After playing such an important part in Naperville Central’s run to a Class 8A state football title last year, senior linebacker Bobby McMillen found himself in unfamiliar territory in the fourth quarter of last week’s season-opener against Waubonsie Valley.
On his back, on a stretcher, being carried off the football field.
It was a scary moment for Redhawks fans, but it didn’t take long for Central to breathe a sigh of relief Friday.
McMillen helped stake the Redhawks to an early safety — and two of Central’s eight defensive points on the night — in a 19-0 victory on the south side of Naperville.
“It’s huge to have (McMillen) back; he’s a huge part of our defense and great leader,” said senior lineman Joe Schweikart, who had three tackles for loss and a sack.
“There’s no better experience than playing on the field with my brothers on a Friday night,” McMillen said. “We came out after a tough week last week and competed. I don’t think one man makes a team. But the hard work and support I got from my team brought us even closer together and helped us get the job done.”
McMillen tackled Neuqua Valley punter Tyler Bromer late in the first quarter to stake Naperville Central to a lead it didn’t surrender. McMillen, an Iowa State recruit , also had a sack in the half.
The Redhawks (1-1) didn’t need much offense against Neuqua (0-2). They had two interceptions, including a game-breaking 97-yard interception return for a touchdown from Emmanuel Rugamba with 54 seconds remaining.
Following McMillen’s safety, the Redhawks got a 36-yard Connor Assalley field goal for a 5-0 lead.
Player of the game: Emmanuel Rugamba, Naperville Central, 97-yard INT return for TD.
Key performers: Naperville Central — Conor Joyce, 6-for-10, 133 yards; Kevin Clifford, 29 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD. Neuqua Valley — Charlie Hunter, 17 carries, 49 yards; Liam Bunge, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss.
