When your quarterback throws for only 50 yards, most teams would be in trouble. This is not the case for this year’s Naperville North football team. In a season in which the offense has been the focal point, Naperville North’s defense stepped up big last Friday against Waubonsie Valley. The Huskies held onto a 17-14 victory on the road, behind solid second half team defense, Grant Ericksen’s two interceptions and excellent special teams play.  

On the opening kickoff, Cam Hardy caught the ball at his own 6 and returned it 75 yards to Waubonsie Valley’s 19-yard line. Two plays later, Eric Wright ran it in from 25 yards out, putting the Huskies up 7-0 early in the first. On the Warriors ensuing drive, running back Nate Ashford ran for 55 yards, including a 20 yard touchdown run to tie the game at seven. After turnovers by both teams, the Huskies were pinned deep at their own seven, Matt Malan punted for only 19 yards. Waubonsie Valley capitalized, as quarterback Tanner Westwood found Chuck Robinson for an 18-yard touchdown. With only 17 seconds to go in the half, the Huskies tied it up on a 61-yard drive that culminated in a seven yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luke Cegles to wide receiver Nick Calcagno.

Things slowed down in the second half, as both teams struggled to put points on the board. After Cross Robinson’s 45-yard run, the Huskies failed four times to cash in from first and goal on the five.The Warriors would go three and out, and from their own 18, Will Isdell was only able to muster a 10 yard punt. While North was not able to take advantage of the great field position, Matt Malan made a critical 38-yard field goal with 3:48 to go in the third. With the Warriors driving early in the 4th, Waubonsie’s Cross Holmes had his 25-yard field goal blocked and then recovered by Grant Ericksen. After a Huskies punt and turnover on downs on by both teams, Waubonsie got the ball back with the chance to tie the game. Westwood was able to find Ashford twice out of the backfield, for 30 and 12 yards. With the ball on the North 27-yard line, Westwood’s pass was intercepted again by Grant Ericksen with only 13 seconds to go to seal the deal.

Ericksen’s play was crucial to the Huskies success, as was the rest of the Huskies defense. North entered the game without defensive end Malik Wells, who was out with a knee injury. The Huskies missed his contribution in the run-stopping department early, as Waubonsie Valley rushed for 66 of their 128 net rushing yards in the 1st quarter. After the 6:06 mark of the second quarter, North did not allow a single point.

The Huskies also won the special teams battle. Both teams suffered in the punt game, as both teams averaged less than 28 yards per punt, but the Huskies dominated in every other facet of special teams. Hardy returned the opening kickoff 75 yards, leading to the first score of the game, and Malan knocked down both extra points and the decisive field goal. On the defensive side, the Huskies managed to block two of Cross Holmes’ field goals, propelling the Huskies to victory.

Waubonsie Valley (4-4, 3-4) needs to win their final game against Glenbard North in order to qualify for a playoff berth. The Huskies (7-1, 6-1) look finish the regular season with one loss, as they play host to struggling Wheaton-Warrenville South (2-6, 2-5) on Friday. The game starts at 7:30 and can be seen live on the High School Cube. With a win, Naperville North would all but guarantee a home game for the first round of the IHSA 8A playoffs.

Naperville North @ Waubonsie Valley statistics (courtesy of NN Athletics)