Neuqua Valley's Abedel Hamdan (50) and teammates celebrate after the Wildcats defeated Waubonsie Valley 23-20 in a Class 8A quarterfinal game Saturday. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley's Ryan Mulhem (far left) watches his kick sail through the uprights giving Neuqua the lead 23-20 with six seconds left on the clock. The Wildcats would go on to defeat Waubonsie Valley. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley's Joey Rhattigan, who ran for three touchdowns, jumps to try and avoid a tackle against Waubonsie Valley. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley's Austin Guido bursts for yardage in the Class 8A quarterfinal game against Neuqua Valley. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley fans cheer before the state quarterfinal game against Neuqua Valley in Naperville Saturday. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley fans cheer before their state quarterfinal game against Waubonsie Valley at home on Saturday. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley fans cheer before their state quarterfinal game against Waubonsie Valley. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley's Jeff Markham tears up after the Warriors lost to Neuqua Valley 20-23 at their state quarterfinal game at Neuqua Valley High School on Saturday, November 10, 2012. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley's Austin Guido walks off the field after the Warriors lost to Neuqua Valley 20-23 in a Class 8A quarterfinal game in Naperville. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley (right) kicks off to Waubonsie Valley after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter during their state quarterfinal game. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley's Demario Webb tries to escape a tackle. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley's JP Quinn cleans mud out of running back Joey Rhattigan's helmet during their Class 8A quarterfinal game against Waubonsie Valley. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley's Joey Rhattigan is hit by Waubonsie Valley's Matt Carney. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley's Dan Waldron can't get to a pass in the end zone. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley's Brad Thompson cheers with his teammates after the Wildcats defeated Waubonsie Valley 23-20 in their state quarterfinal game. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley's Evan Cherney celebrates after the Wildcats defeated Waubonsie Valley 23-20 at their state quarterfinal game at Neuqua Valley High School on Saturday, November 10, 2012. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley's Joey Rhattigan lays in the mud at the goal line with seconds left on the clock against Waubonsie Valley, moments before a game-winning field goal by the Wildcats' Ryan Mulhern. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley running back Austin Guido remains uncommitted and will visit Western Michigan University this weekend. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Waubonsie Valley's Austin Guido runs during their state quarterfinal game at Neuqua Valley High School on Saturday, November 10, 2012. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
Neuqua Valley had been here before, so at least it was familiar territory if also uncomfortable. The Wildcats dug themselves into a hole against district rival Waubonsie Valley in the regular season before rallying for an epic win in double overtime in front of a …