The Naperville North High School varsity football team lost to Naperville Central High School on Friday, Sept. 30.

The Huskies (4-2) lost to the Redhawks (4-2) with a final score of 7-10.

The first half had strong defensive showings from both teams, with only one touchdown by the Redhawks and no field goals scored. Senior quarterback Aidan Gray compliments his defense on persevering through the tough game.

“Our defense did a phenomenal job on keeping us in the game. So there’s a lot of good that we can bring out moving forward,” Gray said.

Senior defensive lineman Jackson Bauer brought the Huskies back into the game by intercepting a pass and running in for the touchdown which tied up the game. The strong defense continued as the fourth quarter ended with a score of 7-7. Bauer explains his mindset during the pick six.

“This is kind of what you dream of… In the moment I’m just trying to play play-by-play, yard-by-yard and that ball [you know kinda appeared] and after that the rest is history,” Bauer said. 

In overtime, each team was allowed a chance to score from the 10-yard line. The Huskies got the ball to the one yard line but did not score, turning the ball over to the Redhawks. On their second down, the Redhawks kicked a 25-yard field goal to win the game. NNHS Head Coach Sean Drendel reflects on how the Huskies had opportunities throughout the game to win, but ultimately missed them.

“We had chances you know kind of missed them and missed those big chances,” Drendel said

This isn’t the last time the Huskies will play against the Redhawks this season, though. The Huskies will face Naperville Central again in week nine. This will be the first time in four years that Central hosts the rivalry game on their home turf. Drendel speaks about the team having another opportunity to play their crosstown rivals again.

“But you know the unique thing with our schedule this year is that we get to play them in three weeks,” Drendel said.

The Huskies will play their next game on Friday, Oct. 7 against Matea Valley. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Metea Valley High School.