| JCA looks good in stretching streak |
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By Stan White special to the herald news
Hilltoppers roll up 482 yards in win over Notre Dame
The Mundelein Carmel High School football team was in attendance to watch Friday's game between Joliet Catholic Academy at Notre Dame in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.
JCA gave the Carmel entourage something to see. The Hilltoppers had no trouble securing their fifth straight victory.
A powerful ground game and John Ruettiger's passing early lifted JCA to a 51-21 romp over a Notre Dame team which came in with four victories.
JCA (5-2, 5-0) produced 11 runs of 10 yards or better in the first half. The offensive line created some imposing holes. Tyler Hudetz, Connor Krisch and Brandon Geiss took advantage of the running lanes to the tune of 252 yards prior to halftime. Geiss had 137 yards by halftime and finished with 163.
Ruettiger was equally impressive. He connected on 6 straight passes during the second quarter, including 17 and 25-yard touchdown throws to Coby Fleener. Ruettiger didn't complete a pass during limited play after halftime, but he had 101 first-half yards.
A 31-14 lead at halftime was especially impressive when you consider that JCA had 13 early penalties. By game's end, the Hilltoppers had amassed 18 penalties for 106 yards.
"We certainly have to work on eliminating all those mistakes," JCA coach Dan Sharp said. "The good thing is that we can correct those mistakes. Offensively, we're developing a nice chemistry. Ruettiger is improving with each tgame and Fleener is the kind of receiver who can get open even when there are people around him. His height is a great asset."
After halftime, the JCA defense took over. Notre Dame quarterback Jeff Larsen had passing success prior to halftime, but the going was much stickier once the third quarter commenced.
Larsen found Mark Bianchini with 63 and 49-yard scoring plays during first-half play. Notre Dame closed with 231 passing yards, but third-quarter turnovers helped account for three JCA touchdowns.
Kevin Rouse snagged a Larsen throw and sprinted 48 yards into the end zone on the first series of the third quarter. Notre Dame (4-3, 2-3) fumbles deep in its own territory resulted in short scoring runs by Tim Bennett and Ryan Piechocinski.
Defensive end Anthony Andarews recorded 3 sacks for JCA. The Hilltoppers had 6 sacks and limited Notre Dame to minus 5 yards rushing on 21 attempts.
The Hilltoppers committed no turnovers.
JCA's showing likely made an impression on Carmel, which visits St. Viator today. The Corsairs host the Hilltoppers on Oct. 20.
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