Joliet Catholic Secures First Win in Thrilling 23-17 Finish

UPDATE: Joliet Catholic High School has just clinched its first victory of the season with a dramatic 23-17 win over Marist on September 29, 2023. This thrilling finish marks a significant turnaround for the Hilltoppers, who faced a challenging start with zero wins in their first three games.

The Hilltoppers, second all-time for football state championships in Illinois, have been under pressure after tough losses to Lyons, Glenbard West, and Fenwick. Despite scoring 67 points in those games, their defense struggled, allowing a staggering 43 points in their last matchup. With injuries impacting the squad, the team desperately needed a morale-boosting win.

In a nail-biting conclusion, the victory came down to the final play. Lucas Simulick threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Declan Wagner, who made a remarkable catch during what was intended to be a field goal attempt. The pivotal moment was set up by Craig Peacock‘s crucial 20-yard run.

Credit also goes to the JCA defense; with minutes left, junior Dylan Travis Jr. intercepted a pass in the red zone, igniting the game-winning drive. Coach Jake Jaworski praised his team’s resilience, stating, “Sometimes the score didn’t show it, but we had a lead in two of [the previous games]. Tonight we made one more play than the other team.”

Looking forward, the Hilltoppers face a challenging home match against Nazareth next week. However, this victory could serve as a much-needed catalyst for the remainder of the season.

In other noteworthy news, Lincoln-Way East quarterback Jonas Williams is on the brink of breaking the IHSA career passing touchdown record. In a decisive 49-14 victory over Lockport, he threw for 354 yards and five touchdowns, bringing his career totals to 10,133 yards and 125 touchdowns. The record of 127 touchdowns is currently held by Tyler Hutchinson and Jordan Roberts. With his next game against Naperville Central, fans are eagerly anticipating a potential record-breaking performance.

Meanwhile, Joliet Central is preparing for a rematch against Plainfield Central after their historic win last year. Both teams are seeking redemption as they head into this week, with the Steelmen aiming for improvement after a strong start.

Notably, Plainfield North earned its first victory of the season by crushing previously unbeaten Romeoville 49-0, while other teams also experienced significant shifts in momentum.

As the high school football scene heats up, all eyes will be on these teams as they battle for supremacy this season. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on these exciting matchups.