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How many people actually thought Naperville Central was going to win the DuPage Valley conference crown after Naperville North pounded - no wait, embarrassed is probably more accurate - the Redhawks a few weeks back? I actually joked with an area coach last week that the Huskies are still scoring on the Naperville Central defense.
But that was just one game, and one game doesn't make a season. But it can turn around a season and wake someone up. Did Naperville North coach Jim Konrad do Naperville Central coach Jay Konrad - yes, folks, they are brothers - a favor?
Maybe.
The Redhawks claimed their first conference title in eight years with a big 3-2 road win over Wheaton Warrenville South on Tuesday. Behind the play of Tim Zimmer, Naperville Central not only found the back of the net, but it held the Tigers' offensive attack led by Eric Shrigley in check. The Tigers, who entered the game riding a 16-game unbeaten streak, hadn't lost since the Barrington Tournament.
So what does this mean?
It means congrats to Naperville Central for winning its first conference title in eight years. It also means the toughest postseason sectional - Class AA Neuqua Valley - is closer to starting than it was yesterday.
But honestly, it doesn't mean anything right now.
Ask any former high school athlete and they will tell you it means more after the season. Conference and regular-season tournament titles are nice and will be remembered, but the only thing players should be focusing on now is one thing - 8 p.m., Nov. 3 at North Central College in Naperville.
If anyone on Naperville Central or anywhere else doesn't know what that means, here's a piece of advice - it's the only place you want to be.
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That's a nice story Joe, about the Konrad brothers. But we'll see won't we......whether Nap Central has the Defense that will win the championship. My money is on Nequa......