A family football legacy will come to an end when Naperville Central senior Gavin Ellison takes the field Friday night for the annual crosstown game against Naperville North at North Central College.

Gavin Ellison, who plays safety and does the kicking and punting, is the last of three brothers to suit up for the Redhawks. His older brothers Aidan Ellison and Logan Ellison also kicked and played defense.

“It’s definitely going to be a highly anticipated game,” Gavin Ellison said. “We’re obviously rivals, but anything can happen.

“We’re just going to give it our all. It’s our last game ever, so we might as well just give it everything we have. Just don’t quit.”

There has never been any quit in the Ellison brothers. That’s especially true for Gavin Ellison, who has played through pain and a string of disappointing losses this season after reaching the Class 8A state semifinals last year.

But he has persevered and become a leader for the Redhawks (2-6, 2-4), who will be underdogs in the Southwest Valley Blue game against the playoff-eligible Huskies (5-3, 4-2).

“Just like his two brothers, he’s brought consistency,” Naperville Central coach Mike Ulreich said. “He’s playing with a serious injury to his hip, so he’s fighting through it.

“It matters to him to be able to do those things his brothers were able to do. They kick, they punt, they play defense. They’re just a huge part of our football team that’s going to be hard to replace.”

It’s fitting that Gavin Ellison’s final game will be played at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, which has been the site of some of his family’s greatest moments. All three brothers have made field goals against Naperville North there. Logan Ellison and Gavin Ellison kicked game-winners.

“I think it’s something really special,” Gavin Ellison said of his family’s history. “We tried to create a legacy here, and we did.

“Everything good comes to an end, though. We just want to finish strong.”

While the Redhawks haven’t gotten the results they wanted this season, Gavin Ellison has taken on a big leadership role, and he has showcased his skills in front of Aidan, who has watched every game.

Aidan Ellison is kicking for defending NCAA Division III national champion North Central College, where he is a graduate student, after four years at Arkansas State.

“I get to live at home and be able to watch my brother play on Fridays and go out and play on Saturdays,” Aidan Ellison said after watching Gavin make a 35-yard field goal and an extra point during Naperville Central’s 29-10 loss to Homewood-Flossmoor on Friday. “It’s awesome being able to see him succeed and have fun with it.

“I know that he puts in a lot of work off the field and is someone who wants the best for his teammates. He enjoys being a part of Naperville Central football, and I feel like next week will be a big game for him.”

Naperville Central’s Gavin Ellison (32) kicks a field goal against Sandburg during a game in Naperville on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (Jon Cunningham / Naperville Sun)

It will be big for all of the Redhawks, who want to help Gavin Ellison go out on a high note.

“I can’t say I’ve known any other kicker but an Ellison,” Naperville Central senior defensive end Paul Peradotti said. “It’s been nice.

“I think he just wants to one-up his brothers. I think that’s what drives him to be the best he can be.”

Aidan Ellison has encouraged Gavin in that quest.

“What I usually tell him every week is just go out there and have fun and be a leader because it’s something that I know he can do,” Aidan Ellison said. “He needs to be able to lead the defense while having fun, which is the biggest part because there’s no point in playing if you’re not enjoying it.

“I know he loves playing. He wishes he could play forever.”

That’s impossible, of course, which is why Gavin Ellison is savoring every second he spends with his teammates.

“It’s been amazing,” he said. “I’d say all these guys are my brothers, and I wouldn’t do it with anyone else. We have a special team. The record doesn’t show it, but we do have a special program.”

Naperville Central’s Gavin Ellison, top, practices with teammates in Naperville on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (James C. Svehla / Naperville Sun)

Could his final game have a special ending, perhaps another Ellison game-winning field goal?

“Let’s hope,” Ulreich said. “I’d love it.”

So would Aidan Ellison, who will be in attendance in his home stadium. Gavin Ellison is ready.

“If it comes to that, so be it,” Gavin Ellison said. “I have confidence in myself, my snapper (Joshua Melsa) and my holder (Dylan Martin).

“I think it’s going to be really special, to be honest. We plan on going out with a win.”

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/20/football-naperville-central-gavin-ellison/