Naperville Central rolls past Lake Park
For all the strong Naperville Central football teams during the last 14 years, this season's squad still managed to carve out a piece of history for itself.
Quarterback Conor Joyce overcame a rainy Friday night in Roselle to throw for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Redhawks claimed their first outright DuPage Valley Conference title since 2001 with a 28-7 victory over Lake Park.
While Naperville Central (8-1, 7-1) rolls into the postseason with hopes of claiming its second state title in three years, the loss eliminates the Lancers (4-5, 4-4) from playoff contention.
"This is a big accomplishment for us and for the coaches, it's good for everyone," said Redhawks receiver Matt Lehmann. "We just want to show the lower levels how we do it on the varsity level, and how much hard work can pay off for you."
The Redhawks led 14-7 early in the third quarter when they recovered a fumbled punt by the Lancers at midfield. Matt Lehmann made a beautiful catch and went 33 yards for a touchdown to put Naperville Central ahead 21-7.
On the ensuing possession Lake Park put together a 14-play drive and wound up with a second-and-two opportunity at the Redhawks' 4-yard line.
Naperville Central held on fourth-and-one to take over at its own 3-yard line. The Redhawks proceeded to march 97 yards for a backbreaking touchdown on Joyce's 13-yard pass to Jordan Crissy.
"Our defense comes in every week in practice on Monday and we start putting together a good week of practice for the game," said Redhawks linebacker-defensive lineman Rick Hatton. "It shows in moments like that. That's 11 guys working together and getting to the ball. That's what we try to do every game."
After missing last year's playoffs despite being 5-4, Lake Park's disappointment lingered long after Friday's game ended.
"These seniors were really hellbent on making sure that they got us there and got us over that hump," said Lake Park coach Chris Roll. "We said those losses we messed up earlier in the year were all part of the story, and it led to this moment. Now the moment's over. It's our fault that we're not 5-4, but we can play most teams right now."
Joyce gave the Redhawks a 7-0 lead on their opening possession when he plowed into the end zone from 3 yards out. A 10-play drive by Lake Park ended early in the second quarter with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jaron Fields, who rushed for 67 yards and passed for 82, to Zach Okolita that tied the game at 7-7.
The Redhawks answered on their next possession, however, when Joyce threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Lehmann, who had 5 catches for 103 yards, to put them back on top 14-7. Emmanuel Rugamba added 7 catches for 100 yards.
"For the seniors, this was something important," Naperville Central coach Mike Stine said of the outright title. "They were part of the team last year that had a chance. They were juniors and we ended up being co-champs. So we talked about it but the focus was to come out and play and take away what Lake Park liked to do."
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