Neuqua Valley, Naperville Central bring strong receivers to field
By David Oberhelman and Kevin Schmit
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
kschmit@dailyherald.com
Neuqua Valley (1-0, 1-0) at Naperville Central (1-0, 1-0)
DuPage Valley Conference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last week: Neuqua Valley 38, Metea Valley 14; Naperville Central 13, Glenbard North 12.
Last year: Naperville Central 19, Neuqua Valley 0.
Outlook: Now DVC foes, Neuqua Valley aims to flip the script on Naperville Central's 6-2 series lead.
Surprising no one, Neuqua receivers Isaiah Robertson and Owen Piche opened sharp, Robertson intercepting a pass in addition to 121 yards receiving. Returning linebacker Nick Osikowicz shored up an injury-plagued offensive backfield with 3 touchdown runs.
Coach Bill Ellinghaus seeks another "clean" game, offensive balance, and merely to contain Naperville Central receiver Emmanuel Rugamba.
Committed to Iowa, he'll also be part of the Redhawks' all-hands-on-deck secondary strategy to slow Robertson, Piche and the Wildcats' dangerous corps of receivers. Returning safeties Garrett Purdy and Jon Barker in addition to corners Nick Roy and Luke Turner will be especially important.
Last week's stellar team defense started with lineman Christian Rohland and outside linebacker Rick Hatton. Offensively, Naperville Central needs to get much more out of its running game.
Next week: Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley; Metea Valley at Naperville Central.