Naperville Central defeated Stagg in a 56-7 blowout at Central’s homecoming football game on Sept. 20.

The Redhawks started the game off strong, with the first of many touchdowns scored by captain Aiden Clark, a senior, approximately one minute into the game.

With just 11 minutes off the clock, Central managed to score three more touchdowns after Clark’s first in the first quarter.

One of those touchdowns was a 50 yard punt return by senior Garrett Nichols.

“That wasn’t necessarily something we practiced, that was just a player being really instinctual and making a play,” said head coach Mike Ulreich.

In the next quarter, Central looked to keep up the aggression. Senior Deshaun Williams delivered, scoring a touchdown less than a minute into the quarter.

After two more touchdowns were added, the score at halftime was 49-0, with the Redhawks holding a clear lead over the Chargers. Due to the strong lead, the clock was shifted to a running clock for the second half.

To top it off, another touchdown was scored by junior Sidney Lindley.

Stagg’s lone complete drive came at the beginning of the fourth quarter, resulting in a touchdown and a PAT.

“We got a big game coming up next week, and we wanted to come out with a sense of urgency in this game especially,” Clark said. “This is definitely a big step forward for us.”

Central is set to take on the 3-1 Lincoln-Way West Warriors at home on Sept. 27.