Marist vs. Joliet Catholic promises plenty of offense
By Pat Disabato pdisabato@souttownstar.com September 20, 2012 8:46PM
Ty Isaac sheds a couple of Marist defenders to score for Joliet Catholic.
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Updated: October 22, 2012 6:11AM
When Marist and Joliet Catholic have lined up the past two seasons, fans have been treated to an abundance of offense.
The RedHawks claimed a 56-51 victory in 2011, the Hilltoppers a 49-42 decision in 2010.
And with the way both teams are putting up points this season — Marist is averaging 37.5, Joliet Catholic 33.7 — that trend should continue Friday night when the No. 1 RedHawks host the Hilltoppers in the SouthtownStar’s Season Pass Spotlight Game.
“There have been some crazy games with them,” Marist coach Pat Dunne acknowledged.
Many of the main players from those offensive explosions remain integral parts of the teams’ offenses.
Marist (4-0, 2-0) has quarterback Ian Woodworth (99-of-166, 960 yards), running back Peter Andreotti (75 carries, 498 yards) and receiver Nic Weishar (33 catches, 421 yards).
Joliet Catholic (3-1, 2-0) counters with wingback Ty Isaac, a USC recruit who has amassed 272 yards rushing on 40 carries — and those numbers aren’t what they could have been, given Isaac has missed time with a shoulder injury suffered in a Week 1 loss to Providence.
Dunne acknowledged Isaac’s greatness, but didn’t sound as if the RedHawks were going to greatly alter their approach because of his presence.
“Ty Isaac is absolutely a tremendous player,” Dunne said. “Every time he touches the ball he can make a big play. He’s going to get his touches and we need to know where he’s at on the field at all times.
“The last couple of games we’ve had to rely on the run a little more. But we throw the ball a lot and we’re not going to shy away from doing that Friday.”
And while most of the attention will be geared at stopping Isaac, Dunne made it clear the Hilltoppers are far from a one-man show. Running backs Tyler Reitz (67, 462) and Mike Ivlow (38, 191), a transfer from Minooka, and quarterback Craig Slowik (33-of-63, 554 yards) also are dangerous weapons.
“They have other players that can hurt you,” Dunne said.
“There defense is very good. We’re going to need to play four quarters of excellent football.”
