And then there were … three?

Following the 1992 Class 5A title game, Wheaton Warrenville South's football team interrupted the celebration of its first state championship.

The Tigers formed a human tunnel at the entrance to the field, welcoming DuPage Valley Conference rivals Naperville North with a chant of "D-V-C, D-V-C" as the Huskies ran through the tunnel to prepare for the Class 6A game they also won.

Fifteen years later, the memory endures.

"It was spontaneous, the kids just wanted to do it," said WW South coach Ron Muhitch, then the defensive coordinator. "It was so natural. I think that's why it meant so much to Naperville North."

A more powerful memory may be formed this weekend.

For the first time in the DVC's legendary history, three teams will play for state titles Saturday. After WW South (13-0) plays Lake Zurich (12-1) for the Class 7A crown, conference rivals Naperville North (12-1) and Glenbard North (9-4) will battle for 8A supremacy.

With the thrill of 1992 hanging in the air, a question lingers. Now that two DVC teams play each other after WW South's 7A game, how will the Tigers welcome them both onto the field?

"To be honest, that's the last thing on my mind," Muhitch said with a laugh. "We're going to do something, I know that. And it'll be done the right way because it's an unbelievable credit to the caliber of football being played in this conference."

Only once before have DVC football teams played each other in a title game, and it was a doozy. WW South edged Naperville Central 22-21 in the 1995 6A final.

While the DVC stayed strong in the 12 seasons since, nothing has matched this year. It's become an immense source of pride for the entire conference.

"I just can't say enough about how proud I am to be a part of this conference," said Wheaton North coach Matt Foster. "I'd love to be down there playing myself, but I'm happy as heck for all of them."

Five of the eight DVC schools have won a combined 11 state football titles. Glenbard North, appearing in its third title game, will attempt to become the league's sixth different champion.

As the first four-loss team to reach a championship football game, Panthers coach Ryan Wilkens knows how they made it happen.

"We had some close losses in the DVC, but there's no doubt it helped us prepare for the playoffs," he said. "Getting three DVC teams in two championship games is pretty special. You can see how we're all battle-tested."

Several factors fell into place to allow the three conference teams to earn their trips to Champaign.

The IHSA eliminated the football enrollment, which dropped WW South from Class 8A to 7A. Also, because the IHSA split 8A into two groups of 16, that allowed Naperville North and Glenbard North to be in opposite ends of the bracket.

Support from throughout the conference also helped -- whether it was with moral support or scouting help.

The teams themselves took care of the rest.

"I'm their biggest fan right now," Naperville Central coach Mike Stine said of the three finalists. "Whatever I can do for them, I'll do. There's a lot of mutual respect among all the coaches. We're all a family even though we play each other every year."

Naperville North and Glenbard North will add a second meeting Saturday in a rematch of the Huskies' 37-7 win in Week 5.

Even though the challenge of beating the same team twice in a season is daunting, Naperville North coach Larry McKeon is excited about the opportunity.

And, like every so many others, he's extremely proud to be playing a fellow team from the DVC.

"I was thrilled that Glenbard North won last week," he said. "To have three DVC teams in a championship game is just awesome."

Breaking down the Class 8A final

In Week 5 of the regular season, Naperville North beat Glenbard North 37-7. As we approach Saturday's rematch in the Class 8A state title game, the people most familiar with both teams -- other DuPage Valley Conference coaches -- gave their thoughts on the showdown.

Glenbard East coach Dennis Lueck

"That first game is ancient history. Glenbard North is preparing to win the game. I think it comes down to which team is going to be able to limit the effectiveness of (Naperville North quarterback Jordan Tassio and Panthers quarterback Evan Watkins)."

Naperville Central coach Mike Stine

"Naperville North has great senior leadership, and they've been on a mission. Glenbard North has that confidence going, and that goes a long way. Both teams have great athletes, great offenses. It's going to come down to who makes the fewest mistakes."

West Chicago coach John Walters

"It's extremely tough to beat a team twice. The bottom line is, can Glenbard North contain Jordan Tassio? He can take over a game in so many ways because he always has the ball in his hands -- even on punts. He's the most dangerous player out there."

Wheaton North coach Matt Foster

"It's not a typical title game because they're playing a familiar team. There might be a few new wrinkles in there, but they've gotten to this point for a reason. They do what they do, and they do it well. It'll boil down to the little things, turnovers and momentum."

WW South coach Ron Muhitch

"What Glenbard North has done is not a fluke, and if they're able to control the ball that'll be a key factor. I also think it comes down to Tassio, the best player in the conference, trying to work his magic. He's awfully tough to contain."