Naperville North’s Griffin Jurjovec Leads Family Legacy into Playoffs

Senior safety Griffin Jurjovec of Naperville North is set to lead his team into the Class 8A state playoffs, following a family tradition of football excellence. The Huskies, seeded 22nd with a record of 6-3, will face 11th-seeded Oswego (7-2) at 19:00 on Friday. Jurjovec, who has been a significant contributor to the team, is determined to make his mark as a captain in this pivotal playoff match.

Griffin reflects on his childhood visits to his grandparents’ house, where memorabilia from his father and uncles sparked his passion for football. “My grandma always had their old helmets and jerseys,” he noted. His father, Tom Jurjovec, played running back and linebacker, while uncles Dan and Bill Jurjovec also had impressive careers at Naperville North. All three participated in state semifinals, with Tom competing in the 1994 Class 6A state championship game. “They love football; it just runs in the family,” Griffin said.

The legacy continues with Griffin, the fifth Jurjovec to serve as a team captain. “I’ve been playing football since first grade,” he stated, expressing pride in being recognized as a leader by his teammates. All five Jurjovecs played under head coach Sean Drendel, who noted the family’s strong work ethic and commitment. “They were really good captain’s parents, and they were very involved,” Drendel remarked.

Despite facing injuries that caused him to miss one game and parts of two others, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Griffin has recorded 21 tackles and four pass breakups this season. His performance has improved as the year progressed, highlighted by a crucial interception in a 29-23 victory against Neuqua Valley and a key forced fumble in an upset win over Lincoln-Way East.

“Griffin is a prime example of a kid who got hurt in the middle of the year and came back stronger,” Drendel said. “He wants to have the best experience possible and contribute to the Jurjovec legacy.”

Transitioning to safety was a new experience for Griffin, who initially focused on offensive positions like tight end. “A lot of kids wanted to play wide receiver, so I switched to defense to get playing time,” he explained. Starting as a linebacker, he eventually found his niche in the secondary, where his teammates praise his intelligence and physicality.

“He’s really smart in the classroom, too, which gives him an edge,” said senior linebacker Drew Murphy. “He’s one of the most physical players on the team and gets everyone fired up.”

Griffin has decided not to pursue football at the collegiate level, but he remains enthusiastic about the postseason. This Friday’s game offers him a chance to create lasting memories, following in the footsteps of his father’s storied high school career. “My dad is a big role model for me,” he said, recalling moments spent watching his father’s games on VHS. “It’s very cool to see and watch.”

As Griffin Jurjovec prepares for the playoffs, he carries not just the weight of his team’s expectations, but also the pride of a football legacy that has shaped his family’s history. The upcoming match against Oswego will be an opportunity for him to shine and further solidify the Jurjovec name in Naperville North’s storied football tradition.