Chris Walker’s football notes: Garrett Purdy has Naperville C. sitting pretty

In Friday’s 27-6 win against Naperville North, Naperville Central defensive back Garrett Purdy became the ninth Redhawks’ player to intercept a pass. He snagged two more and is now tied for the team lead at three with linebacker Rick Hatton.

While the Redhawks didn’t return any picks for touchdowns on Friday, unlike the three they returned two weeks ago against Glenbard North, they still proved to be huge plays.

“It all comes down to making plays,” Naperville Central defensive end Joe Schweikart said. “If we get our turnovers and we play well in all three phases of the game, we feel we’ll be in every game.”

Schweikart also forced a fumble against the Huskies, with teammate Daniel Delgrosso recovering in the end zone for a touchdown.

The Redhawks (5-1, 2-0), who have only allowed seven points in the fourth quarter this season, host Wheaton North (2-4, 1-1) on Friday.

Keep calm and win again

Benet isn’t panicking.

Sure, the Redwings dropped their second straight game on Friday night, but you have to consider who beat them — No. 6 Nazareth.

“Nazareth is very talented,” Benet defensive back Mac Cooney said. “We made too many mistakes, and when you do that against a very good team, they’re going to take advantage.”

Benet (4-2, 2-2) will host Carmel (4-2, 3-1) on Friday.

“Our effort is there but we’re having some breakdowns and other teams are capitalizing,” Cooney said. “We haven’t forgotten how we ended last season and it’s a huge deal for us seniors. That’s a low point we don’t want to go to again.”

Facing elimination

After Friday’s 27-6 loss to Naperville Central, Naperville North coach Sean Drendel said “our playoffs begin next week.”

Naperville North (2-4, 0-2) needs to win on Friday against Wheaton Warrenville South (2-4, 1-1) or it will be eliminated from postseason contention.

“Great teams find a way to make things happen and good teams normally do the same,” Drendel said. “Teams that are struggling usually aren’t getting the bounces to go their way.”

The Huskies are averaging less than 100 rushing yards while their opponents are rushing for 206 rushing.

They fell behind the Redhawks last week and tried to get back in the game through the air.

“We like some of the things we’re doing,” Drendel said. “We’re just making too many little mistakes that we need to shore up.”

Instant classic

Waubonsie Valley’s 38-37 win Friday over Metea Valley won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

The back-and-forth game featured outstanding individual performances from both featured running backs.

Bryson Oliver rushed 47 times for four TDs and 275 yards for the Mustangs. Tony Durns had 23 carries for four TDs and 172 yards for the Warriors.

What a show they put on at Dick Kerner Stadium.

“We’ve known each other since I think seventh grade,” Durns said. “It’s pretty cool to go out and compete against someone who is giving their all to try to win. It motivates you even more.”

The Warriors (6-0, 4-0) have now won back-to-back games that were decided by a single point.

“Coach talks to us all the time about how everyone wants to be the first team to beat us,” Durns said. “I think we’re doing a good job of stepping up how we need to.”

Home cooking

Early forecasts for Friday are calling for no rain and temps in the high 50s. While it’ll be a little chilly, it’ll be a great night to catch a game locally as all six area teams have home games.