| JCA 26 - Marist 0 |
 |
Defense comes up big against the RedHawks
Mike Menozzi www.jolietcatholicfootball.com
"When do games ever live up to the hype?" asked Coach Sharp after the game.
Marist packed the house, standing room only to see the 7th ranked team in the nation.
Marist played inspired and put a defense on JCA that they weren't expecting. After using the first quarter to make adjustments, the Hillmen pulled away - led by a smothering defense.
The defensive line had 11 tackles for a loss in the second half, and whatever the line didn't take away, the linebackers were cleaning up. Sophomore Clancy had a very good game at outside linebacker tonight.
"Remember this is a team that is starting three sophomores at key positions" Said Coach Sharp. (Clancy OLB, Minor OL, and Ruettiger at QB).
Speaking of Ruettiger, the sophomore got the start and looked "very poised for a sophomore" in Coach Sharp's analysis. I'd say - forget that - he looked poised for a kid starting his first Varsity game regardless of his class rank.
How good? Well in the second quarter right before the half with time running out, he faced a 4th and 8 from the Marist 8. Ruettiger rifled a ball over the middle to Hrvatin for the TD. 7-0 JCA.
And I mean "rifled", he throws a great ball, his velocity is such that the defense doesn't have time to react to the ball. Yet exibits a nice touch on the ball when needed.
I'm sure there will be a share of Hilltopper fans that are concerned after tonights game.
Don't be.
Consider what this team can do offensively. Billy McKeon threw a TD pass from the wingback slot, and can QB himself. Ruettiger looked very good in his first game, and has a ton of upside throughout the year. Benson, Hrvatin, and McKeon are fast, give them an inch and they'll take a mile. Don't forget Ridings at wideout, who showed what he's capable of going up for a ball over the middle, getting whacked, and hanging on for the catch.
Defensively, the line is strong, fast and dominant. The linebackers looked very good tonight, and will only get better.
The defensive backs? How about Kelly's coverage of one of the best receivers in the conference (and state) Jeremy Nash. Kelly gave him no room to operate, Nash finishing with one catch for 7 yards.
Did JCA win by 40? No.
Time to panic? Hardly.
"I was dreading this game this week because of all the distractions at the school this week. We spent a lot of time on a lot of things, but most of it wasn't football (referring to the reporters at the school 24/7)" said Coach Sharp.
The offensive line got a baptism by fire. "Marist showed us something we hadn't practiced for. As good as we are, Stasko hasn't played a game at center until tonight, and Minor is a sophomore. Our assignments were messed up, but our young line adjusted well, and it showed as the game went on" said Coach Sharp after the game.
Did JCA play like the #7 team in the country?
Nope.
They played like 16 year old kids for a quarter - and then showed what they can do. This team has so many weapons, as experience is gained, the steamroller may just become unstoppable.
No worries.
This team really is that good.
JCA had two turnovers and two more turned over on 4th down which kept the score from being out of hand.
Actually a game like this might just be what JCA needed. They need to experience first hand that every team will prepare for JCA like it's their Super Bowl. We'll need to be prepared for everything.
A shutout, a very good game by all the sophomores, and a win. A very productive evening I'd say.
Congratulations Hillmen, win number one in 2005 under your belt.
Special thanks to Katie Menozzi for providing live updates on the website during the game.
|
eMail
JolietCatholicFootball
"Any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is
that moment he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted
on the field of battle . . . victorious."
Vince Lombardi
Our Lady of Victory . . .
Pray for Us!
Contents of this site may not be used without prior written permission.
|
|
|
