Redhawks are best of West

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Third time's a charm, and that's an understatement.

After losing the last two Best of the West Tournament championships, host Naperville Central accomplished a program milestone by beating previously unbeaten and nationally ranked Neuqua Valley 2-1 on Saturday.

This is the first Best of the West win for sixth-year coach Jay Konrad and the program's first since it began pitting pool-play winners in a title game. The Wildcats (5-1) entered the game ranked sixth in the country by ESPN RISE but turned on their jets too late against the Redhawks (7-0).

"Anytime you beat a great team, it's huge for the program," Konrad said. "And in the last whatever it's been, eight to 10 years, Neuqua's just been outstanding. So anytime we can beat them it's something the kids can hang their hat on."

Senior Jerry Maddi and junior Art Garza scored in the 37th and 39th minutes to give the Redhawks a 2-0 halftime lead. Neuqua senior Bryan Dosch answered in the 48th minute, but Central goalkeeper Tyler Kelley made six second-half saves to secure the win.

"We had opportunities, it just wouldn't go in for us," Neuqua coach Jim Johns said. "We fought hard, (both teams) played with a lot of passion; it just wasn't our day today."

Unlike Plainfield Central and Naperville North, the Redhawks maintained their 2-0 halftime lead on the Wildcats despite being under pressure in the second half. Neuqua keeper Jack Turanchik kept his team in the game by making eight saves.

The Redhawks lost the last two title games to Neuqua and Benet.

"Seriously, everything," said Maddi, about what the win means to Central. "Two years in a row - one versus two (in some local state rankings) - lost in PK shootouts both times."