Preview capsule: Joliet Catholic football

The foundation for virtually every successful football team in Joliet Catholic Academy's storied history -- and the Hilltoppers have won a record 13 state championships -- was a physical, outstanding offensive line.

The success of this year's team also hinges to a large degree on that unit, but there is a difference. The Hilltoppers are not as large up front as many of their predecessors, and they may not have as much depth in that area. So while coach Dan Sharp enjoys working with a stable of young, talented skill players, the key will be to create space for those skills.

"We have youth in the skill positions on offense, and that's an area that's good and bad," Sharp said. "It's good in the sense they will be around awhile, but they have to get varsity ready in a hurry with Carmel and Providence the first games on our schedule. But the talent is there.

"But the next thing is we have to make sure the line, with one returning starter and not having the size we had in the past ... can we develop a line, and then depth becomes a question. It's an area where an injury or two can be devastating."

On the plus side, veteran line coach Dave Douglas has been hard at work developing the linemen into a cohesive unit. "With Coach Douglas working with those guys, I think they'll be solid," Sharp said. "They just don't have the size of our teams in the past."

Backfield : Many of the skill position starters this season were standouts on the Hilltoppers' high-scoring sophomore team a year ago. For example, the wingbacks in JCA's familiar double-wing offense figure to be sophomore Malin Jones and junior Josh Ferguson. The top reserve will be freshman Ty Isaac, son of the former outstanding JCA back of the same name.

"Ty is working with the varsity and doing a good job for someone so young," Sharp said. "He has great size and speed and can handle that type of competition."

Senior Jordan Lyles is the likely fullback, backed by junior Andrew Elliott, who also will contribute at end. The quarterback spot was being contested in camp between sophomore Anthony Maddie and senior Mark Krok, both of whom showed well.

"Maddie brings tremendous athleticism and a strong arm," Sharp said. "I'm really pleased with the Maddie boy as far as the things he can do. I think we're pretty solid at quarterback."

Linemen : Dan Foreman, a 6-4, 280-pound senior tackle, is the only returning starter in the line. Opposite him will be senior Greg Dietrick or senior Tyler Gannon, a good defensive lineman by trade. The guards are senior Nick Schillaci and junior Kyle Rouse. Senior center Matt Dollinger drew raves from Sharp for his offseason work.

Receivers : Elliott and senior Alex Kolodziej are in the forefront at the end positions. Kolodziej caught 4 passes for 74 yards a year ago.

Linemen : Seniors John Broderick and Rob Cranmer are the primary defensive ends, with Gannon, Mike Madrigal and 325-pound Keegan Groth battling for time at the tackle slots in JCA's 4-4 alignment. Junior Austin Abel can help at end, and Rouse and Jarrett Kelly also can play in the interior.

Linebackers : The defense begins with 225-pound middle linebacker Jake Stockman, a two-time all-conference selection and a potential Division I recruit. Senior Zach Dolph, who had a good year on the outside as a junior, will join Stockman inside. Seniors Andy Roth and Madrigal will be on the outside. Juniors Abel, Mike Mettille and C.J. Haney will contribute, inside or outside.

Secondary : Sharp sees the secondary as a strength. Senior cornerbacks John Gerl and Anthony Chignoli lead the contingent that includes senior Matt Smith and juniors Garrett Earl, Breion Tucker, Ryan Denewellis and Travis Jensen. Tucker is a safety, Denewellis a corner and Smith, Earl and Jensen can play anywhere in the secondary.

Cranmer, who made two field goals last year, is the placekicker, and Denewellis will punt. The offensive backs, most likely Ferguson, also will punt in the quick-kick package.

JCA's young skill players and inexperienced offensive line will be tested immediately against Carmel and Providence. But the defense appears sound, and by season's end, watch out for the Hilltoppers.

"We have only 54 kids, and it's the first time in a long time we have that few," said Sharp, whose resume contains six state titles. "So we are asking the kids to be a little more versatile. But we have a great group. It's fun to work with them."