CN100 Game of the Week preview: IHSA Playoffs Second Round - Naperville Central vs. Warren

GURNEE – Naperville Central Coach Mike Stine would just as soon see things play out this week as they did in the Redhawks 14-7 win over Bolingbrook in their Class 8A playoff opener against Bolingbrook.
Their second round opponent, Warren, is used to shootouts. Last week, the Blue Devils survived a 42-41 win over Curie to advance to the second round. Their 7 p.m. Friday battle will be broadcast by CN100 at Noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, and at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9. You can also see it anytime in HD with Xfinity On Demand.
“They’ve given up a lot of points, but they’ve scored a lot,” Stine said. “That conference (the North Suburban Lake) isn’t afraid to play in shootouts. We like to play in lower scoring and more defensive type of games.”
That’s not to say that Central (9-1, 7-1 DuPage Valley) is devoid of offensive weapons itself. Versatile senior quarterback Conor Joyce leads the way with his arm and legs. He is 118-for-189 passing for 1,819 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, while also rushing for 365 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Joyce was the DVC’s offensive player of the year.
“He’s been outstanding,” Stine said. “He’s the guy that makes us go.”
Joyce’s top target is Iowa-bound senior Emmanuel Rugamba, who snagged 50 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns, while adding five interceptions at cornerback on defense. He is flanked by senior Matt Lehman, who has 30 catches for 673 yards and four touchdowns to go with 157 yards and two scores rushing.
Senior Luke Brady leads a balanced rushing attack with 479 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Jeremiah Wiggins, a transfer from Aurora Christian over the summer, adds 370 yards and four scores.
“They are very balanced offensively and have some dynamic players in key spots,” said Warren coach Bryan McNulty, who is a 1995 Naperville Central graduate. “They are a very well-coached and physical football team.”
Defensively, the Redhawks have made it a team affair all season, led by the intensity of senior linebacker Ricky Hatton and his 74 tackles and two blocked kicks. Junior Laddie Skarecky adds 79 tackles at linebacker. In the secondary, senior safety Jon Barker (66 tackles, seven passes defensed) and senior corner Garrett Purdy (66 tackles, six passes defensed, two interceptions) lead the way.
“Defensively, they pursue the ball very well, get off blocks and are physical tacklers,” McNulty said.
They will be tasked with slowing down a high-scoring attack from Warren (6-4, 4-2). Senior running back Darrius Crump leads the way with 1,149 yards and 14 touchdowns in 204 carries. Senior Kyle Debevec triggers the passing attack, going 99-for-177 for 1,424 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, adding a rushing score.
He spreads the ball around to four main receivers, junior Jalin Tolbert (23 catches, 551 yards, five touchdowns), senior Nicholas Marcinkus (25 catches, 364 yards, four touchdowns), senior Zach Schultz (22 catches, 253 yards, two touchdowns) and senior Micah Jones (20 catches, 239 yards, one touchdown).
“They have some really skilled athletes in certain spots that are dangerous,” Stine said. “They’re averaging 30 points a game, so that scares you. They give you a lot of problems.”
Warren’s defense is led by seniors Max Kravitz (74 tackles), Jalen Powe (66 tackles) and Eric Yunker (65 tackles)
- Paul Johnson, CN100 Correspondent

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