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Tyler Dodd: 165 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns

Football teams want to keep moving forward and improving during the season and that's what Naperville Central is doing right now.

The Redhawks dominated both offensively and defensively in winning at home against Waubonsie Valley 35-7 on Friday night. It was the DuPage Valley Conference opener for both squads.

Central (3-1) has outscored its opponents 103-24 in its three wins.

"Our goal each week is to take a step forward. Coach (Mike Ulreich) stresses to us to improve each week," said Redhawks running back Tyler Dodd.

It was a big night for Dodd with 3 touchdowns, a game-high 165 yards on the ground and three catches for 42 yards.

Central showed its ability to sustain drives with its first score of the night coming with 3:23 left in the opening quarter. The team moved the ball 97 yards in 10 plays before Dodd ran it in from the 1. Kicker Logan Ellison made the first of 5 extra points on the night.

The Redhawks started drives in good field position consistently through the night. Their second score came as a result of a drive that began on the Central 42 and ended six plays later with quarterback Chris McCormack hitting the end zone on a 15-yard keeper.

Dodd would score on a 6-yard run late in the first half to give his team a 21-0 halftime lead.

McCormack finished with 149 yards through the air, throwing to seven total receivers.

"We want to play good physical football defensively as well as offensively," Ulreich said.

Waubonsie Valley (0-4) was able to mount just one long drive that lasted 13 plays, but did not result in points.

The Warriors found the end zone late in the third quarter. Quarterback Luke Elsea found Tyler Threat all alone and for a 46-yard touchdown pass.

"We totally believe in ourselves and want to improve. We're locked on the same page," Naperville Central linebacker Charlie Egan said, regarding the defense.

McCormack threw to Christopher Bern on a 20-yard TD pass just before the Waubonsie score. Dodd's third and final touchdown closed out the scoring.

McCormack said a strong defense is a big help to the offense and can work the other way as well.

"I know they've (the defense) got our back and can pick us up if we make some mistakes," he said.

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