To Huskies, 2007 looks an awful lot like 1992
When you watch Naperville North, you can't help but think about 1992.
In other words, you can't help but think about a state football championship.
It's not an overly bold statement for an unbeaten team ranked third in Class 8A, but the Huskies look mighty capable of matching the program history made 15 years ago.
Coach Larry McKeon has said on many occasions this team's overall talent rivals any of his previous 24. That includes the 1992 title team, the 1994 state runner-up and the 1998 semifinal group led by current NFL players Glenn Earl and Chris Brown, who was at Friday's cross-town game surely forming his own opinions on the subject.
Ask the players and coaches about a possible state title and they'll agree it's the ultimate goal -- because it's always the goal.
Accomplishing the feat looked as realistic as ever Friday night as the Huskies rolled to a 35-13 win over Naperville Central.
"It's all because of our team camaraderie," said Huskies senior defensive back Danny Hess. "We've wanted this since freshman year. It's been in our heads."
What makes this team so good? Try everything.
It starts with a flat-out leader in dual-threat quarterback Jordan Tassio, who could play anywhere on the field. There's another athletic crew of running backs in the double wing behind a steady and improving offensive line.
The defense is simply scary. While gutty Naperville Central quarterback Harrison Daniels threw for 312 yards, he was chased all night by Kyle Lackner, Dave Salutric and a whole pack of Huskies.
It's a combination of talent and depth teams dream of enjoying. And it all belongs to the Huskies, who have out-scored opponents 246-40.
"We've got the depth, we've got the team," said junior running back Nick Mlady. "But being good in one game is not good enough for the next game. You've got to keep getting better and better."
The looming Week 9 showdown against DuPage Valley Conference rival and fellow unbeaten Wheaton Warrenville South took another step closer to becoming a reality Friday night.
So too did the feeling that this Naperville North team is primed to add another state trophy to the case.
Between last season's 30-27 heartbreaking loss to Naperville Central and a stinging playoff defeat to Mt. Carmel, the focus and sense of urgency burned deeply in the mindset of every player who returned this year.
They want this bad. And they're ready to get it.
"That's been our goal all along," Salutric said. "We just want to keep proving to everybody that we are who we believe we are."