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Naperville Central will test Waubonsie Valley's defense

Naperville Central (3-0, 3-0) at Waubonsie Valley (2-1, 2-1)

Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last week: Naperville Central 27, Metea Valley 7; Neuqua Valley 28, Waubonsie Valley 7.

Last year: Waubonsie Valley 20, Naperville Central 6; Naperville Central 24, Waubonsie Valley 14 in the Class 8A playoffs.

Outlook: Naperville Central committed to the run in last week's win, and it paid off while pulling away in the second half. Luke Brady and Jeremiah Wiggins each had 15 carries and combined for 184 yards. Redhawks quarterback Conor Joyce is really starting to spread the ball around in the pass game to Emmanuel Rugamba, Matt Lehmann, Jack Piper and Jordan Crissy. After facing pass-heavy offenses, Redhawks defensive lineman Christian Rohland and linebacker Ricky Hatton will be focused on Waubonsie Valley's option offense that could use tweaking to get up to speed. Quarterback Jack Connolly is rounding into form and can break it long and tailback Max Ihry is a dependable, physical force. The Warriors could use more oomph from their pitch man and overall perimeter attack; with Rodney Gee day to day that task may go to Quaid Gill and Josh LeMoine. The Dominiak brothers, Josh and Dan, continue to be physical on defense, which Waubonsie will need plenty in this one.

Next week: Wheaton Warrenville South at Naperville Central; Waubonsie Valley vs. Metea Valley at North Central College.

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