By Staff Writer John Conway
http://vimeo.com/78467169
Yesterday, the NNHS varsity football team (5-5, 4-3 Dupage Valley Conference) traveled to Waubonsie Valley High School (8-2, 5-1 DVC) and suffered a 31-20 defeat to the Warriors, eliminating them from the Division 8A IHSA Tournament.
There were many factors that did not favor the Huskies- cold weather, a grass field, and arguably poor officiating. But, even in the face of adversity, the Huskies kept pushing and finished their season with pride. Head Coach Sean Drendel reminisced on this past season, but he also looked forward to the 2014 season.
“Well, we are looking forward to getting back out there,” Drendel said. “As a coach, you can’t wait to play in the next game. We got to do some things in the off season to get better. We got a good junior class coming back, with some sophomores that can fill in nicely. We’re looking forward to next year.”
The first quarter started on neutral ground, with both teams unable to approach the end-zone. The first score did not occur until almost halfway through the second quarter, with a 28 yard rush by WVHS senior Jon Fizer. The Huskies spent the rest of the quarter trying to stabilize the 7-0 score. In a drive primarily focused on gaining yards on the ground, the Huskies were able to tie the score 7-7 with 14 seconds remaining in the half.
The Warriors were able to regain the lead in the second half of the game, with a 6-yard pass to Fizer at 4:26 in the third quarter. Soon after the Warriors’ touchdown, NNHS senior Ben Brancaleone, defensive captain, suffered an ankle injury and was sidelined for the duration of the game. The Warriors regained possession following a fumble, and gained another 3 points with a field goal, making the score 17-7.
The Warriors looked to finish the Huskies early in the fourth quarter, with a 70 yard rush by Jon Fizer, resulting in a touchdown. However, the Huskies gained retribution with a 70 yard score of their own, by senior DeSean Brown. NNHS junior Milan Dosen missed the extra point, leaving the score 13-24.
Waubonsie scored another touchdown, with a 1-yard pass to Jack Eddy, widening the score differential to 18 points. The Huskies scored an impressive passing touchdown with 2:05 left in the game, resulting in the final score of 31-20. The Huskies looked to upset with an onside attempt and regained possession. A questionable call by the referees left the Huskies on 2nd and long, and they were unable to convert for the first. And all true hope was lost when Brown was found lying on the field, after an aggressive play resulting in a concussion.
This is the third consecutive year with a 5-5 record, and their 2nd consecutive year being eliminated in the first round of the State tournament
Senior Sharad Crosby played his last high school game on Saturday, and he describes his experience with a certain fondness that brings to light how the players truly feel of the game
“Well, it’s not bittersweet,” Crosby said. “I guess that I am just happy to have had the opportunity to play for this team and this group of guys. It’s sad that it’s come to an end, but all good things come to an end.”
