Naperville Central Redhawks have talent for tough conference

Remember the last time Naperville Central's football team went to DeKalb?

So do the Redhawks.

Two years ago they claimed the Class 8A championship at Northern Illinois University, where the IHSA title games again will be played Thanksgiving weekend. Behind a potent offense and a reloading defense, repeating history is not out of the question.

It's a tough road ahead, starting with perhaps the toughest DuPage Valley Conference field in league history. The Redhawks, though, have the talent to emerge on top.

"These guys want to be good," coach Mike Stine said. "The run we've had the last several years, that's become the expectation."

Explosive receiver Emmanuel Rugamba, who last season caught 27 passes for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns, recently committed to Iowa and is ready for a big season with quarterback Conor Joyce returning. Joyce has a full varsity season under his belt after throwing for 1,285 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The backfield has big shoes to fill with the graduation of Kevin Clifford, who rushed for 1,600 yards, but the Redhawks have quality candidates in Luke Brady and Jeremiah Wiggins.

They'll be helped by an experienced line that returns three starters in Trevor Campbell, Ryan Culhane and Cooper Ludovice.

The defense - after graduating standouts Bobby McMillen and Joe Schweikart - is more of an unknown. The secondary looks strong with Jon Barker, Garret Purdy and Luke Turner. Ricky Hatton's back at linebacker.

To top off one of the state's premier teams, the Redhawks also have an elite kicker in Connor Assalley.

"We think we have a lot of potential," Stine said. "But you've got to have a little bit of ability, a little bit of luck and you've got to stay healthy."

The breakdown

Coach: Mike Stine (10th year, 65-35).

2014 record: 9-3, 4-1, tied for first in DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Emmanuel Rugamba (WR, 6-1, 185, sr.); Conor Joyce (QB, 6-1, 210, sr.); Jon Barker (DB, 6-0, 200, sr.); Garret Purdy (DB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Ricky Hatton (LB, 6-2, 190, sr.); Trevor Campbell (OL, 6-5, 275, jr.); Ryan Culhane (OL, 6-4, 290, sr.); Cooper Ludovice (OL, 6-2, 250, sr.); Jack Piper (TE, 6-4, 230, sr.); Connor Assalley (K, 6-1, 170, sr.); Luke Brady (RB, 5-11, 185, sr.); Jeremiah Wiggins (RB, 5-9, 175, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Naperville Central

Fri, 8/28 Naperville Central at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Neuqua Valley at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Metea Valley at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Naperville Central at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 WW South at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Naperville Central at Batavia, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Naperville North at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Wheaton North at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Naperville Central at Lake Park, 7:30 pm