The Naperville North High School varsity football team lost against Glenbard West High School on Sat., Oct. 28.
The Huskies (6-4) were defeated by the Hilltoppers (8-2) by a score of 23-8.
The Hilltoppers started the game off strongly. The opening kickoff was returned with a touchdown by Glenbard West, quickly followed by an interception for the Hilltoppers. The Huskie defense would hold the Hilltoppers to a field goal, making the score 10-0 Glenbard West. Naperville North’s offense went scoreless in the first half while committing several turnovers. The Huskie defense stopped the Hilltoppers on several occasions but failed to inhibit the Hilltoppers’ rushing attack. During the last Huskie possession of the half, the offense started to move the ball, but the drive was cut short due to a fumble. The score at the end of the half was 23-0, Glenbard West. Junior wide receiver Ian MacConnachie expresses his frustration with how the half had been played.
“We started to out-battle, out-tough the other team, but it didn’t end up being enough,” MacConnachie said.
Going into the second half, the offense started to pick up some steam. Junior quarterback Jacob Bell started throwing the ball more effectively, but due to uncontrollable circumstances, many drives were stopped before the Huskies could score. Late in the fourth quarter, running back Lonzo Duckworth scored the Huskies’ only touchdown of the night, and with the 2-pt conversion, the final score was 23-8. Sophomore defensive lineman Gabriel Hill reflects on the game and the season.
“I think we played [well]. I think our season had a good run, we just didn’t do [enough] at the end and that’s what mattered,” Hill said.
The 2023-2024 season was an incredible journey for all of the players. They overcame adversity and tragedy as a family and always found a way to push through the tough times. Head coach Sean Drendel states how thoroughly impressed he was with how the Huskies had handled themselves throughout the season both on and off the field.
“Well I mean they’re great kids and as you saw at the end, they battled. They were going down swinging. I’m super proud of them and I can’t say enough about who they are as people. You know we had a rough week,” Drendel said.
With the season ending, it is important to remember that the next generation of varsity football players is coming in ready to replace many of the graduating members of the team. Many underclassmen were on the sidelines on Saturday experiencing the varsity environment. MacConnachie gives advice to the upcoming players.
“Don’t take the time you have for granted, it ends way faster than you think it does,” MacConnachie said.
