JCA looks to defend its title
A year ago, during its run to a record 13th state championship, Joliet Catholic Academy established a state record for yardage gained in a season. The Hilltoppers averaged an incredible 475.1 yards of offense and finished 13-1, culminating in a 42-7 victory over Lemont in the Class 6A title game.
This season, most of that offense must be replaced. But the piece that returns, wingback Tyler Hudetz, is anything but your average high school football player. His speed and strength, plus a large line to open holes, will be keys to the Hilltoppers' familiar double-wing offense.
This season, most of that offense must be replaced. But the piece that returns, wingback Tyler Hudetz, is anything but your average high school football player. His speed and strength, plus a large line to open holes, will be keys to the Hilltoppers' familiar double-wing offense.
There may be more of a reliance on defense than in the past. This year's group, led by linebackers Josh Mander and Jake Stockman, cornerback Nick Ratajczak and safety Steve Fehrenbacher, has potential.
The schedule is top-heavy, what with Carmel, Wheaton Warrenville South and Nazareth Academy on tap the first three weeks, so JCA will need to overcome its inexperience from the get-go.
Senior Matt Ginnetti replaces the graduated John Ruettiger at quarterback. "Matt is not very big (5-10, 155) but has a good arm," Sharp said. "He's intelligent, moves well, gives us a great leader in there." But junior Mark Krok also has impressed, and Bolin is a possibility on occasions when the Hilltoppers feel the need to go with a running quarterback. "Overall, we're better at quarterback than I thought we would be," Sharp added.
Linemen: The line will feature tackles Joe Kripp, who has accepted a scholarship to Western Michigan, and junior Dan Foreman, a pair of 6-4, 275-pounders. "Our two bookends," Sharp said. Senior Nick Blatti (6-0, 275) will anchor the line from his center spot. Seniors Billy Bonzianowski (6-3, 240) and Nick Avery (6-3, 280) are the likely starters at guard, and junior Nick Schillaci (5-11, 190) provides a smaller, more mobile option.
Receivers: The competition for the end positions, in addition to Kolodziej, involves seniors Tony Dispenza, Brock Liston, A.J. Plese, Kyle Killian and perhaps Smith. Plese, who did not play football last year, and Liston are baseball pitchers. "With the group this year, the tight end positions are the most competitive spots on the team," Sharp said.
Linebackers: Stockman and Mander will handle the inside linebacker posts after spending last season on the outside. The outside backers this year will come from juniors Andy Roth and Zach Dolph and senior Mike Madrigal. "If we go to a three-linebacker set, Jake (Stockman) can always step back outside. He is very versatile," Sharp said.
Secondary: The cornerbacks are Ratajczak, a standout second baseman in baseball, and senior Alex Wilhelmi, with Fehrenbacher at safety. Three juniors -- John Gerl, Anthony Chignoli and Jeff Joutras -- are solid and likely to play in different packages.
