A conversation this week with a Joliet Catholic Academy football fan centered on the performance of the young backfield that has helped propel the Hilltoppers into Saturday's Class 5A state championship game against Montini.
No doubt, the wingback trio of junior John Ferguson, sophomore Malin Jones and freshman Ty Isaac has been invaluable. Ditto for sophomore quarterback Anthony Maddie.
"It looks like (coach Dan) Sharp's gamble has really paid off," the fan said.
That is one way to look at it. You play that much youth, and most would consider it a gamble.
But when the youth is this talented, and when your offensive line kicks into high gear as the Hilltoppers' line has, maybe it is not a gamble at all.
Following last week's 54-7 semifinal destruction of Peoria Richwoods, Sharp said, "It's very nice to see the young guys running the ball so well. We have a senior-heavy line that has really improved. You combine that with the fact our backs are getting a feel for our offense, and that's why you see us peaking at this time."
The JCA O-line, so ably coached by Dave Douglas, consists of center Matt Dollinger, guards Kyle Rouse and Nick Schillaci and tackles Greg Deatrick and Dan Foreman. Rouse is the only junior; the rest are seniors. However, tight ends Alex Kolodziej and Andrew Elliott also are juniors.
If you were asked to name the MVP of the 2009 Hilltoppers, chances are linebacker Jake Stockman's name would be at the top of your list, or perhaps Ferguson if you prefer to go with an offensive standout.
Offensive linemen usually labor in the background. But when your team averages more than 410 total yards of offense per game, which JCA is doing, chances are, the linemen have come together fairly well. I asked Sharp after the Richwoods game what it is that turned this line into a well-oiled machine.
"First and foremost, it's Dan Foreman," Sharp said of the 6-4, 280-pound tackle who recently joined Stockman as an Illinois Football Coaches Association Class 5A first-team all-stater. "He is the anchor and one of the best captains we have had since I've been here.
"He leads by example. He talks to the other guys in a soft but firm manner. He's almost fatherly, like an older brother. We know we'll be all right if we stay with him."
The JCA backs always are quick to compliment the linemen. They know where their bread is buttered.
Jones enjoyed a four-touchdown game against Richwoods, and afterward, he talked of the huge holes the line provides and how the young backs "just have to hit 'em."
When JCA lost an East Suburban Catholic Conference game to what is now an 8A finalist, Marist, in Week 6, the Hilltoppers had not yet found their offensive groove, at least not consistently. They have now.
"After we lost to Marist, our offensive line started playing with our heads up and reading defenses more instead of having our heads down," Dollinger said. "Of course, our backs make it a lot easier. They set up the blocks, and with their speed, we don't have to hold blocks for that long."
Montini, which will be JCA's Week 1 foe in 2010, has allowed 164 rushing yards per game, and JCA is averaging 329 rushing yards. That is not a good combination if you are a Broncos fan.
Contrast that with what Providence Catholic will face in the 6A championship game against unbeaten Cary-Grove. Trojans are allowing a mere 61 rushing yards per game. The Celtics either will have to figure out a way to free all-state tailback Tim Hanrahan, or junior quarterback Joe Houlihan may be doing a fair amount of passing.
Montini can score points in the 5A final, no doubt. But whether the Broncos will be able to slow down the JCA running attack is the big question.
And, even if the Broncos come up with a plan that hampers the run, Maddie is throwing the ball very well of late. In fact, Sharp said, "Right now, he is as good a quarterback as I have had here."
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