Griffin Jurjovec Leads Naperville North into State Playoffs

Naperville North senior safety Griffin Jurjovec is set to lead his team into the Class 8A state playoffs as the 22nd-seeded Huskies prepare to face 11th-seeded Oswego on Friday at 19:00. This marks a significant moment for Jurjovec, who follows in the footsteps of his father and uncles, all of whom have left their mark on the school’s football legacy.

Jurjovec recalls fond memories of visiting his grandparents, where he was captivated by the football memorabilia once worn by his father, Tom Jurjovec, and uncles, Dan and Bill Jurjovec. “My grandma always had their old helmets and jerseys,” Griffin shared. “Putting those on as a kid and going to games is a great experience.” His father played running back and linebacker, while both uncles played significant roles on the field, contributing to the team’s success during their time.

The Jurjovec family’s passion for football has continued into a second generation. Dan Jurjovec‘s son, Daniel Jurjovec, is a former all-conference offensive lineman, showcasing the family’s enduring connection to the sport.

As Griffin takes on the role of team captain, he reflects on the responsibility that comes with it. “I’ve been playing football since first grade,” he noted. “Being in that position and knowing that my teammates see me as a leader is just a great accomplishment.” All five members of the Jurjovec family have played under Sean Drendel, the current head coach who emphasizes the hard-working spirit instilled by Griffin’s grandparents.

Despite facing injury challenges this season, Jurjovec has made a significant impact on the field. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 175 pounds, he boasts 21 tackles and four pass breakups. His resilience has shone through, particularly during critical moments in the season. In a week seven victory over Neuqua Valley, he made a pivotal interception, and in week eight, he played a crucial role in a shocking upset against unbeaten Lincoln-Way East.

“Griffin is a prime example of a kid who got hurt in the middle of the year and came back even better,” Drendel remarked. “He wants to have the best experience possible as a high school football player and add to the Jurjovec legacy.”

Transitioning to safety was a significant shift for Jurjovec, who initially envisioned himself as an offensive player. “Coming into freshman year, I started playing wide receiver,” he explained. “But we didn’t have enough kids for a full defense, so I switched to get playing time. I started off playing linebacker but then moved to safety and found my place.”

His teammates recognize his contributions beyond physical skills. Senior linebacker Drew Murphy praised Jurjovec’s intelligence, stating, “He’s really smart in the classroom, so he brings an intelligent edge to the team. He’s one of the most physical on the team and gets everyone fired up.”

While Griffin has decided not to pursue football at the collegiate level, he is excited about the opportunities the postseason brings. The upcoming game against Oswego provides him with a chance to create lasting memories and add to the family’s football archive. “My dad is a big role model for me,” he said. “Watching his old state championship games on VHS was very cool.”

As the Huskies prepare for their playoff matchup, the Jurjovec legacy continues to inspire, with Griffin poised to make his mark on the field.