Joliet Catholic's backfield carries load

Updated: September 3, 2011 12:05AM

Joliet Catholic’s dynamic running-back duo of Ty Isaac and Malin Jones scored three touchdowns apiece as the Hilltoppers defeated Notre Dame 42-0 in an East Suburban Catholic Conference game Friday in Niles.

Isaac, a junior, carried 10 times for 172 yards, scoring on runs of 81, 2 and 46 yards. Jones, a senior, carried nine times for 72 yards. He ran for touchdowns of 46 and 4 yards and caught a 51-yard touchdown from junior quarterback Craig Slowik.

“Those two wing backs (Isaac and Jones) are special, special players and great kids,” said Joliet coach Dan Sharp, whose team led 21-0 at halftime.

Defensively, senior linebacker Nick Collofello led Joliet Catholic with three sacks, senior linebacker Mike Passo had an interception, fumble recovery and sack and senior defensive back Dominic Allen had two interceptions.

“When (Notre Dame) gets a little rhythm going, they can be difficult to stop,” Sharp said. “We had to disrupt their rhythm, and we did it with some blitzes. Also, we sacked their quarterback a few times and he started hurrying some throws.”

Notre Dame did move the ball at times, but turned it over too often. Senior quarterback Nick Pieruccini’s top weapon was senior receiver Matt Livingston, who had six catches for 84 yards.

“You can’t make mistakes against a team that is as good as (Joliet Catholic), and we did,” Notre Dame coach Mike Hennessey said. “We made some big mistakes, and they cashed in. That’s what good teams do.”

The Dons’ early schedule is loaded with good teams. Notre Dame (0-2) fell to Marist in its opener and hosts Carmel next week.

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