Huskie football opens its 2022 season with a win over Homewood-Flossmoor
The Naperville North High School varsity football team opened their season with a dominant win on Friday, Aug. 26 against Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School.
The Huskies (1,0) defeated the Vikings (0,1) 40-21.
The team was initially rattled by the Vikings’ tough defense, resulting in multiple false starts. Eventually, they found their groove through smart plays and confidence. The first half ended with the Huskies up 23-13. Junior wide receiver Luke Williams talks about the team’s performance in the first half.
“I feel like we came out sparking as it should be first game… Our defense gave us momentum… the offense, you know, were just rolling naturally, getting our plays,” Williams said.
The Huskies came out swinging in the second half with a 92-yard kickoff by junior Cole Arl within the first 15 seconds. This motivated the team to finish strong and hard. Head coach Sean Drendel discusses the major difference between the first and second halves.
“Ultimately, we got a couple turnovers which were huge and then we get the kickoff to start the second half and anytime you do that, that hurts the [other] team,” Drendel said.
Following the first official game of the season, the team has a lot to look forward to in the future. The team is continuing to improve everyday by watching film and supporting each other on and off the field. Drendel explains how this win will prepare the team for future games.
“Today finally gives [us] a measuring stick where you’re not playing yourself and you get a chance next week to see what you did wrong here and make it better for next week,” Drendel said.
Though the season is just beginning, Friday’s game served as a reminder that this may be one of the final times senior players wear their Huskie uniforms. Senior night celebrated the hard work and dedication of these young athletes over their four years at North. Senior quarterback Aidan Gray speaks about his feelings on senior night.
“It’s surreal. I mean, being able to walk on my senior night. I mean it’s a great experience to walk away with a win tonight was super cool,” Gray said.
The team will play their next game on Friday, Sep. 2 against Glenbard North. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 P.M at Glenbard North High School.
Grace is a senior at North and is thrilled to begin her second year of The North Star as Managing Editor. She’s excited to pursue her own journalistic...
Will is a senior and starting his second year on The North Star staff. He is excited to start his role as the Sports and Heads up Huskies Editor this year....
