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Marian-Woodstock North game is a go
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A playoff battle between two Woodstock high schools will take place for the first time in more than 20 years as Marian Central Catholic High School will host Woodstock North High School in the second round of the IHSA Class 5A playoffs at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at George Harding Field.
In 1991, Marian Central hosted Woodstock High School in the first round of the IHSA Class 4A playoffs. In a closely fought battle, the Blue Streaks defeated the Hurricanes 21-19. The Streaks advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost to Providence.
How close was it? The game was tied at 7 at the end of the first quarter and at 13 at halftime. The ’Canes held the ball for 24 minutes, 14 seconds and had 347 yards of offense. The Streaks held the ball for 23:46 and had 342 yards of offense.
The quarterbacks that year are now football coaches in Woodstock – WHS head coach Steve Beard led the Streaks and Marian assistant coach Dirk Stanger led the ‘Canes.
This year, the 9-0 ’Canes, the No. 2 seed in the playoff bracket, come into the game a clear favorite after defeating Wauconda 42-10 Oct. 26. The No. 7 seed Thunder enter the game 7-3 after winning their first playoff game in school history 68-20 over Sterling.
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Marian head coach Ed Brucker, who was the sophomore football coach for WHS in 1991, said he is just happy the ’Canes advanced to the next round and doesn’t want to get caught up in the hype.
“We’ll see what happens,” Brucker said. “We’re just glad we can play next week and hopefully get another victory if we can. I don’t care who we play.”
WNHS head coach Jeff Schroeder said his team has a lot of respect for the ‘Canes, but they won’t change their routine.
“We know how highly regarded they are,” Schroeder said. “But it doesn’t change your preparation. You do what got you here. … We have a lot of respect for them. I went and watched the game last night and saw Streveler and he’s a monster. But we’re not so bad either.”
