High School Sports RSS: jolietcatholic football

Jones, Hilltoppers race back to finals

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:00 CST

Malin Jones ran for four touchdowns and Joliet Catholic's defense forced six turnovers as the Hilltoppers routed host Peoria Richwoods 54-7 Saturday in the Class 5A semifinals.

Herald-News football preview capsules

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD-NEWS — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

The Herald-News breaks down the upcoming football games in the Joliet area.

Providence, JCA face perils of semifinals

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:01 CST

If you want pressure, there is nothing quite like a semifinal setting. The conference championship games in the NFL, the conference finals in the NBA and NHL, the league championship series in baseball, those are the arenas where pressure is at a peak.

Dolph, Hilltoppers like to play powerball

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Zach Dolph's main job for the Joliet Catholic football team is to make stops at inside linebacker. But he's also a valuable option on offense as the tailback in the Hilltoppers' power running package.

Signs are positive for Hilltoppers, Celtics

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

The Joliet Catholic football team in on a roll on both sides of the ball. The way Providence played in the second half of last week's 44-14 victory over Crete-Monee, the Celtics look as good as anyone, regardless of class.

Defense does dirty work for JCA

By MIKE FITZGERALD For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Mike Madrigal and Zach Dolph walked off the Memorial Stadium field for the last time Friday in their Joliet Catholic Academy football jerseys satisfied with a job well done after they and their defensive teammates shut down Washington 47-7 to advance to the Class 5A semifinals next week.

Youth is served at Joliet Catholic

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Dick Goss: The roster lists Jordan Lyles at 5-foot-8, 170 pounds. OK, that probably is about right. But that hardly translates into what you imagine as your ideal fullback.

JCA picks its pleasure

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

The Joliet Catholic Academy defense intercepted three first-half passes, senior linebacker Jake Stockman picked a prominent pocket in the second half and the Hilltoppers breezed past previously unbeaten Washington 47-7 in a Class 5A football quarterfinal Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

Hilltoppers start fast, cruise into semis

BY TINA AKOURIS takouris@suntimes.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

No. 7 Joliet Catholic opened a 19-point lead in the first quarter and coasted past downstate Washington 47-7 Friday night in a Class 5A quarterfinal at Joliet's Memorial Stadium.

Reasons behind our success

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD-NEWS — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Years ago, I recall asking legendary local coach Gordie Gillespie about what makes the Joliet area athlete special. We were talking football at the time, but what Gordie had to say applied to all sports across the board. He listed several reasons why our success rate is so high in football, baseball, wrestling, girls sports, you name it.

It's all in the family for Kolodziej

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

With the legacy of brothers Mike and Andrew preceding him, junior wide receiver Anthony Kolodziej is nonetheless determined to carve his own path to success at Joliet Catholic.

Fake field goal lifts ball-hogging JCA

By RANDY WHALEN For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Joliet Catholic Academy's field goal unit, featuring holder Jonathan Jaworski, caught Cahokia by surprise for the game's first touchdown in the first quarter Saturday, and before it was over, the Hilltoppers took 35-12 Class 5A victory.

Hilltoppers get past Cahokia

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

A fake field goal set the tone for Joliet Catholic, as the Hilltoppers went on to a 35-12 victory over host Cahokia Saturday afternoon in a second-round Class 5A playoff game. Joliet Catholic (9-2) will host downstate Washington in the quarterfinals.

Football playoff capsule: JCA at Cahokia

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

#6 JCA (8-2) at #3 Cahokia (9-1) Class: 5A Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday Up next: JCA would host Washington or Sterling.

Joliet 3, St. Louis 1 -- let's build on that

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD-NEWS — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

The scoreboard stands 3-1 in our favor.

Hilltoppers hope to avoid speed bump

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Speed on speed. That is what is brewing for Saturday's Class 5A football second-round playoff matchup between Joliet Catholic and Cahokia, one of nine weekend games involving Joliet area teams.

Ferguson, defense pack punch for JCA

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

JCA held Troy Triad to negative yardage until a fourth-quarter drive and junior wingback Josh Ferguson danced and juked his way to four long touchdown runs as the Hilltoppers opened the Class 5A playoffs Saturday afternoon with a 48-7 thumping of Triad at Memorial Stadium.

Hilltoppers' defense stands tall vs. Triad

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00 CST

No. 10 Joliet Catholic limited Triad to negative yardage through the first three quarters en route to a 48-7 win Saturday in a Class 5A opener.

JCA routs ND for share of ESCC

By MIKE FITZGERALD For The Herald-News — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Joliet Catholic Academy claimed a share of the East Suburban Catholic Conference title Friday night by routing Niles Notre Dame 55-14 at Memorial Stadium.

Ferguson, Jones fuel Hilltoppers's rout of ND

BY DALE BOWMAN — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

No. 12 Joliet Catholic dominated in all phases in a 55-14 rout Friday of Notre Dame at Joliet Stadium.

Hilltoppers overcome mistakes, Spartans

BY ALAN MACEY amacey@southtownstar.com — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

No. 13 Joliet Catholic survived five turnovers Friday en route to a 28-6 East Suburban Catholic win over host Marian Catholic. Dave Mattio, the Spartans' veteran head coach, missed his first game in 34 seasons after being hospitalized earlier in the day.

JCA defense matches 'tough' MC

By MIKE FITZGERALD For The Herald-News — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Although Joliet Catholic Academy rolled up 372 yards rushing in its 28-6 East Suburban Catholic Conference win over Marian Catholic Friday night, the Hilltoppers' defense received the game ball from coach Dan Sharp.

Lyles helps JCA rout Benet

By TIM CLODJEAUX For The Herald News — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

Joliet Catholic Academy senior tailback Jordan Lyles took the first handoff of the game and raced through the Benet Academy (3-4, 2-3) defense easily for a 19-yard gain and a first down. That run told all in attendance at Memorial Stadium just what was in store for them Friday night in the East Suburban Catholic Conference matchup.

Hilltoppers get past Benet

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

Joliet Catholic 43, Benet 6: The No. 15 Hilltoppers blocked two punts, played solid defense and rushed for more than 450 yards for the East Suburban Catholic win.

Marist makes JCA pay

By MIKE FITZGERALD For The Herald News — Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:01 CST

The Marist High School football team used special teams and Joliet Catholic Academy turnovers to upend the Hilltoppers 24-17 Friday in East Suburban Catholic Conference play.

Marist's second-half surge stuns Joliet Catholic

BY DAN RUANE — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00 CST

No. 24 Marist hadn�t beaten Joliet Catholic in football since 1993, and only once before that. But the third quarter saw a dramatic turnaround for Marist as the RedHawks celebrated with a 24-17 win over the perennial powerhouse Hilltoppers.

JCA's Cranmer gets his kicks on defense

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00 CST

Strictly a kicker for Joliet Catholic last season, Rob Cranmer hit the weights hard over the offseason and now does double duty as a standout defensive end for the Hilltoppers.

Joliet Catholic rumbles by St. Pats

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00 CST

Joliet Catholic 45, St. Patrick 9: Josh Ferguson rushed for 140 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries to lead No. 10 Joliet Catholic (4-1, 3-0 East Suburban Catholic).

Ferguson helps lead JCA to homecoming win

By MIKE FITZGERALD For The Herald News — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:01 CST

Joliet Catholic Academy celebrated its Homecoming with a 45-9 victory over St. Patrick on Friday night.

Hilltoppers rumble past St. Patrick

BY MIKE DUFFIN — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00 CST

No. 10 Joliet Catholic ran for 338 yards and had touchdowns from three running backs en route to a 45-9 East Suburban Catholic romp past visiting St. Patrick on Friday night.

Streak's alive for Joliet Catholic

BY MIKE DUFFIN — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00 CST

Since Joliet Catholic and St. Viator began playing each other in football in 1979, the Hilltoppers have won all 24 games. The streak continued Friday at Memorial Stadium in Joliet, with No. 13 Joliet Catholic beating the Lions 31-28.

JCA survives a slippery Sipiora

By TIM CLODJEAUX For The Herald News — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00 CST

Joliet Catholic Academy coach Dan Sharp saw all that he wanted to see of St. Viator senior quarterback Julian Sipiora. And Sharp is ecstatic that he doesn't have to see him again.

JCA thumps 'Naz'

By MIKE FITZGERALD For The Herald News — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:00 CST

Joliet Catholic Academy flexed its offensive muscles Saturday to the tune of 608 yards, turning a highly anticipated East Suburban Catholic Conference showdown with Nazareth into a 55-21 rout.

Joliet Catholic 51, Nazareth 21

By Ken Ryan — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:00 CST

In a battle of two area-ranked teams, Nazareth wasn't able to stop the explosive Joliet Catholic offense Saturday in LaGrange Park. Joliet Catholic cruised to a 51-21 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory.

JCA's Isaac runs wild vs. Nazareth

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:00 CST

Meet Joliet Catholic's latest running sensation. He is 14-year-old freshman Ty Isaac, who unveiled his talent in a 51-21 victory over Nazareth Saturday in an East Suburban Catholic opener in La Grange Park.

Pigskin preview: Joliet Catholic (1-1) at Nazareth (2-0)

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 04:00 CST

�Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Valenta Stadium, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park

Houlihan�s big game stakes his QB claim

BY MATT LE CREN — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 18:00 CST

The competition to decide who will be Providence�s starting quarterback is still open, but after Friday night�s performance, Joey Houlihan appears to have a leg up on returning senior Mike Hoffmeister. Houlihan led the Celtics to a 21-7 comeback victory over Joliet Catholic.

Five in a row for Providence

Sat, 5 Sep 2009 00:01 CST

Full story: For three quarters Friday night, Joliet Catholic Academy and Providence Catholic staged one of those old-fashioned defensive brawls. But things were desperate in the Celtics' camp after their 28-7 loss to Lincoln-Way East in last week's open. Everyone wearing the green knew exactly how vital this victory was.

Week 2 breakdown: JCA vs. Providence

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:01 CST

A look at tonight's JCA-Providence match up.

Plenty on the line as JCA visits Providence

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 04:00 CST

Dick Goss: No matter which angle you took in assessing Providence Catholic High School's football season in the preseason, the conclusion was the same. The Celtics may be a very good team, yet may not achieve the results you normally get from a very good team. The reason is an unforgiving schedule.

JCA's Foreman in charge

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:01 CST

Joliet Catholic's football team began the 2009 season with a Foreman in charge -- Dan Foreman to be exact. The 6-foot-4, 280-pound left tackle has that Michigan man aura of a Jake Long, but when the Hilltoppers huddle, coach Dan Sharp defers to Foreman.

Foreman sets tone for Hilltoppers

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:00 CST

Senior left tackle Dan Foreman has been a solid veteran presence for Joliet Catholic's young offense, which faces another big test this week against Providence.

Vote: Who was the top football star in Week 1?

Compiled by Adam L. Jahns, YourSeason.com Assistant Editor — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00 CST

Star gazing: YourSeason.com's stars of the week is back by popular demand. Be sure to vote for who you think is the top star. Voting ends Wednesday night at 9 p.m.

JCA kids grow up in hurry for 19-16 win

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:01 CST

Anthony Maddie directed a 55-yard drive in under a minute, completing five passes for 64 yards to Alex Kolodziej, and Rob Cranmer calmly booted a 35-yard field goal on the final play Friday night at Memorial Stadium to give Joliet Catholic Academy a 19-16 victory over Carmel of Mundelein.

Cranmer's clutch kick lifts Hilltoppers

BY DAN RUANE — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00 CST

Robbie Cranmer booted a 35-yard field goal as time expired to give the Hilltoppers a 19-16 victory over Carmel in a non-conference matchup of East Suburban Catholic powerhouses.

JCA's Stockman on the rise

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:01 CST

As a sophomore strong safety for Joliet Catholic�s Class 6A state championship team in 2007, Jake Stockman lined up inside the box like an outside linebacker, with the Hilltoppers shuffling the cards of a successful deck between 4-3 and 4-4 defenses. Two years later, Stockman has grown like a Jake in the beanstalk, ready to follow the recent Division I path of inside linebackers.

JCA 'LB' success a Sharp affair

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:01 CST

For Dan Sharp, the topic of linebackers in his regime as Joliet Catholic's head coach invariably leads back to the Chicago Bears. Much like a kid going through his favorite football cards, Sharp mentioned Dick Butkus, Bill George, Brian Urlacher and Mike Singletary.

Preview capsule: Joliet Catholic football

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:01 CST

The foundation for virtually every successful football team in Joliet Catholic Academy's storied history -- and the Hilltoppers have won a record 13 state championships -- was a physical, outstanding offensive line.

East Suburban Catholic preview capsule

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00 CST

The conference is as balanced as it has been in years, but Carmel with its depth rates an edge.

No. 9 Joliet Catholic: Ready for comeback

BY MIKE CLARK mclark@suntimes.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00 CST

Joliet Catholic is the No. 9 team in Steve Tucker's preseason Super 25. The Hilltoppers are led by linebacker Jake Stockman, who has scholarship offers from Air Force, Navy, Buffalo and Eastern Illinois.

Artificial turf coming to Memorial Stadium

BY BRIAN STANLEY bstanley@scn1.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

The Joliet Park District is moving ahead with plans to install artificial turf at Memorial Stadium, the home field for Joliet Catholic football.