Team Preview: Joliet Catholic

Jake Lemming

June 11, 2020 @ 08:44 AM

Head Coach: <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/glenbard-west-hilltoppers-(glen-ellyn,il)/football/records/coaches.htm">Jake Jaworski</a> Mascot: Hilltoppers Twitter: @HilltoppersFB IHSA Enrollment: 1062 2019 Record: 8-4 Star Player: DB: [player_tooltip player_id="20346" first="Jabril" last="Williams"], SR Breakout Star: RB: [player_tooltip player_id="20875" first="Jordan" last="Anderson"], JR   Overview The Hilltoppers enter their 2020 campaign, with almost their entire 2019 squad returning. After a tough 21-14 loss quarterfinal loss to Mascoutah last fall, JCA looks to move forward and make a push for their 15th overall State Championship. They will have to do it without star running back Kenyetta Williams, who signed in February to play at South Dakota State. However, this squad is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="20867" first="Aidan" last="Voss"] and running back [player_tooltip player_id="20875" first="Jordan" last="Anderson"] both return for their junior season and are both expected to make an even bigger impact in 2020. On defense, defensive back [player_tooltip player_id="20346" first="Jabril" last="Williams"] is a kid whose stock is rising quickly in the recruiting world, and I would not be shocked if he picked up an FBS offer or two with a big senior season. With another year under his belt, 6’2 junior defensive back Malachi Hood is another prospect college coaches need to keep an eye on. Head coach Jake Jaworski has done a phenomenal job taking over for the legendary Dan Sharp and looks to win his second state title as the man at the helm.   Offense 2019 Offensive PPG: 33.3 Notable Returners: QB: [player_tooltip player_id="20867" first="Aidan" last="Voss"], 5’11,180, JR   RB: [player_tooltip player_id="20875" first="Jordan" last="Anderson"], 6’3, 210, JR   RB: JaArie Mack, 6’2, 210, SR   RB: Vinny Iannantone, 6’3, 210, JR [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="429"] (Photo courtsey of Friday Night Drive)[/caption]   OL: William Berry, 6’2, 255, SR   OL: Niko Paolino, 6’2, 280, JR   OL: Jaden Lacy, 6’2, 240, SR   WR: Johnny Ehrsam, 6’3, 170, SR (No photo available)   Notable Departures: RB: Kenyetta Williams TE: Mac O’Connell   Defense 2019 Defensive PPG: 17.0 Notable Returners: DB: [player_tooltip player_id="20352" first="Devean" last="Washington"], 6’1, 195, SR   DB: [player_tooltip player_id="20346" first="Jabril" last="Williams"], 5’11, 175, SR   LB: Anthony Kasper, 5’10, 185, SR   DL: Pat Strocchia, 6’3, 215, SR   LB: Michael Rouse, 6’, 200, JR (No photo available)   LB: Robby Purchase III, 5’10, 200, JR (No photo available)   DB: Malachi Hood, 6’2, 200, JR (No photo available)   Notable Departures: DB: Regis Shelby-Woods   2020 Schedule @ Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, 8/28 (Indiana Class 3A State Champions) vs. Immaculate Conception, 9/4 @ St Laurence, 9/11 @ Fenwick, 9/18 @ Brother Rice, 9/25 vs. St. Ignatius, 10/2 @ Carmel, 10/9 vs. Depaul Prep, 10/16 vs. Marmion, 10/23 Opponents 2019 Record: 63-36 Opponents Win Percentage: 63.6%   Top Storyline Can a young, but experienced team overcome a tough 2020 schedule and make it into the playoffs where JCA is known to flourish in Class 5A?   Thoughts This is a very talented Hilltopper team entering 2020. Bottom line, JCA plays one of the toughest schedules in the state this fall. Their first opponent, Bishop Chatard, out of Indianapolis, is a consistent state championship contender in Indiana. Not to mention, the Hilltoppers have a brutal catholic league schedule as well. However, I absolutely love JCA’s mindset here. These guys will play anyone, anywhere, at any time. Come playoff time; they’ll be battle-tested and ready for war in Class 5A. JCA may not have a perfect record entering the 2020 playoffs, but I do think this team is capable of winning a State Championship. They run the football extremely well and open up the passing game via play-action. Their defense plays smart and can get after the passer. Don’t be surprised if this squad is holding up their 15th Overall State Championship trophy in Champaign thanksgiving weekend.