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Week 9, DuPage Valley: Naperville Central seeks first outright title since 2001

Naperville Central (7-1, 6-1) at Lake Park (4-4, 4-3)

DuPage Valley Conference

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

Last week: Naperville Central 34, Wheaton North 14; Lake Park 28, Neuqua Valley 21.

Last year: Naperville Central 17, Lake Park 10.

Outlook: Naperville Central's clinched a share of the DVC title, but a victory gives the Redhawks their first outright title since 2001. Quarterback Conor Joyce is taking advantage of the double- and triple-teams defenses are putting on Iowa-bound receiver Emmanuel Rugamba. While Matt Lehmann exploded with 8 catches for 199 yards last week, Jack Piper and Jordan Crissy also chipped in. The Redhawks' defense received big games from Jon Barker and Ricky Hatton, who shifted from linebacker to the line and responded with a sack, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal. As always, Lake Park's defense leans its front line led by Jacub and Mike Panasiuk, who's committed to Michigan State. Mike Panasiuk's also been playing fullback and helped the Lancers to 300 rushing yards last week. Nathan Faruzzi led the way with 117 yards while Melvin Smiley, Jackson Nie and quarterback Jaron Fields also contributed. Safety Nathan Figueroa will be critical anchoring the Lancers' pass defense.

Glenbard North (6-2, 5-2) at Neuqua Valley (6-2, 5-2)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: The question remains, who can stop Glenbard North's tailback tandem of Vittorio Tricase and Devion Hodges? Neuqua Valley's Anthony Ippolito will give it a shot, buoyed by the probable return from injury of fellow linebacker Nick Osikowicz.

Naperville North (1-7, 1-6) at WW South (2-6, 1-6)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Naperville North quarterback Luke Cegles, running back Eric Wright and receiver Grant Ericksen got the offense moving last week. Tigers quarterback Mike Stebbins is out again with an injury, which means Matt Dohse will be back behind center.

Waubonsie Valley (5-3, 4-3) at Wheaton North (3-5, 3-4)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Waubonsie defensive backs Derric Lee, Quaid Gill, Connor Yukna and Trevon Moore anchor the pass coverage. Wheaton North continues to be hounded by injury. Depleted at running back, Bo Neidballa will shift back from the defensive line.

West Aurora (5-3) at Metea Valley (3-5)Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: West Aurora (30 playoff points) probably needs this for its first playoff spot since 1994. Metea wants seniors such as Maurice Burkley, Jordan Cagigal, Jon Mathison, Conner Lovely, Amiri Finner, Reggie Hill and Blake Nicolls to go out winners.

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