Naperville Central wins despite slow start

Naperville Central found itself in a place it didn't want to be in against a winless opponent.

Less than a minute into the game, Redhawks quarterback Nick Linne threw an interception to Blake Zumpano, who returned it 32-yards for a touchdown. But Naperville Central (7-1, 5-1) went on to win 35-20.

"You never want to start the way that we started," Linne said. "You don't want them to drive the field and score on their first possession, but it is even worse letting the defense score. But for them to get a pick-6 early on was not a good sight."

Linne was able to recover. For the game Linne completed 9 of 12 passes for 113 yards and 4 touchdown passes. Cam Brate only caught 2 passes the entire game for the Redhawks, but he made the most of his receptions as he scored both times on 16- and 3-yard strikes from Linne.

To balance out the passing attack, Derek Jancik carried the running game. Jancik ran the ball 16 times for 142 yards while Ben Murphy pitched in with 50 yards and a touchdown.

"We played well and bounced back from an early mistake we made," Naperville Central coach Mike Stine said. "We were able to run the ball and control the clock. I am happy with the win. West Chicago played well tonight. There is no quit in those kids over there."

Not only did Zumpano do some damage on the defensive side of the field with his interception return, he also caught an 83-yard touchdown catch on a fly pattern when he caught the ball, broke a tackle and ran away from the remaining defenders.

For Zumpano and many of the other Wildcats seniors, this game marked the last time they would play a home game as a high school player.

"Being a senior and playing our last game on this field and being winless, we played our hearts out," Zumpano said. "We are like a big family on this team. I would give anything to be able to play one more season with these guys on this field."

Evan Bernard completed 4 of 6 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in the loss for the Wildcats (0-8, 0-6).