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Sports

Naperville Connection Leads North Central Football

Top two rushers and top two receivers for 11-0 Cardinals all hail from Naperville.

NAPERVILLE – Back in 2007, Jordan Tassio and Naperville North were the talk of the town.

Tassio was the quarterback as the Huskies won their second state championship. He took his talents down to Western Illinois University after the season.

Across town at Naperville Central, Nick Kukuc was busy finishing up his high school career for the Redhawks with visions of heading down the street to North Central for college.

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Tassio decided to come to North Central after a short time at Western, as well. And the duo have become the unlikely leading rushers for the Cardinals (11-0) as they roll into the second round of the Division III playoffs at noon Saturday at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium against Ohio Northern.

"It was interesting for Jordan and I because we went to rival high schools," Kukuc said. "In spring ball, he was mostly just a quarterback and I remember sitting there next to him going, 'Who would have thought this? Who would have thought of you and me in the same backfield?' Next thing you know, we're both running backs, and it's a great time. It's just weird how we're both here now when we never thought that would happen."

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With Brad Crackel and Spencer Stanek handling things at the quarterback position this fall, combining for 2,291 yards and 25 touchdowns with only nine interceptions, Tassio has become the team's leading rusher with 762 yards and nine scores. He also threw a touchdown pass this season.

Kukuc has been just as reliable with 633 yards and 10 TDs. He added another score receiving.

"We talk about it all the time, when we played each other in high school and the funny stories we had going up against each other," Tassio said. "It's been a lot of fun. It helps us come together better as a team."

North Central always has been a source of civic pride in Naperville, but this team makes it even more like Naperville's team. When former Wheaton Warrenville South coach John Thorne took over the program nine years ago, the roster started to take on a more local feel.

Now, the Cardinals' top two rushers and top two receivers (Naperville North graduate Steve Hlavac and Neuqua Valley grad Joe Antonacci) are all Naperville products. Former North players Sean Brutto and Dave Hess and Waubonsie Valley alum Nick Capristo are on the roster and former Central stars Brad and Tyke Spencer are on the coaching staff after starring at North Central as players.

"It's great being able to play playoff games here with friends and family being able to come out and support us," Tassio said. "It's just really great to come back and play in your home town." 

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