Everyone had a take on how the 33rd Wes Spencer Crosstown Classic between Naperville North and Naperville Central would have or should have unfolded. Never at a loss for opinions when it comes to this matchup, the Redhawks and Huskies players shared some ideas about the big game earlier this week, before Central's 35-0 victory.

Redhawks' reviews
 

  Central free safety Brad Matthews about what Central's defense would focus on Friday: "Pretty much just their run. (Mike) Costantino and (Steve) Sarm run the ball really well. I think our front seven will step it up and be a really big part of that game."

   Costantino (9-for-18) and Sarm (13-for-31), who each averaged nearly 10 yards per carry entering the game, averaged less than half a yard against Central's starting front seven: nose guard Andy Crowder, defensive tackles Ryan Senica and Pat Watson, linebackers Dave Atkinson and Brady Hester and inside linebackers Mike Lucas and Nick Ehrlich.

   Central quarterback Phil Horvath: "The main difference is whoever comes out more intense, plays the best."

   This applies to both halves, and Central dominated the second half with five consecutive scoring drives after a dismal first half. The Redhawks failed to convert three fourth-down plays and threw an interception to end their four first-half possessions.

Huskies' hunches
 

  North coach Larry McKeon about naysayers pointing the finger at the Huskies' passing game after two consecutive losses: "Whether its fair or not, that's probably what they're doing. We certainly need to do a better job than that. Rob's out there and he does every other facet of the game outstanding — the belly series, the option. His first four games, he was throwing the ball extremely well. He's been in a slump. I told him (Monday), 'You're our quarterback. Just be confident.'"

   First-year starter Rob Slette finished the first half 6-of-12 for 58 yards passing, more than halfway to North's average of 75.8 yards per game. Some passes were off the mark and his receivers mishandled some, resulting in a 10-for-21 performance for 86 yards and no touchdowns. Slette passed for more yards than North gained rushing (80) for the first time this season.

   North senior fullback Steve Sarm: "I know the talent is there. We just have to come out and play as a team. One game the offense will be pounding the ball, then another the defense (is) making stands and the offense won't produce. When we come out and play as a team and with emotion, the score will reflect our ability. The last couple games have been individuals making individual plays and not much team unity."

In the first half, North's defense made stands and the offense tried to build momentum, something North never accomplished in the second half and something North will look to create in the final two weeks of the season.-- Brad Engel

10/07/01