Perseverance Pays Off for Naperville Central Quarterback Simon Hayes

Simon Hayes, the senior starting quarterback for Naperville Central, has taken a challenging path to reach his current position. His journey is far from straightforward, yet he has achieved success. Initially a backup on the freshman B team, Hayes failed to start on the sophomore B team and played as a receiver on the junior varsity team last season. Despite limited opportunities, he showed remarkable perseverance.

Naperville Central coach Mike Ulreich praised Hayes’s determination. They had an offseason conversation about his future in football, with Hayes uncertain if he would continue. Ultimately, Hayes committed to the sport, participating in every offseason workout and practicing consistently during the summer alongside receivers Mark Williams, Kyle Clark, and Owen Render.

Ulreich noted Hayes’s maturity, adding that teammates voted him captain, highlighting his progress. Hayes demonstrated this growth during his second varsity match, completing 21 of 28 passes for 269 yards and four touchdowns. His performance led the Redhawks to a 42-21 victory over Lockport at Memorial Stadium.

Naperville Central achieved their first home win since November 2024, when Hayes’s older brother Sebastian led the team to the Class 8A state semifinals in his sole varsity season after ACL injuries. Hayes struggled in his varsity debut against Wheaton Warrenville South, with Naperville Central losing 27-7.

The team faced a tough week of practice, but impressed against Lockport. Hayes executed quick, short passes, completing 14 of his first 16 attempts. A 26-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Ian Figi secured a 14-0 lead. Hayes credited his coaches and teammates for their hard work and effective game plan.

Hayes’s next scoring pass was a 23-yard strike to Ryan Jacobson, extending the lead to 21-0. Hayes emphasized the importance of finding rhythm and taking advantage of opportunities provided by the coaches.

Naperville Central player Mark Williams commended Hayes’s improvement, highlighting their summer workouts together. Williams, a junior with Division I interest, had an impressive six catches for 127 yards, including two touchdowns. Hayes’s partnership with Williams, along with talented running backs Ryan Jacobson and Landon Nelson, has bolstered the team’s performance.

Despite a disappointing previous game, Hayes expressed pride in his team’s resilience. Coach Ulreich recognized Hayes’s development and the support from his family. Hayes credited mentors for his growth and leadership position, reflecting on the positive influence of his team and their collective efforts.

Freelance reporter Matt Le Cren contributed to this article.