The victory sends the unbeaten Redhawks to Champaign next Saturday to play in the IHSA's Class 8A state title game against the winner of today's game between Maine South and Downers Grove South.

Naperville Central (13-0) fell behind 14-0 to underdog Wheaton North (9-4), but then rattled off 41 straight points to take control.

Redhawks running back Jason Paquette rushed for 230 yards on 27 carries, including touchdown runs of 19, 78 and 38 yards.

Paquette gave Naperville Central the lead for good with 20 seconds left in the first half. He raced for a 78-yard touchdown run to give the Redhawks a 21-14 lead at the half.

Redhawks quarterback Phil Horvath completed 11 of 14 passes for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Wheaton North's season ends after a dramatic playoff run. The Falcons came into the postseason as the 20th of 32 seeded teams, but finished in the final four.

"We're so happy to be going Downstate," said Redhawks coach Joe Bunge, whose team won the 1999 state title in Champaign. "This is a good football team we've got."