Naperville Central hopes for outright DVC crown

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.