CN100 Game of the Week preview: Football Week 7 - Joliet Catholic vs. Nazareth

LaGRANGE PARK – Nazareth has been one of the best teams in the Chicago area so far this season, rolling to a 6-0 start without seriously being challenged.
The Roadrunners figure to be challenged Saturday at 1:30 p.m. as they host one of the state’s perennial powers, Joliet Catholic, in East Suburban Catholic play. The game will be shown on CN100, The Comcast Network, at Noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. You can also watch it any time with Xfinity On Demand.
Nazareth coach Tim Racki, no stranger to dominant teams when he was winning state titles at Driscoll, isn’t allowing his team to get comfortable.
“Entering the final third of the regular season, it is always important to focus on improving technique, execution and each player’s process within all phases and schemes of the game,” Racki said. “When a team begins focusing on results rather than process or looks ahead rather than stay in the moment, it often creates a sense of complacency. This is what our team must avoid.”
So far, that hasn’t been a problem. The Roadrunners (6-0, 4-0) have been explosive and diverse offensively, led by senior running back Nolan Dean. He has rushed for 834 yards and 14 touchdowns on only 85 carries. Junior Carson Bartels and senior Jonah Beauduy have split time at quarterback nearly evenly, combining for 932 yards, 12 touchdowns passing, four rushing touchdowns and one interception.
Junior Julian Love has been a factor in many facets of the game with 317 yards and three touchdowns rushing, eight catches for 240 yards and five touchdowns and even two interception returns for scores. Joliet Catholic (5-1, 4-0) is known as a rushing team, and that’s no different this year. But they have some diversity with junior quarterback Cade Earl keeping teams honest. He’s 39-of-72 for 694 yards and six scores.
But the bread and butter remains the ground game, which is keyed by senior back Nick Borgra (104 carries, 645 yards, 11 touchdowns). Junior Michael Johnson, a multi-sport star, is also a multiple threat for the Hilltoppers with 537 yards and five touchdowns rushing to go with 17 catches for 273 yards and two scores. Senior Drew Voss (250 yards, TD) and junior Harold Davis (11 catches, 246 yards, 5 total TDs) are also key contributors.
“Their running game is as strong as ever with three backs that have the speed to get to the perimeter, but will also gain the tough yards between the tackles,” Racki said. “The QB is an excellent passing threat this season, which makes our job that much tougher because he will make you pay if you simply load the box for the run game.”
Racki has reached the playoffs four times in nine years at Nazareth after Driscoll closed its doors. Last year’s 8-3 run was a precursor to this year’s success. Meanwhile, JCA is one of the most dominant programs in the state, reaching the playoffs the past 16 years and 32 of the last 33 years. The Hilltoppers have reached the state title game a whopping 19 times, winning 14 titles.
“They simply reload every season,” Racki said.
- Paul Johnson, CN100 Correspondent
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