The Naperville Central Redhawks prepared to face the West Aurora Blackhawks on Nov. 3. Going into the game, the Redhawks were without wideouts senior Tommy Coyne and Junior Jared Suchevitz, a potential blow to the passing game.

The Blackhawks won the toss and elected to kick first.  Senior Jayden Reed returned the kick well, giving the Redhawks an advantageous field position. Senior AJ Deinhart ran the ball deep into Blackhawk territory. Soon, Junior Payton Thorne threw a great pass to Reed in the end zone for a Redhawks touchdown.

When the Blackhawks received the ball, they found it tough to get by the Redhawk defense and soon they were on the fourth down. West Aurora opted to fake a punt on fourth down, which failed and gave the Redhawks an improved field position.

Thorne soon threw a touchdown to junior Cade McDonald, giving the Redhawks a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter. The Blackhawks fumbled a handoff, and the ball was recovered by senior Lavar Archibald. The Redhawks moved the ball, with Thorne making several good passes and Deinhart running the ball.

The Redhawks still needed to convert on the fourth down, which they did, and Deinhart soon caught a play-action pass from Thorne and scored a touchdown. Hallstrom´s kick was good, giving the Redhawks a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Redhawks soon got the ball back and scored another touchdown to lead 28-0. West Aurora got the ball and tried to change the direction of the game with a good drive, which culminated in a touchdown by senior Cameron Donatian. West Aurora had a chance to score again before the half, but they were unable to get past the Redhawk defense.

West Aurora began the second half strongly with a touchdown, making the score 28-14. The Redhawks struggled during the third quarter with a holding penalty nullifying a big play and a fumble.

Despite what happened in the third quarter, the Redhawks kept up the pressure and a touchdown by Deinhart soon put the game out of reach for the Blackhawks. Despite another turnover, the Blackhawks failed to score and the game, along with the Blackhawks season, ended with a 35-14 win for the Redhawks.

“We had ups and downs during the game and we have to improve on our mistakes for next week,” varsity football coach Stine said.

Stine also said the game was a defensive struggle because of a large amount of turnovers during downs.

Because of the victory, the Redhawks will continue their playoff campaign today with an away game against Homewood-Flossmoor.