Usually the only time anyone at a football game pays attention to the kicker is when he boots a game-winning field goal.
Neuqua Valley’s Stephen Ruiz commandeered the spotlight much earlier on Friday night when he converted field goals of 40, 45 and 39 yards in the game’s first 20 minutes to stake the Wildcats to a 9-0 lead. Neuqua Valley went on to a 29-7 DuPage Valley Conference defeat of District 204 rival Waubonsie Valley.
“I was just excited to get those attempts, and I want to thank the coaches for trusting me,” Ruiz said. “I put in a lot of work this summer and I was waiting to get the opportunities. I love kicking under pressure and getting a chance to kick three in a half is great.”
