuracy, completing 11-of-14 passes for 148 yards and no interceptions against Wheaton North. He connected with two different receivers on touchdown passes and five overall for his most diverse game this season.

DEFENSE Dave AtkinsonNaperville Central senior defensive end, linebacker Atkinson lined up on the left side for Central and recorded two sacks against Wheaton North quarterback Zack Ullrich in the state semifinals Friday. The losses totaled negative 13 yards and established needed pressure on a dangerous quarterback.

11/21/01