Naperville N. the class of the state
CHAMPAIGN -- Even champions shed tears.
The "State '08" crew from Naperville North capped an emotional four-year run Saturday night, claiming the program's first state football title in 15 years.
A red-eyed bunch of Huskies players and coaches celebrated in style after dominating their way to a 46-19 victory over Glenbard North in the Class 8A title game at Memorial Stadium.
Winning the program's second state title, its first since 1992, Naperville North left little doubt in a rematch between DuPage Valley Conference rivals. The win, with a margin nearly matching the 37-7 Week 5 game, especially struck home for the seniors from the Class of 2008 -- a class that had this goal in mind the moment they walked through the doors as freshmen.
"This is like a second family," said senior quarterback Jordan Tassio. "It's kind of sad, but, in the end, there's no better way to go out than winning a state championship."
The game marked the second time in DVC history that two of its own played each other in the final. Unlike the first meeting, a 22-21 Wheaton Warrenville South win over Naperville Central in 1995, this one had little drama.
The Huskies (13-1) broke out to a 21-0 halftime lead, capped by a back-breaking score at the end of the half. Tassio and receiver Alex Dieckmann set the tone by combining for 134 yards and touchdown passes of 63 and 10 yards. Tassio's 1-yard run came in the waning seconds.
For the game the duo combined for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns. They each added a touchdown in the final few minutes of the game when both players scored on onside kick returns.
"I was not expecting anything like this," Dieckmann said of his 4 touchdowns. "This is our dream come true."
Glenbard North (9-5), the first team in IHSA history to reach the title game with four losses, came in hoping to become the sixth different DVC school to win a football crown. Instead, the Panthers were denied in their third trip to the final.
"We wanted to come out and show everybody that we can be one of the top competitive teams in state," said Panthers receiver-defensive back Matt Ng. "To show that we have a lot of heart and we'll fight against all odds. I guess we showed it out there. We got to the state game."
Naperville North opened a 28-0 lead midway through the third quarter on -- what else -- a 12-yard touchdown toss from Tassio to Dieckmann.
Glenbard North dented the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter when Evan Watkins threw a 42-yard scoring pass to Andrew Nguyen. After Tom Costantino answered for Naperville North with an 18-yard touchdown run, Tyler Doll pulled the Panthers within 34-12 on a 2-yard run.
The Huskies defense again shined, starting with Bryan Bailin's interception late in the first quarter. Dan Hess and Mark Puknaitis also picked off passes as the defense stood tall when it mattered most.
"This has been our goal from the start -- state, and nothing less," Bailin said. "We came out every week to show we were the best defense in the state."
The game became crazy in the final three minutes. After Doll's touchdown Dieckmann's 46-yard onside kick return was followed by Ng's 88-yard touchdown return. Tassio's 50-yard onside kick return came after that, putting the final at 46-19.
"Obviously, we wanted to come out on top, but unfortunately that's not the case tonight," Watkins said. "But we had a great season. We're pretty proud of that."
Pride flowed in abundance Saturday night.
Before heading to the locker room, Naperville North's players went to midfield and playfully rolled around on the turf before rising to their feet to sing "We Are the Champions."
Indeed they are.
"Our kids came to play tonight," said Huskies coach Larry McKeon. "We weren't going to be outdone tonight."