Naperville North's Matthew Maschmeier wins the Week 4 Team of the Week MVP

Matthew Maschmeier wears many hats on the football field.

Maschmeier, a Naperville North senior, plays receiver on offense. He's a defensive back on defense. He also punts, and even used to kick.

He did a little bit of everything last Friday.

Maschmeier had 319 total yards with touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams in Naperville North's 31-28 win over DuPage Valley Conference rival Waubonsie Valley.

He returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, and later took a screen pass 80 yards for a TD. His biggest play, though, might have been an 87-yard interception return for a TD to help rally the Huskies to their first win.

Maschmeier was voted as the Friday Night Drive Team of the Week MVP with 478 votes, taking the top honor over runner-up Brad Walker of Huntley.

Maschmeier was presented his MVP belt, sponsored by Rosati’s in Crystal Lake, after Tuesday’s practice in front of his teammates and coaches. Maschmeier then answered a few questions from Shaw Media's Joshua Welge.

How big of a win was that for you guys after a really difficult schedule to start the season?

Maschmeier: It's huge, a huge momentum booster going into our rivalry week this week [with Naperville Central]. Starting off 0-3 is something you don't want to do, and it's not something we expect in this program. Just getting this win, especially against a DVC team, is huge going into the rest of the year as we play more DVC opponents. There's no easy teams in this league.

Obviously you made a number of big plays in that game. Were there any that stood out? It seemed like that interception return was a big moment.

Maschmeier: I've been asked that question a lot and I have to stick with the same answer. That interception return was pretty cool. I believe it was a 4th-and-8 opportunity, a passing situation, our defensive coordinator likes to get me in there. I was looking to the sideline for coverage, coach told me to go pick the ball and take it to the house and I ended up doing that. It was really fitting and a spectacular feeling.

Do you ever come off the field?

Maschmeier: I do, I do. I'm starting to play a little bit more and more each week as we're fighting for a playoff spot. I'm out there doing whatever I can to help this team. I'm happy that coaches have given me the opportunity to stay on the field as much as possible, especially my senior year. You don't want to come off the field because it goes by so quickly.

What positions do you play?

Maschmeier: I play receiver, DB, against Batavia we lost our starting free safety the day before so I played safety which is what I played the last two years. Primarily this year I'm playing cornerback, I've done kicking the last two years but this year I did PATs for the first week and then we picked up a soccer player who decided to try football, he's my neighbor and love him to death. I'm just doing the punting and I hold.

And I understand you play lacrosse. Do you play on the high school team?

Maschmeier: I play for the high school team, I didn't pick it up until my freshman year and I love it. One of my biggest regrets is not starting earlier.

Do the skills translate?

Maschmeier: 100% definitely. As an offensive dodger on the lacrosse field I'm looking at hips and same thing if I'm going to play defense in football. It's the same thing as guarding a guy in football. I used to play basketball, everything is pick and roll concepts.

What's your college plans?

Maschmeier: I took a visit to Cincinnati over spring break and then over the winter I went to Western Michigan. Been in contact with a couple schools, hoping for an opportunity.

Do you have a favorite player or team you like to watch play?

Maschmeier: I love Eddie Jackson and Ha-Ha Clinton Dix on the Bears, I'm a Bama fan. Anybody that comes out of Alabama I'm a fan of. Favorite player out of college level is Jerry Jeudy, love what he does on the field.

Do you have a favorite TV show?

Maschmeier: For me, personally, it's Blue Mountain State. It didn't last that long. Ask any of the guys, I wear that T-shirt to school once a week.

What about the favorite movie?

Maschmeier: Remember the Titans. Love that one.