Joliet Catholic @ Immaculate Conception

[DirtySixThirty]

I've heard interestingly little about Joliet Catholic on the board this year. How are they looking? It's an even-money bet that I'll be there (I'll be attending a wedding earlier in the day, and I'm not sure when we'll be leaving).

 

[Doctor_D]

I remember 2018 when IC clocked JCA during the regular season and they both ended up with titles that year.

 

[DirtySixThirty]

I remember 2018 when IC clocked JCA during the regular season and they both ended up with titles that year.

Yes, I attended that game. It was sort of an announcement to the Catholic League of IC's presence.

 

[JCHillmen10]

JCA’s best player was out against MC last week. I had not heard if it was an injury or how long it may last for. Hoping he’s back this week.

IC is already a tall task for JCA. Having their MLB/RB would be quite helpful. That said, the biggest issue will be how they match up on the perimeter. Can they slow down IC’s pass game enough and can JCA’s fairly limited offense show some signs of life?

 

[USD24]

I'm gonna say 35-21 ICCP. Hilltoppers finish 5-4 and then, if the schedule cooperates, will make it to the quarter's or semi's in 6A. They are still a year or two away from competing for a state title.

 

[MOJOJACKSON]

I've heard interestingly little about Joliet Catholic on the board this year. How are they looking? It's an even-money bet that I'll be there (I'll be attending a wedding earlier in the day, and I'm not sure when we'll be leaving).

not the typical JCA team. They have athletes but not much size as in past. The past 2 years have not been typical JCA seasons

 

[MOJOJACKSON]

I've heard interestingly little about Joliet Catholic on the board this year. How are they looking? It's an even-money bet that I'll be there (I'll be attending a wedding earlier in the day, and I'm not sure when we'll be leaving).

not the typical JCA season. In fact the past 2 season haven't been typical JCA teams. They have talent but undersized more than teams in the past as well

 

[JCHillmen10]

not the typical JCA team. They have athletes but not much size as in past. The past 2 years have not been typical JCA seasons

No doubt. You can see the size of the lines is decidedly smaller than the usual 280-310 pound maulers across the board. Still some talent there. Have had some growing pains at very important positions. Pomatto is one of the best players they have had in some time.

I have not seen them but hear good things about the freshman team. So I would imagine they should be quite competitive in 2 years.

This year they have playmakers but for various reasons have struggled to get the ball into their hands at times. And it hurts to not have the usual size advantage on the offensive line for when a few tough yards are needed. I will be interested to see personnel choices and possible transfers in this coming offseason.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Is JCA ending at 5-4 as expected or a disappointment? I thought the swing games were FEN/PROV/IC/SHG and getting two of those would have been a successful regular season.

 

[JCHillmen10]

Is JCA ending at 5-4 as expected or a disappointment? I thought the swing games were FEN/PROV/IC/SHG and getting two of those would have been a successful regular season.

I think Laurence was a legit swing game as well. Perhaps DePaul and even Pat's too.

I think 5-4 is perfectly in line with most reasonable estimates. 3-6 would have definitely been a disappointment. 4-5 underwhelming but not a total disappointment. 5-4 would have met reasonable expectations.

Wins over Laurence, Marian, SHG, St. Pat's, and DePaul with losses to teams that are likely "more talented" seems to make sense. And there isn't a loss that "should" have been a win in reflecting back on the season. Hard to be disappointed in that.

 

[jobare56]

No doubt. You can see the size of the lines is decidedly smaller than the usual 280-310 pound maulers across the board. Still some talent there. Have had some growing pains at very important positions. Pomatto is one of the best players they have had in some time.

I have not seen them but hear good things about the freshman team. So I would imagine they should be quite competitive in 2 years.

This year they have playmakers but for various reasons have struggled to get the ball into their hands at times. And it hurts to not have the usual size advantage on the offensive line for when a few tough yards are needed. I will be interested to see personnel choices and possible transfers in this coming offseason.

I think it would be reasonable to expect to see up to 5 sophomores starting on next years varsity squad.

 

[pjjp]

I think it would be reasonable to expect to see up to 5 sophomores starting on next years varsity squad.

Agreed. I saw the Freshmen numerous times. The most encouraging thing to me about the class is they have size and talent on both lines. Best group of linemen since the 2024 state runner up team.

 

[DirtySixThirty]

Can someone else pick up a thread as scorekeeper?