The IHSA 8A football playoffs are in quarterfinal mode with Naperville Central being our lone area team still alive. The Redhawks are back in the quarters for the first time since 2017 but have a tough task taking on undefeated Lyons Township. The Lyons are back in this position for the second time in three seasons and took care of Naperville Central in the 2022 first round. This highlight is sponsored by BMO.
Hayes and Williams connect for two big scores
The opening drive for Naperville Central displays the pass, and Sebastian unloads a dime to DeShuan Williams, who makes the catch after a juggle, and he takes it to the house from 50 yards out to make it 7-0 Redhawks.
Early in the second quarter, Hayes says hey I’ll do it again. Play fake to Clark and he throws to Williams again and connects to number one again for another touchdown. Central holds a commanding 14-0 lead.
The Lions go to work with quarterback Dom Pisciotti, who throws a rainbow to an open Mack Long, moving the chains past midfield.
Lyons Township gets a much needed spark
A few plays later, Pisciotti hands the ball off to Danny Carroll on a delayed handoff. Carroll will do the rest, sneaking through the defense, and twenty-five yards later, he’s in for a Lions touchdown. That cuts the deficit in half 14-7.
As the half approaches, Gavin Ellison is on to attempt a 42-yard field goal and splits the uprights to extend the Redhawk’s lead to 17-7 at the break.
Redhawks chew up major clock to start the second half
The Hawks take the ball first in the second half and convert on a huge fourth down with Hayes finding Willaims to keep the drive rolling.
On second and goal Hayes plunges it in himself on the sneak and after a drive that ate up over seven minutes, the Redhawks have a 24-7 lead.
Back come the Lions on only their fourth possession of the game, and it looks promising with Pisciotti finding Long behind the defense once again and they are in business.
Although they face fourth down and Carroll gets stuffed by a swarm of white jerseys and the Redhawks take over after a turnover on downs.
Naperville Central football moves on to the semifinals
The Lions get the ball back and Pisciotti hopes for any magic but Daniel Nussbaum picks him and that’s all she wrote. For the first time since 2013, Naperville Central is moving on to the 8A semifinals after a 24-7 win over Lyons Township. The Redhawks will host York next Saturday.
For more prep sports highlights, visit the Naperville Sports Weekly page!
