Redhawks get back on track

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Having seen its DuPage Valley Conference title hopes take a hit after humbling defeats to Wheaton Warrenville South and crosstown rival Naperville North the past two weeks, Naperville Central visited West Chicago Friday night looking for some peace of mind.

Mission accomplished.

Sparked by an overpowering rushing attack, the Redhawks unleashed two weeks' worth of pent up frustration by steamrolling the Wildcats, 41-20.

Naperville Central's offense set the tone immediately. On the game's first play from scrimmage, Naperville Central senior running back Russell Petty busted through West Chicago's defense for a 69-yard jaunt, bringing the ball to the West Chicago 1.

Senior running back Nick Kukuc finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, giving Naperville Central a 7-0 lead just 2:13 into the game.

"We were just planning on coming out and coming off straight off the ball," said Kukuc. "We're just doing our best. We planned on just trying to pound it up the middle and we succeeded."

Naperville Central (5-2, 3-2 DVC) proceeded to build a 20-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 34-6 advantage by halftime.

The Redhawks amassed 423 total yards offensively, 298 of them on the ground.

"(Naperville Central's offensive line) did a great job today," said Kukuc, who ran for 81 yards on six carries and added three touchdowns. "We had all 11 guys on the same page throughout the game."

West Chicago (1-6, 0-5 DVC) received a valiant effort from senior running back Alex Pirela, who was responsible for all three West Chicago scores. Pirela rushed for 81 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns, in addition to an 11-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter.

"We were not playing in the first half," said West Chicago head coach Hal Chiodo. "I was very disappointed in our effort in the first half, but we talked about that at halftime. I really thought in the second half that we got after it and at least challenged them."

Because of the success Naperville Central's running game enjoyed, junior quarterback Nick Linne had an efficient night, going 7-of-10 for 125 yards with two TDs and an interception.

With two games remaining in the regular season, Redhawks head coach Mike Stine knows his team still has work to complete.

"We want to get six wins," he said. "We want to live to play Week 10. That's our goal."